The build quality of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo is top-notch, and the black color adds a sleek and modern touch. Overall, it offers a range of improvements and features that make it a compelling choice in the 2-in-1 convertible laptop market.
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Design10
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Display10
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Hardware10
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Performance7
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Thermals/ Fan Noise6
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Battery10
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Keyboard10
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Touchpad9
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Webcam/Mics9
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Ports9
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Audio7
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Price Value9
The MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo 2023 is the two-in-one convertible laptop and its sleek design and modern features offers a compelling alternative to other popular convertibles like the HP Spectre X360. From its stylish color options to its powerful processor and impressive battery life, the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo brings a lot to the table. Join us as we explore its unboxing experience, size and build, ports and connections, user upgradeability and internals, hinges, keyboard and touchpad, performance and benchmarks, thermals and fan noise, battery and charging, display and pen, modes, FHD IR webcam and fingerprint scanner, and audio quality.
The MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo 2023 is the two-in-one convertible laptop boasting a sleek design and modern features, it emerges as a compelling alternative to popular convertibles like the HP Spectre X360.
So let’s now in depth in this MSI Summit E13 Flip evo review, Is it best 2-in-1 convertible laptop?
Table of Contents
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Specification and Price
| CPU | Up to 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 Processor |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 11 Home (MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business.) Windows 11 Pro |
| DISPLAY | 13.4″ FHD+ (1920×1200), 16:10, IPS-Level |
| FEATURES | Support MSI Pen Touchscreen |
| GRAPHICS | Intel® Iris® Xe graphics |
| MEMORY | Max 32GB LPDDR5-4800 |
| STORAGE CAPABILITY | 1x M.2 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4) |
| WEBCAM | IR FHD type (30fps@1080p) |
| KEYBOARD | Single Backlit Keyboard (White) |
| COMMUNICATION | Intel® Killer™ AX Wi-Fi 6E + Bluetooth 5.2 |
| AUDIO | 2x 2W Speaker |
| AUDIO JACK | 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack |
| I/O PORTS | 2x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging 1x Type-A USB3.2 Gen1 1x Micro SD Card Reader 1x HDMI™ 2.1 (4K @ 60Hz) |
| BATTERY | 4-Cell 70Wh Battery (Whr) |
| AC ADAPTER | 65W adapter |
| SENSOR | x1 Fingerprint x1 Gyroscope x1 Accelerometer x1 Magnetometer |
| DIMENSION (WXDXH) | 300.2 x 222.25 x 14.9 mm |
| WEIGHT (W/ BATTERY) | 1.35 kg |
Related: MSI TITAN GT77 2023 Review A High-Performance Laptop
Unboxing
The box packaging is quite nice, featuring the MSI Summit Series branding. Inside, we have some documentation, including a quick guide, a quick start guide, a limited warranty, and helpful information in case you encounter any issues.
As far the accessories first, we have a 65-watt Type-C compact charger and also a power cord included. Then we have the MSI pen, which looks good so far, It’s rechargeable and has an eraser on top making it convenient to use. Additionally, there’s a USB-C cable provided for charging the pen eliminating the need for batteries and then the laptop itself.
Design and Build Quality
The the MSI E13 Flip evo we have in the ink-black color variant with gold accents, which looks quite stunning. And design features sharp edges but overall maintains a sleek appearance. In terms of weight when factoring in the pen and power charger, it comes in at 1.566 kilograms or 3.72 pounds making it a portable and lightweight option for on-the-go use.
In terms of build quality it boasts a durable design with a military standard 810G rating, indicating that it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its resilience. However, one observation I made is that the bottom of the laptop tends to collect fingerprints easily, although it’s not a major concern since it’s not an area that is frequently visible.
It can be easily opened with just one finger, Upon opening, the first impression is that it is absolutely gorgeous. The design is stunning and feels sturdy, key travel on the keyboard seems to be good and overall it is a visually appealing device.
It’s worth noting that MSI E13 flip evo is a 2-in-1 convertible laptop, so it can be folded into different modes. The build quality is fantastic and you can see some MSI branding on the laptop. As for fingerprints they haven’t been too noticeable so far but as with any black color, it’s always good to be prepared with a cleaning cloth.
Overall, the initial impression is highly positive, with the laptop’s appearance and build quality being quite impressive.
Ports and Connectivity
On the left side we get a USB-A port and then two USB Type-C Thunderbolt four ports that are full function supporting data charge and display out. Over to the right side is a kill switch for the webcam a Micro SD card reader, an HDMI 2.1 Port which of course will allow you to connect to a monitor 4K 60 hertz which we always like and then a 3.5 millimeter microphone headphone combo Jack. The ports on MSI E13 flip Evo all in all a nice selection.
Internals and User Upgradeability
You’ll notice the presence of two fans for cooling, a 70 watt-hour battery and in terms of upgradability the PCIe NVMe SSD is definitely user-upgradable. If you find yourself needing more storage in the future, you have the option to upgrade. The read and write speeds of the PCIe Gen 4 SSD are excellent aligning with the expectations for 2023.
As for the RAM, my review unit is equipped with 32 gigabytes of LPDDR5 RAM operating at 4800 megahertz, running in dual-channel mode. It’s important to note that the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, meaning it cannot be upgraded by the user at a later time. This is something to consider if expandable RAM is a requirement for you.
In terms of connectivity, MSI E13 Flip Evo features Killer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. The combo card for these functions is also soldered onto the motherboard making it non-upgradable. However, both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality work well without any issues.
Hinges
For those who may be wondering, it is indeed possible to open the lid of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo with just one finger, which is not typically the case with two-in-one convertibles. The hinges on this laptop are quite interesting. When you move the lid back, it lifts up slightly before settling into its final position. You can leave it in that raised position or push it down to the standard laptop position. This flexibility is essential for a convertible laptop, allowing it to function in multiple modes.
The hinge design is somewhat reminiscent of an ergo lift hinge, which provides a bit of additional airflow. However, it also needs to accommodate the various movements required of a convertible device. As a result, it can’t be as tight as a standard 360-degree hinge. So far, I haven’t noticed much screen wobble, which is a positive feature. When typing, the laptop feels quite sturdy and stable.
Keyboard And Touchpad
The keyboard on the MSI E13 Flip Evo is another aspect that has been implemented excellently. I’m really pleased with the tactile feedback and key travel, making it very comfortable for extended typing sessions, whether it’s working on long documents or composing lengthy emails. The multi-stage backlighting is also top-notch, providing a strong and easily visible backlight that contrasts well with the dark keys. This allows for comfortable working in dimly lit or dark environments. In summary, the keyboard on this two-in-one convertible is excellent.
It also features a precision touchpad, which I found to be very responsive. It worked well for scrolling and performing gestures without any issues. Although it’s not a haptic touchpad, it is of the diving board style, and it performs admirably. Additionally, it is appropriately sized in proportion to the laptop, contributing to an overall positive user experience.
Performance And Gaming
- MSI Summit E13 Flip Evo (2023) (Core i7-1360P): 1,864
- Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 (Core i7-1360P): 1,805
- Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro (Core i7-1360P): 1,683
- Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M2 Max): 1,613
- HP Dragonfly Pro (Ryzen 7 7736U): 1,538
- Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X (2022) (Ryzen 9 6900HS): 1,483
The performance of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo is driven by the Intel Core i7 1360p, a 28-watt CPU with 12 cores (8 efficient cores and 4 performance cores). When comparing it to the model from late 2021, there’s a noticeable improvement in both single and multi-core performance. Although it may not be the best performance-wise for 2023, it is certainly impressive for a thin and light convertible laptop like this.
Notably, it achieved a very good single-core score of 1864 on the Cinebench R23 benchmark, which is indicative of its strong performance in sustained heavy workloads. However, it’s important to consider that this laptop is not primarily designed for gaming. The integrated Iris XE Graphics doesn’t offer the same level of performance as dedicated gaming laptops, and playing AAA titles at their highest settings is not feasible. Lowering the settings can provide somewhat playable frame rates in some popular titles, but it’s not meant for intense gaming.
If gaming is a priority, it would be more suitable to explore other options. However, It does offer the flexibility of connecting an external GPU through its two Thunderbolt 4 ports, although this would add to the overall cost of the setup. In conclusion, while you can enjoy the occasional game by adjusting settings, it’s important to remember that the primary focus of this laptop is not gaming.
Thermals And Fan Noise
In our testing, we gauged the laptop’s performance using the Time Spy stress test, where it achieved a score of 90.6 percent, indicating throttling under heavy load—a common trait for its slim design. Surface temperatures revealed hot spots above the keyboard, below the display, and on the underside.
Despite heating up, it remains comfortably cool to the touch, without reaching excessive temperatures. However, it’s important to note the audible fan noise, peaking at around 50 decibels under heavy load. While switching to balanced or quiet mode reduces fan noise, expect noticeable sound during extensive heavy usage.
Battery Life
As I mentioned earlier, this laptop has a 70-watt hour battery, which is the same as its predecessor that I reviewed in late 2021. In the PC Mark 10 modern office battery test, it achieved an impressive runtime of 12 hours and 12 minutes, whereas its predecessor lasted for 11 hours and 12 minutes. So, we’re seeing exactly an hour more in terms of battery life. The result of 12 hours and 12 minutes on the PC Mark 10 modern office test is a really good indicator of its strong battery performance.
Furthermore, it lasted for 11 hours and 24 minutes on the PC Mark 10 video playback test, which is an improvement over its predecessor’s runtime of just a little over 10 hours on the same test. It’s important to note that these tests were conducted with the display set to a refresh rate of 120 hertz. Lowering it to 60 hertz can further improve battery life, potentially surpassing the current results.
The overall battery life of this convertible laptop is excellent. If you need to recharge, the supplied 65-watt USB-C power charger takes about 75 minutes to provide a full charge, making it quite fast.
Display And Pen
We have here is a 13.4-inch IPS display with a Full HD Plus resolution of 1920×1200. It features a 16:10 aspect ratio, which is referred to as the “golden aspect ratio,” and I agree that it’s the right aspect ratio for this type of device. With a 16:10 aspect ratio, you get more screen real estate, resulting in less scrolling when browsing the web.
The display also offers a nice refresh rate of up to 120 hertz. However, you can lower it to 60 hertz to conserve battery life. At 120 hertz, you’ll experience a smooth and fluid user interface, which greatly enhances the overall user experience, whether you’re gaming or simply navigating through the operating system.
In terms of image quality, the display provides deep blacks, a good white point, and excellent contrast. While the color gamut coverage is not stellar, it is still good. If you engage in color grading, Lightroom, Photoshop, or video editing, this display is a decent choice, though there may be better options available.
Speaking of color accuracy, it scores a respectable 1.75 Delta E, which is considered good since anything below 2 is deemed color accurate. You won’t be disappointed in this regard. Additionally, the display is highly responsive to touch, allowing for smooth navigation using either your finger or the MSI pen.
The MSI pen utilizes the Microsoft Pen Protocol 2.0 (MPP 2.0) and offers good pressure sensitivity. Whether you’re taking notes or sketching artwork or diagrams, it performs well and adds to the overall experience of this convertible laptop.
Brightness-wise, you won’t be let down. The display measured an impressive 522 nits, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage. Although it has a glossy finish, I didn’t find it excessively reflective or distracting. Glare and reflections may vary depending on your lighting conditions, but overall, it’s a bright display that’s great for media consumption, such as watching Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube.
Overall, the display on this convertible laptop is quite impressive, offering a satisfying visual experience.
Modes
Being a two-in-one convertible, this laptop offers various modes for versatile usage. You have the tent mode, which is perfect for media consumption, such as watching Netflix, Amazon, or YouTube. The same can be said for the stand or presentation mode, providing an optimal viewing angle. Additionally, you can switch to tablet mode, which is great for using the MSI pen. However, it’s not recommended to use it on a desk or table for extended periods, as it can become quite heavy.
For those who may be curious, the pen securely attaches magnetically to the side, offering a convenient storage solution. It’s a nice and secure connection, and having a designated place to store the pen is always appreciated.
FHD IR Webcam And Fingerprint Scanner
The MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo for 2023 features a 1080p resolution and runs at 30 frames per second. It’s an IR camera, which allows you to log in using face recognition with Windows Hello. Additionally, for those who prefer using a fingerprint scanner, there is one located below the keyboard deck, specifically on the right-hand side.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the video quality and the audio quality of the array microphones. Please share your feedback in the comment section below. Is it suitable for your Zoom calls or your work-from-home and hybrid work needs? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Audio
When it comes to the audio, the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo features downward-facing speakers, with each speaker delivering two watts of power, totaling four watts. I had the opportunity to compare its audio performance to the MacBook Pro 14 with the M1 Pro, which, in my opinion, sets the benchmark in this category. I conducted a sound comparison during my live unboxing, and you can find the link to the replay in the description below.
Overall, it’s important to note that the audio quality of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo is not on par with the MacBook Pro. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct Windows equivalent to compare it with, except for the Lenovo Yoga 9i, which comes close but falls short of the MacBook Pro’s audio quality. However, I still believe that the overall sound of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo is good. It just doesn’t match the excellence of the MacBook Pro.
My Thought
My final thoughts on the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo for 2023. There are numerous improvements over its predecessor that make it quite impressive. The performance has seen a significant boost, thanks to the 13th generation P-series processor, the Core i7 1360p. With its 12 cores (8 efficient and 4 performance cores), we’re witnessing better single and multi-core performance, which is reflected in the numbers.
Battery life has also seen improvements, surpassing 12 hours on the PC Mark 10 modern office battery test, which is commendable. Additionally, the inclusion of a high-quality full HD webcam with a kill switch provides added security and privacy, and the webcam’s performance itself is impressive. The array microphones do a great job of noise cancellation, making it ideal for Zoom calls, remote work, and hybrid work environments.
The build quality of the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo is top-notch, and the black color option on the unit I reviewed adds a sleek and modern touch. Of course, you also have the option to choose the Pure White variant if that’s more to your liking. Overall, the MSI Summit e13 Flip Evo offers a range of improvements and features that make it a compelling choice in the convertible laptop market.
