MSI Claw handhelds · Handheld Gaming Consoles
MSI Claw 8 AI+ vs MSI Claw: Worth the Upgrade?
Skip This Upgrade
The MSI Claw 8 AI+ does not justify the cost of upgrading from the MSI Claw. The improvements are marginal, and the MSI Claw remains a strong performer.
15
Upgrade Score
$300
Price Difference
+0.1
Rating Change
9
New Features
9
Features Removed
How the Scores Compare
MSI Claw→MSI Claw 8 AI+
Performance+12
74
→
86
Value-12
78
→
66
Battery+10
68
→
78
Portability-8
84
→
76
Compatibility+2
90
→
92
Higher is better. Category-specific 0-100 scale. Lighter bar = MSI Claw, highlighted bar = MSI Claw 8 AI+.
What Changed
Added in the New Generation
- +8-inch class handheld display
- +Intel Core Ultra platform
- +LPDDR5x memory
- +Windows PC game support
- +Display: 8" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), Touchscreen, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 100% sRGB(Typical), 500nits(Typical), VRR, IPS-Level panel.
- +Processor: Intel Core Ultra 7-258V
- +Hall Effect analog triggers and sticks built to last with microscopic precision.
- +RAM: 32GB (Onboard) LPDDR5x-8533MHz | Hard Drive: 1TB NVMe SSD Gen4x4 2230
- +Revolutionary Cooler Boost HyperFlow technology redirects airflow to cool internal components.
Removed from Previous Generation
- −Intel handheld PC platform
- −7-inch 120Hz display
- −Windows game support
- −Thunderbolt connectivity
- −AI-Powered Performance: Harness the capabilities of the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 processor to effortlessly manage demanding tasks. Extend your productivity with the most powerful and reliable performance on the go.
- −Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- −Perfection Through Anthropometry: As a handheld device, Claw has achieved the optimal balance between its grip and weight. We have meticulously polished various design details, from the curvature that fits the palm, to the finger grip positions and trigger force.
- −Best-in-Class Battery Life: Unlock exceptional gaming endurance with our breakthrough battery capacity. It's where efficient power meets robust performance—more game, less charge.
- −7-inch Smoothness Ready: Dive into the ultimate gaming experience with our 7-inch premium 120Hz gaming display, with exceptional color reproduction and smooth action.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | MSI Claw 8 AI+ | MSI Claw |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Windows handheld PC | Windows handheld PC |
| Display | 8-inch class handheld display | 7-inch 120Hz handheld display |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra handheld platform | Intel Ultra 7-155H |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe | 512GB NVMe |
| Battery Life | Large Windows handheld battery | Original Claw handheld runtime |
| Best For | Intel-based Windows handheld gaming | discounted Windows handheld experimentation |
| Display Size | 8-inch | 7-inch |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Memory | 32GB LPDDR5x | 16GB LPDDR5 |
| OS | Windows 11 Home | — |