Compare MSI Claw 7 AI Plus A2VM vs MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM
In this technical comparison between the MSI Claw 7 AI Plus A2VM and the MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of FHD (1920 x 1080) for the Claw 7 AI Plus A2VM versus FHD+ (1920 x 1200) for the Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM.
Choosing between these two Portable Gaming Devices models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $799 USD and $899 - $1,099 USD.
| Specifications |
MSI Claw 7 AI Plus A2VM |
MSI Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM |
|---|---|---|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | January 2025 | January 2025 |
| Performance | ||
| CPU | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) | Intel Core Ultra 7 258V (Lunar Lake) |
| GPU | Intel Arc Graphics 140V (8 Xe-Cores) | Intel Arc Graphics 140V (8 Xe2-Cores) |
| RAM | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (On-Package Memory) | 32GB LPDDR5x-8533 (Memory on Package) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4) | 1TB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4) |
| Expandable Storage | 1x MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 / UHS-II support) | 1x MicroSD Card Reader (SD 4.0 / UHS-II) |
| OS / Platform | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home (Copilot+ PC certified) |
| Game Store / Ecosystem | MSI Center M (Proprietary interface); supports Steam, Xbox Game Pass, Epic Games Store, etc. | MSI Center M; supports all major Windows launchers (Steam, Xbox, Epic, etc.) |
| Display | ||
| Screen size | 7-inch | 8-inch |
| Resolution | FHD (1920 x 1080) | FHD+ (1920 x 1200) |
| Refresh rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Panel type | IPS-Level | IPS-Level (100% sRGB, 500 nits) |
| Touch support | Yes (10-point multi-touch) | Yes (10-point multi-touch) |
| Adaptive Sync / VRR | Yes (Variable Refresh Rate supported) --- Brightness: 500 nits (Typical) | Yes (Variable Refresh Rate) |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker format | 2x 2W Stereo Speakers | 2x 2W Stereo Speakers |
| 3.5mm Headphone Jack | 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack | Yes (Combo jack) |
| Mic | Built-in Array Microphone | Built-in Array Microphone |
| Supported codecs | Hi-Res Audio certified | Hi-Res Audio, DTS Sound Effect |
| Connectivity | ||
| USB | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (Type-C) | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB Type-C) — Note: This is an upgrade over the single port on the 7-inch version. |
| Display Output | Supported via Thunderbolt 4 (DisplayPort 1.4) | Supported via Thunderbolt 4 |
| Wi-Fi | Intel Wi-Fi 6E (AX211) | Intel Wi-Fi 7 (BE201) |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth v5.3 / v5.4 (varies by region/update) | Bluetooth v5.4 |
| Ethernet | Available via Docking Station (sold separately) | Supported via Docking Station |
| Controls / Inputs | ||
| Built-in Controls | RGB ABXY buttons, D-pad, Hall Effect analog sticks, Hall Effect analog triggers, L&R Bumpers. | Hall Effect sticks and triggers, RGB ABXY, D-pad, Bumpers. |
| Controller Features | 6-Axis IMU (Gyro), HD Haptics, 2x Macro buttons (M1/M2), Fingerprint sensor on Power button | 6-Axis IMU (Gyro), HD Haptics, 2x Rear Macro buttons (M1/M2). --- Fingerprint Sensor: Yes (integrated into the Power button). |
| External Controller Support | Supported via Bluetooth or USB-C. | - |
| Physical | ||
| Dimensions | 290 x 117 x 21.2 mm | 299 x 126 x 24 mm |
| Weight | 675 g (approx. 1.49 lbs) | 795 g (approx. 1.75 lbs) |
| Color options | Black | Black / Sandstorm (Limited Edition) |
| Cooling | Cooler Boost HyperFlow (Dual Fans, Dual Heatpipes) | Cooler Boost HyperFlow (Redesigned for the 8-inch chassis) |
| Battery & Power | ||
| Battery Capacity | 54.5 Whr (6-Cell Li-Polymer) | 80 Whr (Massive upgrade from the 7-inch model) |
| Battery Life | - | Approx. 4+ hours of AAA gaming; up to 28 hours video playback. |
| Charging | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 | 65W USB Type-C PD 3.0 (Supports up to 100W PD input via dock) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the Box | Handheld Console, 65W PD Adapter, Quick Start Guide | Handheld, 65W or 100W Power Adapter (varies by bundle), Quick Start Guide. |
| Price | $799 USD | $899 - $1,099 USD |
| Full Details | Claw 7 AI Plus A2VM - Full Specifications | Claw 8 AI Plus A2VM - Full Specifications |