MSI Claw A1M Handheld 1TB – at £300 less, it is worth buying?

Having gamed strictly at a desk for 99% of the time over the past 20 years, I've never tried a handheld PC before. Well, that changes today with our first look at the MSI Claw A1M. Can this tiny handheld and portable PC satisfy when gaming, without sitting at a desk?

The MSI Claw didn't get a great reception when it launched – but they have cut the prices twice in 2024. So when they asked us if we could take a look at it now with the 1TB version priced at £499 (HERE), we thought it might be an interesting video. For clarity (and it is quite confusing) — When this hand held launched the 512GB was £699 and the 1TB version was £799 (HERE). MSI dropped the prices by £100 earlier this year and now the 1TB has a further £200 price cut. Just be aware you get the right version, as Currys also list the 512gb version at the same £499 price (HERE) – as of 11th November 2024.

Timestamps

00:00 Start
01:04 Mat's thoughts
01.40 1TB model specs / old pricing
02:24 New pricing and specs
03:30 The design / buttons
05:25 Audio quality
05:43 Claw I/O
06:24 Screen quality
06:40 The Hardware and real world use
07:22 Black Myth Wukong
08:37 Halls Of Torment
09:06 Battle Bit
09:40 Battery Life
10:37 Closing Thoughts

Specifications:

• CPU – Up to Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor with Intel® AI Boost (NPU)
• OS – Windows 11 Home
• Display – 7” FHD (1920×1080), 120Hz, IPS-Level Touchscreen
• Graphics – Intel® Arc™ Graphics
• Storage – Capability 1x M.2 2230 SSD slot (NVMe PCIe Gen4)
• Memory – Max 32GB LPDDR5-6400
• Communication – Intel® Killer™ BE Wi-Fi 7 + Bluetooth 5.4
• Audio – 2x 2W Speaker
• Audio Jack – 1x Mic-in/Headphone-out Combo Jack
• I/O Ports – 1x Type-C (USB / DP / Thunderbolt™ 4) with PD charging, 1x Micro SD Card Reader
• Control – RGB ABXY buttons
• RGB – L & R Hall Effect analog sticks
• Security – Fingerprint Security
• Battery – 6-Cell, 54.5 Battery (Whr)
• Dimension (WxDxH)  -294 x 117 x 21.2mm
• Weight –  (w/ Battery) 675 g
• Colour –  Black

You can purchase the Claw A1M handheld PC from Currys for £499.99 HERE.

Pros:

• Great ergonomics.
• Substantial price drop since release.
• Good speakers.
• Hall effect sticks and triggers.
• Acceptable gaming performance (with some settings tweaks).

Cons:

• Terrible battery life.
• A new MSI handheld is on the near horizon.
• Lacks grip on the rear of the grips.

KitGuru says: The new lower asking price of the Claw A1M could make it appealing, but considering the poor battery life and the fact an updated model is on the horizon, it's hard to fully recommend. 

 

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