MSI Katana 15 review
The MSI MSI Katana 15 ranks as the #424 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 73. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #65-ranked performance among 663 laptops. Consider the MSI Cyborg 15 AI or Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The MSI Katana 15 laptop is a decent gaming option for those who need a portable solution. With the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, it can handle modern games like Call of Duty and Resident Evil 4 remake. However, its performance is underwhelming at default settings, but tweaking settings and overclocking the GPU resolve this issue. The build quality is good, but the 1080p screen feels dull. Considering the $1200 price point, it's a decent value for those who prioritize gaming on-the-go. While not a necessity for me, others may find it worth the investment, especially if they're looking for a budget-friendly gaming laptop that still packs some punch.
Build
The MSI Katana 15's build quality is impressive, earning a 7.5 out of 10. The laptop's overall design doesn't scream "gamer," which can be a plus for those who want a more subtle look. The 15-inch display shows some bend when applying downward pressure, but this is hardly noticeable in normal use. However, the matte finish on the screen can make images appear dry and flat. Still, the build quality holds up well to regular handling, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable gaming laptop. For a superior build, MSI Thin GF63 could be the right choice.
Display
The MSI Katana 15's display is a decent but not outstanding feature. The 1080p screen resolution feels dull and flat to me, particularly when compared to higher-resolution screens. While it does offer some benefits against glare, I personally prefer sharper images. The screen shows some bend when pressure is applied, which isn't surprising given its relatively low resolution. Overall, I'd give the display a score of 6 out of 10. It gets the job done but doesn't particularly impress in terms of picture quality. If you're not particular about screen resolution, this might not be an issue for you. A better alternative might be MSI Thin GF63, featuring a next-level display.
Performance
Performance was a mixed bag for me with the MSI Katana 15. I recorded gameplay at default settings for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, Battlefield 2042, and Resident Evil 4 remake, but the frame rates were lower than expected. Despite this, tweaking settings, updating drivers, and overclocking the RTX 4060 using MSI Afterburner significantly improved performance. The laptop ran smoothly with ultra settings, achieving above 100 FPS. Temperatures also remained relatively low during a longer gaming session. While not ideal out-of-the-box, these adjustments demonstrate the potential of the Katana 15 for gamers willing to tweak settings and push the GPU. You may find MSI Pulse 15 a better fit, thanks to its superior performance.
Battery and Charging
The MSI Katana 15's battery life was decent, but not impressive. The laptop lasted around 4-5 hours with moderate use. Charging was fast, taking about an hour to reach 80% capacity. The battery life could be improved, considering the powerful RTX 4060 GPU. However, for a gaming laptop, this is still acceptable. A larger battery would have been beneficial, but overall, the charging speed and decent battery life make it a viable option for those who need a gaming laptop on-the-go.
Connectivity
The MSI Katana 15 features a decent connectivity setup with: * USB-A: 2x * USB-C: 1x (DisplayPort) * HDMI: 1x * Audio Jack: 1x * Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. A standard array of ports, suitable for most users. MSI Pulse 15 might be a smarter choice, offering an upgraded connectivity.
Features
The MSI Katana 15 boasts a 1920x1080 display, 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU. It features 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and dual speakers with Nahimic audio enhancement. The laptop measures 14.2 inches in width, 9.6 inches in depth, and weighs 3.75 pounds. The battery life is rated for up to 10 hours, making it suitable for all-day use. For an improved features, MSI Modern 15 is worth considering.
Support and Maintenance
The MSI Katana 15's build quality is commendable with a rating of 7.5/10. While the laptop handles games well after tweaks, its performance was initially underwhelming. The screen's 1080p resolution may be a drawback for some users. Overall, it's a decent gaming laptop that bridges the gap between console and PC gaming, but its maintenance needs further exploration.
Pros
1. I think it's decent gaming laptops fall into a category for me that I personally don't need too much
2. It can play the games I throw at it and it also leaves room for overclocking when performance is required
3. The overall build is nice and it doesn't scream 'I'm a gamer' but it does whisper it more than other laptops do
4. I think for the price that I purchased this at 1200 I'm getting your product that's equal in value
5. It has a nice build quality of 7.5 out of 10
6. The temperatures also stayed relatively low during a longer playing session
7. After tweaking some settings, updating all the drivers, and overclocking the RTX 4060 with MSI Afterburner, the laptop runs great
Cons
1. I was underwhelmed by how low the frame rate was for some of these titles with a 4060 I was expecting at least 100 frames in all of these titles
2. The screen is the weakest link on the katana it feels dull and flat as sometimes it makes me wonder if my game is on Lower settings but no it was just tied to the resolution
3. I did not like having to tweak some settings, update drivers, and overclock the GPU to get acceptable performance
4. The laptop runs great now the games are running on ultra settings with above 100 FPS but this is after making changes
5. My biggest gripe with this laptop is the screen like I mentioned I think it's for me using screens with a higher resolution
6. I'm getting your product that's equal in value but at a higher price point than what I was expecting to pay
7. The 1080p screen feels dull and flat as sometimes it makes me wonder if my game is on Lower settings
FAQ
Compare with other laptops
See how this item stacks up against any other model
Choose two different items to see a detailed comparison of their specifications, performance, and features