MSI has carved out a reputation for offering powerful gaming laptops that don’t come with a premium price tag. The Katana series is one of MSI’s standout offerings for gamers who want solid performance without spending top dollar.
Designed to handle the latest games, the 15-inch Katana promises to deliver smooth gameplay, decent build quality, and enough horsepower for gamers who need a machine that can keep up with them. Aimed at the budget-conscious gamer, the Katana 15 focuses on the essentials.
With a large display and solid graphical capabilities, it’s built to handle demanding games without breaking the bank. But does it stand up in terms of value and performance? Let’s dive into what this gaming laptop brings to the table with our simple but honest review.
Pros
- Solid gaming performance, handling most modern games at high settings
- 144Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, especially in fast-paced game
- Plenty of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet for connectivity
Cons
- Battery life is limited, especially during gaming sessions, lasting about 1 to 2 hours under load
- The plastic build feels less premium compared to metal-clad competitors
Specifications
- Processor: Intel Core i7-13620H
- Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 8GB
- Memory: 16GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- Display: 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) with high refresh rate
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Ports: 3x USB Type-A, 1x USB Type-C, HDMI, Ethernet, combo jack
- Battery: 53.5Wh
- Weight: 2.25 kg
- Price: Available for $2199 at Harvey Norman
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Katana 15 sports a design that’s practical and focused on gaming performance rather than flash. The laptop features a matte black plastic chassis with sharp, angular edges, giving it a sleek yet functional look that aligns with the typical gaming aesthetic.
Though the build is largely plastic, it feels durable enough for everyday use, even if it lacks the premium feel of metal-clad models. At around 2.25 kg, the Katana 15 is heavier than ultrabooks, but this is common for gaming laptops that prioritize internal cooling and high performance over portability.
The laptop is well-ventilated, with air intake grills positioned smartly to manage heat during long gaming sessions, which is crucial for maintaining performance during intensive tasks. The cooling system works well, though it can get noisy under heavy loads, which is something to keep in mind if you’re gaming in quieter environments
Performance
The MSI Katana 15 is built for gamers who need solid performance without paying top-tier prices. Powered by an Intel Core i7-13620H processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop can handle most modern games with ease. Whether you’re playing popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Warzone, or Fortnite, the Katana 15 offers smooth gameplay at medium to high settings with frame rates averaging between 60-100 FPS at 1080p.
In games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the Katana 15 performs well at 1080p, delivering consistent frame rates with graphics settings pushed to high. Similarly, titles like Apex Legends and Overwatch 2 run fluidly, thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate display, which enhances the experience during fast-paced multiplayer matches. The RTX 4050 also supports ray tracing, allowing for enhanced lighting and reflections in supported games.
When it comes to multitasking, the 16GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth switching between tasks, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or running multiple applications. The 1TB SSD provides fast load times, reducing the waiting time between game launches and improving overall system responsiveness.
Display
The MSI Katana 15 is equipped with a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) display, which delivers crisp visuals during gameplay. The high refresh rate—typically 144Hz—ensures smooth and fluid motion, reducing screen tearing and providing an overall better gaming experience. While the FHD resolution is standard for mid-range gaming laptops, the display does its job well for gaming, streaming, and everyday tasks.
However, the colour accuracy and brightness are not as vivid as those found on higher-end models, so it may not be the best choice for creators or those working with colour-sensitive projects. That said, for gaming at 1080p, the Katana 15 delivers sharp visuals and smooth gameplay, making it more than sufficient for the average gamer.
Battery Life
Battery life on the MSI Katana 15 is typical of most gaming laptops—adequate for light tasks but limited during gaming sessions. The 53.5Wh battery lasts around 4 to 5 hours during casual use, such as web browsing and media streaming. However, once you start gaming or engaging in resource-intensive tasks, the battery life drops significantly, often requiring you to plug in after about 1 to 2 hours of gaming.
This is standard for gaming laptops in this range, as they are designed to deliver maximum performance while plugged in. The Katana 15 isn’t intended for long unplugged gaming sessions, so having access to power is key when pushing the laptop to its limits.
Keyboard and Trackpad
The MSI Katana 15 comes with an RGB backlit keyboard, which offers customizable lighting to suit different gaming moods. The keys have decent travel, making them comfortable for extended typing or gaming sessions. The layout is practical and includes a full numeric keypad, which is useful for both gaming and productivity tasks.
However, the keycaps feel a bit plasticky, and while the keyboard is functional, it doesn’t offer the premium feel that some high-end gaming laptops provide. Nevertheless, for the price range, the typing experience is smooth and responsive.
The trackpad is adequate for basic tasks, but as with most gaming laptops, it’s not the preferred input for gamers. It’s responsive and handles gestures well, but serious gamers will likely opt for an external mouse for more precise control during gameplay.
Pros
- Solid gaming performance with the Intel i7-13620H and Nvidia RTX 4050 combo, handling most modern games at high settings.
- 144Hz refresh rate delivers smooth visuals, especially in fast-paced games.
- Good value for money, offering powerful specs at a mid-range price.
- RGB backlit keyboard with customizable lighting adds a personalized gaming experience.
- Plenty of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet for connectivity.
Cons
- Battery life is limited, especially during gaming sessions, lasting about 1 to 2 hours under load.
- The plastic build feels less premium compared to metal-clad competitors.
- Display brightness and colour accuracy are adequate for gaming but not as vibrant as high-end screens, making it less ideal for creators.
Final Verdict
The MSI Katana 15 is an excellent choice for gamers looking for solid performance without spending a fortune. With its Intel i7-13620H processor and Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics, this laptop is capable of handling most AAA titles at medium to high settings, offering smooth gameplay thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate. It provides a great balance between power and price, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious gamers.
However, the battery life and plastic build may be drawbacks for some, especially for those looking for a more premium feel or longer gaming sessions on the go. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Katana 15 stands as a strong mid-range gaming laptop that gets the essentials right, offering impressive gaming performance for its price point.
If you’re in the market for a gaming laptop that prioritizes performance and value, the MSI Katana 15 is worth considering.
