Highlights
- The Katana 17, on the other hand, features a 1080p IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a slightly lower resolution but a higher refresh rate for an even more responsive gaming experience.
- The Alpha 17 has two USB Type-C ports, three USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and a Mini DisplayPort, while the Katana 17 has one USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port.
- The Katana 17, on the other hand, is a more affordable option with a rugged build, a high refresh rate display, and solid performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who still want a great gaming experience.
In the realm of high-performance gaming laptops, MSI has established itself as a formidable force. Two of their most popular offerings are the MSI Alpha 17 and the MSI Katana 17. These laptops promise exceptional gaming experiences, but which one reigns supreme? In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences between the MSI Alpha 17 and MSI Katana 17 to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Alpha 17 exudes a sleek and futuristic aesthetic, featuring a brushed aluminum lid and a black anodized finish. Its slim profile and angled edges give it a modern and professional look. In contrast, the MSI Katana 17 adopts a more traditional gaming design, with a black plastic chassis and red accents. It’s slightly heavier and thicker than the Alpha 17 but offers a more rugged and durable construction.
Display
Both the MSI Alpha 17 and Katana 17 come with 17.3-inch displays, but they offer different refresh rates and resolutions. The Alpha 17 boasts a 1440p IPS panel with a 165Hz refresh rate, providing a stunning visual experience with crisp details and smooth gameplay. The Katana 17, on the other hand, features a 1080p IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate, offering a slightly lower resolution but a higher refresh rate for an even more responsive gaming experience.
Performance
Under the hood, the MSI Alpha 17 and Katana 17 are powered by different generations of Intel Core processors. The Alpha 17 comes with the latest 12th-generation Intel Core i7-12700H, while the Katana 17 features the 11th-generation Intel Core i7-11800H. Both processors provide excellent performance for gaming, but the Alpha 17 has a slight edge due to its newer generation.
In terms of graphics, the Alpha 17 offers an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, while the Katana 17 comes with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060. The RTX 3070 Ti is a more powerful graphics card, capable of handling demanding games at higher resolutions and frame rates.
Storage and Memory
Both the MSI Alpha 17 and Katana 17 come with ample storage and memory options. The Alpha 17 features a 1TB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM, while the Katana 17 offers a 512GB NVMe SSD and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. Both laptops provide sufficient space for storing games, applications, and files, but the Alpha 17 has a larger SSD for faster load times.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for portable gaming laptops. The MSI Alpha 17 comes with a 90Wh battery, while the Katana 17 has a 65Wh battery. In general, the Alpha 17 offers longer battery life due to its larger battery capacity. However, actual battery life will vary depending on factors such as usage patterns, brightness settings, and power mode.
Connectivity
Both the MSI Alpha 17 and Katana 17 offer a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, and a variety of ports. The Alpha 17 has two USB Type-C ports, three USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and a Mini DisplayPort, while the Katana 17 has one USB Type-C port, two USB Type-A ports, an HDMI port, and an Ethernet port. Both laptops also feature a built-in webcam and microphone for video conferencing.
Price
The MSI Alpha 17 and Katana 17 are priced differently based on their specifications and features. The Alpha 17 is typically more expensive due to its higher-end components, while the Katana 17 offers a more affordable option with slightly less powerful hardware.
In a nutshell: The Verdict
The MSI Alpha 17 and MSI Katana 17 are both excellent gaming laptops with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Alpha 17 offers a more premium design, a higher-resolution display, and more powerful hardware, making it the better choice for demanding gamers who prioritize performance and visual quality. The Katana 17, on the other hand, is a more affordable option with a rugged build, a high refresh rate display, and solid performance, making it a great choice for budget-conscious gamers who still want a great gaming experience.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Which laptop has a better design?
A: The MSI Alpha 17 has a more premium and modern design, while the Katana 17 has a more traditional and rugged design.
Q: Which laptop has a better display?
A: The MSI Alpha 17 has a higher-resolution and higher refresh rate display.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MSI Alpha 17 is more powerful due to its newer generation processor and more powerful graphics card.
Q: Which laptop has more storage?
A: The MSI Alpha 17 has a larger SSD.
Q: Which laptop has better battery life?
A: The MSI Alpha 17 has a larger battery capacity, resulting in longer battery life.
Q: Which laptop is more affordable?
A: The MSI Katana 17 is more affordable than the Alpha 17.