Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) vs MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
30.7Performance45.1
26.5Display33.9
33.3Battery66.7
76.6Portability34
3 spec wins — Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)5 spec wins — MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
InnoReviews verdict
MSI Katana 15 HX B14W wins this laptop face-off, 45.1 to 38.5, pulling ahead mainly in battery (+33) and performance (+14). Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) still makes sense if its price or standout specs fit your needs better.
Which would you pick?
Key differences
Reasons to pick the Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3)
- Stronger portability score: 77 vs 34
- 56% higher Peak brightness: 400 nits vs 257 nits
- 46% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.4 kg
- 28% lower thickness: 18.5 mm vs 25.5 mm
- Lower launch price: $699 vs $999
Reasons to pick the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
- Stronger performance score: 45 vs 31
- Stronger display score: 34 vs 27
- Stronger battery score: 67 vs 33
- 300% higher charging: 240 W vs 60 W
- 140% higher Refresh rate: 144 Hz vs 60 Hz
Display
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 12.2 ″ | 15.6 ″+28% |
| Panel type | LCD (glass, convertible touchscreen, MPP 2.0/USI 2.0 stylus support) | IPS |
| Resolution | 1920x1200 | 1920x1080 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 144 Hz+140% |
| Peak brightness | 400 nits+56% | 257 nits |
Performance
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 3 304 | Intel Core i7-14650HX |
| Graphics | Intel Graphics (1 Xe3 core, up to 2.3GHz) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM type | DDR5-6400 (SO-DIMM) | DDR5-5600 (2x SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | M.2 2230 NVMe SSD | PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 2,786Top 45% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 13,048Bottom 47% |
Battery
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 50 Wh | 75 Wh+50% |
| Charging | 60 W | 240 W+300% |
Design
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.3 kg+46% | 2.4 kg |
| Thickness | 18.5 mm+28% | 25.5 mm |
| Material | Overmolded shock-absorbing TPU over plastic with an internal metal structure | Plastic |
Connectivity
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | 4x swappable Expansion Cards (2x rear Thunderbolt 4, 2x front USB 3.2 Gen 2; USB-C/USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, Ethernet, microSD/SD options), 3.5mm combo jack | 3x USB-A 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort, PD 3.0), HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm combo jack |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel BE213) | Wi-Fi 6E |
| Bluetooth | 6.0 | 5.3 |
| Webcam | 1080p 30fps (2MP OmniVision OV02C sensor, 80° FOV), hardware privacy switch | 720p HD |
| Biometrics | None on this configuration — fingerprint reader is bundled only with the Core 5 320/Core 7 350 pre-built tiers, not Core 3 304 | None |
Software
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 (Intel Core Series 3) | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Fedora 44 (KDE Plasma) (Windows 11 Home/Pro option available) | Windows 11 Home |
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