How do the scores compare?

Framework Laptop 12 scores 41.5/100 overall; MSI Katana 15 scores 36.1/100. Framework Laptop 12 wins 2 individual spec rows, MSI Katana 15 wins 4.

What are the main differences between the Framework Laptop 12 and the MSI Katana 15?

Framework Laptop 12 advantages: Stronger portability score: 83 vs 39; 60% higher Peak brightness: 400 nits vs 250 nits; 42% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.25 kg; Lower launch price: $799 vs $1,099. MSI Katana 15 advantages: Stronger performance score: 41 vs 31; Stronger display score: 34 vs 27; 140% higher Refresh rate: 144 Hz vs 60 Hz; 100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB; 100% higher storage: 1,024 GB vs 512 GB.

Which is cheaper: Framework Laptop 12 or MSI Katana 15?

Framework Laptop 12 launched cheaper at $799, versus $1,099 for the MSI Katana 15.

Framework Laptop 12 vs MSI Katana 15

WINNER

Framework

Framework Laptop 12

$799

MSI

MSI Katana 15

$1,099

30.7Performance40.5

26.5Display33.6

—Battery29

83.2Portability39.4

2 spec wins — Framework Laptop 124 spec wins — MSI Katana 15

InnoReviews verdict

Framework Laptop 12 wins this laptop face-off, 41.5 to 36.1, pulling ahead mainly in portability (+44). MSI Katana 15 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

Stronger portability score: 83 vs 39
60% higher Peak brightness: 400 nits vs 250 nits
42% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.25 kg
Lower launch price: $799 vs $1,099

Reasons to pick the MSI Katana 15

Stronger performance score: 41 vs 31
Stronger display score: 34 vs 27
140% higher Refresh rate: 144 Hz vs 60 Hz
100% higher RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB
100% higher storage: 1,024 GB vs 512 GB

Display

Display comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Screen size	12.2 ″	15.6 ″+28%
Panel type	IPS LCD	IPS
Resolution	1920x1200	1920x1080
Refresh rate	60 Hz	144 Hz+140%
Peak brightness	400 nits+60%	250 nits

Performance

Performance comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Processor	Intel Core i3-1315U	Intel Core i7-13620H
Graphics	—	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop
RAM	8 GB	16 GB+100%
RAM type	DDR5-5200	DDR5-4800 (2x SO-DIMM)
Storage	512 GB	1,024 GB+100%
Storage type	—	PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD

Benchmarks

Benchmarks comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Geekbench 6 (single)	—	2,430Top 66%
Geekbench 6 (multi)	—	11,400Top 86%

Battery

Battery comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Capacity	—	54 Wh
Web browsing endurance	—	5 h
Charging	—	180 W

Design

Design comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Weight	1.3 kg+42%	2.25 kg
Thickness	—	24.9 mm
Material	Recycled aluminum	Plastic

Connectivity

Connectivity comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Ports	Modular Expansion Card system (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD)	1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DP), 2x USB-A 3.2, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45, 3.5mm
Wi-Fi	—	Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth	—	5.3
Webcam	—	720p
Biometrics	—	None

Software

Software comparison: Framework Laptop 12 versus MSI Katana 15
Spec	Framework Laptop 12	MSI Katana 15
Operating system	Windows 11 / Linux	Windows 11

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