Framework Laptop 12 vs MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
30.7Performance45.1
26.5Display33.9
—Battery66.7
83.2Portability34
2 spec wins — Framework Laptop 123 spec wins — MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
InnoReviews verdict
MSI Katana 15 HX B14W wins this laptop face-off, 45.1 to 41.5, pulling ahead mainly in performance (+14) and display (+7). Framework Laptop 12 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 34
- 56% higher Peak brightness: 400 nits vs 257 nits
- 46% lower weight: 1.3 kg vs 2.4 kg
- Lower launch price: $799 vs $999
Reasons to pick the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W
- Stronger performance score: 45 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
- 28% higher Screen size: 15.6 ″ vs 12.2 ″
Display
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| 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+56% | 257 nits |
Performance
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3-1315U | Intel Core i7-14650HX |
| Graphics | — | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB+100% |
| RAM type | DDR5-5200 | DDR5-5600 (2x SO-DIMM) |
| Storage | 512 GB | 512 GB |
| Storage type | — | PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD |
Benchmarks
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (single) | — | 2,786Top 45% |
| Geekbench 6 (multi) | — | 13,048Bottom 47% |
Battery
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | — | 75 Wh |
| Charging | — | 240 W |
Design
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.3 kg+46% | 2.4 kg |
| Thickness | — | 25.5 mm |
| Material | Overmolded TPU over PC/ABS plastic with an inner metal frame | Plastic |
Connectivity
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Ports | Modular Expansion Card system (USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort, MicroSD) | 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 6E |
| Bluetooth | — | 5.3 |
| Webcam | — | 720p HD |
| Biometrics | — | None |
Software
| Spec | Framework Laptop 12 | MSI Katana 15 HX B14W |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 / Linux | Windows 11 Home |
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