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MSI Katana 15 HX Gaming Laptop Review (2025) – Cheapest QHD RTX 5050 + i7 Laptop in India

MSI Katana 15
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop Complete Review (2025) – Amazon’s Choice
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4.8/5 (6 Ratings)
🔥 AMAZON’S CHOICE – CHEAPEST QHD GAMING LAPTOP

MSI Katana 15

Intel Core i7-14650HX | RTX 5050 8GB | QHD 165Hz

15.6″ QHD 165Hz • 16GB DDR5 • 512GB SSD • 4-Zone RGB • 75Wh

Complete Configuration:

Processor: Intel Core i7-14650HX (16-core: 8P + 8E, up to 5.2 GHz)

Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 8GB GDDR7 (115W TGP, DLSS 4)

RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600MHz Dual Channel (Upgradable to 64GB)

Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD (Expandable)

Display: 15.6″ QHD (2560×1440) 165Hz IPS-Level Panel

₹1,28,990

12% OFF

₹1,13,992*

*Cheapest QHD gaming laptop in India!

🛒 Buy Now on Amazon

EMI from ₹5,527/month | Free Delivery

MSI Katana 15 Overview – Amazon’s Choice!

Key Highlights

  • Best Price: Only ₹1,13,992
  • QHD Display: Sharp 1440p
  • 16-Core CPU: i7-14650HX
  • RTX 5050: DLSS 4 support
  • 165Hz: Smooth gaming
  • Amazon’s Choice: Top-rated

In The Box

  • 📦 MSI Katana 15 Laptop
  • 🔌 180W Power Adapter
  • 📄 User Guide
  • 🛡️ 2-Year Warranty Card

Why Buy This

  • • Cheapest QHD laptop
  • • Latest DLSS 4 tech
  • • 4.8/5 rating
  • • Best budget value

14th Gen Intel Performance

Intel Core i7-14650HX

16-Core Raptor Lake-HX Processor

Architecture Raptor Lake-HX (14th Gen)
Total Cores 16 Cores (8P + 8E)
Base Clock 2.2 GHz
Max Turbo Boost 5.2 GHz
L3 Cache 30MB Smart Cache
TDP 55W Base / 157W Turbo

CPU Power: Excellent for gaming + streaming + multitasking simultaneously without slowdowns

RTX 5050 8GB GDDR7

NVIDIA Blackwell Architecture (2025)

Architecture Blackwell (Latest 2025)
VRAM 8GB GDDR7
Memory Bus 128-bit
DLSS Support DLSS 4 + Multi Frame Gen
Ray Tracing 4th Gen RT Cores
TGP (Total Graphics Power) 115W

Gaming Power: Excellent 1440p gaming at 50-70+ FPS in AAA titles with DLSS 4 enabled

💾 Memory (RAM)

Installed RAM 16GB DDR5-5600
Configuration 8GB x 2 (Dual Channel)
RAM Slots 2 SODIMM Slots
Max Upgrade 64GB (32GB x 2)

Fast DDR5: 5600MHz speed ensures smooth multitasking

💿 Storage

Installed Storage 512GB NVMe SSD
Interface PCIe Gen 4 x4
Speed ~5000 MB/s Read
Expandable Yes (1x M.2 Slot)

Note: 512GB base, easily upgradable to 1TB/2TB later

📊 Performance Benchmarks

Cinebench R23

Multi-Core Score

~21,500

Single-Core Score

2,045

Excellent multi-threaded performance

3DMark Time Spy

Graphics Score

7,850

Great 1080p/1440p gaming performance

Port Royal (RT)

Ray Tracing Score

4,956

Decent RT performance with DLSS

15.6″ QHD 165Hz Display – Sharp & Smooth

QHD Resolution

Screen Size 15.6″ (40 cm)
Resolution 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Pixel Density 188 PPI
Aspect Ratio 16:9

78% more pixels than FHD (1920×1080) – sharper gaming!

Gaming Performance

Refresh Rate

165Hz

Response Time

~3ms

Panel Type

IPS-Level

Color Quality

  • Good Color Accuracy

    Decent sRGB coverage

  • ~300 nits Brightness

    Good for indoor gaming

  • Anti-Glare Coating

    Matte finish reduces reflections

🔊 Audio System

  • Stereo Speakers: 2x 2W (4W Total)
  • Nahimic Audio: Enhanced sound processing
  • 3.5mm Combo Jack: Headphone + mic support
  • Quality: Average (external speakers recommended for best experience)
  • Built-in Mic: Yes (array microphone)

📹 Webcam

  • HD Webcam: 720p @ 30fps
  • Quality: Basic (good for video calls)
  • Position: Top bezel center
  • Use Case: Online classes, meetings, streaming

Real Gaming Performance @ QHD with DLSS 4

🎮 AAA Games @ 1440p (QHD) – DLSS 4 Enabled

Cyberpunk 2077

58 FPS

Settings: High + RT Medium

DLSS: Balanced + Frame Gen

Resolution: 1440p QHD

Experience: Playable & smooth

Call of Duty BO6

98 FPS

Settings: High + RT Low

DLSS: Quality + Frame Gen

Resolution: 1440p QHD

Experience: Very smooth

Spider-Man Remastered

72 FPS

Settings: High

DLSS: Quality

Resolution: 1440p QHD

Experience: Excellent

⚡ Esports Titles @ 1440p

Valorant 300+ FPS
CS2 220+ FPS
Fortnite 180+ FPS
Overwatch 2 165+ FPS
Apex Legends 155+ FPS

🎯 More AAA @ 1440p

Red Dead Redemption 2 52-58 FPS
Forza Horizon 5 115 FPS
Doom Eternal 140+ FPS
Hogwarts Legacy 68-75 FPS
Resident Evil 4 Remake 85 FPS

🎮 Gaming Performance Summary

The RTX 5050 with DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation delivers excellent 1440p gaming performance for the price. AAA games run at 50-75 FPS with high settings and DLSS enabled, while esports titles easily hit 165+ FPS to fully utilize the 165Hz display.

Bottom Line: For ₹1.14L, this is the best QHD gaming experience you can get. DLSS 4’s frame generation technology makes 1440p gaming smooth and enjoyable without spending ₹1.5L+.

Design & Build Quality

🏗️ Build Materials

Chassis Material Plastic (Durable)
Lid Cover Plastic (Matte Finish)
Color Black (Stealth)
Build Quality Good (Budget)

📏 Dimensions

Length x Width 359 x 262 mm
Thickness 25.5 mm
Weight 2.4 kg

Portable for 15.6″ gaming laptop – easy to carry

🎨 Gaming Aesthetics

  • Design Language: Katana-inspired
  • MSI Logo: Dragon emblem on lid
  • Gaming Style: Aggressive vents
  • RGB Lighting: 4-zone keyboard
  • Branding: Subtle MSI gaming

MSI Cooler Boost 5 – Advanced Thermal System

❄️ Cooler Boost 5 Technology

MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 features dual fans with dedicated heat pipes for CPU and GPU. This independent cooling system ensures both components stay cool even during intense gaming sessions, preventing thermal throttling.

Dual Fan Design

Independent CPU and GPU cooling zones

Dedicated Heat Pipes

Separate thermal zones prevent heat crossover

Large Exhaust Vents

Rear + side airflow for maximum heat dissipation

Smart Fan Control

Auto-adjusts based on temperature sensors

🌡️ Thermal Performance Under Load

CPU Temperature (Gaming)

72-82°C

Well within safe limits

GPU Temperature (Gaming)

75-85°C

Excellent for sustained gaming

Fan Noise Level

~42 dB

Audible but not excessive

4-Zone RGB Gaming Keyboard & Trackpad

⌨️ Gaming Keyboard Features

  • 4-Zone RGB Backlighting

    Customizable lighting with 4 independent zones via MSI Center

  • WASD Highlighted Keys

    Gaming keys emphasized for easy identification

  • Anti-Ghosting Technology

    N-key rollover support – all keys registered simultaneously

  • Good Key Travel

    ~1.5mm travel distance with decent tactile feedback

  • Dedicated Copilot Key

    Quick access to Windows Copilot AI assistant

  • Full-Size Layout

    Includes numpad for productivity tasks

🖱️ Precision Trackpad

  • Windows Precision Drivers

    Official Microsoft drivers for smooth tracking

  • Multi-Touch Gestures

    2-finger scroll, pinch-to-zoom, 3-finger swipe supported

  • Decent Size

    Adequate surface area for comfortable daily use

  • Integrated Click Buttons

    Dedicated left/right click zones

Complete Connectivity & I/O Ports

🔌 Physical Ports (8 Total)

USB Ports (4 Total)

1x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort, Power Delivery 3.0)

3x USB Type-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2) – 10 Gbps transfer speed

Display Output

1x HDMI 2.1 – Supports 8K@60Hz or 4K@120Hz external monitors

USB-C DisplayPort – Alternate mode for external displays

Network Port

1x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet – Wired LAN for stable online gaming

Audio

1x 3.5mm Combo Jack – Headphone + microphone combo port

📡 Wireless Connectivity

Intel Wi-Fi 6

Standard: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6)

Speed: Up to 2.4 Gbps theoretical

Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz)

Bluetooth 5.3

Version: Latest Bluetooth 5.3

Range: Up to 40 meters (open space)

Devices: Connect wireless mouse, headphones, controllers

🔗 Connectivity Summary

With 8 total ports including USB-C with Power Delivery, HDMI 2.1 for 4K@120Hz gaming, Gigabit Ethernet for lag-free online play, and Wi-Fi 6 + Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless flexibility, the Katana 15 provides excellent connectivity options for gaming setups, external monitors, and peripherals.

Battery Life & Charging

🔋 Battery Capacity

75Wh

4-Cell Lithium Polymer

Type: Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)

Cells: 4-cell configuration

Capacity: 75 Watt-hours

Replaceable: Yes (service center)

⚡ Power Adapter

180W

Fast Charging Support

Wattage: 180W AC Adapter

Fast Charge: 0-50% in ~45 minutes

Full Charge: ~2 hours from empty

USB-C PD: Alternate charging option

💡 Real-World Usage

  • Video Playback: 5-6 hours
  • Web Browsing: 5-6 hours
  • Office Work: 6-7 hours
  • Gaming (plugged): Recommended
  • Gaming (battery): 2-3 hours

🔌 Battery Life Summary

The 75Wh battery provides decent runtime for a gaming laptop – 5-6 hours for light tasks like web browsing and video playback, but only 2-3 hours during intensive gaming. For best gaming performance, keep the laptop plugged into the 180W adapter which supports fast charging (50% in 45 minutes).

Complete Budget Gaming Laptop Comparison – 6 Top Competitors

How does the MSI Katana 15 (Core i7 + RTX 5050 + 512GB) at ₹1,13,992 compare against all major budget gaming laptops in the ₹1.1-1.6L price range?

MSI Katana 15 (i7 + RTX 5060 + 1TB)

₹1,34,990

Processor: Intel Core i7-14650HX (16-core)

Display: 15.6″ QHD 165Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR5-5600

Storage: 1TB NVMe SSD

GPU: RTX 5060 8GB GDDR7

Weight: 2.4 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • ₹21k more but RTX 5060 GPU (25% faster)
  • • Double storage (1TB vs 512GB)
  • • Better AAA gaming performance
  • • Same CPU, display, weight
  • • Worth it if budget allows
  • • No storage upgrade needed

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • ₹21,000 more expensive (18% price increase)
  • • Budget goes from ₹1.14L to ₹1.35L
  • • Storage easily upgradable later for ₹5-7k
  • • RTX 5050 + DLSS 4 enough for most gamers
  • • Same everything else (CPU, display, RAM)
  • • Better to save ₹21k and upgrade storage separately

Lenovo LOQ 15 (2025)

₹1,19,990

Processor: Intel Core i5-13450HX (10-core)

Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR5

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6

Weight: 2.4 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • ₹6k more but Lenovo brand reputation
  • • Clean professional design aesthetic
  • • Good build quality (better than plastic)
  • • Better keyboard quality and layout
  • • Reliable customer support network

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • ₹6,000 more expensive for worse specs
  • • Much weaker Core i5 CPU (10-core vs 16-core)
  • • Much weaker RTX 4050 GPU (vs RTX 5050)
  • • FHD only 1920×1080 (not QHD 2560×1440)
  • • Lower 144Hz refresh (vs 165Hz)
  • • No DLSS 4 support (only DLSS 3)
  • • Slower GDDR6 VRAM (vs GDDR7)
  • • ~30% worse gaming performance

HP Victus 15 (2025)

₹1,24,990

Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (6-core)

Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6

Weight: 2.3 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • Lighter at 2.3kg (100g lighter)
  • • HP brand with good support
  • • Clean Victus gaming design
  • • Decent speakers quality

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • ₹11,000 more expensive (10% price increase)
  • • Much weaker Ryzen 5 CPU (6-core vs 16-core)
  • • Much weaker RTX 4050 GPU
  • • Slower DDR4 RAM (not DDR5)
  • • FHD only (not QHD 1440p)
  • • Lower 144Hz refresh
  • • No DLSS 4 support
  • • Significantly worse CPU performance

Acer Nitro 5 (2025)

₹1,09,990

Processor: Intel Core i5-12500H (12-core)

Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: RTX 3050 6GB GDDR6

Weight: 2.5 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • ₹4,000 cheaper (lowest price)
  • • Acer Nitro gaming brand
  • • Entry-level gaming option
  • • Good for tight budgets under ₹1.1L

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • Only ₹4k cheaper but much worse specs
  • • Older 12th Gen Intel (not 14th Gen)
  • • Much weaker RTX 3050 GPU (2 generations old)
  • • Slower DDR4 RAM (not DDR5)
  • • FHD only (not QHD)
  • • Lower 144Hz refresh
  • • No DLSS 3 or 4 (only DLSS 2)
  • • Much worse gaming performance (~40% slower)
  • • Not worth ₹4k savings for outdated tech

ASUS TUF A15 (2024)

₹1,39,990

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (8-core)

Display: 15.6″ FHD 144Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR5

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6

Weight: 2.2 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • Military-grade durability (MIL-STD-810H)
  • • Lightest at 2.2kg (200g lighter)
  • • Premium TUF build quality
  • • Better cooling system (quieter fans)
  • • ASUS ROG brand prestige
  • • Better keyboard quality

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • ₹26,000 more expensive! (23% price increase)
  • • Much weaker RTX 4050 GPU (vs RTX 5050)
  • • FHD only (not QHD 1440p)
  • • Lower 144Hz refresh (vs 165Hz)
  • • No DLSS 4 support
  • • Weaker Ryzen 7 CPU (8-core vs 16-core)
  • • Not worth ₹26k premium for brand alone

Dell G15 5530

₹1,29,990

Processor: Intel Core i5-13450HX (10-core)

Display: 15.6″ FHD 165Hz IPS

RAM: 16GB DDR5

Storage: 512GB SSD

GPU: RTX 4050 6GB GDDR6

Weight: 2.65 kg

✅ Reasons to Consider

  • • Dell brand reputation and support
  • • Good customer service network
  • • 165Hz matching refresh rate
  • • Professional G-series design

⚠️ Reasons to Skip

  • • ₹16,000 more expensive (14% price increase)
  • • Much weaker Core i5 CPU (10-core vs 16-core)
  • • Much weaker RTX 4050 GPU (vs RTX 5050)
  • • FHD only (not QHD 1440p)
  • • No DLSS 4 support
  • • Heavier at 2.65kg (250g heavier)
  • • Older GPU architecture
  • • Not worth ₹16k premium

📊 Quick Comparison Table – All 7 Laptops Side-by-Side

Laptop Model Price CPU GPU Display Storage Weight Value Rating
MSI Katana 15 (512GB) ₹1,13,992 i7-14650HX (16C) RTX 5050 8GB QHD 165Hz 512GB 2.4 kg ★★★★★ (5/5)
Acer Nitro 5 ₹1,09,990 i5-12500H (12C) RTX 3050 6GB FHD 144Hz 512GB 2.5 kg ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
Lenovo LOQ 15 ₹1,19,990 i5-13450HX (10C) RTX 4050 6GB FHD 144Hz 512GB 2.4 kg ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
HP Victus 15 ₹1,24,990 R5 7535HS (6C) RTX 4050 6GB FHD 144Hz 512GB 2.3 kg ★★★☆☆ (3/5)
Dell G15 5530 ₹1,29,990 i5-13450HX (10C) RTX 4050 6GB FHD 165Hz 512GB 2.65 kg ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)
MSI Katana 15 (1TB) ₹1,34,990 i7-14650HX (16C) RTX 5060 8GB QHD 165Hz 1TB 2.4 kg ★★★★☆ (4/5)
ASUS TUF A15 ₹1,39,990 R7 7735HS (8C) RTX 4050 6GB FHD 144Hz 512GB 2.2 kg ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

📈 Competitive Analysis Summary

💰 Price Comparison

  • Cheapest: Acer Nitro 5 (₹1.10L) – outdated tech
  • Best Value: MSI Katana 15 512GB (₹1.14L)
  • Mid-Range: Lenovo LOQ (₹1.20L)
  • Most Expensive: ASUS TUF (₹1.40L)

🎯 Performance Ranking

  • 1. MSI Katana 1TB (RTX 5060 + i7 + QHD)
  • 2. MSI Katana 512GB (RTX 5050 + i7 + QHD)
  • 3. ASUS TUF A15 (RTX 4050 + R7)
  • 4-5. Lenovo/Dell/HP (RTX 4050 + i5/R5)
  • 6. Acer Nitro (RTX 3050 + i5)

⚡ Key Differentiators

  • Only QHD: MSI Katana (both variants)
  • Latest GPU: MSI Katana (RTX 5050/5060)
  • Most Cores: MSI Katana (16-core i7)
  • Best RAM: All have DDR5 except HP (DDR4)

🏆 Clear Winner: MSI Katana 15 (512GB) at ₹1,13,992

Unbeatable Budget QHD Champion: At ₹1,13,992, the MSI Katana 15 with Core i7-14650HX + RTX 5050 + QHD display delivers the absolute best value in budget gaming:

💰 Best Price Advantage

  • ₹4k cheaper than Acer Nitro (but way better specs)
  • ₹6k cheaper than Lenovo LOQ (much better GPU)
  • ₹11k cheaper than HP Victus (QHD vs FHD)
  • ₹16k cheaper than Dell G15
  • ₹21k cheaper than own RTX 5060 variant
  • ₹26k cheaper than ASUS TUF

🎯 Unique Features

  • ONLY QHD display under ₹1.15L
  • ONLY RTX 5050 (latest Blackwell)
  • ONLY 16-core CPU in this range
  • ONLY DLSS 4 support
  • ONLY 8GB GDDR7 VRAM
  • Highest 165Hz refresh rate

⚡ Performance Lead

  • 30-40% faster GPU than RTX 4050 laptops
  • 60% faster GPU than RTX 3050 (Acer)
  • 78% more pixels than all FHD competitors
  • 2x CPU cores vs HP Victus (16 vs 6)
  • Latest 2025 tech vs 2023/2024 GPUs

Why It Wins: Every single competitor either costs ₹6-26k more OR has significantly weaker specs (older GPUs, FHD displays, fewer CPU cores, slower RAM). The MSI Katana 15 is the only laptop offering QHD + RTX 5050 + 16-core CPU under ₹1.15L.

Bottom Line: For budget gamers wanting maximum visual quality (QHD 1440p) with latest GPU technology (DLSS 4) at the lowest possible price, the MSI Katana 15 (512GB) is the undisputed champion. No other laptop matches this combination of specs and price. Best value gaming laptop of 2025!

Complete Pros & Cons Analysis

✅ Major Strengths (17)

  • Cheapest QHD: Only ₹1,13,992 (best price in India)
  • Amazon’s Choice: Top-rated with 4.8/5 stars from real buyers
  • QHD Display: Sharp 2560×1440 resolution (78% more pixels than FHD)
  • 165Hz Refresh: Smooth competitive gaming experience
  • Core i7-14650HX: Powerful 16-core 14th Gen Intel processor
  • RTX 5050 8GB: Latest Blackwell architecture with DLSS 4
  • DLSS 4 Support: Multi Frame Generation (2-4x FPS boost)
  • 8GB GDDR7 VRAM: Fast next-gen memory technology
  • DDR5-5600 RAM: Fast system memory for smooth multitasking
  • Upgradable RAM: Up to 64GB (2x32GB) DDR5
  • Expandable Storage: Additional M.2 slot available
  • 4-Zone RGB Keyboard: Customizable gaming aesthetics
  • Cooler Boost 5: Efficient dual-fan thermal management
  • 75Wh Battery: Decent 5-6 hour runtime for light tasks
  • 2-Year Warranty: On-site service coverage included
  • Free Delivery: Amazon Prime eligible with fast shipping
  • EMI Options: No-cost EMI starting ₹5,527/month

⚠️ Limitations (13)

  • Only 512GB Storage: Half of 1TB variant (but easily upgradable later)
  • Entry-Level GPU: RTX 5050 (RTX 5060 is 25% faster but costs ₹21k more)
  • Plastic Build: Not premium aluminum chassis (budget cost-cutting)
  • 115W TGP: Not highest GPU power variant available
  • Average Speakers: 2x2W speakers lack bass and volume
  • Basic Webcam: 720p quality (not Full HD 1080p)
  • Fan Noise: Audible ~42dB under gaming load (typical for budget)
  • 2.4kg Weight: Not ultra-portable for daily carry
  • Gaming Battery: Only 2-3 hours on battery while gaming
  • No Thunderbolt 4: USB-C is Gen 2 only (not Gen 3)
  • No Laptop Bag: Not included in the box
  • Display Brightness: ~300 nits (not great for bright outdoor use)
  • Storage Upgrade Cost: Need to buy 1TB SSD separately (~₹5-7k)

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Overall Rating

4.6
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best Budget QHD Laptop

Value for Money 5.0/5
Display Quality 4.5/5
Gaming Performance 4.0/5
CPU Performance 4.5/5
Build Quality 3.5/5
Battery Life 3.5/5

🎮 Perfect For

  • Budget Gamers: Want QHD gaming under ₹1.15L
  • 1440p Enthusiasts: Sharp visuals at affordable price
  • Students: Gaming + studies on tight budget
  • First-Time Buyers: Entry to QHD gaming
  • Value Seekers: Best price/performance ratio
  • Esports Players: 165Hz for competitive gaming
  • Content Viewers: Sharp QHD for movies/videos

❌ Not Ideal For

  • ❌ Need RTX 5060/5070 for max gaming (get ₹1.35L variant)
  • ❌ Want 1TB storage included (need to upgrade separately)
  • ❌ Require premium metal build quality
  • ❌ Need ultra-portable under 2kg weight
  • ❌ Want 4K gaming at ultra settings
  • ❌ Require all-day battery (8+ hours unplugged)

🎯 Final Thoughts

The MSI Katana 15 at ₹1,13,992 represents the absolute best value in budget QHD gaming. It’s the cheapest way to experience sharp 1440p gaming without spending ₹1.5L+ on premium laptops. Amazon’s Choice badge and 4.8/5 rating from real buyers validate its exceptional value proposition.

The Core i7-14650HX + RTX 5050 + QHD 165Hz combination delivers smooth 1080p/1440p gaming across all genres. AAA titles run at 50-75 FPS with DLSS 4 enabled, while esports games easily hit 165+ FPS to fully utilize the fast display. The 16-core CPU handles gaming + streaming + multitasking without breaking a sweat.

The only real compromise is 512GB storage versus 1TB in the ₹1.35L variant. However, storage is easily upgradable later for ₹5-7k, whereas display and GPU are permanent. Getting QHD + RTX 5050 at this price is unprecedented – most QHD gaming laptops cost ₹1.4-1.6L minimum.

Build quality is budget-oriented plastic, not premium aluminum, and speakers are average. But for ₹1.14L, these compromises are acceptable when you’re getting flagship display quality and latest GPU technology. The Cooler Boost 5 keeps thermals in check, and the 4-zone RGB keyboard adds gaming flair.

Bottom Line: If you want QHD gaming under ₹1.15 lakh, this is the only viable option. All competitors either cost ₹15-30k more OR have FHD displays with weaker GPUs. The MSI Katana 15 hits the perfect sweet spot of price, performance, and display quality. For budget gamers wanting sharp 1440p visuals, this is an absolute no-brainer purchase. Highly recommended!

Complete Technical Specifications

MSI KATANA 15 B14WEK-266IN – COMPLETE SPECIFICATIONS
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
Processor Brand Intel
Processor Model Core i7-14650HX (14th Generation Raptor Lake-HX)
Processor Cores 16 Cores (8 Performance + 8 Efficiency)
Base Clock Speed 2.2 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency Up to 5.2 GHz
Cache Memory 30MB Intel Smart Cache (L3)
TDP 55W Base, up to 157W Maximum Turbo Power
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU
GPU Architecture Blackwell (Latest Generation, 2025)
Dedicated Graphics Memory 8GB GDDR7
Memory Bus Width 128-bit
TGP (Total Graphics Power) 115W
Ray Tracing 4th Generation RT Cores
DLSS Support DLSS 4 with Multi Frame Generation
RAM 16GB DDR5-5600MHz (Dual Channel: 8GB x 2)
RAM Type DDR5 SDRAM
Memory Slots 2 SODIMM Slots (User Accessible)
Maximum RAM Support 64GB (2 x 32GB DDR5)
Storage Type SSD (Solid State Drive)
Storage Capacity 512GB NVMe PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Storage Interface PCIe NVMe Gen 4 x4
DISPLAY SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size 15.6 inches (40 cm / 39.62 cm diagonal)
Display Resolution 2560 x 1440 pixels (QHD / WQHD)
Pixel Density 188 PPI (Pixels Per Inch)
Panel Type IPS-Level (In-Plane Switching)
Refresh Rate 165Hz
Response Time ~3ms (Typical)
Brightness ~300 nits (Typical)
Surface Anti-Glare Matte
Touchscreen No
DESIGN & BUILD
Dimensions (L x W x H) 359 x 262 x 25.5 mm
Weight 2.4 kg (2400 grams)
Build Material Plastic Chassis
Color Black
Keyboard Type Gaming Keyboard with 4-Zone RGB Backlight
Keyboard Features WASD Highlighted, Anti-Ghosting, N-Key Rollover, Copilot Key
Trackpad Precision Touchpad (Windows Precision Drivers)
CONNECTIVITY & PORTS
USB Type-C 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C (DisplayPort, Power Delivery 3.0)
USB Type-A 3 x USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A
HDMI Port 1 x HDMI 2.1 (8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz)
Ethernet (LAN) 1 x RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet
Audio Jack 1 x 3.5mm Combo (Headphone + Mic)
Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.3
AUDIO & CAMERA
Speakers 2 x 2W Stereo Speakers (4W Total)
Audio Technology Nahimic Audio Enhancement
Microphone Built-in Array Microphone
Webcam HD (720p @ 30fps)
BATTERY & POWER
Battery Type 4-Cell Lithium Polymer
Battery Capacity 75 Watt-hours (Wh)
Power Adapter 180W AC Adapter
SOFTWARE & OS
Operating System Windows 11 Home (64-bit)
Pre-installed Software MSI Center (AI Engine, Performance Tuning)
WARRANTY & SUPPORT
Warranty 2 Years On-Site Warranty
Model Number 9S7-1587C1-266
Model Year 2025

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