The Eluktronics RP-15 comes with a higher-resolution display and has better performance for 3D rendering, machine learning, and engineering applications while being somewhat more expensive. In contrast, the MSI Katana 15 offers a larger storage and might have a slightly lower cost. The Eluktronics also stands out with a higher refresh rate screen which is better suited for fast-motion scenarios such as gaming. Both laptops have 16 GB of RAM, but the MSI features an Intel processor and slightly less battery life. If your priority is performance for intensive tasks, the Eluktronics is a strong choice, whereas if you value storage and a bit better cost efficiency, MSI might suit you better. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Eluktronics RP-15
Very good for engineering and design
Very good overall display quality
Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Katana 15
The MSI Katana 15 has no clear advantages over the Eluktronics RP-15.
Key differences
Engineering and Design
8.2/10
7.7/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The Eluktronics RP-15 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Katana 15 is good.
PerfectRec’s Engineering and Design Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for graphic design and 3D rendering work.
Screen Quality
8.0/10
6.8/10
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
350.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
258.0 nits
The Eluktronics RP-15 has a better screen than the MSI Katana 15 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, and software development.
If you prioritize crisp text and clear images for everyday activities or detailed design work, go for the Eluktronics RP-15 as it likely has a better combination of resolution and panel type that enhances overall sharpness and color accuracy. For engineering and design tasks where accurate color reproduction is crucial, the RP-15 may be preferable due to its likely wider color gamut, ensuring that colors in designs are true to life. However, for fast-paced games and 3D rendering which depend heavily on fluid motion, the MSI Katana 15 might not be ideal, and the RP-15 even less so, as their refresh rates might not be high enough for a smooth experience, despite their adequate resolution and panel types.
Battery
6.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Eluktronics RP-15 has 6 hours of battery life. The MSI Katana 15 has 4 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Cost
$1,399
$949
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Eluktronics RP-15 has a price of $1,399 and the MSI Katana 15 costs $949.
The Eluktronics RP-15 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for general use.
The Eluktronics RP-15 boasts a higher-resolution screen and a processor that's more adept for multitasking and demanding applications, which along with its substantial battery capacity, makes for a solid choice for general use requiring screen clarity and longer unplugged usage.
Gaming and AI
7.8/10
7.6/10
8.5/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The Eluktronics RP-15 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for gaming and AI.
The Eluktronics RP-15 offers a higher screen refresh rate and a higher resolution display for more fluid visuals and sharper images in gaming and 3D applications, while the MSI Katana 15 has the same powerful GPU but a lower refresh rate and standard resolution, better suiting users who prioritize GPU performance over the highest possible screen clarity and smoothness.
Content Creation
7.6/10
7.4/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Eluktronics RP-15 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for content creation.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.4/10
7.0/10
9.1/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
7.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Eluktronics RP-15 and MSI Katana 15 are both good for software development.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Portability
Fair
Fair
15.6in
SIZE
15.6in
4.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.9 lbs
1.0in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The MSI Katana 15 and Eluktronics RP-15 both have only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.2/10
7.2/10
The Eluktronics RP-15 and MSI Katana 15 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Eluktronics RP-15 and the MSI Katana 15 compare to other laptops
"To conclude, I’m genuinely impressed with Eluktronics and what they have been able to deliver with the RP-15. You see this is all about maximizing performance, cooling, and giving users the most flexible I/O, and then wrapping it into a chassis that doesn’t feel super cheap. Let’s also not forget the price point, I think they have really nailed it in that department."
"The MSI Katana 15 B12 combines a Gen12 CPU with an RTX 4050, which is actually not a bad idea for a budget gamer. The CPU is anything but bad and the GPU in the Katana 15 proves to be significantly more efficient than last year's models. However, our main point of criticism for budget gamers is the price: while you can get budget laptops with RTX 3060 from around US$800, you pay a whole US$1,499.99 here! The efficiency advantages of the RTX 4050 do not justify this price premium."
Get a great deal on the Eluktronics RP-15 or the MSI Katana 15
About Eluktronics
Eluktronics is a relatively new American gaming laptop company, founded in 2011. They are a reseller for the Taiwanese brand Clevo, who manufacture laptops exclusively and ship them to resellers like Eluktronics who customize them. Eluktronics laptops generally have great hardware specifications for the money, including the CPU, GPU, and RAM. They also feature a relatively clean design by gaming laptop standards, with few logos and discreet colors.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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