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Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize portability and battery life, the Framework Laptop would suit you better as it's more lightweight and slightly longer-lasting on a charge. However, it has less storage and not as a powerful processor or graphics card as the MSI Katana. The MSI with its larger screen and dedicated graphics card is more suitable for intensive tasks such as 3D rendering, gaming, and some engineering applications. The Framework, while capable, is not designed for intense graphics or heavy computation work but is excellent for general use and can handle light engineering tasks. Both are similarly priced, so your decision largely depends on your primary usage needs – higher performance and gaming go with the MSI; for mobility and day-to-day tasks, consider the Framework. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
- Good overall display quality
- Very good portability
- Good battery life
- Very good speakers
- Very good keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Katana 15
- Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3
7.6
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
Yes
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
7.0/10
The MSI Katana 15 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Software Development
7.6
7.0
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Katana 15 are both good for software development, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is somewhat better.
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.
Screen Quality
7.4
6.8
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
258.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI Katana 15 for general use, engineering and design, and software development.
The Framework Laptop 13 likely offers a higher resolution and brightness, essential for clarity and visibility in general tasks, while its panel type provides accurate colors and viewing angles. For engineering and design, it probably has better color coverage in DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB, translating to more precise color representation needed for professional work. However, the MSI Katana 15's refresh rate might not be as high, making it less optimal for 3D applications and gaming where fluid motion is key, despite its fair color and resolution for less demanding tasks.
Battery
7.5 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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.
Portability
Very Good
Fair
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.9 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Katana 15 has only fair portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
7.8
7.2
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Katana 15 both have good build quality, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has somewhat better build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,079
$949
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Katana 15 costs $949.
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Key similarities
General Use
7.5
7.5
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
472.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
258.0 nits
7.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
7.5/10
8.8/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
6.9/10
The MSI Katana 15 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13, with its lightweight design, high-resolution display, and decent battery life, is a strong choice for portability and on-the-go tasks, while having enough power for general use. In contrast, the MSI Katana 15, with its more powerful CPU, double the RAM, and dedicated graphics, caters better to performance-intensive applications but is less portable and has a shorter battery life.
Engineering and Design
7.3
7.7
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
8.3/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Katana 15 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 is well-suited for engineering and design due to its high-resolution screen, capable integrated graphics, and emphasis on portability and repairability; however, it has less RAM and a less powerful CPU than the MSI Katana 15. The MSI Katana 15 offers more RAM and a dedicated GPU, which is advantageous for demanding tasks, but it trades off some portability and has a lower resolution display.
Content Creation
7.5
7.4
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
6.6/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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.
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How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Katana 15 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Framework Laptop 13 (2023) | MSI Katana 15 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,079 | $949 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | May 1, 2023 | February 1, 2023 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 11.7'' x 9'' x 0.62'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.98'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 2.95 lbs | 4.96 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 11.7" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.01" | 10.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i5-1340P | Intel i5-12450H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 4 | 5 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 256 GB | 1024 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 7.5 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 55 Wh | 53.5 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 13.5" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2256 x 1504 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 472 nits | 258 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 8.8/10 | 6.9/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | No | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 7.5/10 | 7/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | Yes | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 1 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 2 | 2 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
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Dig into reviews and images
Wired
Scott Gilbertson | July 2023
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
MSI Katana 15
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | March 2023
"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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Katana 15
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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.
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