What To Know
- The Alpha 17 has a 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Katana 17 has a 1440p display with a 165Hz refresh rate.
- The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 both offer powerful performance, but the Katana 17 has a slight edge.
- The Alpha 17 has a dual-fan cooling system with 6 heat pipes, while the Katana 17 has a triple-fan cooling system with 7 heat pipes.
When it comes to gaming laptops, MSI is a brand that needs no introduction. With its wide range of models, MSI offers something for every gamer, from budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line beasts. Two of the most popular MSI gaming laptops are the Alpha 17 and the Katana 17. Both laptops offer impressive specs and features, but which one is the better choice for you? In this blog post, we will compare the MSI Alpha 17 and the MSI Katana 17 in detail to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 have distinct designs that reflect their different target audiences. The Alpha 17 has a more subdued and professional look, with a sleek black chassis and minimal branding. The Katana 17, on the other hand, has a more aggressive design, with sharp angles, red accents, and a large dragon logo on the lid.
Both laptops are well-built and sturdy, with high-quality materials. The Alpha 17 has a metal chassis, while the Katana 17 has a combination of metal and plastic. Both laptops have a solid feel and should be able to withstand the rigors of everyday use.
Display:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 both have 17.3-inch displays, but they offer different resolutions and refresh rates. The Alpha 17 has a 1080p display with a 144Hz refresh rate, while the Katana 17 has a 1440p display with a 165Hz refresh rate.
The Alpha 17’s display is great for gaming, as it offers a smooth and responsive experience. However, the Katana 17’s display is even better, with its higher resolution and refresh rate. The Katana 17’s display is also HDR-compatible, which means it can produce a wider range of colors and deeper blacks.
Performance:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 both offer powerful performance, but the Katana 17 has a slight edge. The Alpha 17 is powered by an Intel Core i7-12700H processor, while the Katana 17 is powered by an Intel Core i7-12700H processor. The Katana 17 also has a more powerful graphics card, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti, compared to the Alpha 17’s NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060.
In terms of real-world performance, the Katana 17 is faster than the Alpha 17. The Katana 17 can handle even the most demanding games at high settings, while the Alpha 17 may struggle with some games at ultra settings.
Battery Life:
Battery life is not a strong point for either the MSI Alpha 17 or the Katana 17. Both laptops have relatively small batteries, so you can expect to get around 4-5 hours of battery life on a single charge. If you plan on using your laptop for extended periods away from an outlet, you will need to carry a charger with you.
Cooling:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 both have powerful cooling systems to keep their components running cool under load. The Alpha 17 has a dual-fan cooling system with 6 heat pipes, while the Katana 17 has a triple-fan cooling system with 7 heat pipes.
Both cooling systems are effective at keeping the laptops cool, even during extended gaming sessions. However, the Katana 17’s cooling system is slightly better, as it has an additional fan and heat pipe.
Features:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 both come with a variety of features to enhance your gaming experience. Both laptops have backlit keyboards, with the Alpha 17 having a per-key RGB keyboard and the Katana 17 having a single-zone RGB keyboard.
The Alpha 17 also has a built-in webcam, while the Katana 17 does not. Both laptops have a variety of ports, including USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
Price:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 are both priced similarly. The Alpha 17 starts at $1,499, while the Katana 17 starts at $1,599. However, the Katana 17 offers better performance and features for the slightly higher price.
The Verdict:
The MSI Alpha 17 and the Katana 17 are both excellent gaming laptops. However, the Katana 17 is the better choice overall. It offers better performance, a better display, and a better cooling system. The Alpha 17 is a good option if you are on a budget, but the Katana 17 is the better choice if you are looking for the best possible gaming experience.
Questions You May Have
1. Which laptop has a better display?
The MSI Katana 17 has a better display than the Alpha 17. It has a higher resolution, a higher refresh rate, and is HDR-compatible.
2. Which laptop is more powerful?
The MSI Katana 17 is more powerful than the Alpha 17. It has a more powerful processor and graphics card.
3. Which laptop has a better cooling system?
The MSI Katana 17 has a better cooling system than the Alpha 17. It has an additional fan and heat pipe.
4. Which laptop has a longer battery life?
Neither laptop has particularly good battery life. You can expect to get around 4-5 hours of battery life on a single charge.
5. Which laptop is more expensive?
The MSI Katana 17 is slightly more expensive than the Alpha 17. The Katana 17 starts at $1,599, while the Alpha 17 starts at $1,499.
