The 15-inch laptop occupies a unique space – offering more screen real estate than compact 14-inch models without the heft of 16-inch behemoths. The MSI Katana 15 HX B14W aims to capitalize on this balance, packing next-generation hardware into a midrange gaming chassis. Priced aggressively at $999 (down from $1,200), it presents a compelling spec sheet on paper, but our testing reveals a critical trade-off.

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The MSI Katana 15 HX features a bulky, geometric design housing potent hardware.

Under the Hood: Power Meets Value
At its core, the Katana 15 HX impresses with an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor and the latest Nvidia GeForce RTX 5050 GPU featuring 8GB of GDDR7 VRAM, backed by 16GB of RAM. This combination delivers solid midrange gaming performance:

  • Gaming Prowess: Titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong ran smoothly, leveraging the 144Hz refresh rate for responsive gameplay. More demanding games like Monster Hunter Wilds required settings adjustments for optimal performance but remained playable.
  • Creative Workhorse: Beyond gaming, the hardware proved capable for creative tasks. Editing high-resolution images in Photoshop and designing in Figma was handled seamlessly, showcasing the laptop's versatility.
  • Thermal Management (and Noise): MSI's Cooler Boost 5 system effectively kept surface temperatures manageable, even as internal components hit 120°C. The trade-off is significant fan noise that often overwhelmed game audio.
  • Battery Surprise: Using power-saving modes via the MSI Center app yielded over five hours of battery life – respectable for a gaming laptop.

The Achilles Heel: A Dull Display
The most significant compromise comes with the base model's 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz display. While the refresh rate is welcome, it only covers 45% of the NTSC color gamut. The result is starkly washed-out colors:

"Colors were super dull. It made games like 'Spyro Reignited Trilogy', a title known for its pastel array, look washed out... The sheer lack of color really dampened the experience."

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The base model display's limited color gamut significantly impacts visual quality in games and creative work.

MSI offers a higher-tier configuration with a Quad HD (2560 x 1440), 165Hz display boasting 100% DCI-P3 coverage, resolving this issue. However, this upgrade pushes the price significantly higher. Users relying solely on the laptop screen for the $999 model will find its visual quality a major drawback, especially for color-sensitive work or vibrant games.

Design and Build: Function Over Flair
Measuring 14.13 x 10.21 x 1 inches and weighing 5.3 pounds, the Katana 15 HX leans towards the bulky side. Its aesthetic is defined by angular, geometric shapes. While not the most portable or sleek, it feels sturdy enough for travel. The 4-Zone RGB keyboard offers good key travel (1.7mm) and responsiveness, paired with a touchpad MSI claims is 31% larger than its predecessor.

Verdict: Value with a Visible Caveat
At its current $999 sale price (including perks like Apple Music at Walmart), the MSI Katana 15 HX B14W represents solid value for its core gaming and processing performance. The Intel i7-14650HX and RTX 5050 combo delivers capable frame rates for the price bracket, and its utility extends well into creative applications. However, the base model's display quality is a substantial compromise. Buyers must decide: accept the lackluster screen for the performance-per-dollar ratio, invest in the higher-tier display model, or budget for an external monitor. For gamers and creators prioritizing visual fidelity without an external display, the base Katana 15's screen is a deal-breaker. For those focused purely on frame rates and raw power at $1,000, willing to overlook the display or use an external screen, it's a contender.

Source: ZDNET Review by Cesar Cadenas (October 27, 2025)