MSI Katana 15″ vs ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97)
Comparison summary
- MSI Katana 15″ is hands-down winner for gaming and a better deal.
- For performance ASUS ROG Strix G18 has a lot better performing processor.
- ROG Strix G18 has Windows 11 Pro, which is superior to Windows 11 Home that is in Katana.
- For graphics performance ROG Strix G18 has a better graphics card.
- ROG Strix G18 has a higher resolution screen (WQXGA).
- ROG Strix G18 features a bigger display. For carrying ROG Strix G18 is lighter.
- Katana has a bigger SSD.
MSI Katana 15″
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97)
Compare specifications
| MSI Katana 15″ | ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97) |
|---|---|
| Processor (CPU)?Central Processing Unit is the heart of a laptop and is responsible for executing programs. Read more | |
| Intel Core i7-14650HX | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |
| Memory (RAM)?Memory increases the general speed and multiprocessing capabilities of a laptop. Read more | |
| 64gb | - |
| Graphics card (GPU)?Graphics Processing Unit calculates 3D graphics and is essential for gaming and heavy programs. Read more | |
| GeForce RTX 5070 | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti |
| Screen size | |
| 15.6″ | 18″ |
| Screen resolution | |
| Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) | WQXGA (2560 x 1600 pixels) |
| Weight | |
| 13.14 lbs (5.96 kg) | 6.61 lbs (3 kg) |
| Size (length x width x height) | |
| 15.71 x 11.73 x 1.26 inches | |
| (39.9 x 29.79 x 3.2 cm) | |
| Operating system (OS) | |
| Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Pro |
| Hard drives | |
| 4000gb SSD | 2000gb SSD |
| Release date | |
| July 17, 2026 | August 18, 2026 |
| Amazon.com List Price | |
| $3,249.00 | $3,699.99 |
| Amazon.com Lowest New Price | |
| $3,249.00 | $3,699.99 |
| Buy on Amazon.com | Buy on Amazon.com |
Compare MSI Katana 15″ / ASUS ROG Strix G18 vs other gaming laptops:
MSI Katana 15″ summary
MSI Katana is an acceptably priced Windows gaming laptop released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5070 GPU that is ok well-suited for playing games. You can run 80% of the games published this year on recommended settings. The laptop doesn't come with the top Intel processor, but enough RAM for its price. Your 4000gb SSD storage is a fantastic amount. Quad HD resolution is satisfactory for the 15″ 165 Hz screen. It is quite on the heavier side at 13.14 lbs (5.96 kg).
msi Katana 15.6" 165Hz QHD Gaming Laptop, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB, 64GB DDR5 RAM, 5TB Storage(4TB SSD & 1TB Docking Station), Intel Core i7-14650HX, 4 Zone RGB Backlit Keyboard, Windows 11, Black
Spectacular Visual Delights--【Upgraded】Seal is opened for upgrade only, 1-Year warranty on Upgraded RAM/SSD, and original 1-Year Manufacture warranty on remaining components. 【15.6" 165Hz QHD Display】Enjoy crisp QHD resolution and a smooth 165Hz refresh rate for ultra-clear visuals, reduced motion blur, and responsive performance in fast-paced gaming.
Outstanding CPU Performance--【Intel Core i7-14650HX Processor】Experience exceptional speed and responsiveness with a powerful 16-core processor, enabling seamless multitasking and high-performance computing for gaming, streaming, and creative workflows.
Exceptional Memory and Storage--【64GB DDR5 RAM】Run demanding apps and multitask effortlessly with fast, high-bandwidth memory built for performance.【4TB PCIe SSD】Load games, projects, and files in seconds with ultra-fast storage and generous space.
Superior Peripheral Capability--【NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 8GB GDDR7 Graphics】Experience powerful graphics performance with advanced GPU technology that delivers smooth gameplay and stunning visuals.【4 zone RGB Keyboard】Personalize your battlestation with dynamic RGB lighting that boosts visibility, comfort, and gaming atmosphere.
OS & Ports--【Windows 11 Home】14.13"x 10.31"x 0.98", 4.29 lbs.【Ports】1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 3x USB 3.2 Type-A, 1x USB 2.0 Type-A, 1x RJ-45, 1x Audio Combo Jack, 1x HDMI. Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3. Black.【Bonus Docking Station Set】 1x 7-in-1 Docking Station with 1TB Storage, 1x 32GB MicroSD Card with Adapter, 1x Type-C Data Cable, 1x 3-in-1 Charging Cable, 1x Suede Cleaning Cloth.
ASIN: B0GD6YQSHQ
ASUS ROG Strix G18 (G815LR-IS97) summary
ASUS ROG Strix G18 is an impressively priced gaming laptop with Windows 11 Pro released in 2026. It has the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU that is brilliant great for playing games. The laptop has a great Intel processor for its price. WQXGA resolution is great for the 18″ 240 Hz screen. Your 2000gb SSD storage is decent. It is quite lightweight at only 6.61 lbs (3 kg).
ASUS ROG Strix G18 18” Gaming Laptop, Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5070 Ti 12GB
Ultra-Powerful Gaming Performance: Dominate every title with the ASUS ROG Strix G18 gaming laptop, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor with 24 cores and 24 threads boosting up to 5.4 GHz. Paired with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti laptop GPU featuring 12GB GDDR7, this asus gaming laptop handles AAA games, 3D rendering, and AI-driven tasks with ease, delivering desktop-grade performance in a portable form factor
Stunning Visuals & Fluid Gameplay: Lose yourself in immersive gaming on the 18" ROG Nebula Display with 2.5K (2560x1600) resolution and a blazing-fast 240Hz/3ms refresh rate. With 500 nits brightness and a 16:10 aspect ratio, this Strix G18 screen delivers vivid colors and silky-smooth motion, ensuring every frame is crisp and responsive—perfect for competitive esports and cinematic single-player adventures
Massive Memory & Blazing Storage: Equipped with 64GB high-speed DDR5 RAM and a massive 2TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD, this ASUS laptop offers seamless multitasking and lightning-fast load times. Switch between games, streaming apps, and background tasks without lag, while the tool-less upgrade design lets you expand storage or memory effortlessly—no screwdriver required—keeping your asus gaming laptop future-proof for years
Pro-Grade Connectivity & Advanced Cooling: Stay ahead with next-gen Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 for ultra-low latency online play, plus dual Thunderbolt 5 ports and HDMI 2.1 for multi-display setups. The ROG intelligent cooling system with Tri-Fan Technology keeps the ASUS ROG Strix G18 cool during marathon sessions, while the 90Wh battery and 280W adapter ensure sustained power when you need it most
Designed for Gamers & Creators: The Strix G18 combines a 4-zone RGB backlit chiclet keyboard with a 1080P FHD IR camera featuring Windows Hello for secure logins. Windows 11 Pro delivers a secure, productivity-rich environment, while the sleek Eclipse Gray chassis weighs just 6.61 lbs—making this RTX 5070 Ti laptop the ultimate companion for gaming, streaming, and content creation anywhere
ASIN: B0HFK5PW23