When it comes to gaming laptops, two names that frequently pop up in discussions are the MSI Katana and the Lenovo Legion 5. Both machines boast impressive specs, but how do they truly stack up against each other? For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and anyone in the market for a powerful laptop, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.
Review Overview
Choosing between the MSI Katana and the Legion 5 can be challenging. Each laptop offers unique features and strengths tailored to different user needs. This blog will provide you with an in-depth comparison to help you decide which one suits you best.
Key Differences
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s touch on the main differences. The MSI Katana is generally praised for its sleek design and affordable price point, while the Legion 5 is well-regarded for its robust build and excellent cooling system. Both laptops have their pros and cons, and understanding these can help you make an educated decision.
Case
MSI Katana
The MSI Katana features a modern, minimalist design with a red-backlit keyboard that adds a touch of flair. Its construction is mostly plastic, which helps to keep it lightweight but may not be as durable over time.
Legion 5
The Legion 5, on the other hand, has a more rugged build with a combination of plastic and aluminum. The keyboard is white-backlit, offering a more subdued yet classy look. It’s slightly heavier but feels more durable and premium.
Display
MSI Katana
The MSI Katana comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD display, boasting a 144Hz refresh rate. The high refresh rate is excellent for gaming, offering smooth transitions and minimal screen tearing.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 also features a 15.6-inch Full HD display but surpasses the Katana with its 165Hz refresh rate and higher color accuracy. It’s an excellent choice for those who want the best visuals in their gaming experience.
Battery
MSI Katana
The Katana’s battery life is decent but not exceptional. It offers around 4-5 hours on a full charge, which is standard for gaming laptops but might be limiting for extensive use away from a power source.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 outperforms the Katana in battery life, providing up to 7 hours on a full charge. This makes it a better option for users who need more extended periods of unplugged use.
Battery Life on Programming/Coding
When it comes to programming or coding, constant power is less of a concern. Yet, the Legion 5 edges out the Katana, lasting longer and more efficiently handling intensive development environments.
Battery Life on Web Browsing
Web browsing is a relatively low-intensity activity, but it’s still worth noting that the Legion 5 significantly outperforms the MSI Katana, clocking in around 6-7 hours of continuous browsing compared to the Katana’s 4-5 hours.
Battery Life on Full Brightness and CPU Intensive Tasks
For tasks that demand full brightness and maximum CPU usage, expect the Katana to offer about 2 hours of battery life, whereas the Legion 5 can stretch this to approximately 3 hours.
CPU
MSI Katana
The MSI Katana is equipped with Intel’s 11th Gen Core i7 processor. This CPU is excellent for gaming and everyday tasks, providing the necessary power to run most applications smoothly.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 uses AMD’s Ryzen 7 5800H processor. Known for its multitasking capabilities, this CPU performs exceptionally well in both gaming and professional applications.
CPU Performance Comparisons
In terms of raw CPU performance, the Ryzen 7 5800H in the Legion 5 tends to outperform the Intel Core i7 in the Katana. The AMD processor offers better multicore performance, making it a more versatile option.
Web Browsing Performance
Both laptops handle web browsing with ease, but the Legion 5 again takes the lead due to its superior CPU performance. Expect faster load times and smoother multitasking with the Legion 5.
Photo and Video Editing
MSI Katana
The Katana performs admirably in photo and video editing tasks, thanks to its decent GPU and fast processor. However, it’s not the top choice for professionals looking for peak performance.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 shines in this area. Its robust CPU and higher color-accuracy display make editing videos and photos a breeze, providing a more professional-grade experience.
Exporting 4K/8K Videos
Exporting 4K and 8K videos is intensive, but the Legion 5 handles these tasks more efficiently, offering faster export times compared to the Katana. This is crucial for content creators who work with high-resolution media.
Benchmarks
Benchmarks provide a quantitative way to compare the performance of these laptops. Let’s look at some benchmark results to see how they stack up.
3DMark
In 3DMark tests, the Legion 5 scores slightly higher, thanks to its better GPU and overall system optimization. This translates into better gaming performance and smoother graphics rendering.
Cinebench
Cinebench scores again show the Legion 5 outperforming the Katana, especially in multicore tests. This benchmark highlights the Ryzen 7’s superior processing power.
UserBenchmark
UserBenchmark results are more mixed, but overall, the Legion 5 still has a slight edge. It scores higher in CPU and GPU tests, making it the better all-around performer.
Graphics Card
Both laptops come with NVIDIA GPUs, but the Legion 5 often features the more powerful RTX 3060, compared to the Katana’s GTX 1660 Ti. This difference is significant for gaming and rendering tasks.
RAM and Storage
MSI Katana
The Katana typically comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This configuration is sufficient for most users but may require upgrades for more demanding tasks.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 usually offers similar RAM and storage options but includes the ability to upgrade more easily. It also supports faster RAM speeds, enhancing overall performance.
Sound
Sound quality is an often-overlooked feature but critical for an immersive gaming experience.
MSI Katana
The Katana offers decent sound through its built-in speakers, but they lack depth and bass, making external speakers or headphones a better option.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 delivers superior sound quality with more robust speakers, making in-game audio and music listening much more enjoyable.
Connectivity
MSI Katana
The Katana includes a variety of ports, such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, and an Ethernet port. However, it lacks Thunderbolt 4 support, which could be a dealbreaker for some.
Legion 5
The Legion 5 comes with a similar range of ports and often includes Thunderbolt 4, making it more future-proof and versatile for various peripherals.
Conclusion
Both the MSI Katana and the Legion 5 are excellent gaming laptops, but they cater to slightly different user needs. The MSI Katana is a more budget-friendly option, offering good performance and a sleek design. The Legion 5, on the other hand, provides superior build quality, better battery life, and higher performance in most areas, making it the better choice for those who can afford to spend a bit more.
For tech enthusiasts, gamers, and laptop buyers who are still unsure, our advice is to prioritize what features matter most to you. If you seek better cooling and durability, go for the Legion 5. If budget constraints are more pressing, the MSI Katana offers remarkable value for money.
Ready to take the plunge? Explore more detailed reviews and real user experiences to make your final decision.
| Feature | MSI Katana | Lenovo Legion 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5-12500H / i7-12700H (12th Gen) | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H / Ryzen 7 5800H or Intel Core i5-12500H / i7-12700H (12th Gen) |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB DDR4 (Upgradeable) | 8GB / 16GB / 32GB DDR4 (Upgradeable) |
| Storage | 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD | 512GB / 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD (Upgradeable) |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 / 3050 Ti / 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / 3070 |
| Display | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 144Hz IPS | 15.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz or 17.3-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) 165Hz IPS |
| Battery | 53.5 WHr, Up to 6 hours | 60 WHr or 80 WHr, Up to 8 hours |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home |
| Weight | Approx. 2.25 kg (4.96 lbs) | Approx. 2.4 kg (5.3 lbs) |
| Ports | 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB-A 2.0, HDMI 2.0, RJ-45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack | 1 x USB-C, 3 x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45 Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack |
| Cooling System | Cooler Boost 5 with dual fans and heat pipes | Legion Coldfront 4.0 with dual-channel cooling |
| Keyboard | RGB Backlit Keyboard | Legion TrueStrike RGB Backlit Keyboard |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2 | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Webcam | 720p HD Camera | 720p HD Camera |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers with Nahimic 3D Audio | Stereo Speakers with Nahimic 3D Audio |
| Build Quality | Plastic chassis | Aluminum and Plastic chassis |
| Price Range | Starts around $900 | Starts around $1,100 |
