In depth comparison and review of Alienware M15 R4 and MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK). Compare sizes, performance, storage capacities, batteries and other important specifications and features to easily choose the right laptop for you. Our goal is to help you uncover differences between the products and find the laptop that will best fit your needs.
Advantages and disadvantages of Alienware M15 R4 based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
vivid, fast display
customizable rgb lighting
high-quality build
advanced cooling system
heavy and bulky
short battery life
expensive
loud under load
Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
high refresh rate display
ample storage options
robust build quality
reasonable price point
heavier than competitors
average battery life
limited color accuracy
noisy under load
DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
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Dimensions (WxDxH) | 36.03 cm x 27.6 cm x 1.79 cm | 39.8 cm x 27.3 cm x 2.52 cm |
Weight | 2.5 kg | 2.6 kg |
Colour | Lunar light | - |
DISPLAY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Screen Size (Type) | 15.6" | 17.3" |
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Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
Pixel Density (ppi) | 141 | - |
V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 144 Hz | 144 Hz |
Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
Image Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | - |
Colour Gamut | - | 45% NTSC |
Features | - | IPS-level |
PROCESSOR | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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CPU | Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) 10870H / 2.2 GHz | Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) 13620H / 2.3 GHz |
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Max Turbo Speed | 5 GHz | 4.9 GHz |
Number of Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
Cache | 16 MB | L3 - 24 MB |
64-bit Computing | Yes | - |
Chipset | Intel HM470 | - |
Features | Intel Thermal Velocity Boost | Intel Smart Cache |
MEMORY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) |
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RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
Speed | 2933 MHz | - |
Rated Speed | 2933 MHz | - |
Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
Slots Qty | - | 2 |
Empty Slots | - | 0 |
STORAGE | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Main Storage Size (HDD/SSD) | 512 GB SSD M.2 PCIe 3.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) | 1 TB SSD M.2 PCIe 4.0 x4 - NVM Express (NVMe) |
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AUDIO & VIDEO | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
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Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 / Intel UHD Graphics |
Video Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | - |
Gaming | - | Yes |
Camera | Yes - HD | Yes - HD |
Resolution | 0.92 Megapixel | - |
Camera Features | 74.9 degrees, RGB camera | - |
Image Sensor Type | CMOS | - |
Video Resolutions | 1280 x 720 | - |
Frame Rate | 30 frames per second | - |
Sound | Stereo speakers, dual array microphone | Stereo speakers, microphone |
Codec | Realtek ALC3281-CG | - |
Compliant Standards | High Definition Audio | - |
Audio Features | - | Output: Nahimic 3 sound technology, Hi-Res Audio |
COMMUNICATIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
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Wireless Controller | Killer Wi-Fi 6 AX1650 | Intel Wi-Fi 6 AX 201 |
Network Interface | 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet | Ethernet |
Ethernet Controller | Killer E3100 | - |
Features | - | Dual stream (2x2) |
BATTERY | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell |
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Battery Capacity (Size) | 86 Wh | 53.5 Wh |
AC ADAPTER | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Input | AC 120/230 V (50/60 Hz) | - |
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Output | 240 Watt, 19.5 V, 12.31 A | - |
INPUT | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, touchpad |
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Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes (RGB) | Yes (RGB) |
Features | Multi-gesture touch pad | Marked WASD, 1.7mm travel distance, 4-Zone RGB backlight |
CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Interfaces | USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 (supports Thunderbolt 3, DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode) (Power Delivery) USB 3.1 Gen 1 (PowerShare) 2 x USB 3.1 Gen 1 HDMI Headphone/microphone combo jack Graphics Amplifier Port LAN Mini DisplayPort 1.4 |
2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) HDMI (8K support) Headphone/microphone combo jack LAN |
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Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC) | - |
SOFTWARE | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home | Windows 11 Home |
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Software Included | - | MSI APP Player, MSI Center |
MISCELLANEOUS | Alienware M15 R4 | MSI Katana 17 (B13VEK) |
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Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
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Security Slot Type | Noble Wedge security slot | - |
Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
Features | - | Cooler Boost 5 technology |
Compliant Standards | DisplayPort 1.4 | - |
Max Operating Temperature | 35 °C | - |
Min Operating Temperature | 0 °C | - |
Humidity Range Operating | 10 - 90% (non-condensing) | - |
Manufacturer Warranty | Limited warranty - 2 years | Limited warranty - 1 year |
Model Number | - | 015UK |