In depth comparison and review of Alienware M17 R4 and MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK). 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 M17 R4 based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful gaming performance
high refresh rate display
customizable rgb lighting
advanced cooling system
premium build quality
heavy and bulky
short battery life
expensive price point
loud under load
Advantages and disadvantages of MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) based on its technical characteristics, features, user experience, expert reviews and price level.
powerful intel processor
high refresh rate display
robust gaming performance
affordable price point
solid build quality
average battery life
limited port selection
heavier design
dim display brightness
| DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Product Type | Notebook | Notebook |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 39.98 cm x 29.43 cm x 2.2 cm | 35.9 cm x 25.9 cm x 2.49 cm |
| Weight | 2.5 kg | 2.25 kg |
| Colour | Dark side of the moon with high endurance clear coat | - |
| DISPLAY | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Screen Size (Type) | 17.3" | 15.6" |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Pixel Density (ppi) | 127 | - |
| V-Sync Rate at Max Res. | 144 Hz | 144 Hz |
| Widescreen | Yes | Yes |
| Image Brightness | 300 cd/m² | - |
| Colour Gamut | 72% NTSC | 45% NTSC |
| Features | Anti-glare, Wide Viewing Angle, ±85° horizontal viewing angle, ±85° vertical viewing angle, 7 ms response rate, 0.1989 mm pixel pitch | IPS-level |
| PROCESSOR | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) 10870H / 2.2 GHz | Intel Core i7 (12th Gen) 12650H / 2.3 GHz |
|---|---|---|
| Max Turbo Speed | 5 GHz | 4.7 GHz |
| Number of Cores | 8-core | 10-core |
| Cache | 16 MB | L3 - 24 MB |
| Chipset | Intel HM470 | - |
| Features | Intel Thermal Velocity Boost | Intel Smart Cache |
| MEMORY | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| RAM | 16 GB (provided memory is soldered) | 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) |
|---|---|---|
| RAM Type | DDR4 SDRAM | DDR5 SDRAM |
| Speed | 2933 MHz | - |
| Rated Speed | 2933 MHz | - |
| Form Factor | - | SO-DIMM 262-pin |
| STORAGE | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| 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) |
|---|
| AUDIO & VIDEO | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Multi-GPU Configuration | - | 1 single GPU card / integrated GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics Processor (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 / Intel UHD Graphics |
| Video Memory | 6 GB GDDR6 SDRAM | - |
| Gaming | - | Yes |
| Camera | Yes - HD | Yes |
| 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 3D audio, Hi-Res Audio |
| COMMUNICATIONS | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1 | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.2 |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Dual stream (2x2) |
| BATTERY | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Technology | 6-cell Lithium Ion | 3-cell |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Capacity (Size) | 86 Wh | 53.5 Wh |
| AC ADAPTER | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Input | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Output | 240 Watt, 19.5 V, 12.31 A | - |
| INPUT | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Type | Keyboard, touchpad | Keyboard, touchpad |
|---|---|---|
| Numeric Keypad | Yes | Yes |
| Keyboard Backlight | Yes (RGB) | Yes (RGB) |
| Features | Multi-gesture touch pad, 4 RGB zones | Marked WASD, 1.7mm travel distance, 4-Zone RGB backlight |
| CONNECTIONS & EXPANSIONS | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Slots | 2 x M.2 Card (1 free) | - |
|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | HDMI Mini DisplayPort 1.4 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 Graphics Amplifier Port LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack |
USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (supports DisplayPort Alt Mode) 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 USB 2.0 LAN Headphone/microphone combo jack HDMI (8K support) |
| Memory Card Reader | Yes (microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC) | - |
| SOFTWARE | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Operating System (OS) | Windows 10 Home 64-bit Edition | Windows 11 Home |
|---|---|---|
| Software Included | Microsoft Office (30 days trial, excludes office licence) | MSI APP Player, MSI Center |
| MISCELLANEOUS | Alienware M17 R4 | MSI Katana 15 (B12VGK) |
|---|
| Included Accessories | Power adapter | Power adapter |
|---|---|---|
| Security Slot Type | Noble Wedge security slot | - |
| Theft/Intrusion Protection | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) | - |
| Features | AlienFX Lighting Zones | 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 - 1 year - pick-up and return | Limited warranty - 1 year |
| Model Number | - | 033UK |
cs
sk
de
it
es
fr
hu
pt
ru
pl
br
ro
