Head-to-head · Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507 vs MSI Katana 15

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.3 vs 3.9). The gap is mostly about budget-conscious gamers seeking 1080p performance — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507

4.3

$1,199

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507 delivers solid 1080p gaming performance powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, according to Notebookcheck. It features a 144 Hz IPS panel and includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. Reviewers noted the laptop's understated design with matte black finish and lack of RGB lighting, though the keyboard feels mushy and the hinge wobbles. This model is best suited for budget-conscious gamers seeking 1080p performance, but those wanting premium build quality or better keyboard feel should consider alternatives.

Strengths

— Good gaming performance in 1080p with AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor and GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
— 144 Hz IPS display provides smooth visuals for gaming
— Matte black finish with reinforced build quality

Watch-outs

— Keyboard has mushy key feel and inconsistent WASD lighting
— Hinge wobbles and lid shows some flex under pressure

$1,199 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #3 in Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500

MSI Katana 15

3.9

$1,421.69as of May 29

The MSI Katana 15 delivers solid performance for its price range, thanks to its AMD Ryzen processor and dedicated graphics. Reviewers noted its sturdy build and effective cooling, though some found the weight a bit cumbersome. It's well-suited for content creators and gamers seeking a reliable laptop, but those needing extensive portability might look elsewhere.

Strengths

— Powered by AMD Ryzen 5000 series processor for strong performance
— 15.6-inch Full HD display with good color reproduction
— Solid build quality with a premium feel

Watch-outs

— Slightly heavy at around 4.5 pounds
— Limited port selection on the left side

$1,421.69 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507

The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507 provides solid 1080p gaming performance with an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and RTX 4050, but its mushy keyboard and wobbly hinge make it less appealing than the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9, which offers better build quality and cooling. Compared to the ASUS ROG Strix G16, it lacks the high-refresh display and robust upgrade access, though it does offer a more budget-friendly option.

MSI Katana 15

The MSI Katana 15 offers solid performance with an AMD Ryzen processor and good cooling, but its weight and limited ports make it less appealing than the Lenovo Legion 5i Gen 9, which provides better portability and build quality. Unlike the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507, it lacks the 144 Hz display and keyboard issues, though it does offer a more premium feel.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507	MSI Katana 15
Processor	AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS	AMD Ryzen 5000 series
Display Size	15.6 inch 144 Hz IPS	15.6-inch Full HD
Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate	144 Hz	144 Hz or 165 Hz
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU	Dedicated GPU
RAM	16 GB DDR5-4800	Up to 96GB DDR5
Storage	512 GB NVMe SSD	Up to 4000GB SSD
Weight	2.154 kg	4.5 lbs

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