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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.

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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.

ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507
4 sources$1,639as of Aug 1

Notebookcheck rates the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507 solid for 1080p gaming, running an AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS processor with a GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. The panel is a 144 Hz IPS, and the configuration includes 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD storage. Notebookcheck describes an understated dark gray design with no fancy lighting and a keyboard that is comfortable to type on, though its low-contrast key labels usually need the backlight. Budget-conscious gamers targeting 1080p will get their money's worth; anyone who needs a good webcam, strong speakers or a brighter screen should look elsewhere, since Notebookcheck rates the webcam mediocre and the speakers weak.

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
  • — Low-contrast key labels - Notebookcheck says you often need the backlight to read them
  • — Notebookcheck rates the webcam mediocre and the speakers weak
$1,639 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
MSI Katana 15
Ranked #2 in Best Gaming Laptops Under $1500
MSI Katana 15
4 sources1 derived$1,459as of Aug 1

The MSI Katana 15 HX delivers solid 1080p gaming performance around $1,035–$1,134 with its Intel Core i7-14650HX processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 50-series GPU. Reviewers praised its sturdy build quality and effective cooling system for the price, though several criticized the dim, washed-out display as inadequate for creative work or media consumption.

Strengths
  • — Intel Core i7-14650HX processor delivers strong gaming performance
  • — 15.6-inch Full HD display with good color reproduction
  • — Solid build quality with a premium feel
Watch-outs
  • — At approximately 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg), it's on the heavier side for a laptop in this category
  • — Limited port selection on the left side
$1,459 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

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 HX offers solid performance with an Intel Core i7-14650HX processor and good cooling for its price tier, but its heavy weight (5.3 lbs) and limited port selection 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

SpecASUS TUF Gaming A15 FA507MSI Katana 15
ProcessorAMD Ryzen 7 7735HSIntel Core i7-14650HX
Display Size15.6 inch 144 Hz IPS15.6-inch Full HD
Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080 or 2560 x 1440
Refresh Rate144 Hz144 Hz or 165 Hz
GPUNVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPUDedicated GPU
RAM16 GB DDR5-4800Up to 64GB DDR5
Storage512 GB NVMe SSDUp to 4000GB SSD
Weight4.75 lb~5.3 lb
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