Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H vs MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
The Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is the premium choice, while the MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop targets budget-conscious gamers. In real-world use, the Dell's 120Hz IPS display offers a smoother experience compared to the Katana's 144Hz FHD, which is great for gaming but lacks clarity with only 250 nits of brightness. What matters most here is the performance trade-off. If you need a lightweight laptop for photography or office work, the Dell's 13.4" size and sleek design (weighing just 41.27 oz) make it an obvious choice over the heavier gaming-focused MSI, which tips the scale at 79.37 oz.
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H vs MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
| Criterion | Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H | MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(63)Best Buy | ★4.6(38)Best Buy |
Processor | Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake, 16 cores, up to 4.8 GHz) | Intel Core i7-13620H (Raptor Lake, 10 cores, up to 4.9 GHz) |
Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (Integrated) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU (8GB GDDR6, 105W TGP) |
AI Engine | Intel AI Boost (Dedicated NPU) | No (Not supported) |
Cooling | Air (Dual fans with heat pipes) | Cooler Boost 5 (2 fans, 6 heat pipes, shared-pipe design) |
RAM | 16 GB, 32 GB, or 64 GB LPDDR5x (7467 MT/s) | 16 GB DDR5-5200 MHz (2x 8GB SO-DIMM) |
RAM Upgrade | No (Soldered) | Yes (2x SO-DIMM slots, up to 64 GB) |
Storage | 512 GB, 1 TB, or 2 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD | 1 TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD |
Storage Upgrade | Yes (1x M.2 2230/2280 slot; user-replaceable) | Yes (2x M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 slots) |
Display Size | 13.4" | 15.6" |
Resolution | Options: 1920x1200 (FHD+), 2560x1600 (QHD+), or 2880x1800 (3K+) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:10 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | Options: IPS (FHD+/QHD+) or OLED (3K+ Touch) | IPS-Level (Anti-glare) |
Refresh Rate | 120 Hz (FHD+/QHD+ IPS) / 60 Hz (3K+ OLED) | 144 Hz |
Brightness | 500 nits (IPS) / 400 nits (OLED) | 250 nits (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 100% sRGB (FHD+) / 100% DCI-P3 (QHD+/OLED) | 45% NTSC (approx. 60% sRGB) |
Keyboard Layout | US English (Zero-lattice) with Capacitive Touch Function Row | US English (ANSI) with NumPad |
Keyboard Backlight | Yes | Yes (4-Zone RGB) |
Biometrics | Fingerprint reader (Power button) + IR Face Recognition | No (Not supported) |
Webcam | 1080p FHD RGB+IR camera | 720p HD webcam (30fps) |
USB Ports | 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) (Data, Power Delivery, DisplayPort 2.1) | 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 (DisplayPort, Data only); 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1; 1x USB-A 2.0 |
Video Ports | DisplayPort 2.1 via Thunderbolt 4 | 1x HDMI 2.1 (Supports 8K@60Hz / 4K@120Hz) |
Audio Ports | No (Requires USB-C to 3.5mm adapter) | 1x 3.5mm Headphone/Mic combo jack |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 7 (Intel Killer BE1750); Bluetooth 5.4 | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax 2x2); Bluetooth 5.2; Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) |
Battery | 55 Wh (Integrated) | 53.5 Wh (3-cell Li-Polymer) |
Charger | 60 W USB-C AC adapter | 200 W Barrel-pin adapter |
Weight | 1,170 g (2.6 lbs) [OLED] / 1,190 g (2.62 lbs) [IPS] | 2,250 g (4.96 lbs) |
Build Material | CNC-machined Aluminum + Gorilla Glass 3 (Victus on OLED) | Plastic chassis |
Operating System | Windows 11 Home or Pro | Windows 11 Home |
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Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
✓ Pros:
- • Ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest
- • IPS panel options (FHD+/QHD+) finally support smooth 120Hz refresh rates
- • Exceptional build quality with CNC aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus/3
- • Wi-Fi 7 ready for future-proof wireless connectivity
- • Compact and lightweight (approx 2.6 lbs) for high portability
✗ Cons:
- • 3K OLED option is locked to 60Hz, unlike the 120Hz IPS panels
- • No physical function keys; uses capacitive touch row which lacks tactile feedback
- • Headphone jack (3.5mm) has been removed; requires a dongle
- • Limited I/O with only two USB-C/Thunderbolt 4 ports
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MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent gaming performance-per-dollar with RTX 4060 and i7-13620H
- • Dual M.2 SSD slots allow for easy and cheap storage expansion
- • Effective Cooler Boost 5 cooling system keeps temperatures managed
- • Full-sized keyboard with 4-zone RGB lighting and number pad
- • Includes HDMI 2.1 for high-refresh external 4K monitors
✗ Cons:
- • Display is the weak point: dim (250 nits) and washed out (45% NTSC colors)
- • Battery life is short (approx. 4 hours) due to small 53.5Wh capacity
- • USB-C port does NOT support Power Delivery (charging)
- • All-plastic build quality feels budget-oriented compared to premium rivals
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Which one is better?
The Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H is the better buy for most people - its stunning 120Hz display crushes the MSI Katana 15's dim screen.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H if: you need a lightweight, stylish laptop for productivity, you want an ultra-modern design, or you appreciate high-resolution displays. (13.4" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Choose the MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop if: you need a powerful gaming laptop on a budget, you want easy storage upgrades, or you prefer a full-sized keyboard for gaming. (15.6" display, 144 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Dell XPS 13 (9340, 2024) — Intel Core Ultra 7 155H excels if you value ultra-modern, minimalist design with zero-lattice keyboard and seamless glass palm rest. MSI Katana 15 Gaming Laptop is better if you prioritize excellent gaming performance-per-dollar with rtx 4060 and i7-13620h. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
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Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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