MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Which is the better gaming laptop?

The MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming comparison (Image via Asus, MSI)
The MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming comparison (Image via Asus, MSI)

In the realm of mid-range gaming laptops, the battle between the MSI Pulse and the ASUS TUF Gaming is an interesting one. The two devices are similarly priced for the most part, but some MSI models are slightly more expensive. If you're looking to buy one of the two, you might get confused as they share a lot of specifications.

To help with your decision, this article compares the two laptops, including their specs, features, performance, and more, to determine which is better.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinions of the writer


MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Specifications

TUF Gaming laptops surpass Pulse laptops in terms of specifications (Image via Asus)
TUF Gaming laptops surpass Pulse laptops in terms of specifications (Image via Asus)

Both the MSI Pulse and ASUS TUF Gaming are very similar to each other in terms of performance, but to get a better understanding of the laptops, we must look into their specifications.

Features

MSI Pulse

ASUS TUF Gaming

Display

17.3", 15.6"

QHD, FHD

144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, 360Hz

17.3, 16”, 15.6”, 14”

2.5K, QHD+, FHD+, QHD, FHD

144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz

Processor

Intel Core i9-13900H

Intel Core i7-13620H

Intel Core i7-12700H

Intel Core i5-12450H

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

Intel Core i7-13700H

Intel Core i5-12500H

AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS

GPU

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050

Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050

Nvidia GeForce RTX 2050

RAM

8GB, 16GB, 32GB

8GB, 16GB, 32GB

ROM

512GB, 1TB

512GB, 1TB

Battery

53Whr, 90Whr

48Whr, 73Whr, 90Whr

Weight

3.22 lbs, 4.85 lbs, 5.07lbs

4.96lbs, 5.07lbs, 5.95lbs, 6.17lbs

Judging by the table above, the laptops are very much alike in terms of GPU. However, they are different when it comes to processor, display, and battery.

The display on the Asus TUF looks far better and also comes with different size variants to choose from. The MSI offering, on the other hand, has a higher refresh rate, which can give you the upper hand in fast-paced shooters.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 on the Asus is much more powerful, being a newer card, but it isn't that far off from MSI's i9-13900H. We'll see how they affect performance in the section below.


MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Performance

MSI laptops offer slightly better performance compared to the Asus ones (Image via MSI)
MSI laptops offer slightly better performance compared to the Asus ones (Image via MSI)

Both the MSI Pulse and Asus TUF are exclusively gaming laptops and are packed with the latest processors for maximum performance. However, in this comparison, there can only be one winner, and judging by the specs on paper, the Asus TUF has the better processor. However, the difference is rather minimal.

The laptops have the same GPUs and RAM, so with some tweaks in the settings, you can get fairly similar performance.

The following framerates have been recorded with the highest settings and have been sourced from GizmoSlipTech on YouTube. Do note that there might be slight ups and downs as the settings are not always exactly the same.

Games

MSI Pulse 17

ASUS TUF A17

Apex Legends

298 fps

298 fps

GTA 5

110 fps

105 fps

Cyberpunk 2077

95 fps

100 fps

Hogwarts Legacy

84 fps

83 fps

God of War

81 fps

75 fps

As you can see, the framerates above are quite similar and don't differ that much. So, the choice comes down to you as both devices are super capable when it comes to performance.


MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Battery life

MSI laptops offer greater battery life even on their budget variants (Image via MSI)
MSI laptops offer greater battery life even on their budget variants (Image via MSI)

The top-end variants of both the MSI Pulse and Asus TUF have excellent battery life. The expensive models get a 90Wh battery. The cheaper Pulse laptop gets a 53 Wh battery, while the inexpensive version of the TUF laptop has 48Wh.

Do note that both variants are priced slightly differently, with the MSI being more expensive, thus having a bigger battery. Being a $600 laptop, the TUF offers a small battery, which is justifiable.


MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Which has greater value for money?

Asus laptops have a greater value for money due to better specs (Image via Asus)
Asus laptops have a greater value for money due to better specs (Image via Asus)

If we're talking in terms of value for money, the Asus TUF is the better option, considering it has a better display and processor. These are arguably the only factors where the TUF outperforms the MSI, as the latter has a better battery and offers roughly the same performance.

Getting into the prices, both laptops are priced at $1399 (for the top-end variants). However, the most expensive TUF laptop has a 14" display, while the most expensive MSI has a 17.3" screen. That's a slight drawback, but you still get exceptional performance nevertheless.


MSI Pulse vs ASUS TUF Gaming: Final Verdict

I have mixed opinions on this MSI Pulse and Asus TUF comparison, as it's quite hard to declare the winner.

Let me put it this way; if you prefer a better display and high performance, go for the TUF Gaming laptop. On the other hand, if you prefer a bigger battery and similar performance, go for the MSI offering.


Check out similar articles by Sportskeeda:

Asus TUF Gaming vs ROG Strix: Which gaming laptop should you buy? || Lenovo LOQ vs MSI Bravo: Which is the best gaming laptop in 2024? || Lenovo LOQ vs Acer Nitro V: Which is the best gaming laptop?

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now