For high-performance tasks like 3D modeling, machine learning, or gaming, the MSI Pulse GL66 with its powerful Intel processor and Nvidia RTX graphics would be more suitable given its hardware advantage in these areas. However, it has a heavier build and shorter battery life compared to the MacBook Pro, which trades off some performance for portability and a much longer battery life. The MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is sleeker, has a higher screen resolution with better color accuracy, and operates silently, making it better for general use, travel, and creative work where accurate colors are important. It runs macOS, so consider software compatibility as well. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022)
Good overall display quality
Best in class overall build quality
Very good portability
Best in class battery life
Best in class speakers
Best in class keyboard
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.5/10
7.2/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
10.0/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Pulse GL66 is good for gaming and AI, while the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is only fair.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has limited GPU capabilities and a standard screen refresh rate which may not handle 3D applications and intensive gaming as smoothly as desired, whereas the MSI Pulse GL66 is equipped with a more powerful GPU and higher refresh rate, providing a better experience for gaming and 3D tasks. Additionally, the MacOS on the MacBook Pro is not compatible with many popular games, which gives the Windows-based MSI Pulse GL66 an edge for gaming compatibility.
Content Creation
7.9/10
7.2/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for content creation, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Content Creation Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for photo editing, video editing and other content creation tasks.
Software Development
7.8/10
7.0/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
9.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for software development, though the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) is somewhat better.
PerfectRec’s Software Development Score takes into account the many different features of the laptop that make it more or less suitable for software developers.
Screen Quality
7.6/10
6.8/10
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
497.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has a better screen than the MSI Pulse GL66 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 is likely prized for its high-resolution and bright display, which offers readability and clarity, essential for everyday tasks and detail-oriented work such as engineering and design, where accurate color reproduction is crucial. However, its screen may lack the high refresh rate desired for smooth 3D rendering and fast-paced visuals. In contrast, the MSI Pulse GL66's display may not provide the same level of fine detail or color accuracy, making it less ideal for both general use that depends on sharp text and vibrant images, and professional design work requiring a wide color gamut, but it also falls short for gaming and 3D tasks due to its lower refresh rate.
Battery
20.0 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 has 20 hours of battery life. The MSI Pulse GL66 has 4 hours of battery life.
Battery life estimate is based on a mix of common use patterns. More portable and higher performing laptops tend to have less battery life.
Portability
Very Good
Good
13.3in
SIZE
15.6in
3.0 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has very good portability, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Build Quality
10.0/10
7.4/10
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has best in class build quality, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Cost
$1,219
$1,399
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) has a price of $1,219 and the MSI Pulse GL66 costs $1,399.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for general use.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) offers a strong balance for general use with its high-resolution screen, lightweight and thin design for portability, and long battery life; however, it has a fixed amount of RAM and storage, which might be limiting for some users.
Engineering and Design
7.5/10
7.5/10
6.7/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
4.3/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Pulse GL66 and Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) are both good for engineering and design.
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) excels in engineering and design with its high-resolution screen, suitable for detailed work, powered by the efficient Apple M2 chip that smooths out multitasking and creative applications; however, it has less memory and a less powerful GPU compared to the MSI Pulse GL66, which boasts a higher RAM and a more robust Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU, enhancing it for demanding engineering simulations and graphics-intensive tasks, despite being less portable and having a lower screen quality.
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How the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) and the MSI Pulse GL66 compare to other laptops
"The MacBook Pro 13 is still a very good subnotebook. The 2022 MacBook Pro 13 might look like recycling at first, because the device is completely identical to the old model expect for the new M2 SoC. We have to admit that we were surprised to see another iteration of the MBP 13 as well. The laptop is obviously familiar, but this does not change the fact that it is still a very good subnotebook. You get an excellent chassis with good stability, a very good display, good input devices and the new M2 chip is very powerful and efficient."
"The MSI Pulse GL66 has a lot of potential for improvement. Although the RTX 3060 is only able to use 105 watts, we still liked the gaming performance, particularly since this also makes the Pulse comfortably efficient but not slow by any means. Neither the dark display with its lame response times, nor USB 2.0 or the lack of Thunderbolt will please real gamers. The use of a sticker factory seal, which is at least questionable, also won't inspire any enthusiasm. It is obvious that the laptop is really designed for price-conscious gamers."
Get a great deal on the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (2022) or the MSI Pulse GL66
About Apple
Apple, an American technology company, is one of the world’s largest company in terms of market capitalization. Their MacBook laptops feature a slim, minimalistic design, class-leading battery life, and premium display and speaker quality. In 2020 Apple switched from using Intel processors to their own silicon chips which have excellent performance and efficiency. The macOS operating system is the second most widely used OS, after Windows.
About MSI
MSI, also known as Micro-Star International, is a Taiwanese technology corporation. MSI is known for their wide range of gaming devices. Their series include the entry-level Cyborg/Thin and Sword/Katana series, the mid-range Bravo/Delta and Crosshair/Pulse series, and their high-end Vector, Raider, Stealth, and Titan GT series. At every performance level, MSI offers a variety of devices with varying balances between performance, battery life, weight, and price, making them a solid option to consider at every price point.
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec laptops team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest laptop information and makes it digestible for you.
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