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Updated January 10, 2024·
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers superior performance for intensive engineering tasks, machine learning, and gaming due to its higher-end processor and graphics card. However, it's slightly larger and may be less portable than the MSI Pulse GL66. The ASUS also boasts a larger, higher-resolution screen with a greater color range, which is particularly beneficial for creative work that requires accurate color reproduction. On the other hand, the MSI laptop has a reputation for good heat management and fan noise levels, making it a solid choice for everyday use and gaming where noise could be a concern at a similar price level. If longer battery life and portability are important, the MSI could suit everyday general use while still offering decent gaming capabilities. Both laptops have a similar weight, but the ASUS has a more powerful battery, although this does not necessarily translate into longer battery life due to its more powerful components. 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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16
- Very good for engineering and design
- Very good for gaming and AI
- Very good for content creation
- Excellent overall display quality
- Very good overall build quality
- Best in class speakers
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
- Very good keyboard
Key differences
General Use
7.9
7.3
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
627.0 nits
DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
4.5 Hours
BATTERY LIFE
4.0 Hours
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
7.3/10
PORTABILITY SCORE
7.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for general use, though the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is somewhat better.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 offers strong performance suitable for a broad range of tasks due to its higher-tier CPU and better screen quality in terms of resolution and color coverage, making it a solid choice for both work and entertainment, yet its portability is impacted by a larger screen and modest battery life. On the other hand, the MSI Pulse GL66, while more compact and with a slightly longer battery life, doesn't match the ASUS's performance and screen offering, but it's a viable option for general use where extreme color accuracy or the highest resolution is not a priority.
Gaming and AI
8.5
7.2
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Yes
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
Yes
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
6.2/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for gaming and AI, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 excels in gaming and 3D performance due to its superior Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU and a higher screen refresh rate of 240, which provides smoother visuals than the MSI Pulse GL66, which features the Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU and a refresh rate of 144, offering good performance but not as high-end. While both laptops have quality IPS screens, the higher-resolution screen of the ASUS will deliver better image quality, complementing its greater gaming capabilities.
Engineering and Design
8.8
7.5
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.9/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for engineering and design, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is superior for engineering and design due to its more powerful CPU (Intel i9 vs. Intel i7), higher resolution and color accurate screen, paired with a better GPU (RTX 4070 vs. RTX 3070), ensuring smoother and more detailed visual work. While both have good portability and keyboard quality, the MSI Pulse GL66 is not as recent, has a lower screen resolution and substantially lesser color range which can affect the precision of design work.
Content Creation
8.2
7.2
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is very good for content creation, while the MSI Pulse GL66 is good.
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
7.7
7.0
9.5/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
16.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
6.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for software development, though the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 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
9.0
6.8
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
2560 x 1600
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
627.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a better screen than the MSI Pulse GL66 for general use, gaming and AI, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
For general use, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16's higher resolution, superior panel type, and greater brightness make it an excellent choice for clarity and visual comfort. For engineering and design tasks where color accuracy is key, the M16's wider color gamuts ensure detailed and true-to-life color representation, giving it an edge over the MSI Pulse GL66. However, for gaming and 3D purposes, the lower refresh rate of the M16's display could hinder the smoothness of fast-moving visuals compared to other laptops designed specifically for these tasks.
Build Quality
8.5
7.4
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has very good 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
$1,842
$1,130
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has a price of $1,842 and the MSI Pulse GL66 costs $1,130.
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Key similarities
Battery
4.5 Hours
4.0 Hours
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 has 4.5 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
Good
Good
16.0in
SIZE
15.6in
4.6 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.8in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and MSI Pulse GL66 both have good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
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How the ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 and the MSI Pulse GL66 compare to other laptops
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 | MSI Pulse GL66 |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,842 | $1,130 | ||
Release Date | |||
Release Date | March 1, 2023 | March 1, 2021 | |
Overall Dimensions | |||
Overall Dimensions | 14'' x 9.7'' x 0.83'' | 14.1'' x 10.2'' x 0.94'' | |
Weight | |||
Weight | 4.63 lbs | 4.63 lbs | |
Width | |||
Width | 13.98" | 14.13" | |
Depth | |||
Depth | 9.69" | 10.2" | |
INTERNAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | |||
Processor | Intel i9-13900H | Intel i7-11800H | |
RAM | |||
RAM | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
DDR Memory Version | |||
DDR Memory Version | 5 | 4 | |
RAM Slots | |||
RAM Slots | 2 | 2 | |
Storage | |||
Storage | 1024 GB | 512 GB | |
BATTERY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life | |||
Battery Life | 4.5 Hours | 4 Hours | |
Battery Capacity | |||
Battery Capacity | 90 Wh | 53 Wh | |
SCREEN | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Diagonal Size | |||
Diagonal Size | 16" | 15.6" | |
Display Technology | |||
Display Technology | IPS | IPS | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1600 | 1920 x 1080 | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 240Hz | 144Hz | |
Display Brightness | |||
Display Brightness | 627 nits | 245 nits | |
RELIABILITY, APPEARANCE & ACOUSTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Build Quality Score | |||
Build Quality Score | 8.5/10 | 7.4/10 | |
Portability Score | |||
Portability Score | 7.3/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Gaming Laptop Appearance | |||
Gaming Laptop Appearance | Yes | Yes | |
Premium Business Laptop | |||
Premium Business Laptop | No | No | |
Fan Noise Score | |||
Fan Noise Score | 6.3/10 | 6.5/10 | |
HARDWARE FEATURES | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Keyboard Quality Score | |||
Keyboard Quality Score | 6.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Speaker Quality Score | |||
Speaker Quality Score | 9.5/10 | 8/10 | |
Webcam | |||
Webcam | 1080p | 720p | |
Fingerprint Reader | |||
Fingerprint Reader | No | No | |
Backlit Keyboard | |||
Backlit Keyboard | Yes | Yes | |
Number Pad | |||
Number Pad | No | Yes | |
CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
USB Type-A | |||
USB Type-A | 2 | 3 | |
USB-C ports | |||
USB-C ports | 2 | 1 | |
USB-C Charging | |||
USB-C Charging | Yes | No | |
Display Outputs | |||
Display Outputs | 3 | 1 | |
Thunderbolt Version | |||
Thunderbolt Version | 4 | N/A | |
Shopping
ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16
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NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | March 2023
"The ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 is not yet as optimised as its predecessor. Compared to the previous gen, performance and efficiency have improved significantly. What's more, the wonderful, Mini-LED Nebula display is a contender for the main highlight and almost manages to put the CPU and GPU in the shade. We already found its predecessor to be a well-rounded and well-optimised gaming machine. Generally, but not unequivocally, that also applies to the new Asus M16. Similar to most of the current, new laptops, we are dealing with a double generational leap in terms of the CPU and GPU. However, this change doesn't always run smoothly."
MSI Pulse GL66
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Dig into reviews and images
NotebookCheck
Christian Hintze | April 2022
"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 ASUS ROG Zephyrus M16 or the MSI Pulse GL66
About ASUS
ASUS, a Taiwanese electronics brand, is one of the largest personal computer vendor by market share. The majority of their laptops are targeted towards personal use or gaming. Their most popular product lines include the budget-friendly VivoBook, more premium ZenBook, and their TUF and ROG gaming laptops, the latter of which has a reputation for excellent gaming performance.
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.
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