The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is often less expensive, more portable, and has a better battery life, making it suitable for general use and frequent travelers who prioritize ease of carrying and longer usage on a single charge. Its 3:2 screen aspect ratio and high-resolution display offers more vertical space, ideal for reading and productivity tasks. In contrast, the MSI Pulse GL66, while somewhat more expensive, provides a significant performance boost with a stronger processor and dedicated graphics card, which makes it better for 3D rendering, machine learning, intensive engineering applications, and gaming. However, it is heavier, making it less portable, and has shorter battery life, which could limit mobility. The MSI Pulse GL66 also has a high-refresh-rate display beneficial for gaming and fast motion, a larger screen, and a full RGB backlit keyboard which may be appealing for gamers or those doing graphics work. 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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023)
Good overall display quality
Very good portability
Good battery life
Advantages of the MSI Pulse GL66
Good for gaming and AI
Key differences
Gaming and AI
6.3/10
7.2/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
No
SUPPORTS DLSS
Yes
No
MUX SWITCH / ADVANCED OPTIMUS
No
7.5/10
FAN NOISE SCORE
6.5/10
The MSI Pulse GL66 is good for gaming and AI, while the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) is only fair.
PerfectRec’s Gaming and AI Score strongly emphasizes graphics processing capability, while also taking into account other factors that impact suitability for gaming and AI work.
Software Development
7.6/10
7.0/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.5/10
KEYBOARD QUALITY SCORE
8.0/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for software development, though the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) 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
7.4/10
6.8/10
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
472.0 nits
BRIGHTNESS
245.0 nits
The Framework Laptop 13 has a better screen than the MSI Pulse GL66 for general use, engineering and design, software development, and content creation.
When considering screen quality for general use, the Framework Laptop's panel type, higher resolution, and brightness deliver a crisp and vibrant display that's comfortable for everyday tasks and media consumption. For engineering and design, this laptop's wider color gamut coverage ensures better color accuracy which is crucial for detail-oriented work. Whereas, for gaming and 3D tasks that require fast-paced visuals, the MSI Pulse GL66, despite fair screen quality, lacks the high refresh rate needed for smooth motion rendering which is key for these activities.
Battery
7.5 Hours
4.0 Hours
The Framework Laptop 13 has 7.5 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
Very Good
Good
13.5in
SIZE
15.6in
2.9 lbs
WEIGHT
4.6 lbs
0.6in
THICKNESS
0.9in
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has very good portability, while the MSI Pulse GL66 has good portability.
The most portable laptops are small, thin, and light.
Cost
$1,079
$1,399
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) has a price of $1,079 and the MSI Pulse GL66 costs $1,399.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for general use.
The Framework Laptop 13 excels in portability and battery life, making it ideal for users who prioritize mobility and long usage times without charging, while its high-quality screen and sufficient RAM handle everyday tasks with ease. The MSI Pulse GL66, on the other hand, offers robust CPU performance and ample RAM which is better suited for demanding applications, but is less portable and has shorter battery life, aligning it with users who need more power and are less concerned with traveling light.
Engineering and Design
7.3/10
7.5/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
3.7/10
OVERALL GPU SCORE
7.1/10
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
The MSI Pulse GL66 and Framework Laptop 13 (2023) are both good for engineering and design.
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) with its efficient Intel i5 processor and integrated Iris Xe graphics is suited for engineering and design tasks that require good screen quality and portability, but may not handle intensive 3D graphics as well as the MSI Pulse GL66, which boasts a more powerful Intel i7 processor and dedicated Nvidia RTX 3070 graphics card suitable for demanding engineering applications and design work that require high graphics performance.
Content Creation
7.5/10
7.2/10
7.8/10
OVERALL CPU SCORE
7.4/10
2256 x 1504
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
8.0 GB
RAM
16.0 GB
IPS
DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY
IPS
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Pulse GL66 are both good for content creation.
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.
Build Quality
7.8/10
7.4/10
The Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and MSI Pulse GL66 both have good build quality.
PerfectRec’s Build Quality Score incorporates case materials, display and keyboard flex, hinge quality, and overall reliability.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Framework Laptop 13 (2023) and the MSI Pulse GL66 compare to other laptops
"If you’re thinking of investing in your first Framework, now is the time. The kinks and rough edges have all been smoothed out and this is a very nice machine with a bright, upgradable future. The only reason I can think of to wait is the AMD model, which I’ll be sure to test as soon as I can get my hands on one."
"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 Framework Laptop 13 (2023) or the MSI Pulse GL66
About Framework
Framework is a new American laptop manufacturer, specializing in modular and repairable laptops with the goals of promoting longevity and reducing electronic waste. They are a strong proponent of the right to repair movement. Framework laptops have replaceable RAM, storage, ports, keyboards, display bezels, mainboards, and more, making them a great choice for repairability-oriented individuals.
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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