What To Know
- The Legion 5, on the other hand, offers a wider 16-inch IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate and the same resolution.
- The MSI Pulse utilizes a dual-fan cooling system with three heat pipes, while the Legion 5 employs a more advanced Legion Coldfront 3.
- However, the Legion 5’s more premium build quality, advanced cooling system, and additional features make it a compelling choice for those willing to spend a bit more.
In the realm of gaming laptops, two formidable contenders emerge: the MSI Pulse and the Lenovo Legion 5. Both devices boast impressive hardware and sleek designs, making them ideal choices for gamers seeking a balance of performance and portability. However, understanding their key differences is crucial before making an informed decision. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of the MSI Pulse vs Legion 5 matchup, exploring their specifications, features, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
The MSI Pulse and Legion 5 share a similar aesthetic, with angular lines and aggressive accents. However, the Legion 5 is slightly more compact and lightweight, weighing around 5.4 pounds compared to the Pulse’s 5.8 pounds. Both laptops feature durable plastic construction, with the Legion 5 offering a more premium feel thanks to its aluminum lid.
Display
The display is a vital aspect for any gaming laptop. The MSI Pulse boasts a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1920 x 1080. This combination ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, as well as vibrant and accurate colors. The Legion 5, on the other hand, offers a wider 16-inch IPS display with a 165Hz refresh rate and the same resolution. While the Legion 5’s display is larger and has a slightly higher refresh rate, the difference is marginal for most users.
Performance
Under the hood, the MSI Pulse and Legion 5 come equipped with powerful hardware. The Pulse features an Intel Core i7-11800H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. The Legion 5, on the other hand, boasts an AMD Ryzen 7 5800H processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, and 16GB of DDR4 RAM.
In terms of raw performance, the Intel Core i7-11800H and AMD Ryzen 7 5800H are closely matched, offering excellent performance for gaming and other demanding tasks. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card is also a capable performer, handling modern games at high settings with ease.
Battery Life
Battery life is often a compromise for gaming laptops. The MSI Pulse and Legion 5 are no exception, with both devices offering average battery life. The Pulse can last for around 5-6 hours of light use, while the Legion 5 can stretch to 6-7 hours. However, these estimates can vary significantly depending on the workload and display settings.
Cooling
Effective cooling is essential for gaming laptops to maintain optimal performance under heavy loads. The MSI Pulse utilizes a dual-fan cooling system with three heat pipes, while the Legion 5 employs a more advanced Legion Coldfront 3.0 cooling system with two fans and four heat pipes.
In practice, the Legion 5’s cooling system is slightly more efficient, resulting in lower temperatures and quieter operation under load. However, the MSI Pulse’s cooling system is still capable of handling demanding tasks without excessive heat buildup.
Features and Connectivity
Both the MSI Pulse and Legion 5 come with a comprehensive set of features and connectivity options. They both offer a backlit keyboard with customizable RGB lighting, a webcam, and a variety of ports including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet.
However, the Legion 5 has a slight edge in terms of features. It includes a built-in fingerprint scanner for added security, as well as a dedicated Dolby Atmos sound system for enhanced audio quality.
Price and Value
The MSI Pulse and Legion 5 are priced similarly, with both devices starting at around $1,000 for the base configurations. The Pulse offers a slightly better value proposition due to its higher refresh rate display. However, the Legion 5’s more premium build quality, advanced cooling system, and additional features make it a compelling choice for those willing to spend a bit more.
Verdict: MSI Pulse vs Legion 5
Choosing between the MSI Pulse and Legion 5 ultimately comes down to individual preferences and budget. For gamers who prioritize a high refresh rate display and value for money, the MSI Pulse is an excellent choice. For those who seek a more premium experience with superior cooling and features, the Legion 5 is the better option.
Beyond the Comparison: Additional Considerations
Portability
Both the MSI Pulse and Legion 5 are relatively portable gaming laptops, but the Legion 5 has a slight advantage due to its smaller size and lighter weight. If portability is a priority, the Legion 5 is the better choice.
Upgradability
Upgradability is an important factor to consider for future-proofing a gaming laptop. Both the MSI Pulse and Legion 5 offer decent upgradability options. They both allow users to upgrade the RAM and storage, but the Legion 5 has the advantage of being able to upgrade the graphics card as well.
Software
The MSI Pulse and Legion 5 come with pre-installed software suites from their respective manufacturers. The MSI Pulse includes MSI Center, which offers a range of customization and performance monitoring options. The Legion 5 features Lenovo Vantage, which provides similar functionality as well as access to exclusive Legion-branded features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which laptop has a better display, the MSI Pulse or Legion 5?
A: The Legion 5 has a larger display with a slightly higher refresh rate, but the difference is marginal for most users.
Q: Which laptop has better cooling, the MSI Pulse or Legion 5?
A: The Legion 5’s cooling system is slightly more efficient, resulting in lower temperatures and quieter operation under load.
Q: Which laptop is more portable, the MSI Pulse or Legion 5?
A: The Legion 5 is more portable due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
Q: Which laptop offers better value for money, the MSI Pulse or Legion 5?
A: The MSI Pulse offers slightly better value for money due to its higher refresh rate display.
Q: Which laptop is better for gaming, the MSI Pulse or Legion 5?
A: Both laptops are capable of handling modern games at high settings, but the Legion 5 has a slight edge due to its more efficient cooling system.
