What To Know
- The MSI Katana 17 has a higher resolution display (2560 x 1440) and a slightly faster refresh rate (165Hz) than the MSI Pulse 17.
- The MSI Katana 17 features a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, providing better graphical performance than the MSI Pulse 17.
- The MSI Katana 17 has a significantly larger battery capacity (90Wh) than the MSI Pulse 17 (53Wh), resulting in longer battery life.
In the realm of gaming laptops, MSI reigns supreme with two formidable contenders: the MSI Pulse 17 and the MSI Katana 17. These laptops pack a punch with their high-performance hardware and sleek designs. But which one is the better choice for your gaming needs? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the MSI Pulse 17 and Katana 17, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 boasts a sleek and subtle design with a brushed aluminum chassis. Its minimalist aesthetic is complemented by a vibrant RGB backlit keyboard that adds a touch of flair.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 takes on a more aggressive design, inspired by Japanese samurai swords. Its angular lines and sharp edges give it a distinct and intimidating look. The keyboard features per-key RGB lighting, allowing for customizable color combinations.
Display
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 features a 17.3-inch IPS panel with a 144Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 1920 x 1080. The display offers excellent color accuracy and viewing angles, making it ideal for gaming and content creation.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 also sports a 17.3-inch IPS panel, but with a higher resolution of 2560 x 1440. The increased pixel density provides sharper images and finer details. The display supports a refresh rate of 165Hz, ensuring smooth and responsive gameplay.
Performance
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 comes equipped with the latest Intel Core i7-12700H processor, which boasts 14 cores and 20 threads. Paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card, it delivers exceptional performance for both gaming and multitasking.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 features an equally powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor. However, it offers a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, which provides a significant boost in graphical performance.
Cooling
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 utilizes MSI‘s Cooler Boost 5 technology, which employs dual fans and six heat pipes to effectively dissipate heat. This ensures stable performance even during intense gaming sessions.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 also features MSI’s Cooler Boost 5 technology, but with an upgraded design that includes two larger fans and seven heat pipes. This enhanced cooling system provides even better thermal management.
Battery Life
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 is equipped with a 53Wh battery that provides decent battery life for light tasks. However, expect shorter runtimes during gaming or other demanding activities.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 has a larger 90Wh battery, which offers significantly longer battery life. You can enjoy extended gaming sessions or work on the go without worrying about running out of power.
Connectivity
MSI Pulse 17: The Pulse 17 offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port, and an HDMI port.
MSI Katana 17: The Katana 17 provides similar connectivity options, but adds a Thunderbolt 4 port for faster data transfer speeds.
Price
MSI Pulse 17: The MSI Pulse 17 starts at around $1,499 for the base configuration.
MSI Katana 17: The MSI Katana 17 has a slightly higher starting price of around $1,699.
Which Laptop is Right for You?
The choice between the MSI Pulse 17 and Katana 17 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize affordability and a sleek design, the Pulse 17 is an excellent option. However, if you demand the highest graphical performance and extended battery life, the Katana 17 is the clear winner.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Which laptop has the better display?
A: The MSI Katana 17 has a higher resolution display (2560 x 1440) and a slightly faster refresh rate (165Hz) than the MSI Pulse 17.
Q: Which laptop is more powerful?
A: The MSI Katana 17 features a more powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, providing better graphical performance than the MSI Pulse 17.
Q: Which laptop has longer battery life?
A: The MSI Katana 17 has a significantly larger battery capacity (90Wh) than the MSI Pulse 17 (53Wh), resulting in longer battery life.
