MSI MAG 271QPX - Review
The MSI MAG 271QPX is an incredibly impressive monitor. it may seem expensive for a gaming monitor, but it is actually quite affordable for an OLED or QD-OLED gaming monitor. What sets this monitor apart is not only its use of this advanced technology, but also its incorporation of a recent 1440p/360Hz QD-OLED panel, similar to the one found in the Alienware AW2725DF. Surprisingly, it is even cheaper than the AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD, which I tested last year and runs 33% slower while also having subpixel issues that the MSI MAG 271QPX manages to avoid. With its exceptional performance, great value, and the inclusion of a cutting-edge panel, the MSI MAG 271QPX is undoubtedly one of the best gaming monitors available in terms of value. Let's see if it lives up to its promising reputation.
MSI MAG 271QPX – Photos
MSI MAG 271QPX – Design and Features
Despite the visual appeal it promises, the MSI MAG 271QPX is a rather subtle monitor. The front looks similar to other MSI monitors, featuring a flat 27-inch panel, minimal bezels, and a small chin with the MSI logo. The back has a plastic housing for most of the hardware, with a design reminiscent of a sports car, yet not overly flashy, lacking any RGB lighting. The only hint of extravagance is the thin QD-OLED panel extending slightly beyond the plastic housing. When considering the construction, it is important to mention that, in the case of the MSI MAG271QPX QD-OLED, it is crucial to remove all the plastic wrap that is attached to the chassis. Specifically, on the back, the wrap conceals certain vents. Neglecting to remove it may lead to the monitor overheating.
The MSI MAG 271QPX is equipped with three buttons located directly beneath the centerline of the monitor, discreetly positioned behind the MSI logo. These buttons serve different functions: one for power, another (referred to as the “G Key”) acts as a shortcut to four settings (Refresh rate, info, Night Vision, or Optix Scope), and the third button is a joystick that simplifies menu navigation and offers four additional shortcuts to different settings. Some users may appreciate features such as Optix Scope (which magnifies a window at the screen's center) or Night Vision (which enhances the brightness of dark elements for better visibility, albeit at the cost of reduced contrast).
The MSI MAG 271QPX offers a range of connectivity options, although there is room for improvement. The display connections are impressive, featuring one DisplayPort 1.4 port and two HDMI 2.1 ports, all capable of delivering a full 1440p/360Hz signal to the monitor. Additionally, there is a USB-C port that can provide the same functionality while supplying 15W of power to a connected device. Unfortunately, the absence of USB-A ports means that this monitor cannot act as a hub for peripherals.
Naturally, it is not unexpected that MSI has chosen to exclude certain features from the MAG 271QPX the 360Hz QD-OLED panel some compromises had to be made.
MSI MAG 271QPX – Testing
The MSI MAG 271QPX is an impressive monitor that offers excellent color accuracy. It provides full coverage of the sRGB color space, as well as high percentages of AdobeRGB and DCI-P3. Despite its peak brightness of 161 nits, the monitor still delivers deep black levels, resulting in vibrant visuals. Moreover, the 6500K color temperature is more gentle on the eyes compared to cooler monitors. Increasing the brightness to 100% has minimal impact on color accuracy, only slightly reducing AdobeRGB coverage by 1%, while boosting brightness to 248.9 nits. Notably, the MSI MAG 271QPX does not exhibit any signs of Auto Brightness Limiting technology during desktop usage with these settings.
Furthermore, the stock color accuracy is truly remarkable. The monitor has managed to achieve an outstanding average dE of merely 1.22, with no color surpassing a dE of 3. This makes it an extremely dependable monitor for tasks that require precise color representation. Moreover, this performance is further enhanced when the display is set to maximum brightness, albeit only marginally.
The display achieved a brightness of 457 nits for a 10% window and 268 nits for a 100% window when HDR was enabled. It is worth noting that these measurements were taken in the DisplayHDR True Black 400 mode, which is one of the two HDR modes available on the display. In contrast, enabling the Peak 1000 mode did not have any impact on the brightness levels for 10% and 100% windows. However, it did allow a 1% window to reach a brightness of 873 nits and a 4% window to reach 828 nits. It is important to mention that the DisplayHDR True Black 400 mode prevented small highlights from reaching such high levels.
MSI MAG 271QPX – Gaming and Performance
Certainly, throughout the entire experience, the MSI MAG 271QPX consistently delivers exceptional gaming performance in addition to its impressive visual capabilities. When immersing oneself in Helldivers 2, the intense red Automaton eyes and radiant yellow Terminid sacks truly stand out, showcasing the monitor's remarkable display. This effect is particularly enhanced when playing on a night map, as the MSI MAG 271QPX's deep black levels truly come to life, further enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The exceptional visual quality of the MSI MAG 271QPX extends beyond gaming. By connecting the monitor to a streaming stick and utilizing a pair of desktop speakers for audio output, it becomes an outstanding display for movies and TV shows. With its support for HDR, it delivers an impressive performance for cinematic content. In the game Dune 2, the Fremen's striking blue eyes stand out amidst the sandy world's yellows and tans. The sand appears crisp and shimmers with a satisfying HDR effect. Furthermore, when Dune 2 ventures into the black and white Harkonnen homeworld, the QD-OLED panel truly showcases its depth.
MSI incorporates a few functionalities to maintain the health of the QD-OLED panel, such as a subtle yet noticeable pixel shifting. However, this can result in slightly uneven side bezels, which might be distracting for certain users. A more concerning aspect is that after extended usage, a large suggestion window will appear in the center of the screen, prompting you to perform a panel refresh that takes several minutes. This can be inconvenient if you are in the midst of a game, movie, or conference call. Additionally, if you accidentally select "Yes," your monitor will temporarily go dark. Although this feature can be disabled, it is important to remember to manually initiate the tool periodically. Despite these considerations, the display remains visually impressive and offers exceptional speed, making it an outstanding choice for gaming. However, it is crucial for users to be aware that OLED and QD-OLED displays require some maintenance.
