MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED Review

PROS

• Low price for an OLED monitor
• Excellent color range and accuracy
• Great gaming performance
• Virtual KVM built in

CONS

• Higher-than-normal sRGB coverage can over-saturate colors
• No Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync certification

MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED SPECS

The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is a 27-inch 2K display that complements the larger MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED. Despite its smaller size, the 271QRX stands out with its impressive 360Hz refresh rate, catering to gamers who prioritize both performance and visual quality. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, this MSI monitor offers a more affordable choice among OLED displays.

Design: Do Not Tamper with a Successful Formula.

The 27-inch MSI monitor closely resembles its 32-inch counterpart in terms of design elements, such as a slim screen, a hexagonal stand, and a touch of RGB lighting on the back that can be customized using MSI’s Mystic Light software. The OLED screen is elegantly framed by super-thin black bezels, while the stand offers sturdy support without any instability, along with a wide range of tilt, swivel, and height adjustment options.

The 27-inch MSI display mirrors many design aspects of its 32-inch variant, featuring a sleek screen, a hexagonal stand, and a hint of RGB lighting on the back that can be managed through MSI’s Mystic Light software. The OLED screen is nicely bordered by ultra-thin black bezels, and the stand offers solid support without any shaking, along with various tilt, swivel, and height adjustment capabilities.

The dimensions of the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED are 16.6 by 24 by 9.5 inches (HWD), making it comparable in size to the Alienware AW2725DF 360Hz QD-OLED. However, it weighs 18.3 pounds with the stand, which is significantly heavier than the Alienware and more in line with the non-OLED LG 27 UltraGear Gaming Monitor (27GR83Q).

Upon turning the monitor, you will notice a fanless ventilation system that resembles the 321URX’s, equipped with a graphene film and a custom heatsink for effective heat dissipation. This design results in a slightly larger back side, but it is not overly bulky. As for the ports, there are two USB-A connectors, one USB-B, and one USB-C, along with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The USB-C port is capable of delivering up to 90 watts of power to connected devices. Similar to its 32-inch counterpart, the monitor features a built-in virtual KVM feature for connecting to multiple PCs simultaneously.

The OLED screen on the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED outshines all other features. While the resolution is slightly reduced to 2,560 by 1,440 pixels, the OLED technology’s superiority is undeniable. While standard IPS monitors are functional, they cannot compete with OLED’s extensive color range and exceptional contrast. Even without formal testing, an OLED panel never fails to impress, even to an untrained observer.

The 271QRX, like its 32-inch counterpart, also supports variable refresh rates (VRR) but does not have certification for Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync. Instead, it is VESA ClearMR 13000 certified. This certification is not as common, but its advantages are noticeable in real-time. According to VESA, each ClearMR tier represents a range of blur performance based on the ratio of clear versus blurry pixels. ClearMR 13000 is defined as showing 125 to 135 times more clear pixels than blurry pixels. In summary, this means that you should be able to enjoy high-quality video in games without any blur.

Additional components that complete the bundle consist of DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification and MSI’s AI Vision mode. It is evident that AI technology is becoming increasingly prevalent in various tech-related products, including gaming monitors. In contrast to the Samsung OLED G8, which utilizes AI for improving streamed content, MSI’s AI Vision mode is designed to enhance overall brightness and color saturation without engaging in AI upscaling.

The MSI prioritizes delivering top-notch performance. For gamers who prioritize frame rates over resolution, the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is the ideal choice with its impressive 360Hz refresh rate and lightning-fast 0.03ms response time. While it appears promising on paper, its performance under formal testing remains to be seen.

Evaluating the MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED: More Than Just an Attractive Display.

Throughout this year, several impressive 27-inch OLED monitors have caught our attention, such as the Alienware AW2725DF and the Asus ROG Strix XG27AQDMG. In order to evaluate the performance of the MSI monitor, we conducted tests on its color gamut, brightness, color accuracy, and contrast ratio using Calman monitor calibration software, a Murideo Six-G signal generator, and a Klein K-10A colorimeter. Additionally, we subjected the monitor to a series of gaming sessions to assess input lag and overall real-world performance.

We initially conducted a test on the monitor using its default picture mode with an SDR signal. In this scenario, it achieved an average brightness of 239 nits (candelas per square meter). This is comparable to the MSI MPG 321URX (235 nits), but falls short of the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 OLED (307 nits). While lower brightness figures may cause concern, there is no need to worry. In contrast to IPS, OLED screens are able to uphold contrast at lower brightness levels, ensuring that the picture remains vivid even in low-light environments.

Upon transitioning to HDR mode, we observed a brightness of 456 nits when using the Standard preset profile. These findings align closely with the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification of the monitor. Additionally, we recorded a peak brightness of 1,040 nits with a 2% window size. While we typically measure sustained HDR brightness at a 10% window size, we reduced the test size to 2% to determine peak brightness due to OLED panels becoming brighter with smaller patch sizes. Although MSI does not explicitly promote an HDR peak, the results demonstrate that the 271QRX can compete effectively with its counterparts.

In the following section, we will assess the color-gamut performance. Based on our colorimeter readings, the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED displayed a wide range of colors, covering 153% of the sRGB color gamut, 96% of Adobe RGB, and 98% of DCI-P3. These exceptional results indicate that you can anticipate vibrant, precise, and true-to-life colors when gaming or watching movies.

Moving forward, we will now evaluate the color-gamut performance. As per our colorimeter analysis, the MPG 271QRX QD-OLED showcased an impressive color range, encompassing 153% of the sRGB color gamut, 96% of Adobe RGB, and 98% of DCI-P3. These outstanding outcomes suggest that you can enjoy vivid, accurate, and lifelike colors during gaming sessions or movie viewing.

The 32-inch version from MSI is essentially identical, however, it is important to take into account the sRGB over-coverage. Exceeding 100% of the color gamut does not necessarily indicate improved sRGB coverage. In reality, excessive coverage has the potential to overly saturate content, which can result in color inaccuracies when viewing sRGB images, particularly in applications that lack color management support.

The color accuracy was found to be excellent, resulting in a DeltaE measurement of 1.5. The higher the DeltaE value, the more likely colors are to deviate from their true hue. An ideal value is under 1, but very few gaming monitors achieve this, particularly right out of the box. In our opinion, the resolution variance between a 2K OLED display with these specifications and a traditional 4K monitor is almost impossible to notice, and images appeared significantly more vivid compared to 4K IPS screens.

The 271QRX boasts an impressive peak contrast ratio of 1,500,000:1, surpassing even the latest OLED options from Alienware. Contrast ratio is crucial as it signifies the difference in brightness between the lightest white and darkest black that a display can achieve. This disparity is particularly noticeable in dark gaming scenes, enhancing overall picture quality. OLED and Mini LED displays excel in this aspect due to their ability to produce truly black pixels, resulting in significantly higher, potentially infinite, contrast ratios compared to other screen technologies. This is a stark comparison to IPS panels, which typically aim for contrast ratios ranging from 1,000:1 to 3,000:1.

Game Testing.

The MPG 271QRX QD-OLED showcases an attractive design, but can it meet the demands of serious gamers who are enticed by its 360Hz refresh rate? In order to assess a monitor’s input lag, we employ an HDFury Diva HDMI matrix. Additionally, we test a variety of games from our collection to identify any potential issues like screen tearing.

The MPG 271QRX QD-OLED presents itself as visually appealing, but will it be able to satisfy dedicated gamers who are attracted to its 360Hz refresh rate? To evaluate a monitor’s input lag, we utilize an HDFury Diva HDMI matrix. Furthermore, we engage in playing several games from our library to detect any visible imperfections such as screen tearing.

The HDFury found that the MSI has an input lag of less than 1 millisecond (ms) at default settings. Our testing is limited to 240Hz due to the inability of the Diva matrix to measure lag over a DisplayPort connection, and the HDMI connections on this panel are restricted to 240Hz. For anything above 240Hz, we have to rely on anecdotal in-game testing. From multiplayer games like Overwatch 2 and Apex Legends to single-player experiences like Horizon: Forbidden West, the MSI provided an exceptional gaming experience. It was easy to forget we weren’t playing in 4K.

OLED monitors have yet to achieve the impressive performance levels of esports displays such as the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H), but it is only a matter of time before they catch up. For instance, the upcoming LG UltraGear 32 OLED Gaming Monitor boasts a 480Hz refresh rate. However, compromises are inevitable when it comes to monitors, so a higher refresh rate often means a lower resolution. Realistically, not many people can run games at 480fps on any resolution, let alone above 1080p.

Verdict: 27 Inches of Peak Performance.

The MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED is truly lovable, boasting exceptional visual and gaming capabilities. Priced at it stands out as one of the most budget-friendly OLED gaming monitors available. While there are some minor drawbacks like the AI Vision mode, this 27-inch OLED monitor is just as enticing as its larger counterpart. Despite this, our top choice for a 27-inch monitor is still the 360Hz Alienware AW2725DF QD-OLED.