Right now, the best gaming monitor you can get is probably a QD-OLED 4K 240Hz model from MSI, Dell or Asus. Some compelling options using third-gen Samsung QD-OLED panels arrived last year in a 32-inch form factor, and now we’re seeing the same specs in a more compact 27-inch design. That should allow for better compatibility with smaller desks, better glanceability for esports and crisper text rendering at 166PPI, but how does it work in practice?
To find out, we’re reviewing MSI’s brand new $1099/£989 MPG 272URX. As this is one of several models from different companies to be based around the same panel, we’re looking for MSI to differentiate itself on the basis of price, tuning, features and design.
If you’re not up to date on QD-OLED monitors, it’s also worth mentioning that these panels tend to do excellently for HDR content, thanks to their ability to turn off individual pixels for perfect blacks and unmatched contrast, with excellent colour reproduction, viewing angles and response times too. The downside to OLED is that these monitors are expensive and there’s the risk of permanent burn-in on static content, though this is extremely unlikely with varied usage and there are countermeasures installed to prevent this.
Like prior MSI QD-OLED monitors, the MPG 272URX benefits from a relatively understated design, with slim bezels on three sides of the monitor and a grey/silver bar on the underside with an MSI wordmark in the centre. The base here is quite compact, with a ridge in the centre and flatter edges that are easy enough to rest a keyboard on. The stand supports up to 110mm of height adjustment, as well as the usual tilt (25°), swivel (60°) and pivot, so you can position the monitor fairly easily. We’d normally recommend using a monitor arm with any high-end monitor for its ergonomic and desk real estate benefits, but the design here is sensible enough for this not to be a required day one purchase. The back of the monitor is replete with vents to keep the panel cool – be sure to take off the included plastic strips off to let them breathe! – and fairly restrained RGB MSI logo in the top centre.