MSI Optix MAG272CQR: Curved and QHD for less than 500 euros

QHD monitors are becoming increasingly popular. The 1440p resolution is a good compromise between Full HD and 4K without a high-end graphics card having to simmer in the computer. The range of monitors on this scale is growing accordingly, especially since panels that are somewhat faster and have high refresh rates are finally available. With its MAG272CQR, MSI breaks the 500-euro mark and offers good equipment including curved.

The monitor can be set up quickly, if not without tools. Although the foot is pegged to the stand using the wing screw and the display is then attached, it still has to be secured with four Phillips screws. But everyone should have a suitable screwdriver at home. All necessary cables are included (DisplayPort, HDMI, USB), thanks to the integrated power supply you also have no block under the desk.

Visually, the MSI Optix MAG272CQR does a lot. The pleasing design relies on narrow frames on the side and top, making the device well-suited for setups with several copies. The foot is slim and elegant, but takes up a lot of width. The monitor is shaky. On the back you will also find a Mystic-Light-compatible RGB lighting, which, however, can use a little more luminosity to be really effective.

MSI has not turned left and right for the ergonomic functions. 130 mm height adjustment and inclination of -5 to +20 degrees are available. If you want, you can also staple the monitor to the wall using a VESA100 screw connection. The pull-out headset holder on the left is practical. In terms of connections, a Type C connection is still quite rare, as well as the usual standards (1x DP 1.2a, 2x HDMI 2.0b, 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB-Up, audio).

Operation is easy. The clear OSD is operated using a 5-way stick on the back. Alternatively, you can also use a free software called Gaming OSD App. The menu offers a whole range of options, including gaming presets, night vision, anti-flicker and blue light filters. There is nothing to complain about in this area. The display also supports AMD FreeSync, but is also one of the G-Sync-compatible models, so it doesn't really matter which graphics card you have installed.

The MSI Optix MAG272CQR uses a currently quite common VA panel from Samsung with a resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 (QHD), a good compromise between Full HD and 4K, which can also be used without a monster graphics card. The refresh rate scores with a whopping 165 Hz, the response time is given as 1 ms, which is hardly the gray-to-gray value, only TN panels or the latest IPS models are able to handle th is. The screen is declared HDR Ready, but you don't get real HDR. The necessary brightness (necessary: 400 cd / m², required: 300 cd / m²) and local dimming are missing.

However, the monitor can still score points in terms of image quality. The illumination is largely homogeneous, the black is rich, and the contrasts are good, as is typical for panels. We found the color saturation a little too violent from the factory, but with a little readjustment you get a good picture. You should be a little careful with the acceleration of the reaction time. In normal mode there are no problems, the fast mode is acceptable, but at the highest level you have to struggle with clear ghosting. We have already noticed this with other devices with the same panel type, but it is not a broken leg.

All in all, we were very happy with the monitor both when gaming and when working. If you carry out color-critical work with it, you should recalibrate if necessary – as already mentioned, the color saturation seemed too strong. When gaming, this is less noticeable, both detailed open-world titles and fast shooters cut a good figure with the monitor, unless you expect the maximum response time. For the mainstream target group, that is enough in any case.

Conclusion

by Andreas Philipp

Coherent price-performance ratio

With the MSI Optix MAG272CQR you get a really chic monitor with QHD resolution, high refresh rate, good equipment and processing and reasonable image quality for less than 500 euros. The monitor, which is more intended for the mainstream, adds up to a good price-performance ratio that outweighs the few weaknesses overall. If you want to have perfection, you have to dig deeper. But be careful: this monitor cannot do HDR, even if the stamp “HDR Ready” would like to associate it. And those who want maximum response times are still better served with a TN panel. Otherwise, however, no great risk of a bad buy.