MSI MPG 272URX review: bleeding edge 4K 240Hz QD-OLED comes to 27 inches

Currently, the most remarkable gaming monitor you can get may very well be a QD-OLED 4K 240Hz model from MSI, Dell, or Asus. Several enticing options utilizing third-gen Samsung QD-OLED panels were launched last year in a 32-inch configuration, and now we are observing similar specifications in a more compact 27-inch design. This should provide improved compatibility with smaller desks, better visibility for esports, and sharper text rendering at 166 PPI. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios?

To find out, we are assessing MSI’s new $1099/£989 MPG 272URX. As this is one of several devices from various manufacturers built around the same panel, we are keen to see how MSI distinguishes itself in terms of display quality, tuning, features, and design.

If you’re not up to speed on QD-OLED monitors, it is also crucial to mention that these panels excel remarkably for HDR content, due to their capability to activate individual pixels for deep blacks and unparalleled contrast, along with superb color reproduction, viewing angles, and response times. The drawback of OLED technology is that these monitors tend to be expensive and there is a risk of permanent burn-in with static content, although this is very unlikely with varied usage and there are measures in place to prevent it.

As with previous MSI QD-OLED monitors, the MPG 272URX benefits from a relatively subtle design, showcasing thin bezels on three sides of the screen and a grey/silver strip at the bottom featuring an MSI logo at the center. The base is fairly compact with a central ridge and flatter edges that easily support a keyboard. The stand offers up to 110mm of height adjustment, as well as the standard tilt (25°), swivel (60°), and pivot features, making it easy to position the monitor comfortably. While we would typically recommend using a monitor arm with any high-end display for ergonomic and desk space benefits, the design here is practical enough that it does not have to be an immediate consideration. The rear of the monitor is outfitted with vents to help keep the panel cool – remember to remove the included plastic strips to allow airflow! – alongside a subtly illuminated RGB MSI logo at the top center.

MSI takes a notable step forward with its OSD, which is both well-designed (especially in contrast to the simplistic Dough Spectrum Black 32 we recently reviewed) and rich in features. In terms of gaming options, there’s crosshairs, multi-level zoom with the Optix Scope, AI Vision to adjust display settings to highlight dark areas, a timer function, and several preset modes tailored to different game genres.

Additionally, there are more unique features catering specifically to content creators, including sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Delta P3 modes for targeting various color gamuts, 98W USB-C charging for connecting a laptop via a single cable, PIP/PBP modes, and a KVM switch. I personally appreciate these latter features, as being able to seamlessly connect your new high-end monitor with a gaming laptop or MacBook over a single cable truly enhances the value of the display.

MSI has consistently excelled in providing users with additional options for OLED care in particular, and this holds true for the 272URX, which offers pixel shifting, screensavers, static logo detection, taskbar detection, and boundary detection. This is an exceptionally comprehensive set of features, and it also comes with a three-year warranty covering burn-in, establishing MSI as a premier choice in my opinion for OLED-based monitors.

Regarding ports, we now have a fairly unique selection, including two HDMI 2.1 ports – which support the full 3840×2160 resolution at 240Hz with HDR, a 3.5mm headphone output, a USB-C port with alt-mode support and the aforementioned 98W charging, USB-B for the USB hub, and two USB-A ports at the rear, which can also be used for firmware updates.

You might notice that I did not mention the DisplayPort, which deserves emphasis as it features a DP 2.1 UHBR20 (80Gbps) port. This is a premium port to include – which is why Dell opted for an older DP 1.4 port on their equivalent, the $900 AW2725Q – but it allows for full connection speeds without DSC (display stream compression). Personally, I am satisfied with either approach, but for those who wish to utilize their latest-generation Nvidia or AMD graphics cards at full bandwidth, the 272URX has you covered.

To evaluate the performance of the 272URX, we subjected it to the standard array of DF monitor tests in DisplayCAL and SpyderX using a SpyderX Elite colorimeter. (We have a considerably more advanced SpyderX Pro on the way, but it didn’t arrive in time for this review.)

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the results here are incredibly consistent – the 272URX stands out as one of the most well-calibrated monitors we have ever evaluated, boasting impressive color accuracy scores (0.3 average Delta-E 2000, or beneath the thresholds of human perception), excellent panel uniformity in terms of both brightness and color, and reliable tracking of the Adobe RGB, Delta P3, and sRGB color spaces in the monitor’s designated modes.

Combine this with the typical OLED advantages – rapid pixel response times, wide viewing angles, and infinite contrast – and you have an outstanding choice for a variety of gaming and media consumption or creation scenarios. The depth and vibrancy of color are strikingly apparent when compared to even high-end LCD displays, and there are also noticeable improvements to text readability thanks to the fourth-generation QD-OLED panel utilized here. I particularly noticed how much sharper text appears compared to the 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor I regularly use, due to the higher PPI of the 272URX.

Brightness might be the only minor shortcoming here, offering around 250 nits in SDR or 1000 nits in a small (three percent) window in HDR. It’s worth noting that there are two settings: one aiming for 400 nits without ABL (auto brightness limiting) and another targeting 1000 nits with ABL. I find ABLs somewhat distracting, so for most of my testing, I opted for the 400 nit setting and was generally very pleased with the quality of the HDR reproduction. I also did not find the 250 nits of SDR brightness to be a significant drawback for daytime use in average sunlight, especially compared to previous OLEDs that maxed out around 200 nits… although using it on very sunny days with dark scenes in games or films might necessitate drawing the curtains to enhance visibility.