MSI’s newest gaming monitor has a reputation that reads extra like a motherboard mannequin quantity: the MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50. It is a mouthful, certain, however the necessary half is on the finish – “X50” – as a result of that is the primary QD-OLED panel to hit a blistering 500Hz.
At a look, it’d appear to be an easy spec bump over final 12 months’s 360Hz QD-OLEDs. However the X50 brings extra to the desk than simply uncooked velocity. Samsung Show has cranked up the panel’s brightness sufficient to earn a VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, a step up from the True Black 400 customary utilized in earlier fashions.
To fulfill the True Black 500 specification, the display should obtain 300 nits in full-screen white and 500 nits in a ten% window – each greater than earlier fashions.
That is additionally the primary monitor we have examined with MSI’s new EOTF Increase operate, their newest try to handle QD-OLED panel dimming. Their first effort, which we examined earlier this 12 months, was restricted in effectiveness and solely labored underneath particular circumstances. MSI claims this up to date EOTF Increase is a broader and more practical answer. We’ll see how that holds up in apply.
MSI is positioning the X50 as one of many extra reasonably priced 500Hz screens, launching at $850. At Computex, most different distributors utilizing this panel have been concentrating on a $900 worth level. If these figures maintain, MSI might be coming into the market barely under that.
What is for certain is that 500Hz QD-OLED screens will debut at a cheaper price than 480Hz WOLED screens just like the Asus PG27AQDP and LG 27GX790A, each of which carry a $1,000 MSRP. Nevertheless, though we’re reviewing a closing retail unit immediately, MSI has instructed us that the X50 will not be out there till late July in most areas.
Design and Ports
The design of the 272QP X50 is an identical to different current MSI gaming screens. The entrance showcases the show with its typical shiny end and a grey chin that includes the MSI brand. Across the again, there’s MSI’s signature central field that homes all key parts, with the skinny OLED panel extending outward.
This field is constructed from customary black plastic and consists of a wide range of textures and vents. It is a considerably gamer-centric design, though there is no RGB lighting. The construct high quality is first rate however not fairly on the extent of current high-end Alienware fashions.
The stand incorporates a flat, sq. base we have seen for a number of years. It presents peak, tilt, swivel, and pivot changes and feels very sturdy, one thing we respect. The utmost peak is common.
For connectivity, the monitor consists of one DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps) ports with DSC, and a USB-C port that helps DisplayPort Alt Mode and gives 15W of energy supply. There’s additionally a 3.5mm audio output.
Nevertheless, there is no USB hub or KVM change, which is shocking given that almost all different MSI screens embody these options. That stated, MSI plans to launch a second variant, the MPG 271QR X50, just a few months later. That mannequin will improve DisplayPort to the two.1 UHBR20 spec, add a USB hub, and improve USB-C energy supply to 98W.
As issues stand, until a USB hub or KVM change is important, we imagine the present port choice is ample. The usage of DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC will not be a disadvantage; in sensible phrases, there is no noticeable distinction in usability in comparison with DisplayPort 2.1.
There are not any performance limitations with DP 1.4 on this monitor, as it may well ship 10-bit 500Hz output over each DisplayPort and HDMI (DSC is required in each circumstances). For console players, the show helps 1080p and 1440p enter as much as 120Hz with HDMI VRR. Nevertheless, there isn’t a 4K downscaling mode.
The on-screen show (OSD) is managed through a directional toggle positioned behind the MSI brand. It consists of the same old MSI characteristic set, reminiscent of a broad vary of coloration controls, a number of image modes, and gaming instruments like a crosshair, sniper mode, refresh price counter, and black stabilizer.
MSI additionally presents probably the most customizable OLED care settings out there. Customers can allow or disable options like static display detection and taskbar detection, and fine-tune how aggressively they function. Though there are not any USB ports on the monitor, firmware updates are nonetheless supported over DisplayPort.
Display Coating, Subpixel Structure and Burn In
Whereas the 272QP X50 makes use of a brand new 500Hz QD-OLED panel from Samsung Show, the core {hardware} is identical as earlier 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED panels that have been out there at 360Hz and 240Hz. There are not any modifications to the subpixel construction, panel composition, or display coating. As such, that is nonetheless thought-about a third-generation panel.
For the reason that subpixel structure stays unchanged – nonetheless utilizing the revised triangle RGB structure – textual content readability is identical as different 1440p QD-OLEDs. In comparison with LCDs on the identical measurement and determination, QD-OLEDs are usually weaker in textual content rendering on account of pink or inexperienced fringing across the high and backside of characters.
Whether or not that is noticeable will depend on your sensitivity to such artifacts. Textual content readability is on par with 480Hz WOLED panels utilizing an RGWB structure, although the artifacts differ. In comparison with older 240Hz WOLED panels with an RWBG structure, QD-OLED has a bonus in textual content high quality.
This QD-OLED panel incorporates a shiny end, which is a double-edged sword. On the plus facet, it presents higher sharpness and readability than matte coatings, with out grain or diffusion that may scale back perceived distinction. Nevertheless, the downsides embody mirror-like reflections, although they’re comparatively properly managed right here, and lowered black ranges in well-lit environments.
Ambient mild can activate the quantum dot layer, making blacks seem grey. This undermines one in all OLED’s core strengths however may be mitigated through the use of the monitor in a dim room with lighting behind the display. Whether or not a shiny QD-OLED is appropriate will depend on your surroundings and preferences.
OLED panels of all varieties are additionally prone to everlasting burn-in. This usually is not a difficulty whereas gaming or watching video, however extended show of static content material may cause it over time. That makes OLED much less superb for productiveness duties involving static desktop home windows all through the day.
You may consult with our ongoing OLED burn-in sequence for real-world information on how this impacts long-term use. Occasional static use, like net searching between gaming periods, is ok. We simply would not suggest OLED for prolonged work hours. MSI consists of a regular 3-year burn-in guarantee.
Response Time Efficiency
Response time efficiency is superb on this MSI QD-OLED monitor, as it’s on most OLEDs we have examined. OLED expertise presents extraordinarily quick response instances, round 0.3ms throughout all refresh charges, and this efficiency is constant even at decrease refresh charges. That makes OLED superb for players utilizing variable refresh price (VRR), since there is no want to modify between overdrive modes.
There may be successfully no distinction in response time efficiency between this QD-OLED and different OLED screens, together with WOLED fashions. OLEDs considerably outperform even the quickest LCDs, whether or not we’re measuring best-case or common response instances throughout the refresh vary. Along with velocity, OLEDs additionally keep away from the overshoot artifacts widespread in some LCD panels.
When analyzing cumulative deviation, OLEDs come a lot nearer to superb response habits and infrequently outperform LCDs by an order of magnitude on this metric. In apply this results in round a 1.5x benefit in readability at a given refresh price, so 500Hz QD-OLEDs supply the same expertise to 750Hz LCDs, which presently do not exist at this decision. In common utilization circumstances, particularly with options like adaptive sync and HDR enabled, this is among the quickest, smoothest and clearest screens you will get.
It is tough to definitively say whether or not you “want” a 500Hz show. We imagine the strongest case for this sort of panel is in aggressive multiplayer gaming, the place greater body charges are extra widespread and the place elevated movement readability and decrease enter lag make a noticeable influence.
A key level to grasp when contemplating OLED for movement efficiency is that movement readability is immediately tied to refresh price. On the identical refresh price, two OLED screens will carry out practically identically. Meaning the precise refresh price you are gaming at issues greater than the monitor’s most refresh functionality. As an illustration, if one OLED monitor has a 500Hz ceiling and one other tops out at 240Hz, however each are working a recreation at 120 FPS with a 120Hz refresh price, the visible expertise would be the identical.
The place greater refresh price OLEDs grow to be of profit is once you use the best refresh price capabilities. Operating an OLED at 500Hz produces a clearer picture than at 240Hz, with higher smoothness and responsiveness – that is the important thing profit this new MSI monitor brings in comparison with older QD-OLEDs that topped out at 360 or 240Hz. This has benefits when gaming at excessive body charges, for instance multiplayer video games or video games with body era enabled.
However a better refresh OLED solely has a bonus once you exceed the refresh price of a decrease refresh mannequin: on this instance, a 500Hz QD-OLED might be higher than a 240Hz QD-OLED when gaming at wherever between 241 and 500 FPS with variable refresh enabled. Something at or under 240 FPS, there might be no distinction, so preserve this in thoughts when purchasing between OLEDs as a result of 500Hz instructions a hefty premium that you simply would possibly in any other case not use.
It is tough to definitively say whether or not you “want” a 500Hz show. We imagine the strongest case for this sort of panel is in aggressive multiplayer gaming, the place greater body charges are extra widespread and the place elevated movement readability and decrease enter lag make a noticeable influence.
Some would possibly argue that this stage of efficiency presents diminishing returns, however we discover it to be a big improve, even for customers who do not solely play fast-paced video games. Nevertheless, a soar from 240Hz to 500Hz is not as transformative as going from 60Hz to 120Hz.
One other key comparability is to this panel’s closest competitor: 480Hz WOLED. Whereas the 500Hz QD-OLED is technically 20Hz quicker, this benefit is usually advertising. In apply it is just about unimaginable to note a readability distinction between 480Hz and 500Hz, and the enter lag benefit is negligible.
The one present expertise that may rival the movement readability of a 500Hz OLED is a 540Hz LCD with backlight strobing, such because the Asus PG248QP. It is really loads nearer than I believed it will be, however in edge case eventualities particularly tremendous quick movement, a strobed LCD does ship superior readability.
With that stated, backlight strobing on one thing just like the PG248QP is very restrictive, you must sacrifice variable refresh charges and HDR, you must run your recreation at a locked body price that matches the refresh price for it to work correctly, and usually we solely see this efficiency from TN LCDs which produce other points like viewing angles. The MSI X50 provides you nice movement readability in a much wider vary of circumstances, making it a giant winner.
Black Body Insertion, MPRT Mode
MSI has added a black body insertion mode to this monitor known as “MPRT,” nevertheless it features in another way from Asus’s equal characteristic, “ELMB.” On the 272QP X50, enabling MPRT causes the monitor to alternate each second body with a black body.
So, if you’re working in 500Hz mode with MPRT enabled, each second body is blacked out fairly than displayed. This ends in an efficient 250Hz refresh price, although the monitor nonetheless studies 500Hz to your PC. In case your system is outputting a body price greater than 250 FPS, these additional frames merely will not be proven. This identical logic applies right down to 240Hz, the place MPRT cuts the efficient refresh to 120Hz. It can’t be utilized in a local 120Hz mode.
Against this, Asus ELMB modifications the monitor’s inside configuration. When enabled at 240Hz, the panel operates at 480Hz and inserts a black body between every precise body. Nevertheless, to your PC, it nonetheless presents itself as a 240Hz show, and ELMB can’t be enabled when the monitor is about to 480Hz.
You may obtain the same black body insertion impact with MSI’s MPRT, nevertheless it requires handbook changes on the PC facet. As an illustration, you would want to allow MPRT in 500Hz mode after which cap your in-game body price to 250 FPS, thereby creating the black body insertion impact at 250Hz. On the Asus monitor, that is simpler as a result of the actual refresh price of the monitor is matching the refresh price that Home windows can see, you do not have to fret about setting the body price to half of what’s reported to Home windows.
The MSI mode additionally has the potential to confuse players who, for instance, wish to play at 240Hz with black body insertion. When you set the refresh price to 240Hz then allow MPRT, it does not provide you with 240Hz black body insertion: it drops each second body and provides you 120Hz black body insertion, supplying you with no improve in readability to your 240 FPS content material. To realize 240Hz black body insertion you must first elevate the refresh price mode to 480Hz, then allow MPRT. I believe MSI ought to simplify this mode to make it run extra like Asus’ implementation, as a result of it has much less potential to confuse individuals.
When measuring enter lag, we observe that refresh price has a refined however measurable impact. In comparison with the PG27AQDP, the 272QP X50 reveals no significant distinction in refresh lag and solely a minor margin of error in complete enter lag. Whereas the advance over 360Hz panels is slight – simply fractions of a millisecond – it turns into extra noticeable when in comparison with 240Hz shows, the place enter lag is sort of twice as excessive. Fanatic customers could really feel this distinction. Additionally price mentioning is the 540Hz TN-based PG248QP, which falls behind OLED in complete latency on account of greater processing delay and slower response instances.
Energy consumption for a full white display is just like different 1440p QD-OLEDs, drawing round 68 watts – roughly in keeping with earlier 360Hz fashions. Nevertheless, in full white content material, WOLED panels have an effectivity benefit on account of their white subpixel. For instance, the PG27AQDP consumes about 10 watts much less on this state of affairs.
In real-world gaming, refresh price performs a big function in total energy consumption for each QD-OLED and WOLED panels. The 272QP X50 makes use of practically 10 watts extra in our mid-APL SDR gaming check at 500Hz in comparison with 240Hz. Because of this it reveals greater energy utilization than the 240Hz and 360Hz QD-OLEDs in our chart. Curiously, the scenario reverses on this check: 500Hz QD-OLED is extra environment friendly than 480Hz WOLED, which additionally sees a big energy soar when going from 240Hz to 480Hz.
Colour Efficiency
Colour House: MSI MAG 272QP X50 – D65-P3
All QD-OLEDs we’ve got examined up to now supply the same coloration gamut, and this new 500Hz mannequin doesn’t develop that protection in any vital manner. We measured 99.5% DCI-P3 protection and 98% Adobe RGB protection, that are robust outcomes for viewing HDR content material or working in these coloration areas. Total, we recorded 82.1% Rec. 2020 protection – a stable determine for a QD-OLED and for gaming screens typically – although it’s not a lot totally different from earlier QD-OLED fashions.
Default Colour Efficiency
The X50 gives first rate manufacturing unit calibration, with wonderful coloration temperature and common gamma out of the field. This results in an affordable grayscale deltaE ITP common. In each saturation and ColorChecker assessments, we noticed oversaturation by default, as SDR sRGB content material is expanded to fill the show’s extensive coloration gamut. This impact is particularly noticeable on QD-OLED panels, which naturally have a broad coloration vary.
In comparison with different screens, grayscale and ColorChecker efficiency is common, with MSI’s earlier 360Hz flagship delivering barely higher outcomes.
Default ACM Colour Efficiency
When enabling Home windows Auto Colour Administration, oversaturation is lowered, and we see improved accuracy on account of higher sRGB emulation. Nevertheless, the show’s reported primaries aren’t fully correct. In consequence, this mode gives about 110% of the sRGB gamut as an alternative of the perfect 100%, primarily on account of extreme pink protection. Whereas that is higher than the default mode for SDR, it nonetheless falls wanting the efficiency seen in some competing screens.
sRGB Mode Colour Efficiency
However, the devoted sRGB mode performs very properly. Grayscale accuracy improves thanks to higher gamma dealing with, which lowers deltaE values whereas sustaining the wonderful manufacturing unit coloration temperature. Saturation and ColorChecker outcomes additionally profit, with deltaE averages falling under 4.0.
Whereas it is a robust sRGB implementation, many different shows immediately supply equally good sRGB modes. In consequence, this MSI 500Hz monitor finally ends up in the midst of the pack. ColorChecker efficiency is nice, however not on the stage of top-tier fashions just like the 271QRX.
Calibrated Colour Efficiency
It’s potential to enhance accuracy by way of full calibration, although we don’t imagine it’s crucial for SDR use typically. We’d usually suggest utilizing the factory-calibrated sRGB mode as-is, though we would favor if settings like white stability have been unlocked, simply in case changes are wanted.
Brightness, Distinction, Uniformity
The 272QP X50 is the primary QD-OLED monitor we’ve got examined that considerably improves upon earlier fashions in most SDR brightness. This panel reaches 302 nits in full-screen white, a notable improve over the 240 to 260 nits seen in earlier QD-OLED shows.
This seems to be a deliberate enchancment by Samsung Show aimed toward boosting OLED brightness and reaching a better DisplayHDR certification tier. A 20% brightness improve is a welcome growth for these in search of higher usability in brighter environments and improved efficiency within the presence of reflections.
Minimal brightness stays unchanged, with MSI providing the identical 30 nits as in its different shows.
Viewing angles are wonderful, in line with different QD-OLED panels, making the display simple to view from totally different positions. Uniformity was additionally excellent on our check unit, with clear full-white protection and no seen soiled display impact when displaying darkish grays. QD-OLED continues to guide in show uniformity amongst OLED applied sciences.
HDR {Hardware}
The 272QP X50 is properly outfitted for HDR from a {hardware} standpoint. Like all OLED panels, together with QD-OLED, it options self-emissive pixels and particular person pixel-level management, making it superb for HDR content material. Every pixel can totally change off or emit shiny highlights, enabling deep blacks and true per-pixel native dimming.
This stage of precision considerably reduces blooming in high-contrast scenes and gives clear separation between shiny and darkish areas, even once they seem facet by facet. In comparison with LCDs that use multi-zone backlights, OLEDs produce far fewer illumination artifacts. These flaws in LCDs are most seen in tough eventualities like starfields or subtitles, the place blooming and haloing are widespread. OLEDs additionally keep away from the distracting zone transitions that happen when shiny objects transfer throughout an LCD panel.
Due to this pixel-level management, OLEDs are particularly robust in scenes with wealthy distinction and detailed shadows, that are important for an impactful HDR expertise. Content material that mixes deep blacks with intense highlights brings out the most effective in OLED expertise, as does fast-paced HDR gaming. Enter latency can be usually very low in HDR mode on most OLED shows, which advantages players.
The weak spot to the HDR presentation on an OLED is total brightness. Whereas peak brightness may be spectacular in small spotlight areas, full-screen brightness is comparatively low. This impacts the visible influence of shiny daylight scenes. Whereas LCDs can not match OLEDs in distinction or pixel precision, they’ll attain a lot greater full-screen brightness ranges on account of their highly effective backlighting methods.
Relying on what you prioritize in an HDR show, you could lean towards both OLED or LCD. Nevertheless, OLEDs usually supply a unbelievable HDR expertise that excels in distinction, shadow element, and movement readability.
HDR Configurations and Accuracy
This monitor consists of three HDR modes: True Black 500, Peak 1,000 nits, and a brand new EOTF Increase mode. All three behave in another way from equally named modes on earlier QD-OLED screens. The True Black 500 and Peak 1,000 nits modes are each brighter, as this panel presents greater total brightness. The EOTF Increase mode is MSI’s newest try to handle QD-OLED panel dimming in shiny scenes. Let’s take a better have a look at their efficiency.
The True Black 500 mode is just like True Black 400 modes on earlier QD-OLEDs, besides it raises the brightness cap from round 460 nits to 530 nits. This ends in a 15% improve in peak brightness whereas largely sustaining the accuracy that this mode is thought for. EOTF monitoring is robust typically, although we did discover some dimming in brighter scenes. The dimming was comparatively delicate in assessments reminiscent of a ten% window at fixed 50% APL, however extra noticeable utilizing our customized high-APL check sample.
The Peak 1,000 nits mode resembles earlier QD-OLED implementations, however brightness has elevated at most window sizes. Peak brightness stays at roughly 1,000 nits for a 2% window, however at 10%, we now see 530 nits as an alternative of 460. Nevertheless, panel dimming remains to be current and ends in decrease display brightness when common image stage (APL) is excessive. APL refers back to the common brightness of the content material. Whereas these identical scenes are displayed with greater brightness in True Black mode, QD-OLED panels nonetheless dim them in Peak 1,000 mode, seemingly on account of energy administration. The dimming right here is extra extreme than in True Black 500 mode, though EOTF monitoring stays correct in low-APL scenes.
MSI’s new EOTF Increase mode is probably the most intriguing of the three. This mode makes an attempt to dynamically counteract the dimming present in Peak 1,000 mode, combining the benefits of each True Black and Peak 1,000 configurations. The purpose is to protect 1,000 nits of brightness in darker scenes and correct brightness in brighter scenes, all with out requiring the consumer to modify between modes.
MSI’s preliminary implementation of this characteristic was not efficient, reversing panel dimming in solely about 10% of real-world circumstances. This new model is considerably extra profitable. Throughout our customary assessments, we noticed wonderful EOTF monitoring at decrease APLs and small home windows, whereas nonetheless sustaining 1,000 nits peak brightness. In high-APL assessments, reminiscent of a ten% window at 50% APL and our customized sample, we noticed little to no dimming – an enchancment over MSI’s earlier efforts.
Nevertheless, in real-world eventualities, panel dimming can nonetheless happen on this mode – it’s simply much less frequent than in Peak 1,000 mode. The EOTF Increase configuration works greatest when scenes are both clearly darkish or clearly shiny. In each extremes, accuracy stays robust and visuals seem constant.
On the transition level between high and low APL – the place Peak 1,000 mode usually initiates dimming – the EOTF Increase mode struggles. In these borderline eventualities, some dimming nonetheless happens. The truth is that this mode operates as a workaround: it doesn’t eradicate panel dimming fully, however as an alternative brightens the picture as dimming happens. This strategy works in some circumstances higher than others.
We have been in a position to observe this habits in actual time. As an illustration, utilizing the darkish Steam library interface with a shiny window overlaid, panel brightness appeared regular with a small window. As we elevated the window measurement, brightness dipped quickly earlier than rising once more. Throughout that dip, dimming was occurring.
As compared, Peak 1,000 mode confirmed apparent dimming all through such transitions. True Black 500 mode delivered extra constant brightness with solely minor dimming at bigger window sizes.
In gaming eventualities, this dynamic brightness adjustment may be noticeable. In Cyberpunk 2077, for instance, strolling between darker and lighter outside areas causes the panel to regulate brightness dynamically – just like how a digicam modifications publicity. If a recreation often shifts between darkish and shiny scenes, these fluctuations can grow to be distracting. In video games with extra constant lighting, the EOTF Increase mode delivers a wonderful HDR expertise.
Finally, with some tweaks to our check sample, we have been in a position to reproduce panel dimming even on this mode. Whereas it’s not an ideal answer, it’s the greatest implementation we’ve got seen up to now. It introduces fewer compromises than earlier brightness-boosting choices, which frequently both failed fully or severely over-brightened darkish scenes. Whether or not this mode works properly will rely on the sport and the way dynamic its visuals are. There are titles the place the seen brightness shifting may be distracting.
We imagine a 3rd iteration of this brightness algorithm might enhance usability. Adjusting the mid-APL transition zone to additional scale back dimming and making brightness transitions smoother would make the mode extra broadly efficient. Providing user-adjustable sensitivity settings would additionally assist. Till Samsung Show removes the panel dimming requirement from QD-OLED for energy administration, it will likely be as much as producers like MSI to create higher workarounds. The present EOTF Increase mode is a stable step ahead, however not a closing answer.
HDR Brightness
We recorded greater SDR brightness on the 272QP X50 in comparison with earlier QD-OLEDs, and the identical holds true for HDR. Throughout all three HDR modes, full-screen white brightness reaches as much as 315 nits, a 20% improve over older QD-OLED panels. At a ten% window, brightness rises to roughly 530 nits, representing a 15% enchancment. Peak brightness within the 1,000 nits configuration stays unchanged, nonetheless hitting round 1,000 nits at small window sizes.
When evaluating brightness by window measurement to earlier True Black 400-certified QD-OLEDs, the one space with no enchancment is on the smallest window sizes. Even at 5%, brightness has elevated from 770 nits to 820 nits, with the most important enhancements seen at 25% window measurement. This makes the 272QP X50 the brightest QD-OLED we’ve got examined.
These enhancements are noticeable in real-world scenes. In side-by-side comparisons, the Peak 1,000 mode on the X50 delivers 18% greater common scene brightness than the identical mode on the 271QPX E2, making it extra aggressive with the PG27AQDP. All three screens deal with dimming and accuracy equally, although the PG27AQDP doesn’t endure from panel dimming.
The True Black 500 mode can be extra viable than earlier True Black 400 configurations. It delivers 18% greater common brightness whereas sustaining the same stage of accuracy, with solely a minor improve in dimming. Common brightness now matches what older QD-OLEDs achieved in Peak 1,000 mode. Whereas 500 nits remains to be comparatively low for shiny scenes, mid-APL content material now reaches 450 nits, considerably greater than dimmed earlier fashions.
The EOTF Increase mode sits on the high of our brightness chart with a median peak of 562 nits, the best we’ve got seen from any OLED. It’s 7% brighter than the PG27AQDP total in our assessments, primarily on account of higher brightness retention in low-APL content material. Whereas this mode can nonetheless dim in some eventualities, dimming is much less extreme than in Peak 1,000 mode, and each high and low APL accuracy stays stable. Nevertheless, as mentioned earlier, the dynamic brightness habits could have an effect on your expertise even when the outcomes look good on paper.
HDR accuracy could be very robust throughout all three modes. Whereas the 1,000 nits mode ranks within the midrange for ColorMatch efficiency, the opposite two modes ship wonderful accuracy. Since peak brightness is unchanged from earlier QD-OLEDs, total coloration quantity additionally stays related.
HUB Necessities Guidelines
The ultimate part of our evaluate is the HUB Necessities Guidelines. MSI has achieved an excellent job advertising this monitor, and the soar to VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification corresponds to an actual enchancment in full-screen brightness and different specs.
The characteristic matrix reveals a usually robust efficiency in each distinction and movement classes, as anticipated from a 500Hz OLED panel. Black Body Insertion (BFI) is supported, although MSI’s implementation is a bit unconventional. Nonetheless, it does permit for 120Hz and 240Hz BFI modes.
Whereas it is a premium monitor, it’s not MSI’s flagship providing with this panel. That title will go to the upcoming 271QR X50, arriving in just a few months. In consequence, this mannequin lacks options like a USB hub or KVM change, which is a bit disappointing given the worth. Nevertheless, it’s good to see help for firmware updates and key options like easy SDR and HDR switching are nonetheless current.
Elevating the Bar for 1440p OLED
Total, the MSI MAG 272QP QD-OLED X50 is a way more spectacular monitor than anticipated. At first look, it’d appear to be a easy iterative improve over earlier 1440p QD-OLEDs, rising the utmost refresh price from 360Hz to 500Hz.
Nevertheless, past that, we’re seeing a significant enchancment in panel brightness in each SDR and HDR modes, together with MSI’s newest effort to handle panel dimming. These outcomes make it top-of-the-line QD-OLED screens we’ve got examined so far.
Most of the MAG 272QP X50’s core strengths are ones we’ve got mentioned in previous OLED opinions. This show presents wonderful black ranges, excellent per-pixel management, a large coloration gamut, and spectacular distinction – all of which contribute to a phenomenal HDR gaming expertise. MSI has achieved a stable job calibrating each SDR and HDR modes to ship robust coloration accuracy, and players profit from low enter lag whatever the use case.
OLED panels are well-known for his or her velocity, and the MSI 272QP isn’t any exception. It delivers lightning-fast response instances at a really excessive refresh price, leading to distinctive movement readability. Whereas it is a nice show for single-player gaming, the largest beneficiaries might be those that play fast-paced aggressive titles.
For that viewers, that is the last word OLED monitor – providing unbelievable movement readability and responsiveness whereas nonetheless supporting adaptive sync and HDR. Sure, the most effective strobed LCDs can typically supply barely higher readability, however OLEDs are much more versatile and include fewer trade-offs.
What units the X50 aside is the rise in panel brightness throughout the board. Most SDR brightness now reaches 300 nits in full-screen white, and HDR modes are on common 18% brighter than earlier QD-OLEDs in real-world content material. Whereas peak HDR brightness nonetheless tops out at 1,000 nits in low-APL scenes, it’s the mid to excessive APL content material that sees noticeable enchancment. That is key, as brighter scenes have historically been OLED’s weakest space.
The panel is unchanged by way of subpixel structure and display coating, so don’t count on any enhancements there. Panel dimming additionally continues to be a difficulty with QD-OLEDs, although MSI has achieved the most effective job we’ve got seen up to now at mitigating it with their new EOTF Increase mode. It’s primarily a workaround, and whereas it doesn’t at all times carry out completely, in the appropriate circumstances it may well efficiently reverse dimming in methods earlier options haven’t.
At $850, it is a premium monitor, and it is probably not the only option for each gamer. When you primarily play single-player video games and are searching for a top-tier HDR show, the newest 27-inch and 32-inch 4K 240Hz fashions are price contemplating at the same worth level. Alternatively, in the event you plan to stay with 1440p and don’t want the complete 500Hz functionality, it can save you a big quantity by selecting a decrease refresh price OLED.
Present 360Hz fashions are priced round $650, and 240Hz choices have dropped to the $500 to $550 vary. When you would miss out on the brightness enhancements supplied by the X50, it could be tough for some players to justify paying 50% extra for that alone.
However, in case your precedence is the most effective movement readability out there, the 272QP X50 is completely price contemplating. Till now, reaching this stage of readability in a 1440p OLED required spending $950 to $1,000 on a 480Hz WOLED mannequin. At $850, the X50 presents a really related movement expertise at a extra aggressive worth. As well as, it gives a number of benefits over fashions just like the Asus PG27AQDP, together with a shiny end, greater SDR brightness, and higher coloration quantity.
MSI expects this monitor to grow to be out there later this month, with competing variants from manufacturers like Asus and Gigabyte additionally on the best way, so it might make sense to attend for opinions of these earlier than making a closing choice. That stated, MSI is setting a excessive bar with the 272QP X50. When you do find yourself selecting this monitor, we imagine you can be more than happy with its efficiency.
