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 essential 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 would appear to be a simple 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 normal utilized in earlier fashions.
To satisfy the True Black 500 specification, the display should obtain 300 nits in full-screen white and 500 nits in a ten% window – each increased than earlier fashions.
That is additionally the primary monitor we have examined with MSI’s new EOTF Enhance operate, their newest try to deal with QD-OLED panel dimming. Their first effort, which we examined earlier this 12 months, was restricted in effectiveness and solely labored below particular circumstances. MSI claims this up to date EOTF Enhance is a broader and more practical answer. We’ll see how that holds up in follow.
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 focusing on a $900 value level. If these figures maintain, MSI can be coming into the market barely under that.
What is definite 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. Nonetheless, though we’re reviewing a last retail unit immediately, MSI has instructed us that the X50 will not be obtainable till late July in most areas.
Design and Ports
The design of the 272QP X50 is similar to different latest MSI gaming screens. The entrance showcases the show with its typical shiny end and a grey chin that includes the MSI emblem. Across the again, there’s MSI’s signature central field that homes all key elements, with the skinny OLED panel extending outward.
This field is made out of normal black plastic and consists of quite a lot of textures and vents. It is a considerably gamer-centric design, though there isn’t any RGB lighting. The construct high quality is first rate however not fairly on the extent of latest high-end Alienware fashions.
The stand incorporates a flat, sq. base we have seen for a number of years. It affords top, tilt, swivel, and pivot changes and feels very sturdy, one thing we admire. The utmost top 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 supplies 15W of energy supply. There’s additionally a 3.5mm audio output.
Nonetheless, there isn’t any USB hub or KVM swap, which is stunning given that almost all different MSI screens embrace these options. That mentioned, MSI plans to launch a second variant, the MPG 271QR X50, a couple of months later. That mannequin will improve DisplayPort to the two.1 UHBR20 spec, add a USB hub, and enhance USB-C energy supply to 98W.
As issues stand, except a USB hub or KVM swap is crucial, we imagine the present port choice is ample. Using DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC is just not a disadvantage; in sensible phrases, there isn’t any noticeable distinction in usability in comparison with DisplayPort 2.1.
There aren’t 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 instances). For console players, the show helps 1080p and 1440p enter as much as 120Hz with HDMI VRR. Nonetheless, there is no such thing as a 4K downscaling mode.
The on-screen show (OSD) is managed by way of a directional toggle positioned behind the MSI emblem. It consists of the standard MSI characteristic set, comparable to a broad vary of colour controls, a number of image modes, and gaming instruments like a crosshair, sniper mode, refresh fee counter, and black stabilizer.
MSI additionally affords essentially the most customizable OLED care settings obtainable. Customers can allow or disable options like static display detection and taskbar detection, and fine-tune how aggressively they function. Though there aren’t any USB ports on the monitor, firmware updates are nonetheless supported over DisplayPort.
Display Coating, Subpixel Format and Burn In
Whereas the 272QP X50 makes use of a brand new 500Hz QD-OLED panel from Samsung Show, the core {hardware} is similar as earlier 27-inch 1440p QD-OLED panels that have been obtainable at 360Hz and 240Hz. There aren’t any modifications to the subpixel construction, panel composition, or display coating. As such, that is nonetheless thought of a third-generation panel.
For the reason that subpixel format stays unchanged – nonetheless utilizing the revised triangle RGB format – textual content readability is similar as different 1440p QD-OLEDs. In comparison with LCDs on the identical dimension and backbone, QD-OLEDs are usually weaker in textual content rendering as a consequence 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 format, although the artifacts differ. In comparison with older 240Hz WOLED panels with an RWBG format, 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 aspect, it affords higher sharpness and readability than matte coatings, with out grain or diffusion that may cut back perceived distinction. Nonetheless, the downsides embrace mirror-like reflections, although they’re comparatively effectively managed right here, and decreased black ranges in well-lit environments.
Ambient mild can activate the quantum dot layer, making blacks seem grey. This undermines certainly one of OLED’s core strengths however will be mitigated by utilizing 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 inclined to everlasting burn-in. This usually is not a problem whereas gaming or watching video, however extended show of static content material may cause it over time. That makes OLED much less supreme 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 internet searching between gaming classes, is okay. We simply would not advocate OLED for prolonged work hours. MSI consists of a typical 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 know-how affords extraordinarily quick response instances, round 0.3ms throughout all refresh charges, and this efficiency is constant even at decrease refresh charges. That makes OLED supreme for players utilizing variable refresh fee (VRR), since there isn’t any want to change between overdrive modes.
There’s 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 supreme response conduct and infrequently outperform LCDs by an order of magnitude on this metric. In follow this results in round a 1.5x benefit in readability at a given refresh fee, so 500Hz QD-OLEDs supply an analogous expertise to 750Hz LCDs, which at the moment 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 troublesome to definitively say whether or not you “want” a 500Hz show. We imagine the strongest case for this type of panel is in aggressive multiplayer gaming, the place increased body charges are extra widespread and the place elevated movement readability and decrease enter lag make a noticeable impression.
A key level to know when contemplating OLED for movement efficiency is that movement readability is immediately tied to refresh fee. On the identical refresh fee, two OLED screens will carry out almost identically. Meaning the precise refresh fee you are gaming at issues greater than the monitor’s most refresh functionality. For example, if one OLED monitor has a 500Hz ceiling and one other tops out at 240Hz, however each are working a sport at 120 FPS with a 120Hz refresh fee, the visible expertise would be the identical.
The place increased refresh fee OLEDs grow to be of profit is while you use the very best refresh fee capabilities. Working 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 technology enabled.
However the next refresh OLED solely has a bonus while you exceed the refresh fee of a decrease refresh mannequin: on this instance, a 500Hz QD-OLED can 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 can be no distinction, so hold this in thoughts when purchasing between OLEDs as a result of 500Hz instructions a hefty premium that you simply may in any other case not use.
It is troublesome to definitively say whether or not you “want” a 500Hz show. We imagine the strongest case for this type of panel is in aggressive multiplayer gaming, the place increased body charges are extra widespread and the place elevated movement readability and decrease enter lag make a noticeable impression.
Some may argue that this degree of efficiency affords diminishing returns, however we discover it to be a major improve, even for customers who do not completely play fast-paced video games. Nonetheless, a leap 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 sooner, this benefit is generally advertising. In follow it is just about unimaginable to note a readability distinction between 480Hz and 500Hz, and the enter lag benefit is negligible.
The one present know-how 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 lots nearer than I believed it could be, however in edge case situations particularly tremendous quick movement, a strobed LCD does ship superior readability.
With that mentioned, backlight strobing on one thing just like the PG248QP is very restrictive, you need to sacrifice variable refresh charges and HDR, you need to run your sport at a locked body fee that matches the refresh fee for it to work correctly, and sometimes 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 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 referred to as “MPRT,” but it surely features in a different 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 quite than displayed. This ends in an efficient 250Hz refresh fee, despite the fact that the monitor nonetheless studies 500Hz to your PC. In case your system is outputting a body fee increased than 250 FPS, these additional frames merely will not be proven. This identical logic applies all the way 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. Nonetheless, 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 an analogous black body insertion impact with MSI’s MPRT, but it surely requires guide changes on the PC aspect. For example, you would want to allow MPRT in 500Hz mode after which cap your in-game body fee 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 fee of the monitor is matching the refresh fee that Home windows can see, you do not have to fret about setting the body fee to half of what’s reported to Home windows.
The MSI mode additionally has the potential to confuse players who, for instance, need to play at 240Hz with black body insertion. If you happen to set the refresh fee to 240Hz then allow MPRT, it does not provide you with 240Hz black body insertion: it drops each second body and offers you 120Hz black body insertion, supplying you with no enhance in readability on your 240 FPS content material. To attain 240Hz black body insertion you need to first increase the refresh fee mode to 480Hz, then allow MPRT. I feel 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 folks.
When measuring enter lag, we observe that refresh fee has a refined however measurable impact. In comparison with the PG27AQDP, the 272QP X50 exhibits 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 value mentioning is the 540Hz TN-based PG248QP, which falls behind OLED in complete latency as a consequence of increased 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 according to earlier 360Hz fashions. Nonetheless, in full white content material, WOLED panels have an effectivity benefit as a consequence of their white subpixel. For instance, the PG27AQDP consumes about 10 watts much less on this state of affairs.
In real-world gaming, refresh fee performs a major position in general energy consumption for each QD-OLED and WOLED panels. The 272QP X50 makes use of almost 10 watts extra in our mid-APL SDR gaming take a look at at 500Hz in comparison with 240Hz. This is the reason it exhibits increased energy utilization than the 240Hz and 360Hz QD-OLEDs in our chart. Apparently, the scenario reverses on this take a look at: 500Hz QD-OLED is extra environment friendly than 480Hz WOLED, which additionally sees a big energy leap when going from 240Hz to 480Hz.
Coloration Efficiency
Coloration Area: MSI MAG 272QP X50 – D65-P3
All QD-OLEDs we now have examined up to now supply an analogous colour 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 sturdy outcomes for viewing HDR content material or working in these colour areas. Total, we recorded 82.1% Rec. 2020 protection – a stable determine for a QD-OLED and for gaming screens basically – although it isn’t a lot totally different from earlier QD-OLED fashions.
Default Coloration Efficiency
The X50 supplies first rate manufacturing facility calibration, with glorious colour temperature and common gamma out of the field. This results in an inexpensive grayscale deltaE ITP common. In each saturation and ColorChecker checks, we noticed oversaturation by default, as SDR sRGB content material is expanded to fill the show’s vast colour gamut. This impact is very noticeable on QD-OLED panels, which naturally have a broad colour vary.
In comparison with different screens, grayscale and ColorChecker efficiency is common, with MSI’s earlier 360Hz flagship delivering barely higher outcomes.
Default ACM Coloration Efficiency
When enabling Home windows Auto Coloration Administration, oversaturation is decreased, and we see improved accuracy as a consequence of higher sRGB emulation. Nonetheless, the show’s reported primaries usually are not fully correct. In consequence, this mode supplies about 110% of the sRGB gamut as a substitute of the perfect 100%, primarily as a consequence of extreme crimson protection. Whereas that is higher than the default mode for SDR, it nonetheless falls wanting the efficiency seen in some competing screens.
sRGB Mode Coloration Efficiency
However, the devoted sRGB mode performs very effectively. Grayscale accuracy improves thanks to raised gamma dealing with, which lowers deltaE values whereas sustaining the wonderful manufacturing facility colour temperature. Saturation and ColorChecker outcomes additionally profit, with deltaE averages falling under 4.0.
Whereas this can be a sturdy 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 sweet, however not on the degree of top-tier fashions just like the 271QRX.
Calibrated Coloration Efficiency
It’s doable to enhance accuracy by full calibration, although we don’t imagine it’s essential for SDR use normally. We’d usually advocate utilizing the factory-calibrated sRGB mode as-is, though we would favor if settings like white steadiness have been unlocked, simply in case changes are wanted.
Brightness, Distinction, Uniformity
The 272QP X50 is the primary QD-OLED monitor we now have 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 geared toward boosting OLED brightness and reaching the next DisplayHDR certification tier. A 20% brightness enhance is a welcome improvement 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 glorious, per different QD-OLED panels, making the display simple to view from totally different positions. Uniformity was additionally excellent on our take a look at 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 effectively geared up 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 supreme for HDR content material. Every pixel can totally swap off or emit vibrant highlights, enabling deep blacks and true per-pixel native dimming.
This degree of precision considerably reduces blooming in high-contrast scenes and supplies clear separation between vibrant and darkish areas, even after they seem aspect by aspect. In comparison with LCDs that use multi-zone backlights, OLEDs produce far fewer illumination artifacts. These flaws in LCDs are most seen in troublesome situations like starfields or subtitles, the place blooming and haloing are widespread. OLEDs additionally keep away from the distracting zone transitions that happen when vibrant objects transfer throughout an LCD panel.
Due to this pixel-level management, OLEDs are particularly sturdy 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 one of the best in OLED know-how, as does fast-paced HDR gaming. Enter latency can also 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 general brightness. Whereas peak brightness will be spectacular in small spotlight areas, full-screen brightness is comparatively low. This impacts the visible impression of vibrant daylight scenes. Whereas LCDs can not match OLEDs in distinction or pixel precision, they’ll attain a lot increased full-screen brightness ranges as a consequence of their highly effective backlighting programs.
Relying on what you prioritize in an HDR show, you could lean towards both OLED or LCD. Nonetheless, OLEDs sometimes supply a improbable 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 Enhance mode. All three behave in a different 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 affords increased general brightness. The EOTF Enhance mode is MSI’s newest try to deal with QD-OLED panel dimming in vibrant scenes. Let’s take a better take 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% enhance in peak brightness whereas largely sustaining the accuracy that this mode is thought for. EOTF monitoring is robust normally, although we did discover some dimming in brighter scenes. The dimming was comparatively gentle in checks comparable to a ten% window at fixed 50% APL, however extra noticeable utilizing our customized high-APL take a look at 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 a substitute of 460. Nonetheless, panel dimming continues to be current and ends in decrease display brightness when common image degree (APL) is excessive. APL refers back to the common brightness of the content material. Whereas these identical scenes are displayed with increased brightness in True Black mode, QD-OLED panels nonetheless dim them in Peak 1,000 mode, seemingly as a consequence 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 Enhance mode is essentially 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 person to change between modes.
MSI’s preliminary implementation of this characteristic was not efficient, reversing panel dimming in solely about 10% of real-world instances. This new model is considerably extra profitable. Throughout our normal checks, we noticed glorious EOTF monitoring at decrease APLs and small home windows, whereas nonetheless sustaining 1,000 nits peak brightness. In high-APL checks, comparable to a ten% window at 50% APL and our customized sample, we noticed little to no dimming – an enchancment over MSI’s earlier efforts.
Nonetheless, in real-world situations, panel dimming can nonetheless happen on this mode – it’s simply much less frequent than in Peak 1,000 mode. The EOTF Enhance configuration works greatest when scenes are both clearly darkish or clearly vibrant. In each extremes, accuracy stays sturdy and visuals seem constant.
On the transition level between high and low APL – the place Peak 1,000 mode sometimes initiates dimming – the EOTF Enhance mode struggles. In these borderline situations, some dimming nonetheless happens. The truth is that this mode operates as a workaround: it doesn’t remove panel dimming fully, however as a substitute brightens the picture as dimming happens. This strategy works in some instances higher than others.
We have been capable of observe this conduct in actual time. For example, utilizing the darkish Steam library interface with a vibrant window overlaid, panel brightness appeared regular with a small window. As we elevated the window dimension, brightness dipped briefly 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 situations, this dynamic brightness adjustment will be noticeable. In Cyberpunk 2077, for instance, strolling between darker and lighter out of doors areas causes the panel to regulate brightness dynamically – just like how a digital camera modifications publicity. If a sport incessantly shifts between darkish and vibrant scenes, these fluctuations can grow to be distracting. In video games with extra constant lighting, the EOTF Enhance mode delivers a superb HDR expertise.
Finally, with some tweaks to our take a look at sample, we have been capable of reproduce panel dimming even on this mode. Whereas it isn’t an ideal answer, it’s the greatest implementation we now have 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 effectively will depend upon the sport and the way dynamic its visuals are. There are titles the place the seen brightness shifting will be distracting.
We imagine a 3rd iteration of this brightness algorithm might enhance usability. Adjusting the mid-APL transition zone to additional cut 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 is going to be as much as producers like MSI to create higher workarounds. The present EOTF Enhance mode is a stable step ahead, however not a last answer.
HDR Brightness
We recorded increased 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% enhance 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 dimension 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 biggest enhancements seen at 25% window dimension. This makes the 272QP X50 the brightest QD-OLED we now have examined.
These enhancements are noticeable in real-world scenes. In side-by-side comparisons, the Peak 1,000 mode on the X50 delivers 18% increased 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 also be extra viable than earlier True Black 400 configurations. It delivers 18% increased common brightness whereas sustaining an analogous degree of accuracy, with solely a minor enhance in dimming. Common brightness now matches what older QD-OLEDs achieved in Peak 1,000 mode. Whereas 500 nits continues to be comparatively low for vibrant scenes, mid-APL content material now reaches 450 nits, considerably increased than dimmed earlier fashions.
The EOTF Enhance mode sits on the high of our brightness chart with a median peak of 562 nits, the very best we now have seen from any OLED. It’s 7% brighter than the PG27AQDP general in our checks, primarily as a consequence of higher brightness retention in low-APL content material. Whereas this mode can nonetheless dim in some situations, dimming is much less extreme than in Peak 1,000 mode, and each high and low APL accuracy stays stable. Nonetheless, as mentioned earlier, the dynamic brightness conduct could have an effect on your expertise even when the outcomes look good on paper.
HDR accuracy could be very sturdy throughout all three modes. Whereas the 1,000 nits mode ranks within the midrange for ColorMatch efficiency, the opposite two modes ship glorious accuracy. Since peak brightness is unchanged from earlier QD-OLEDs, general colour quantity additionally stays comparable.
HUB Necessities Guidelines
The ultimate part of our assessment is the HUB Necessities Guidelines. MSI has achieved job advertising this monitor, and the leap to VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification corresponds to an actual enchancment in full-screen brightness and different specs.
The characteristic matrix exhibits a sometimes sturdy 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 this can be a premium monitor, it isn’t MSI’s flagship providing with this panel. That title will go to the upcoming 271QR X50, arriving in a couple of months. In consequence, this mannequin lacks options like a USB hub or KVM swap, which is a bit disappointing given the worth. Nonetheless, 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 would appear to be a easy iterative improve over earlier 1440p QD-OLEDs, growing the utmost refresh fee from 360Hz to 500Hz.
Nonetheless, past that, we’re seeing a significant enchancment in panel brightness in each SDR and HDR modes, together with MSI’s newest effort to deal with panel dimming. These outcomes make it among the best QD-OLED screens we now have examined thus far.
Lots of the MAG 272QP X50’s core strengths are ones we now have mentioned in previous OLED opinions. This show affords glorious black ranges, excellent per-pixel management, a large colour gamut, and spectacular distinction – all of which contribute to a good looking HDR gaming expertise. MSI has achieved a stable job calibrating each SDR and HDR modes to ship sturdy colour 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 is not any exception. It delivers lightning-fast response instances at a really excessive refresh fee, leading to distinctive movement readability. Whereas this can be a nice show for single-player gaming, the largest beneficiaries can be those that play fast-paced aggressive titles.
For that viewers, that is the final word OLED monitor – providing unbelievable movement readability and responsiveness whereas nonetheless supporting adaptive sync and HDR. Sure, one of the best strobed LCDs can generally 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 format and display coating, so don’t anticipate any enhancements there. Panel dimming additionally continues to be a problem with QD-OLEDs, although MSI has achieved one of the best job we now have seen up to now at mitigating it with their new EOTF Enhance mode. It’s basically a workaround, and whereas it doesn’t at all times carry out completely, in the precise circumstances it may well efficiently reverse dimming in methods earlier options haven’t.
At $850, this can be a premium monitor, and it will not be the only option for each gamer. If you happen to 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 value contemplating at an analogous value level. Alternatively, if you happen to plan to stay with 1440p and don’t want the complete 500Hz functionality, it can save you a major quantity by selecting a decrease refresh fee OLED.
Present 360Hz fashions are priced round $650, and 240Hz choices have dropped to the $500 to $550 vary. Whilst you would miss out on the brightness enhancements provided by the X50, it could be troublesome for some players to justify paying 50% extra for that alone.
However, in case your precedence is one of the best movement readability obtainable, the 272QP X50 is completely value contemplating. Till now, reaching this degree of readability in a 1440p OLED required spending $950 to $1,000 on a 480Hz WOLED mannequin. At $850, the X50 affords a really comparable movement expertise at a extra aggressive value. As well as, it supplies a number of benefits over fashions just like the Asus PG27AQDP, together with a shiny end, increased SDR brightness, and higher colour quantity.
MSI expects this monitor to grow to be obtainable 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 last choice. That mentioned, MSI is setting a excessive bar with the 272QP X50. If you happen to do find yourself selecting this monitor, we imagine you can be very happy with its efficiency.
