MSI Optix MAG273R Review: Speed in a 27-Inch Value

A lot of speed for a little money

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MSI Optix MAG273R
(Image: © MSI)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

We’ve rounded up a group of 27-inch screens to compare the MAG273R’s performance. They cover IPS, VA and TN technologies and both FHD and QHD resolutions. All are capable of HDR and feature extended color. There’s the ViewSonic Elite XG270QC, Aorus FI27Q, Gigabyte G27QC, Viotek GFI27QXA and, finally, the Pixio PX278.

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

MSI rates the MAG273R at 250 nits max brightness, but our sample measured nearly 318 nits. There are brighter monitors out there, but this Optix provides more than enough light for any indoor environment. Black levels are surprisingly low for an IPS monitor, and we recorded an impressive 1,289.5:1 contrast ratio in the static test. Contrast doesn’t get much better for an IPS panel than that. Only the two VA monitors in the group can boast wider dynamic range.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

After calibration (see our recommended settings on page 1), the MAG273R still leads the black level contest and picks up a bit more contrast; now it’s 1,315.1:1; one of the highest IPS contrast scores we’ve recorded. That great range is visible in the image, which looked deeper and more vibrant than most IPS or TN screens we’ve reviewed. MSI is using a very capable panel here.

ANSI contrast is strong at 1,207:1 -- also one of the highest scores in this test for an IPS panel. Though we noted a few minor uniformity issues, it didn’t prevent our MAG273R sample from showing us a superb image. It’s definitely a cut above average in that department.

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • MrWulf87
    So I just the mag274 monitor and can't find a review on it from you guys. I wanted to know how to find one or which monitor to base my color calibration off do I use what you guys found for this mag273r? Or a different monitor?
    Reply