Review: MSI Optix MAG272CQR

Conclusion

Choosing a gaming monitor at any price point is typically a balancing act, with users having to identify the features that matter most, while attempting to minimise the various drawbacks inherent to modern display technologies.

In the sub-£500 space, MSI does a decent enough job of demonstrating what a mid-range VA solution has to offer in early 2020. The highlights include a QHD resolution, a 1500R curve, and silky-smooth FreeSync support at up to 165Hz.

These credentials alone are, in theory, enough to make for a sumptuous gaming experience, yet while casual gamers will no doubt enjoy the buttery visuals, enthusiasts may lament some of the shortcomings. Brightness is below average, out-the-box accuracy could be better, and both ghosting and black crush are evident to the extent that once you know they're there, the unwanted smearing becomes hard to ignore.

Optix MAG272CQR isn't perfect, yet while we've enjoyed gaming on the panel with either Radeon or GeForce hardware, there's another snag in that the curve brings with it a significant price premium. Those who shy away from curves should turn to their attention to the impending MAG272QR, which will offer many of the same gaming attributes in a flat form factor priced attractively at £280.

MSI Optix MAG272CQR

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TBC.

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