MSI Modern MD272UPSW Review: PC Monitor, Meet Google TV

I tested the MD272UPSW’s brightness, contrast ratio, and color coverage using our standard test gear: a Klein K-10A colorimeter, a Murideo SixG signal generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman Ultimate for Business calibration software.

MSI rates the MD272UPSW’s luminance at 300 nits (candelas per meter squared), and in our testing, it slightly exceeded that, at 324 nits. In HDR testing, it showed a peak brightness of 384 nits. I measured its contrast ratio at 1,172:1, topping its 1,000:1 rating.

(Credit: Portrait Displays)

The MD272UPSW’s 10-bit color depth goes hand-in-hand with good color coverage, which was borne out in my testing. According to MSI, the panel covers 127% of the sRGB space, 98% of DCI-P3, and 94% of Adobe RGB. Although it fell a little short of these numbers, in our testing, it covered the full sRGB space with room to spare (see the chromaticity chart above), 95.2% of DCI-P3, and 90.7% of Adobe RGB.

For experiential testing, I viewed our usual test video clips, as well as parts of movies and TV shows I accessed through Google TV. Video looked bright, with accurate, vibrant color and good contrast. The MD272UPSW also handled photos from our test suite well, with realistic-looking colors and retention of detail in both bright and dark areas.