189

MSI Optix MAG161V Review

True Score

61
60
3

Experts

64
0

Consumers

Expert Rankings

The MSI Optix MAG161V has enough features to work as a secondary portable monitor for added productivity. However, it lacks all the essential gaming features that gamers appreciate, despite being light and easy to carry.

Product Snapshot

Overview

Intro: The MSI Optix MAG161V is an affordable 15.6-inch portable monitor that was released in late 2019. The display pledges to deliver sharp images with excellent text clarity thanks to its 1080p resolution, and with a slim profile that measures about 5mm, the portable monitor feels great to hold and operate. Its protective case doubles as a stand that can be tilt adjusted, so users will be able to adjust its viewing angles to fit their preferences. The portable monitor also has two built-in speakers and an 8.8ms input lag which makes it faster than the Viewsonic VG1655 in terms of responsiveness. Make sure to get to the end of this MSI Optix MAG161V review to find out what else it has in store and see if it’s got what it takes to rival some of the best-rated computer monitors in the market.

Consensus

our Verdict

The MSI Optix MAG161V is a lightweight display that offers crisp text and a quick response time. It has a solid build and handles gradients well, but its low black levels, brightness, and color gamut make it unsuitable for design work. Gamers may be disappointed by its low refresh rate and lack of gaming features.

Reason to Buy

  • Great panel uniformity
  • Low input lag
  • Thin borders
  • Good text clarity

Reason to Avoid

  • No HDR support
  • Poor black levels
  • Controls not intuitive
  • Low contrast

MSI Optix MAG161V Specs

Display TypeLCD
HDMI Inputsn/a
HDR Formatn/a
Max Resolution1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Panel TypePanel TypeIPS
Refresh Rate60 Hz
Response TimeResponse Timen/a
Screen size15.6"
Sync TechnologySync Technologyn/a

All Specs

Test Results

Brightness (nits)166.4
Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1)871
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)49.6
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)0
Color Gamut % (Adobe RGB Coverage xy)48.2
Color Gamut % (sRGB Coverage xy)66.65
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020 Coverage xy)0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709 Coverage xy)0
Input Lag (ms)8.8
Response Time (ms)18.9
Reflections % (Total Reflections)4.9
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Left)22
Horizontal Viewing Angle (Washout Right)22
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Above)23
Vertical Viewing Angle (Washout Below)24

All Tests

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Score Card

E

Expert Score

60

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

64

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

61

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Score Breakdown

  • Rtings
    103.4

    Category Trust Score

    56
    MSI’s Optix MAG161V boasts an attractive design with impressive port and customization options. But its… read more

    By:

    Tony Hoffman
  • PC Mag
    91.7

    Category Trust Score

    70
    The MSI Optix MAG161V is a mediocre office monitor. The small screen is best-suited as… read more

    By:

    Samuel Breton
  • Tom’s Hardware
    92.08

    Category Trust Score

    60
    The Optix MAG161V, MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, connects with a range of gaming consoles,… read more

    By:

    Scharon Harding

Customer Score Breakdown

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