113

out of

Gaming Monitors

True Score Methodology v1.0

MSI Optix MAG161V Review

November 16, 2023

True Score

65

Meh

62

3

Experts

90

162

Consumers

Expert Rankings

(

3

)

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.

$179.99

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Table of Contents

Overview
What Is Not on the Box
Product Comparison
All Stores
Score Card
Expert Score Breakdown
Customer Score Breakdown
Learn More About Gaming Monitors

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.

What Is Not on the Box

What the brand doesn’t always tell you…

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.

True Score

65

Reasons to Buy

Great panel uniformity
Low input lag
Thin borders
Good text clarity

Reasons to Avoid

No HDR support
Poor black levels
Controls not intuitive
Low contrast

Specifications

	Display Type	LCD
	HDMI Inputs	n/a
	HDR Format	n/a
	Max Resolution	1920 x 1080
	Panel Type	IPS
	Refresh Rate	60 Hz
	Response Time	n/a
	Screen size	15.6"
	Sync Technology	n/a

All Specs

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$179.99
Availability
In Stock
Free Shipping
No
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Score Card

E

Expert Score

62

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

90

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

65

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Score Breakdown

Publications with higher Trust Scores are given more weight

A
Trust Score
56
MSI’s Optix MAG161V boasts an attractive design with impressive port and customization options. But its… read more
By:
Tony Hoffman
D
Trust Score
70
The MSI Optix MAG161V is a mediocre office monitor. The small screen is best-suited as… read more
By:
Samuel Breton
D
Trust Score
60
The Optix MAG161V, MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, connects with a range of gaming consoles,… read more
By:
Scharon Harding