Conclusion
Until recently, 32-inch monitors were a relatively marginal category and manufacturers were pushing mainly the smaller 27″ versions. Recently, it seems as if the market is swarming with 32″ monitors, and after the latest from AOC, we take a look at two new gaming models from MSI right away. At first glance they look the same, but besides the name they differ in panels, connectivity, or other small details, which we will gradually break down.
Conclusion
The MSI Gaming Optix MPG321QRF-QD and The Optix MPG321UR-QD is a pair of newcomer 32-inch monitors that look the same at first glance, but upon closer inspection you’ll find a number of differences. The design, build quality, control application and overall impressions of use are all on a very good level.
The difference between the UHD and QHD model, besides the panel itself, is in connectivity, with the UHD model being more geared towards use with multiple devices at once, especially the PC + console combination, while the QHD version is more for use with a single device, although multitasking isn’t discouraged either. Both panels deliver great colour performance, brightness is also very good and the fast refresh rate, low input lag and G-Sync support are a great combination for a true gaming experience. This is further complemented by a host of tweaks in the OSD menu and apps, which is definitely one of the best.
Exceptionally, there is not much to criticise, it’s really just small things like the need to screw the stand to the body, the lack of a pivot or a smaller range of height adjustment. Of the pair, I’d personally reach for the UHD model, which at 32 inches makes sense and the QHD resolution ceases to be sharp enough.
The last obstacle before the purchase may be the price. The QHD version is around 850 euros at the time of writing, and the UHD model has relatively limited availability, but one store has it for 1200 euros. Given the better performance in virtually all aspects, it’s a better choice than the AOC Agon 4 Pro AG324UX we tested last, so it’s really worth paying a little extra here, if you can find the new one available anywhere. This will hopefully improve over time.
English translation and edit by Jozef Dudáš
| MSI Optix MPG321UR-QD a MPG321QRF-QD |
| + Very good colour rendering, brightness and overall panel performance |
| + Unobtrusive and subtle design |
| + Great app and OSD menu |
| + G-Sync compatible |
| + Large number of ports for both video and USB |
| + KVM switch with multiple modes |
| + Interesting game features |
| + HDR 600 |
| - Lack of availability of UHD version? |
| - Imperfect positioning options and installation speed |
