186

out of

196

Computer Monitors

True Score Methodology v2.0

MSI Optix MAG161V Review

Name: MSI Optix MAG161V
Brand: MSI

Updated Jan 25, 2024 6:28 PM

True Score

71

Mixed Reviews

69

3

Experts

78

164

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

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.

Search Amazon

Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

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.

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

All Specs

Test Results

Brightness (nits)	166.4
Contrast Ratio (as ratio, x:1)	871
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 xy)	49.6
Color Gamut/Accuracy % (DCI P3 uv)	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

Can You Trust What You Read Online?

Fake reviews are taking over tech journalism—45% of sites are faking product tests. Don’t be misled.

Sign up now for exclusive access to Gadget Review’s bombshell investigation and uncover the truth about tech journalism.

Plus, stay ahead with our daily newsletter, packed with insights you can trust.

Score Card

E

Expert Score

69

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

78

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

71

Any product with a True Score above 60 is a Meh

Expert Scores

Publications with higher Trust Ratings are given more weight.

101.4
Category Trust Rating
56
MSI’s Optix MAG161V boasts an attractive design with impressive port and customization options. But its… Read More
By:
Tony Hoffman
89.25
Category Trust Rating
60
The Optix MAG161V, MSI’s first portable gaming monitor, connects with a range of gaming consoles,… Read More
By:
Scharon Harding
88.4
Category Trust Rating
70
The MSI Optix MAG161V is a mediocre office monitor. The small screen is best-suited as… Read More
By:
Samuel Breton