If you prioritize a larger screen with higher resolution for a sharper image, the LG 32GQ950 might be a better choice, particularly if your focus is on exceptional color accuracy for digital photo editing. This monitor, however, comes at a premium price and may not offer significantly better performance for competitive gaming over the MSI. On the other hand, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD is less expensive and still delivers excellent overall performance, making it a solid choice for casual and competitive gaming alike. The MSI also offers a wider color gamut, which is advantageous if you’re into print photo editing. Both monitors have good refresh rates and response times, but if budget is a concern and you don't need the larger, higher resolution display, the MSI might be the more cost-effective option for a balance of gaming, productivity, and media consumption. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the LG 32GQ950 (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Very good response time
Advantages of the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS)
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) has no clear advantages over the LG 32GQ950 (IPS).
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.7/10
5.8/10
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
5.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.1 ms
20 - 160 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
367 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and LG 32GQ950 (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.1/10
6.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
139 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.6/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
921:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
367 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
1007 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the LG 32GQ950 (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$930
$436
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) has a price of $930 and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) costs $436.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.2/10
6.1/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
160Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
921:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
367 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
1007 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
94.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
96.7 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The LG 32GQ950 (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the LG 32GQ950 (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the LG 32GQ950 (IPS) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the LG 32GQ950 (IPS) and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD has the largest color gamut we’ve ever seen and near-perfect out-of-box accuracy. sRGB content will be oversaturated though, and HDR doesn’t do anything for image quality."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
210
Monitors evaluated
10,500
Monitors stats compiled
15
Proprietary Monitors ratings developed
116,900
Recommendations made
17,535
Consumer hours saved
About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.