If you prioritize high-resolution imaging and top-notch text clarity for tasks such as digital photo editing, the LG UltraFine 5K offers outstanding image quality and sharpness. It's also suitable for HDR video editing, thanks to its wide color gamut. However, for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers good performance, the MSI G273QPF boasts a higher refresh rate and variable refresh rate support, which makes it better for both casual and competitive gaming. It has a lower resolution but is still good for general 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 UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS)
Very good for productivity
Good for media consumption
Best in class text clarity
Best in class image clarity
Good brightness
Advantages of the MSI G273QPF (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Very good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
5.0/10
5.8/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
14.0 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.9 ms
N/A
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
The MSI G273QPF (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI G273QPF (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.7/10
6.2/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
218 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
No
Glossy
COATING
Matte
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) is very good for productivity, while the MSI G273QPF (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
7.0/10
6.0/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1200:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1249:1
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
Unknown
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
Glossy
COATING
Matte
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) is good for media consumption, while the MSI G273QPF (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$1,179
$244
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) has a price of $1,179 and the MSI G273QPF (IPS) costs $244.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.0/10
6.0/10
5120 x 2880
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1200:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1249:1
500 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
316 nits
Unknown
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
99.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
N/A
Glossy
COATING
Matte
The MSI G273QPF (IPS) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and MSI G273QPF (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and the MSI G273QPF (IPS) compare to other monitors
"Thanks to its 27″ 1440p IPS panel with wide color gamut, the MSI G273QF delivers an immersive viewing experience, while the rapid 1ms GtG response time speed, FreeSync, MBR and 165Hz ensure buttery-smooth performance – all that at an appealing price!"
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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.