If you prioritize gaming, especially in fast-paced games, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD with its higher refresh rate and variable refresh rate support will deliver smoother gameplay. However, if you are more interested in immersive media consumption and can invest more, the Samsung S43CG70 with its larger screen and higher resolution might be more appealing, despite its lower refresh rate. For those who value color accuracy for tasks like photo editing, the MSI monitor is well-suited, while the Samsung's larger color volume may offer advantages in certain contexts. Keep in mind the Samsung's potential for better contrast due to its VA Mini LED technology. 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 MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Advantages of the Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED)
Good for casual gaming
Good contrast
Good brightness
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.1/10
7.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1195:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3000:1
372 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
390 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
96.7 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) is good for casual gaming, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
5.8/10
4.9/10
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
9.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
1.0 ms
20 - 165 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
60,144 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
372 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Media Consumption
6.0/10
6.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1195:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3000:1
372 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
390 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) is somewhat better.
Cost
$436
$999
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) has a price of $436 and the Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) costs $999.
Key similarities
Productivity
6.2/10
5.8/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
103 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) to be only fair for productivity, while the Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) is poor.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
No
Both the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) are not suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) are suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and the Samsung S43CG70 (VA Mini LED) 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.
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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.