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Acer Predator XB273U vs MSI MAG 274QRF-QD: Comparison
What is the difference between Acer Predator XB273U and MSI MAG 274QRF-QD?
On refresh rate the spread is 8%, Acer Predator XB273U 165 Hz against MSI MAG 274QRF-QD 180 Hz, so MSI MAG 274QRF-QD takes it. They differ on panel type too, IPS on the Acer Predator XB273U versus Rapid IPS on the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD. They differ on response time too, 1 ms on the Acer Predator XB273U versus 1ms on the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD. There is a split on adaptive sync as well, NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible on the Acer Predator XB273U versus AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible on the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD. There is a split on dci-p3 coverage as well, 95 % on the Acer Predator XB273U versus 96 % on the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD. Color gamut is not the same on both, 95% DCI-P3 on the Acer Predator XB273U versus 135% sRGB / ~96% DCI-P3 on the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD.
Who each one is for
Buy the Acer Predator XB273U for gamers wanting reliable QHD performance at 170Hz and buyers who value sturdy build quality, though it is not built for buyers wanting USB-C connectivity and minimalist desk aesthetics. The MSI MAG 274QRF-QD is the one to take for gamers wanting richer color without OLED pricing and hybrid work/gaming desks needing USB-C laptop charging, though it is not the pick for esports players wanting 240Hz+ and OLED purists wanting perfect blacks. Our rating of the Acer Predator XB273U (8.1/10): A solid, no-surprises 27-inch QHD gaming monitor that competes well against the segment's established favorites. Our rating of the MSI MAG 274QRF-QD (7.9/10): A well-priced 1440p gaming monitor whose Quantum Dot layer delivers noticeably richer color than typical IPS competitors.
Where the two are identical
Where they agree, they agree completely, resolution, screen size, hdr formats and aspect ratio included, so the decision does not turn on any of those.
Specs and benchmarks
Panel Type
- Acer Predator XB273U
- IPS
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- Rapid IPS (Quantum Dot)
Brand
- Acer Predator XB273U
- Acer
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- MSI
Model Number
- Acer Predator XB273U
- XB273U GS
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 274QRF-QD
Screen Size
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 27 in
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 27 in
Resolution
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 2560 x 1440 (QHD)
Aspect Ratio
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 16:9
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 16:9
Refresh Rate
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 165 Hz-8%
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 180 HzBest
Response Time
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 1 ms
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 1ms (GtG)
Adaptive Sync
- Acer Predator XB273U
- NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- AMD FreeSync Premium, G-Sync Compatible
DCI-P3 Coverage
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 95 %
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 96 %
Series
- Acer Predator XB273U
- Predator XB273U
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- MAG
Color Gamut
- Acer Predator XB273U
- 95% DCI-P3
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- 135% sRGB / ~96% DCI-P3 (Quantum Dot)
HDR Formats
- Acer Predator XB273U
- HDR10
- MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
- HDR10
Which one should you pick?
Choose Acer Predator XB273U if you want the higher screen size (27 in vs 27 in).
Choose MSI MAG 274QRF-QD if you want the higher refresh rate (180 Hz vs 165 Hz).
Verdict
Acer Predator XB273U
8.1 / 10 Expert Rating
A solid, no-surprises 27-inch QHD gaming monitor that competes well against the segment's established favorites.
MSI MAG 274QRF-QD
7.9 / 10 Expert Rating
A well-priced 1440p gaming monitor whose Quantum Dot layer delivers noticeably richer color than typical IPS competitors.