MSI DarkArmor and Uniform Luminance: what they mean for QD-OLED monitors
If you own a QD-OLED monitor or are thinking of buying one, you have probably noticed or heard about two issues: blacks look slightly purple under room lighting, and brightness shifts in HDR content depending on how much of the image is bright. MSI has announced two new technologies aimed at exactly these issues. In this article we explain what they are and who they matter to.
What happened?
According to MSI, the company has unveiled two new 4K QD-OLED monitors of around 32 inches, the MPG 322UR and MAG 321UP QD-OLED X24, along with two new technologies:
- DarkArmor: an anti-reflection film that MSI says absorbs light better and reduces the purple or reddish tint QD-OLED panels show under ambient light. MSI claims it improves black levels by up to 40%.
- Uniform Luminance: a feature that lets you customize the HDR brightness curve so brightness stays stable and smooth regardless of how large the bright area of the image is.
Important: these are the company's own figures and claims, and we have not seen independent tests measuring them yet. There is no official price or launch date for Saudi Arabia so far.
Why does it matter?
QD-OLED monitors give you strong colors and very fast response times, but the most common complaint from gamers is that blacks don't look fully black in a lit room, because the panel reflects some of the light. If MSI succeeds in reducing that, QD-OLED becomes a stronger choice for people who play in bright rooms or during the day.
Stable HDR brightness matters more for people who play story games and watch films, because sudden brightness changes are noticeable in scenes with large bright areas.
Who do these technologies matter to?
- If you play in a brightly lit room: anti-reflection technology makes more difference for you than for anyone else.
- If you love HDR and cinematic games: stable brightness gives you a more comfortable experience.
- If you play in a dark room: today's QD-OLED monitors already give you an excellent experience.
QD-OLED monitors available now at Gamerzone
For 4K with high speed
The ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS is 31.5 inches with a 4K QD-OLED panel at 240Hz, a strong choice if you want 4K sharpness and speed at the same time.
From the Gamerzone store: ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG32UQDMS 4K 240Hz monitor
For QHD at 27 inches
The PHILIPS EVNIA 27-inch has a flat QD-OLED panel with QHD resolution, 240Hz, 0.03ms response time and HDR support.
From the Gamerzone store: PHILIPS EVNIA 27-inch QD-OLED 240Hz monitor
Check the current price and availability on the product page, especially during the 11.11 sale.
Tips for using an OLED monitor
- Mind where the monitor sits: avoid placing it facing a window or a strong lamp.
- Turn on panel-care features: to reduce the risk of burn-in over long use.
- Set up HDR properly: enable HDR in Windows and in the game, and use the calibration tool if available.
- Check the port: use a DisplayPort or HDMI version that supports the resolution and refresh rate you want.
Conclusion
MSI's new technologies try to solve the two most common complaints about QD-OLED: blacks under room light and HDR brightness stability. We will wait for independent tests, and in the meantime there are excellent QD-OLED monitors available now. Need help choosing? Message us on WhatsApp at 0564121558, or visit our Olaya or Aqiq branch. Installments are available with Tamara and Tabby.
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