MSI PRO MP161 E2 Portable Monitor Review: 16″ FHD IPS Display – Tech Blog

MSI PRO MP161 E2 Portable Monitor Review: 16″ FHD IPS Display

Table of Contents

Introduction

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 is a portable monitor designed to provide a secondary display for laptops, desktops, or even mobile devices. With a 16-inch FHD IPS panel, 60Hz refresh rate, and 4ms response time, it promises a decent viewing experience on the go. I’ve been using it for several weeks now, and in this review, I’ll share my experience, including its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value.

Features

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 boasts several features that make it an appealing option for portability and connectivity:

* **16-inch FHD IPS Panel:** The 16-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS panel offers sharp, vibrant images with wide viewing angles. This makes it suitable for a variety of tasks, including work, entertainment, and gaming.
* **60Hz Refresh Rate:** The 60Hz refresh rate is standard for most portable monitors. While not ideal for high-end gaming, it ensures smooth scrolling and general everyday usage.
* **4ms Response Time:** With a 4ms response time, the MSI PRO MP161 E2 is capable of handling fast-paced action, though it may not be the most ideal choice for competitive gaming.
* **Multiple Connectivity Options:** The monitor features a Mini-HDMI port and two Type-C ports. The Type-C ports support DisplayPort 1.2a signal with Alt mode for video output and 15W power delivery, making it easy to connect and power the monitor from a laptop or even a smartphone.
* **Built-in Speakers:** The monitor includes two 1.5W speakers, which provide decent audio quality for casual multimedia consumption.
* **Adjustable Stand:** The monitor can be tilted from 0° to 180° for comfortable viewing angles.
* **Compact Design:** The MSI PRO MP161 E2 is lightweight and comes with a protective case, making it easy to carry around.

Performance

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 delivers solid performance for its intended purpose. The 16-inch FHD IPS panel provides a pleasant viewing experience with good color accuracy and a wide viewing angle. While the 60Hz refresh rate is not ideal for fast-paced gaming, it’s sufficient for most other activities. The 4ms response time does a decent job of minimizing ghosting and blur, making it suitable for occasional gaming sessions. The built-in speakers are decent for casual listening.

The monitor’s portability is excellent. The lightweight design, protective case, and multiple connectivity options make it convenient to use on the go. However, the external power supply (using Type-C port) can be a slight inconvenience depending on the device you are connecting to.

Pros & Cons

**Pros:**
* Compact and lightweight design
* 16-inch FHD IPS panel with good color accuracy and viewing angles
* Multiple connectivity options (Mini-HDMI and Type-C)
* Built-in speakers
* Adjustable stand for comfortable viewing
* Protective case included

**Cons:**
* 60Hz refresh rate may not be suitable for high-end gaming
* Requires an external power source (Type-C)
* Speakers are not ideal for serious audiophiles

Final Verdict

The MSI PRO MP161 E2 is a great portable monitor for those who need a secondary display on the go. Its compact design, FHD IPS panel, and multiple connectivity options make it an excellent choice for work, entertainment, and casual gaming. While the 60Hz refresh rate may not be ideal for competitive gaming, the overall value proposition and portability make it a compelling option for a variety of use cases. If you’re looking for a portable monitor that offers good image quality and flexibility, the MSI PRO MP161 E2 is certainly worth considering.

Specifications

Specification Value
Panel Size 15.6″
Panel Resolution 1920 x 1080 (FHD)
Refresh Rate 60Hz
Response Time 4ms (GTG)
Panel Type IPS
Brightness (nits) 250 cd/m2
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Contrast Ratio 800:1
sRGB 53% (CIE 1976)
Active Display Area (mm) 344.16(H) x 193.59(V)
Pixel Pitch (H x V) 0.17925(H) x 0.17925(V)
Surface Treatment Anti-glare
Display Colors 16.7M
Color Bit 8 bits (6 bits + FRC)
Video Ports 1x Mini-HDMI™ (2.0b), 2x Type-C (DP 1.2a signal with Alt mode & 15W Power Delivery / Power Input)
Speaker 2x 1.5W
Tripod Socket 1/4″ Standard Tripod Socket
Power Type External USB Power (Type C interface)
Adjustment (Tilt) 0° ~ 180° (Stand 13mm lengthened)
Accessory 1x L-Shaped Mini HDMI™ to HDMI™ cable, 1x L-Shaped Type-C to Type-C cable, 1x Protective Case, 1x Quick Guide
Dimension (W x H x D) 362.26 x 233.84 x 18.8 mm (14.26 x 9.17 x 0.7 inch)
Carton Dimension (W x H x D) 425 x 55 x 290 mm (16.73 x 2.17 x 11.42 inch)
Weight (NW / GW) 0.75 kg (1.65 lbs) / 1.6 kg (3.53 lbs)
Video Input Compatibility PC, Mac, PS5™, PS4™, Xbox, Mobile, Notebook
Note * All trademarks and the registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. HDMI™: 1920 x 1080 (Up to 60Hz) Type-C: 1920 x 1080 (Up to 60Hz), Adaptive-Sync support