By There are numerous inexpensive portable monitors available, and many of them are interchangeable, to be honest. This is because the majority have comparable sizes, the same or comparable ports, and the same IPS-LCD display panel technology. While it adheres to these trends as well, the MSI Pro MP165 E6 distinguishes itself with tripod and VESA mount options.
Specs and Features
The basic specs of the MSI Pro MP165 E6 are comparable to those of the majority of inexpensive portable monitors. Despite the enormous “16” label on the package, it has a 15.6-inch IPS-LCD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This is typical of any portable display that costs less than $100.
- 15.6-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
- 1920 x 1080 native resolution
- Type of panel: IPS-LED
- 60 Hz is the refresh rate.
- Adaptive Sync: Indeed
- HDR: Not present
- Two USB Type-C ports and one HDMI 2.0b port with 15 watts of power delivery
- Sound: two one-watt speakers
- Extra features: A 1/4-inch standard tripod mount, a built-in kickstand, and a 75x75mm VESA mount
- 14.04 x 8.28 x 0.55 inches in size
- 1.72 pounds in weight
- Cost: $89.99 MSRP
The MSI does, however, have a few additional, uncommon features. It features a 75x75mm VESA mount, a 1/4-inch tripod mount, and an integrated kickstand. Although they are small, these features increase the monitor’s versatility.
Design
The design of the MSI Pro MP165 E6 is worthy of its “Pro” designation. The portable display seems like a thin plastic slab at first glance, much like dozens of rival models. It weighs 1.72 pounds and is only 0.55 inches thick. Although low, both numbers are normal for a handheld monitor. However, if you turn it over, you’ll notice three key characteristics. The monitor features a 75mm VESA mount, a 1/4-inch tripod mount, and a kickstand.
The kickstand, the most popular of the three additional features offered by the MSI, comes first. Although most low-cost monitors have a fabric stand or cover, portable monitors frequently employ kickstands. With the help of two tiny rubber feet—one on each side of the monitor—the kickstand, which is compact but maintains the monitor securely inclined at the preferred position, prevents the monitor from moving when it is bumped. However, its tilt range is quite constrained, and it cannot be oriented in portrait mode.
Additionally, there are two mounting choices for the monitor: a 75mm VESA mount and a 1/4-inch tripod mount. Both are excellent to find at this price and unusual for a portable display. Photographers, videographers, YouTubers, TikTokers, and anybody else who requires an inexpensive display for tracking their work will find these mounts helpful. They also enable the display to be used in less typical contexts, such as on a wall in your house or as digital signage.
The monitor comes with a velcro-closed cloth sleeve from MSI. Although it’s simple, it provides some scratch and bump resistance. It’s also great that a velcro flap is included to fasten the monitor.
Connectivity
The left side of the MSI Pro MP165 E6 has three ports: two USB-C and a full-sized HDMI 2.0. If you have a laptop or other device that can output both video and 15 watts of power over USB-C, you can use both USB-C ports to connect to the display with a single cable. These ports support both DisplayPort and 15 watts of power delivery. For audio pass-through, the monitor also features a 3.5mm audio connection.
The ports’ position may be improved. If you plan to position the monitor to the right of your primary display, the fact that all three are on the left may irritate you.
Additionally, the portable monitor is devoid of a power brick, which is required if you want to transfer a video signal to the monitor via USB-C or HDMI from a device that isn’t able to supply power. However, this is typical in the sub-$100 monitor market.
One advantage is that the monitor comes with both HDMI and USB-C cords, one of which is 90 degrees connected. This is useful since it clears up desk clutter and makes it simpler to route cords when mounting the monitor to a wall or tripod. Although they are not free, cables with 90-degree couplings are reasonably priced (about $8 to $10 per cable, and a few dollars more than cables with a normal connector).
Menus and Audio
Although the MSI Pro MP165 E6 has a good connection, its menu interface is subpar. On the right side of the monitor are a power button and a toggle. The power button functions as it should. In the meantime, the toggle controls brightness and music. That’s it.
Even by the low standards of the category, the MSI is deficient in menu and image quality features, which are frequently lacking in budget portable monitors. A greater variety of functions and image quality changes is available from rivals such as the InnoView Portable Monitor.
MSI’s Display Kit utility, which is compatible with both Windows 10 and Windows 11, can be used with the display. Preset color modes and RGB color tweaking are among the few extra capabilities that Display Kit provides. However, the MSI Pro MP165 E6 is not the only device with these features. Any monitor, including those made by other firms, can be used with them.
Two 1-watt speakers on the back of the monitor deliver audio. They can be used to listen to podcasts or video calls because they have a respectable loudness, but more complex content, such as games, movies, or music, rapidly overwhelms them. Although I thought the InnoView Portable Monitor’s speakers were better, many low-cost portable monitors share the same issue.
SDR image quality
The MSRP of the MSI Pro MP165 E6 is less than $100. While all monitors in this price range make certain sacrifices in order to reach attractive pricing, some make more than others. MSI takes a pragmatic approach, prioritizing usefulness over visual quality.
In terms of brightness, the MSI Pro MP165 E6 reaches a strong 328 nits at its highest point. Although it’s not the best, that’s a decent result for a portable monitor and better than reasonably priced options like the Viewsonic VA1655 and InnoView Portable monitor.
Although it’s not thrilling, brightness is crucial. Many low-cost portable monitors are so dim that using them near windows or in a brilliantly lit office might be a little annoying. Although it can withstand harsh lighting better than most options in this price range, the MSI is still swamped in really bright environments.
It’s important to note that, in comparison to OLED alternatives, all of these IPS-LCD portable displays have less contrast. In comparison to OLED, IPS-LCD is notably washed out and lifeless. OLED portable displays, on the other hand, are significantly more costly; the most reasonably priced models start at $200.
HDR image quality and motion
HDR is not supported by the MSI Pro MP165 E6. Given that many inexpensive portable monitors claim to support HDR, that can seem like a drawback. But in reality, even if some rivals claim to support HDR, the quality of the HDR is quite poor. I think MSI’s decision not to support HDR is more sincere.
In contrast, motion clarity is mediocre for a contemporary IPS LCD screen. Although motion blur is often manageable, the monitor’s 60Hz refresh rate and lack of Adaptive Sync make it far less capable than monitors with OLED panels or higher refresh rates. Nevertheless, minimal motion clarity is to be expected because this is a budget monitor.
Conclusion
With a number of features that are unusual for a portable monitor under $100, the MSI Pro MP165 E6 stands out from the majority of its rivals. Although the monitor has a VESA mount, a tripod mount, a handy built-in kickstand, 90-degree wires for improved cable management, and a good carrying bag, its image quality is quite poor. These extras are useful and provide MSI’s portable display greater versatility than its rivals, but none of them will blow your hair off.
