ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR Review: 4K and 485 Hz in a Single Monitor

Two screens in a single chassis—that’s the only technique to sum up the idea behind the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR. This second-generation 27-inch mannequin is what’s generally known as a dual-mode monitor: At the contact of a button, it switches between razor-sharp 4K at 162 Hz and a Full HD mode with as much as 485 Hz. We’ll discover out if it’s price it in our ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR assessment.

€ 409.90

€ 439.90

Nur noch 20 auf Lager (mehr ist unterwegs).

Technical Specifications of the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR Review: Appealing Design, Impeccable Build Quality

Visually, ASUS stays true to itself: The ROG Strix XG27UCGR includes a understated matte black end and largely avoids flashy gaming aesthetics. From the entrance, the almost frameless panel with slender bezels on three sides dominates the design. Only on the backside is there a barely wider bezel that includes the refined ROG emblem. The signature Republic of Gamers aesthetic, with its hanging strains, is most evident on the again, the place ASUS performs with textured and flat design parts. You received’t discover any garish RGB lighting right here, which provides the monitor a classy look.

Plastic is the first materials used. The gaps are cleanly completed, and the chassis makes a neat and cohesive impression total. For customers who need to use the monitor not just for gaming but additionally for work or in a tidy setup, this understated design is a transparent plus: The ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR suits simply as properly in a gaming room because it does on a house workplace desk and options completely top-quality craftsmanship.

The included stand covers the total vary of ergonomic choices and leaves little to be desired on this regard. The peak may be adjusted by as much as 110 mm, plus there’s a tilt vary of -5° to +20°, a swivel vary of ±40°, and a 90-degree pivot to portrait mode. This means just about anybody can discover a comfy seating place, and rapidly adjusting the monitor for a neighbor or reconnecting cables is a breeze with none awkward contortions.

The adjustment mechanisms function easily and supply a safe maintain for the panel. Those preferring to mount the display on a wall or a monitor arm can use the standardized 100 × 100 mm VESA mount. This makes the ASUS appropriate for just about any desk setup: from a traditional gaming setup to a space-saving dual-monitor configuration.

Specifications and Features

At the center of the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR is the Dual-Mode function. We’re already acquainted with the same model of this from the ASUS ROG Strix 5K XG27JCG (our assessment), which is a step above this mannequin by way of decision (and value). In native 4K mode, the 27-inch monitor delivers 3,840 × 2,160 pixels at as much as 162 Hz. Ideal for titles the place sharp element and a easy desktop show are important. By switching settings within the menu, the monitor may be set to Full HD mode, boosting the refresh fee to as much as 485 Hz.

This makes it a compelling selection for esports video games.  For aggressive shooters like Valorant, CS2, or Apex Legends, it’s exactly this pace that counts, whereas the decrease decision makes it simpler to realize the mandatory body fee. To make sure the sharper picture doesn’t look too grainy even in FHD mode, ASUS depends on Smart Pixel expertise, which boosts the picture.

On the gaming facet, it additionally options ELMB Sync to scale back movement blur, variable Overdrive management, and the standard ROG options: an on-screen crosshair, shadow enhancement for darkish sport scenes, and different AI-powered picture capabilities. The mixture of G-Sync compatibility and FreeSync ensures easy, stutter-free visuals.

When it involves ports, ASUS retains issues up-to-date however manageable: DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression, an HDMI 2.1 port for current-generation consoles, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alt Mode. However, the USB-C port solely delivers as much as 15 watts, making it extra appropriate for charging smaller units than for powering a laptop computer. The monitor doesn’t include a normal USB hub—a degree that budget-conscious consumers ought to be mindful.

Controls and OSD

The ASUS is managed by way of an on-screen show that may be conveniently navigated utilizing a joystick on the again. This is considerably extra user-friendly than the convoluted button layouts discovered on some competing fashions and permits for fast changes to Overdrive, brightness, or image mode. Switching between 4K and Full HD is without doubt one of the core capabilities and is prominently accessible.

In addition, ASUS provides the DisplayWidget Center software program, which lets you conveniently regulate settings instantly in your PC—with out having to undergo the monitor’s menu. This saves a noticeable period of time, particularly for many who regularly swap between profiles for work and gaming. The OSD has the clear, well-organized look typical of ASUS, making navigation by way of the menus utterly intuitive.

Image Quality of the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR

The XG27UCGR lays the muse for an important image: According to ASUS, the Fast-IPS panel covers 95% of the DCI-P3 colour area and 130% of the sRGB area, and is VESA DisplayHDR 400 licensed. Combined with the 4K decision, this ends in a pixel density of round 163 ppi on a 27-inch display, rendering fonts, textures, and menus with crisp readability. The matte end reliably retains reflections at bay.

The most fun side of the dual-mode idea is, in fact, the direct comparability of each modes—and that is exactly the place the massive distinction turns into obvious. In native 4K mode, the picture seems razor-sharp, edges are clear, and small textual content stays simply readable. When you turn to Full HD to take full benefit of the 485 Hz refresh fee, the show on the 27-inch display turns into noticeably coarser: 1,920 × 1,080 pixels need to be unfold throughout the identical space, inflicting nice particulars to lose definition. The producer can’t be blamed for this, although—it’s merely as a result of decision. But ASUS has thought this by way of.

This is the place Smart Pixel expertise comes into play, which upscales the Full HD sign in three phases. In apply, the medium to excessive settings specifically ship a visual enchancment and considerably mitigate the lack of decision. However, the upscaled FHD mode doesn’t fairly match the native 4K sharpness. For aggressive shooters, the place response time issues greater than element accuracy anyway, this compromise is mostly straightforward to stay with.

162 Hz in 4K mode is, in fact, a fully stable fee that enables for flawless gameplay even in fast-paced video games. The further soar from 160 to 485 Hz in Full HD mode is subjectively much less noticeable. Here, we’re speaking about refined variations which are appreciated primarily by skilled aggressive avid gamers.

Lab Test of the XG27UCGR

For an IPS panel, the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR provides respectable colour copy with a vibrant however not oversaturated look. The 95% DCI-P3 protection is greater than ample for vibrant gaming worlds and on a regular basis work.

For color-critical skilled work, prior calibration could be advisable. The distinction is on the degree typical for IPS panels: don’t count on deep, wealthy blacks like these discovered on VA or OLED panels.

The similar applies to HDR: The DisplayHDR 400 certification marks the entry-level class. Without native dimming (Local Dimming Zones), the impact in HDR content material stays refined. Bright highlights stand out solely barely from the remainder. So HDR right here is extra of a pleasant further than an actual promoting level. In SDR mode, nonetheless—which is what most video games and functions are designed for anyway—the panel actually reveals off its strengths.

As with many IPS shows, the backlighting isn’t completely uniform throughout the complete floor: the monitor is brightest towards the middle of the display, with brightness lowering barely towards the sides and corners. On giant areas of solid-color content material—similar to a white doc or a grey background—slight variations in brightness and colour might develop into noticeable in consequence. In gaming and on a regular basis use, that is typically hardly noticeable. Based on our impressions to this point, backlight bleeding on the edges is minimal and turns into barely seen primarily in very darkish scenes. But ASUS has this properly below management as properly.

ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR Review: Conclusion

With the ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2 (XG27UCGR), ASUS is launching a monitor that solves an actual downside: Instead of getting to decide on between sharpness and pace, you get each in a single gadget. Sure, dual-mode screens have been all the fashion for some time now, however ASUS has executed this idea virtually completely right here.

The 4K mode at 162 Hz shines on the desktop and in graphically intensive video games with nice element and correct rendering, whereas the Full HD mode at as much as 485 Hz caters to aggressive avid gamers. And it does so with out compromising on technical efficiency. Add to that full-fledged ergonomics, comfy joystick controls, and a understated design.

There are some trade-offs the place the worth of round 410 euros reveals its limitations: The USB-C port solely prices at 15 watts, there’s no USB hub, and the HDR capabilities are restricted to the extent of a DisplayHDR 400 panel. Whether the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCGR is in the end price it relies upon closely in your private utilization profile. Those who actually reap the benefits of the flexibleness between 4K and high-refresh-rate Full HD will discover a well-thought-out total bundle right here.

€ 409.90

€ 439.90

Nur noch 20 auf Lager (mehr ist unterwegs).

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