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Conclusion
Despite the hardware requirements and the expense, manufacturers continue to add Ultra HD displays to their lineups and prices continue to drop. The 28-inch TN category has been especially prolific with nearly a dozen products all based on the same part from AU Optronics. While this technology may not be as desirable as IPS or IGZO, it represents a great way for users on a budget to at least get their feet wet with UHD and see if it works for them.
In the gaming category, Ultra HD has been slow to take hold and it’s probably more accurate to say that it’s getting there but hasn’t quite established a reference benchmark. However, the addition of adaptive refresh goes a long way toward making this resolution feasible for more users. Few video cards can drive 8.3 mega-pixels at 60 fps in every game but that goal is become ever-more affordable too.
The MG28UQ is one of the better examples of TN and Ultra HD we’ve seen of late. While many such displays cut costs with a non-adjustable stand and external power supply, Asus has not skimped on quality those items. It doesn’t quite have the high-end feel of a ROG product but it sure comes close for less money. In fairness, the PG series is stuck with a $200 G-Sync premium but it also adds blur-reduction to the mix.
We think most gamers can probably live without these two things. While FreeSync imposes additional challenges at low frame rates, it still represents the value choice. All a company has to do is implement the appropriate DisplayPort firmware and another adaptive refresh choice is added to the list.
The MG28UQ’s color performance is on par with other 28-inch TN/UHD panels we’ve covered. Accuracy is decent in either the fixed sRGB mode or after calibration of the User preset. We recommend you try our suggested settings back on page three. Contrast is about average for an Ultra HD panel as well. We’re seeing greater dynamic range from hi-res IPS monitors but they come at a higher cost.
The one thing that sets this Asus apart from other value-oriented products is its build. It’s the first monitor we’ve seen of its kind to include an internal power supply and a fully-adjustable stand. These might seem like minor things but when you use a display every day, trust us, they matter.
While Asus’ ROG monitors rarely fail to impress us, there is excellent performance and usability in all the MG-series screens we’ve reviewed. The MG28UQ makes a great addition to the line and we think gamers looking to test the Ultra HD waters should give it a serious look. For its high value, solid build and good color performance, we’re giving it the Tom’s Editor Approved Award.
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