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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.
Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level



My X27 X1 sample measured over 310 nits peak, which is well above Acer’s claim of 250 nits for SDR content. While it’s not the brightest OLED out there, it is more than bright enough for use in a typical media room or office. There is no variable brightness available in SDR mode, so full field and 25% window patterns measure the same. Black levels and contrast cannot be measured.
After Calibration to 200 nits



Calibration doesn’t change the contrast result; it still cannot be measured. I noted that brightness changed inconsistently as I moved the slider up and down. To set 200 nits, an ideal level for SDR content, I only had to reduce it by a few clicks from the max. But further down the scale, it made much finer changes. It’s a bit difficult to set a precise level.
Test Takeaway: The X27 X1 delivers the same infinite contrast and deep blacks as any OLED display. It isn’t super bright, but it is bright enough. It only has constant brightness for SDR, which isn’t unusual, but it would be nice to have the option. However, variable brightness is available for HDR.
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.