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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.
The Q27G4XY responds to HDR10 signals with an additional nine picture modes. PC Mode HDR was my choice for testing and gaming. It includes multiple dynamic contrast options and retains control of the backlight level.
HDR Brightness and Contrast
Though the Q27G4XY has several dynamic contrast options, including a local one, I could not measure more than 281 nits peak. I got the same result with 25% windows and full fields. I could see the local contrast working in mid-brightness areas, but it did not change minimum or maximum luminance values. Compared to the other screens, the Q27G4XY is a bit dim. Since it’s a VA panel though, you’ll still get deep blacks which here, result in a respectable 3,512.8:1 ratio. This puts it ahead of all the IPS panels except the Mini LED Xiaomi which costs around $100 more.
Grayscale, EOTF and Color
AOC got the HDR tuning right with the Q27G4XY, and you can plainly see that in the charts. Grayscale tracking is without visual error and the EOTF tracks the reference almost perfectly. This means all detail in the original content will be fully and clearly rendered. Though it isn’t terribly bright, the image is still very textural and clean.
In the color tests, the Q27G4XY again tracks the reference points very closely. Inner points are slightly oversaturated, which is typical of wide gamut screens. Hues for all six colors are on point. It also tracks as much of the BT.2020 gamut as it can, where it covers 85% red, 75% green and 90% blue.
Test Takeaway: The Q27G4XY is less bright than other budget HDR screens I’ve tested, but its color and luminance accuracy are superior. Its HDR image will be best enjoyed in a darkened room where you can dial in the overall brightness with the backlight control, something few HDR monitors allow. It doesn’t have any more HDR contrast than SDR, but since it’s a VA panel, it renders HDR better than most IPS screens.
