Asus ROG Strix XG27UCS 4K gaming monitor review: Accurate color and a great value

27-inch IPS 4K gaming monitor 160 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, ELMB Sync, variable overdrive, and HDR10.

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Asus ROG Strix XG27UCS
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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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 XG27UCS supports HDR10 signals by switching modes automatically and enabling three new image presets, Gaming, Cinema and Console. They look similar to one another, but Gaming is the most accurate. By activating an OSD toggle, you can enable the brightness control if you find the picture too bright for your taste. This is something very few HDR monitors allow.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

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Asus ROG Strix XG27UCS
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

It’s easy to see which screens are Mini LEDs. Hint: it’s the ones with peak outputs over 1,100 nits. Second hint: they cost more than the XG27UCS. It offers decent light output for HDR with just under 500 nits, but no more contrast. That is still below 900:1. If only there were a field dimming option. HDR is not the strength here, but you will get good color thanks to the large gamut.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

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Asus ROG Strix XG27UCS
(Image credit: Portrait Displays Calman)

The XG27UCS is every bit as color-accurate in HDR mode as SDR. Grayscale tracking is without visual flaws from the darkest to the lightest step. This is true in all three picture modes. EOTF tracking is nearly perfect, but there is a rise in the zero and 5% steps, which makes shadow detail lighter than it should be. It is clearly rendered but blacks are more gray in tone.

HDR gamut tracking shows the same slight over-saturation I see in most HDR monitors and that is a good thing. At the XG27UCS’s level of contrast, vivid color helps mitigate a lack of dynamics. The points track linearly so detail remains sharp and clear in all parts of the image. DCI-P3 gamut coverage is complete except for 100% red which is a tad under the mark. If you view content mastered to BT.2020, the XG27UCS manages coverage of 85% red, 75% green and 95% blue.

Test Takeaway: The XG27UCS’s HDR contrast isn’t great, but it is extremely color-accurate and very well saturated. HDR content has a little more impact, but black levels aren’t low enough to really make the picture pop. I am happy to see the ability to adjust brightness. That is something most HDR monitors lack.

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

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.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • truerock
    I just can't understand why somebody would want to put crummy, low-quality speakers inside of their monitor. It just seems like the strangest idea. They like having a monitor that vibrates?

    Wouldn't it be better to have good speakers?
    Reply
  • Sluggotg
    truerock said:
    I just can't understand why somebody would want to put crummy, low-quality speakers inside of their monitor. It just seems like the strangest idea. They like having a monitor that vibrates?

    Wouldn't it be better to have good speakers?
    I use Nice Speakers or a Good Headset for most of my computing activities. When I am building, fixing/trouble shooting, updating, testing, etc., I use a monitor with built in speakers. Less hassle, less clutter at my computer work desk.
    Reply