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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
The M27PG135F is rated for 350 nits SDR output, and my sample achieved that. Compared to the others, it’s in the middle. There is more than enough light here. Black levels are also mid-pack, which results in an average-for-IPS 1,025.4:1 contrast ratio. Obviously, the VA panels have a significant advantage in this test.
After Calibration to 200 nits
I lost a little contrast with calibration because I had to reduce the contrast slider to solve a clipping issue where the 100% brightness step was tinted blue. The compromise is slight, though, the M27PG135F is still about average for an IPS panel in contrast. The improvement in color accuracy is well worth this small sacrifice.
Intra-image contrast remains consistent, which speaks to the quality of the M27PG135F’s components, in particular its grid polarizer. It has a bright and sharp picture that is very colorful.
Test Takeaway: If you want more contrast than what’s offered by the M27PG135F, you’ll need a VA or OLED panel. The latter option will come at a significantly higher cost. Given the lag and response test results, I’d pick the RCA even though it has only average contrast. Its gaming performance more than makes up for that. And the super wide color gamut also doesn’t hurt.
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