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Brightness and Contrast

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

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Titan Army P27A2R — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

Titan Army claims 300 nits for the P27A2R, but my sample didn’t quite get there. It’s firmly in the “not too bright but bright enough” category. I adjust monitors down to 200 nits for a level test field, but this is plenty of light output for any indoor space.

In the black level comparison, the P27A2R is the best of the IPS screens with a satisfyingly low 0.2344 nit measurement and 1,230.1:1 contrast.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Calibration costs nothing in terms of dynamic range. Contrast is still over 1,200:1 and the P27A2R is still the best of the IPS monitors in the group. It is better than average for the category which is impressive given its budget status.

It scores well in the ANSI test too with only a small reduction to 1,174.7:1, very consistent. Only the MSI comes close. This is excellent performance.

Test Takeaway: The P27A2R performs well above its price class with higher-than-average contrast and excellent black levels. There are brighter monitors available for more money but unless you need that extra output, or can’t live without HDR, it is hard to beat.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

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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.

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