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In its default Custom 1/Standard picture mode, the XG272-2K can be enjoyed without calibration. Gamma is a bit lighter than other OLEDs I’ve reviewed, but grayscale tracking and color are reasonably close to standard.
Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
In the XG272-2K’s default chart, you can see that grayscale tracking is reasonably close, with just a few slight red/green errors visible in the 70-100% brightness range. In content, this is only a minor issue. Gamma is generally light, making the image a bit light and flat. It would be nice if there were presets to darken the gamma.
Calibration removes all visible grayscale errors and darkens gamma slightly. I am still wishing for options there, but this is an improvement that can clearly be seen in actual content.
Comparisons
2.86dE is a good start for the XG272-2K and with calibration, it delivers excellent grayscale accuracy that’s qualified for color-critical applications. Gamma tracking is less impressive in that it’s too light, but the range of values is tight at 0.07 from lowest to highest. The 6.82% deviation represents an average value of 2.05. It isn’t a grievous error, but there is room for improvement.
Color Gamut Accuracy
Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.
I measured the sRGB color temp option, but as it did not affect the color gamut, I didn’t show those charts here. The XG272-2K does not have a usable sRGB color mode
The XG272-2K fully covers the DCI-P3 color gamut and is reasonably close to standard with a 3.31dE average error over 32 measurements. Red is slightly over-saturated and there are minor hue errors in magenta and cyan. Calibration fixes the hue issues but red remains a tad hot which is nearly invisible in actual content. This is excellent performance.
Comparisons
Though the XG272-2K comes last in the gamut accuracy test, it has no visible color errors. Clearly, this is a high-performing group of monitors, and that should be the expectation when paying $800-1,000.
In the volume test, you can see the divide between Quantum Dot and Not Quantum Dot. QD will net you around 10% more color volume, mostly in the red and green primaries. However, the NQDs come close to 100%, and the visual difference is small. The XG272-2K has enough gamut coverage for color-critical work.
Test Takeaway: Aside from light gamma, the XG272-2K delivers high accuracy with a large color volume. You’ll get a little more color from a QD monitor, but not a ton more. It’s qualified for pro applications if you can compensate for its light gamma tracking, which is at least linear. The XG272-2K is very good, but there is a little room for improvement (how about adding some gamma presets, please).
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