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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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ViewSonic XG2536 — (Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The XG2536 is nice and bright for all content with peak output over 473 nits. There is no backlight dimming, zone or field, so you’ll see the same output regardless of the average picture level. Among speedy screens, it is one of the brightest available.

That powerful backlight raises black levels over the others, but when the contrast ratio is calculated, it still manages over 1,100:1 of dynamic range. That’s above the IPS average but the other monitors are just a tad better. The Lenovos with their VA panels are in another league thanks to much lower black levels.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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With calibration, the XG2536 moves up the standings a bit to fourth. The VA Lenovos still win the day but the ViewSonic holds its own against other IPS and TN screens. It also takes fourth in the ANSI test with a very consistent 1,007:1 result. That’s nearly equal to the static number which is impressive. The XG2536 demonstrates excellent quality control and component selection.

Test Takeaway: If contrast is at the top of your priority list, an OLED or VA monitor is the way to go. But the XG2536 delivers dynamic range that’s a little above the IPS and TN average so that is a positive. Though it is primarily a speed machine, no one will complain about its image depth.

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.