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Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe those our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
With all grayscale errors under 2 Delta E (dE), they should be invisible to the naked eye (3dE is the visible threshold). The first chart above shows a small dip in gamma at 10% brightness as the only flaw, and it’s a tiny one. Shadow detail is plainly visible, just not quite as dark as it should be.
Our calibration (second chart above) produced a very satisfying result, with almost no grayscale errors whatsoever. This is better than many professional screens. Our adjustments did not change gamma, however.
Comparisons
The X25 clearly has the advantage in out-of-box grayscale accuracy among our speedy comparison group. It’s well ahead of the curve with a tiny 1.15dE average error. Calibration takes that number to an impressively low 0.29dE. Only the VG259QM is more impressive at 0.24dE, but that is far from a visible difference. All the monitors here are very accurate with calibration.
The X25 is also near the top in gamma accuracy. If the dip at 10% brightness could be eliminated, it would win both tests. Still, the error is almost impossible to spot in real-world content. This is excellent performance, worthy of the X25’s premium status and price.
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.
Color performance is no less impressive, with an invisible error of just 1.82dE out of the box. The X25 promises high accuracy and delivers on all counts. It’s unfortunate that it doesn’t support extended color, but none of the other 360 Hz monitors we’ve reviewed do either.
Calibration (second chart above) makes only a tiny difference, and you’ll be hard-pressed to see it with the naked eye. But we say if you can make a small improvement, it’s worth the effort.
Comparisons
The X25 matches color gamut accuracy with the other two 360 Hz monitors. And the bottom three monitors have no visible color errors. The quest for speed will not require sacrificing image fidelity if you choose any of these screens.
You will have to sacrifice color volume though. All the monitors in the group are sRGB displays and do not support DCI-P3. Luckily, they all go over the 100% mark, which is great for those wanting a colorful display. The BenQ is the most strictly accurate of the bunch at 102.25%, but for gaming, a little extra saturation is welcome. The X25 provides a nice 109.26% coverage of sRGB.
