Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ 4K 144Hz Monitor Review: Faster Than Fast

Nearly perfect

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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

We dug deep into our database to find 4K 144Hz monitors to compare the XG27UQ’s performance. It turns out only Asus and Acer have screens that boast these two specs, as well as the  XG27UQ's DisplayHDR 400 or better and Adaptive-Sync. We have the two standard-bearing screens, the Acer Predator X27 and Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ, along with the Acer Nitro XB273K and Acer Nitro XV273K. The Asus ROG Strix XG279Q is a 1440p resolution screen that tops out at 170 Hz but delivers everything else the 4K monitors do.

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Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

With over 427 nits available in SDR mode, the XG27UQ is more than bright enough for any environment. Even a covered outdoor space would be fine. The backlight has a 100-step adjustment and bottoms out at 56 nits, which is nearly ideal when the room is otherwise free of light. Black levels and contrast are typical of the average IPS panel at just over 1,000:1. This can be enhanced to just over 3,000:1 by engaging the Dynamic Dimming option. We normally don’t recommend dynamic contrast features as they tend to clip highlight and shadow detail, but this one worked well.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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Asus ROG Strix XG27UQ
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

After calibration (see our recommended settings on page 1), black levels and contrast remained mid-pack with a solid 1,057.2:1 score. Whether you calibrate or not, Dynamic Dimming is an effective way to increase image depth and make blacks truer without sacrificing detail.

Our XG27UQ sample had a couple of uniformity issues that lowered the ANSI score. These were seen in the corners of the screen so content in the other zones has a satisfying level of contrast and saturation.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

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.