Monoprice CrystalPro 28-Inch 4K Monitor Review
Nearly every monitor manufacturer has a 28-inch TN Ultra HD monitor in its line-up. Today we’re looking at Monoprice’s CrystalPro 4K. Even though it’s based on the same part as its competitors, you get quality that matches or exceeds those displays.
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Packaging, Physical Layout And Accessories
Monoprice does its business via mail-order, so the company makes an effort to provide safe and secure packaging. The CrystalPro 4K comes double-boxed just like the 30-inch IPS LED we reviewed recently, with spongy vibration-absorbing foam inside to keep the contents from moving around. You’d have to try pretty hard to damage this one.
The easiest connection method is DisplayPort, though that particular cable is not included. You do get a heavy-gauge DVI cable and a stereo audio interconnect. There is also an external power brick that accepts an IEC-type power cord.
Product 360
We were impressed with the solid construction of Monoprice’s 30-inch IPS LED, and it continues that trend with the CrystalPro 4K. The panel has an aluminum bezel, while the rest of the chassis is made from hard plastic. The base attaches to the upright with a captive bolt but you’ll need to break out a Phillips-head screwdriver to attach the stand.
Our favorite part is the all-glass front panel layer. Rather than the textured anti-glare plastic used on a majority of displays, coated glass provides a noticeably clearer image. It’s true that there are more reflections to deal with. But once you place it properly, this monitor’s clarity and depth are hard to beat. In fact, the only other screen in its class for sharpness is Planar's PXL2790MW. Just don’t place the CrystalPro facing a sunny window and you’ll be fine.
OSD controls are underneath the bottom-right edge and consist of buttons that require a firm click. They are clearly labeled on the front with large white lettering. While we prefer the joysticks we've seen on some displays, Monoprice provides excellent traditional keys.
Samsung’s and Planar’s Ultra HD screens cut costs by deleting the fully-adjustable stand. Monoprice doesn't go this route, however. Its stand provides full tilt, height, swivel and portrait movements, presenting just the right amount of resistance and little wobble. The panel stays where you set it.
The CrystalPro is of average slimness, which means around two inches when you factor in its power bulge. The back is perfectly flat, making it easy to utilize the 100mm VESA mount if you choose to.
The vent line across the top does a good job of carrying heat away from the CrystalPro’s innards. In our testing, the monitor never ran too hot, even after hours of being powered on. At the bottom of the upright you can see a hole for cable management.
Most monitors only include one HDMI port with MHL. But both jacks on the CrystalPro will charge your phone or tablet. You also get two DisplayPort inputs and a dual-link DVI connector. To get 60Hz operation at 3840x2160, you must use DisplayPort, along with a version 1.2-compliant video card. Rounding out the input panel is a single analog audio input and a DC jack for the external power brick. In the above photo, you can also see the speaker grills to either side. At only two watts apiece, there’s not much in the way of volume or frequency range available.
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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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cats_Paw 4k, 3d... next they will make a 5 something.Reply
THe market is not ready yet for that resolution, and the price is too high. -
milkod2001 Looking at Amazon link with price:$749 and other Amazon links for monitors from well established brands(cheaper) ,this Monoprice TN looks like bad attempt for joke.Reply
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de5_Roy i wish it was IPS too!Reply
i also wish it was a 22-24" display. IMO woulda helped with viewing angle issues that plague TN-based monitors i.e. smaller size leads to less need for eye movement, sharper image from higher PPI. -
Karsten75 Your links are FUBAR. The link for the Asus PB287Q links to an AOC monitor. In any event, the price for the Asus PB287Q on Amazon is $612, NOT $399.Reply -
aberkae The price is $429 for this 4k monoprice monitor, thanks for the review you guys listen to requests much appreciated.Reply -
DisplayJunkie Wow, Monoprice FINALLY managed to produce a display which isn't completely useless like their previous products with no backlight/brightness control.Reply
Seems well built and the factory calibration is decent but $575 for TN, 60Hz...and most importantly and not surprisingly, only 850:1 contrast ratio (which Tom's calls "Good contrast" LOL).... as with all 4K TNs, all it has going for it is the high resolution. No other compelling reason to buy it, many other compelling reasons for other displays. -
aberkae
they just had a sale that ended it was $429 I have the promo in my email, I'm expecting the price to fall again to that price15320841 said:Wow, Monoprice FINALLY managed to produce a display which isn't completely useless like their previous products with no backlight/brightness control.
Seems well built and the factory calibration is decent but $575 for TN, 60Hz...and most importantly and not surprisingly, only 850:1 contrast ratio (which Tom's calls "Good contrast" LOL).... as with all 4K TNs, all it has going for it is the high resolution. No other compelling reason to buy it, many other compelling reasons for other displays.
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beshonk Where's the Benq XL2420G review? I'm debating on 4k, but whatever i buy will be G-sync for sure.Reply -
Chris Droste right now; today, 2/18 on AMAZON; this monitor is $750Reply
Dell P2815Q = $409
Samsung U28D590D = $529
both are UHD, HUNDREDs of dollars cheaper from brands with better reputations, and based on what Tom's knows about the panel it's all from the same Manufacturer, so...why get the Monoprice one again? adjustable stand for an extra $200 maybe? i don't get it...