In an era where OLED technology has become synonymous with premium gaming monitors, ViewSonic introduces a compelling alternative with the XG275D-4K. Priced at $499, this 27-inch 4K monitor offers a blend of performance and affordability, making it a strong contender for gamers who seek high-quality visuals without breaking the bank. With two distinct performance modes, the XG275D-4K caters to both 4K and high-refresh-rate gaming enthusiasts.
The ViewSonic XG275D-4K stands out with its dual-mode functionality, offering a 4K resolution at a 160Hz refresh rate and a full HD resolution at an impressive 320Hz. This versatility allows gamers to tailor their experience based on their gaming setup, whether it be console gaming or high-refresh-rate PC gaming. Despite its simple design, the monitor excels in delivering low input lag and a wide color gamut, earning it the Editors’ Choice award for everyday 4K gaming monitors.
Design and Build: Simplicity Meets Functionality
The XG275D-4K may not dazzle with its aesthetics, featuring a plain all-black stand and thin bezels, but it incorporates a practical V-shaped base. This design choice, reminiscent of the LG 27 UltraGear Gaming Monitor, offers additional desk space, allowing gamers to position their keyboard and mouse comfortably. Measuring 17.4 by 24.2 by 9.6 inches and weighing 13.9 pounds, the monitor is compact yet sturdy.
Unlike OLED displays, the XG275D-4K utilizes an IPS panel, known for its wide viewing angles and color accuracy. While OLED monitors typically outperform IPS panels in terms of contrast and color vibrancy, they also come with a heftier price tag. The XG275D-4K bridges this gap, providing excellent performance at a more accessible price point.
Features and Connectivity: Versatile Gaming Options
Although not specifically designed for esports, the XG275D-4K includes features that cater to serious gamers. An esports setting within the OSD menu creates a smaller 24.5-inch window, enhancing reaction times by allowing players to see more of the screen at a glance. Additionally, the monitor supports AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, minimizing screen tearing during intense gaming sessions.
The dual-mode option is a standout feature, offering gamers flexibility in choosing between high resolution and high refresh rates. This capability, typically found in more expensive monitors, is now accessible to a broader audience thanks to ViewSonic’s competitive pricing.
Connectivity options include two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 input, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port with 65W power delivery. However, the absence of USB-A ports might be a drawback for some users. The monitor also features a joystick for OSD navigation and two 2W speakers, though external speakers or a gaming headset are recommended for a richer audio experience.
Performance Testing: Impressive Color and Input Lag
In performance tests, the XG275D-4K demonstrated impressive color accuracy and low input lag. Using Calman software and a Klein K-10A colorimeter, the monitor achieved 95.1% of the Adobe RGB color gamut, 100% of the sRGB gamut, and 96.5% of the DCI-P3 gamut. These results highlight the monitor’s capability to deliver vibrant and accurate colors, essential for an immersive gaming experience.
The monitor’s contrast ratio is rated at 1,000:1, typical for IPS panels, but it falls short of the deep blacks offered by OLED screens. Despite this, the XG275D-4K’s picture quality is commendable, outperforming similar IPS models like the Alienware 25 (AW2525HM).
Input Lag: Competitive Performance
Input lag is a critical factor for gamers, and the XG275D-4K delivers competitive results. In 1080p/320Hz mode, the monitor recorded an input lag of 2.4ms at 240Hz, while in 4K/160Hz mode, it achieved 8.4ms at 4K/60Hz. These figures indicate that the monitor is well-suited for both casual and competitive gaming, though esports enthusiasts might prefer monitors with even higher refresh rates.
Overall, the ViewSonic XG275D-4K offers a dependable gaming experience, balancing high refresh rates and resolution with affordability. While it may not match the contrast levels of OLED displays, its vibrant colors and low input lag make it a worthy choice for gamers seeking a budget-friendly 4K monitor.
