In the world of gaming monitors, the ViewSonic XG272 2K stands out as a versatile 27-inch display that caters to both PC and console gamers. Let’s explore its features, performance, and why it’s one of the best OLED monitors in its price range.
Design and Build
The monitor comes in a sleek, minimalistic design, with a white back and a slightly curved profile that gives it a premium look. Equipped with a sturdy stand, it allows easy adjustments, including height, tilt, swivel, and even a 90° rotation for portrait mode. Cable management is made simple with a dedicated gap at the back, making it ideal for tidy setups.
Connectivity and Ports
The XG272 includes a solid variety of ports:
- HDMI 2.1 (x2), allowing support for current-gen consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X at a 120Hz refresh rate.
- DisplayPort 1.4 (x2), for high refresh rate performance on PC.
- USB-C port with power delivery up to 15W, making it easy to connect laptops or other USB-C devices.
- USB 3.2 ports for convenient peripheral connections.
With HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4, the monitor can reach 240Hz on PC, ensuring smooth, lag-free visuals perfect for competitive gaming.
Picture Quality and Performance
The XG272 impresses with its OLED panel that supports a 2560×1440 (2K) resolution. The DCI-P3 97% color gamut and HDR10 capabilities provide vibrant colors, deep contrasts, and no light bleed, which is a common benefit of OLED technology. Additionally, the anti-glare coating reduces reflections, making it suitable for well-lit environments. While the coating slightly affects color intensity compared to OLED TVs, the effect is minimal, and the display quality remains impressive.
Gaming Performance
For gaming, this monitor delivers outstanding clarity and smoothness, thanks to:
- 0.02ms response time, eliminating ghosting and providing ultra-fast response.
- FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility, ensuring tear-free gameplay on both AMD and NVIDIA GPUs.
With the 240Hz refresh rate on a PC and 120Hz support on consoles, the XG272 performs excellently in both casual and competitive gaming scenarios.
Productivity and Features
The XG272 doubles as an effective productivity monitor, with ample screen real estate and high pixel density for clear text and crisp images. The built-in KVM switch allows seamless switching between two devices, such as a PC and a Mac, with a single keyboard and mouse, enhancing multitasking capabilities. The USB-C port also enables laptop charging and display input simultaneously, a useful feature for users who want to simplify their workspace.
Additional Features
The monitor offers several preset gaming modes accessible via a dedicated “G” button, allowing users to switch between display settings optimized for different game types. Furthermore, it features flicker-free technology and blue light filtering to reduce eye strain, which is especially beneficial for long gaming or work sessions.
Downsides
While the XG272 excels in many areas, a few limitations include:
- No HDMI 2.1 or Type-C cable included in the box, which could add to the setup cost.
- Limited size options (only available as a 27-inch model), which may not cater to users preferring larger displays.
Final Verdict
Priced under £635, the ViewSonic XG272 offers excellent value for a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with high-end features. Its versatility for both gaming and productivity, coupled with superb picture quality and fast refresh rates, make it a top choice for competitive gamers and general users alike. The few minor drawbacks don’t overshadow its overall performance, making it an impressive addition to any gaming setup.
