I’ve been testing one of the best value 4K OLED gaming monitors, and it’s awesome — but watch out for tariffs

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High-end OLED gaming monitors are slowly but surely becoming more accessible to gamers.

ASUS is stepping into the competition for your financial focus with a fresh 27-inch, 4K, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor that comes in under $1,000. Interestingly enough, this very same monitor has been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks.

The ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) is a top-notch monitor that competes with the finest gaming screens, and it could accurately be labeled as a worthwhile investment – especially when contrasted to other high-end OLED monitors available today.

Without a doubt, in my opinion, the ASUS XG27UCDMG now takes the lead among the best 27-inch gaming monitors available on the market, edging out slightly over the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q) that I recently assessed.

Of course, I’m not suggesting that everything is perfect and there’s no room for improvement. Keep in mind that changes in the global economy could potentially impact the amount you pay.

ASUS XG27UCDMG review: Cheat sheet

  • What is it? A high-end, 27-inch, Quantum Dot OLED gaming monitor that pairs a high 4K resolution with a fast 240Hz refresh rate.
  • Who is it for? Gamers who want the absolute best 27-inch gaming monitor you can buy, with the best combination of image quality and performance.
  • How much does it cost? The ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) was originally supposed to cost $899.99, but it’s actually available for $979.99 at Best Buy. You can buy this monitor on Amazon, too, but the price may change depending on where you live.
  • What did I like? The crisp, smooth, and beautifully colorful OLED display, the clever design and VESA mounting solution, and the USB Type-C input with 90W Power Delivery.
  • What did I not like? The lack of customization for the display profiles and the fluctuating price.

ASUS XG27UCDMG review: Pricing and specifications

Initially, the ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) was introduced with a retail price of $899.99. However, upon its release, the price has increased slightly. Now, you can purchase this monitor at Best Buy for $979.99.

The item is sellable for $979 at ASUS, and you can also buy it for $979 on Amazon; however, prices could change due to import duties in your location.

Inside the box, you’ll discover:

1. The ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) gaming monitor
2. A two-piece stand that requires tool-less assembly
3. A toolless VESA mounting bracket adapter of size 100 x 100mm
4. A power cable
5. A DisplayPort 1.4 cable
6. An HDMI 2.1 cable
7. A USB Type-C cable
8. A USB Type-B to USB Type-A upstream cable for data transfer
9. A microfiber cloth for cleaning the monitor
10. A carrying case for convenient storage of the cables and accessories

Enjoy your new gaming setup!

ASUS XG27UCDMG review: What I like

Note that throughout this review, I will frequently compare the performance of the monitor under discussion with the Alienware AW2725Q, its main rival in the market.

From the get-go, ASUS’ monitor design philosophy is recognizable, and the XG27UCDMG adheres to this pattern without deviation. While it’s aesthetically pleasing, Alienware’s latest design language undeniably exudes a more streamlined elegance.

Despite using a comprehensive cooling system and incorporating a built-in power supply within the monitor itself, ASUS managed to maintain top performance with just one connection required for operation – the XG27UCDMG is that streamlined!

This two-piece stand comes without the need for any tools for assembly or attachment to the monitor, offering versatile options for height adjustment, swivel, tilt, and pivot. Plus, there’s a small groove designed specifically to hold your phone beneath the screen.

The included VESA mount adapter in ASUS monitors remains a standout feature for me. It allows you to easily attach the monitor to a standard monitor arm or mount, just as if you were using the built-in stand. Removing it is effortless too – a single button press will do the trick. This is an idea that every other company should consider adopting.

This new generation of Quantum Dot OLED screens, much like its predecessors, offers a familiar experience. It boasts a pristine 4K resolution, a silky-smooth 240Hz refresh rate, and an incredibly swift 0.03ms response time.

This display is bursting with vividness and intense hues, boasting striking contrast that makes each scene stand out distinctly. To maintain its color precision, ASUS calibrates each XG27UCDMG monitor meticulously at the factory, which undeniably contributes to its impressive visual quality.

Similar to the Alienware AW2725Q, this screen leans towards a warmer white balance, yet it exceeds its promised peak brightness level. Regrettably, it doesn’t support Dolby Vision for High Dynamic Range (HDR) content; however, it still appears decent even when HDR is activated.

The XG27UCDMG performs flawlessly; there were no hiccups or screen lag during my entire use, and it seamlessly adjusted to every situation I put it in, whether for productivity tasks or gaming.

I personally find the display on the ASUS XG27UCDMG more appealing than the Alienware AW2725Q, as it seems to have a slightly more vibrant or lively quality. Additionally, ASUS has shown attention to detail in both their software and hardware features.

Firstly, this device comes equipped with a USB-C port for compatibility with contemporary gadgets like laptops, and it offers 90W Power Delivery. Additionally, it adheres to the most recent DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 standards, granting you numerous options when linking various devices.

As a tech enthusiast, I’m thrilled to have this device that offers Keyboard, Video, Mouse (KVM) functionality through its three USB Type-A ports and 3.5mm audio jack. It even supports both Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, which is a game-changer for my multitasking needs!

Asus strategically placed the joystick and controls for the On-Screen Display (OSD) beneath the screen, making it user-friendly. Additionally, you have the option to download the DisplayWidget Center for even more control.

You have the freedom to select from numerous color options, activate gaming-specific monitor functions such as a crosshair or FPS counter, set up your KVM system, utilize the extensive OLED care features that ASUS is known for, and even establish custom keyboard shortcuts to modify your monitor’s settings instantly.

For individuals who may be sensitive to the flickering effect caused by Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) commonly used in dimming OLED monitors, ASUS thoughtfully included an anti-flicker mode in the XG27UCDMG. This feature can either disable or limit certain functions, but it’s beneficial as it offers a customizable solution to enhance viewing comfort.

The XG27UCDMG monitor comes equipped with a proximity sensor within its logo, allowing it to self-dim or enter standby mode when you step away from your desk. Upon your return, it will wake up automatically, saving energy and preserving the OLED display.

ASUS XG27UCDMG review: What I don’t like

With few issues to point out regarding the ASUS XG27UCDMG, let me begin by discussing its cost, which is a notable aspect. Retailing at approximately $980, this monitor’s price tag surpasses its initial estimated value. The cost could potentially be even higher based on your shopping location.

In my opinion, the Alienware AW2725Q, priced at around $900 (occasionally cheaper), remains an excellent high-end OLED gaming monitor value. If you can do without KVM support and USB Type-C connectivity, it could be a superior choice for you compared to other options in its price range.

In other places, I’d be thrilled if this monitor had an extra USB port. It would be great if you could adjust the Anti-Flicker mode and Neo Proximity Sensor from the ASUS DisplayWidget Center. Above everything else, it would be fantastic to have more control over the color settings.

On the XG27UCDMG monitor, you’ll find ten distinct color options to select from. One of these is an AI-optimized setting that automatically adapts to the content displayed on your screen. Additionally, there’s a customizable profile that allows you to personally adjust parameters like color temperature, saturation, brightness, and contrast.

In the OSD (On-Screen Display), you’ll find some extra customization options, such as selecting a color gamut space or modifying the gamma. Unfortunately, ASUS provides less flexibility when it comes to adjusting other color profiles. Notably, none of these profiles allow for adjustments to effects like excessive sharpening, which significantly influences image quality. That’s why I prefer using the “User” profile.

ASUS XG27UCDMG review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

  • You want a top-notch OLED gaming monitor for less than $1,000.
  • You need USB Type-C input and KVM support.
  • You value having control over all the OLED protection features.

❌You should not buy this if …

  • You want the most affordable 27-inch, 4K, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor.
  • You need complete control over every aspect of your display settings.

In my assessment of the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q), I found that it was somewhat spartan, or in other words, lacking some additional features compared to similar monitors available today. However, this new model we’ve come across boasts a few extra perks, and it truly stands out as impressive.

Despite being priced slightly higher than initially anticipated, the ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) remains a fantastic choice for those unwilling to settle on resolution or refresh rate, offering top-tier visual performance.

This QD-OLED gaming monitor comes equipped with USB Type-C input for power delivery at 90W, KVM support, a VESA mount adapter, along with additional features that elevate its premium feel. ASUS offers a 3-year warranty and provides numerous customizable OLED protection settings to give you peace of mind and ensure your monitor stands the test of time.

The ASUS XG27UCDMG doesn’t come with a built-in webcam, speakers, or specialized features, but this monitor has received the top honor that Windows Central can give. However, be cautious when purchasing as prices might vary due to tariffs and economic fluctuations.

For the safe bet, you can get the ASUS ROG Strix OLED 27 (XG27UCDMG) for $979.99 at Best Buy.

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2025-04-27 18:10