ASUS TUF VG27A Gaming Monitor Review

Monitor Specifications

PC Specifications

Design

Aesthetic

Being a TUF monitor, the VG27A focuses more on durability rather than aesthetics. However, it does have this nice looking thick base, which adds to its looks and further emphasizes that “tough” moniker. Yet, that is all there is, no special designs here, intricate linings there, or even RGB lighting. Additionally, it has some rather thick bezels, which can be a turn off to some. Generally speaking, the VG27A looks just like any other generic monitor.

Versatility

The monitor can be swiveled at any angle of your preference. It can also rotate up and down by up to 30 degrees. Although it can’t be rotated to a vertical position due to the limitations set by its stand. You’ll have to remove the monitor from said stand completely and rotate it. It is VESA mount compatible though, so for those who want to increase its versatility in different orientations, you have that. Either way, it can easily be paired with any other monitor for a multi-setup.

Performance

Gaming

The IPS monitor boasts a 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 2560 x 1440 p resolution, and is G-Sync/Adaptive sync compatible. During gaming, you can maximize the specs to have a satisfying and incredible experience. Due to the 165Hz refresh rate, you can reach high FPS without screen tearing. Pair that with the correct graphic settings in your game and you’ll have a smooth experience. The added G-sync and Adaptive sync compatibility is also a huge plus. However, the bottom part of the monitor does heat up during prolonged sessions and can sting when touched.

So, be extra careful when removing it after long sessions, we advise that you let it cool down first. Apart from all that, ASUS also added a “GamePlus” quick button on the side of the monitor. Providing additional inputs such as an FPS counter, a crosshair, a screen timer, a zoom-in sniper feature, and automatic display alignment. All of these are, again, on-the-fly settings you can easily toggle even while in-game. Sadly, it only truly benefits FPS and RTS games, which require quick thinking and pinpoint actions.

Colors

As for the colors of the monitor, we used the EIZO monitor test to check the performance. Visually, it seems no breaks were obtained in the color pattern tests. Images are sharp, with the colored shaped, as well as the text. Gradients are smoothly displayed with 256 steps, while at lower steps, the colors are easily differentiated. Color distance is at its lowest, as when testing using the RGB scale, you can tell the color difference at 2 points. Then you are given some on-the-fly color changing via a button on the side. In case you need quick color swaps and can’t be bothered with fine-tuning.

I/O and Audio

On the I/O side, we’re only given a few options. You’ve got two HDMI ports, a Display port 1.2, and a headphone in. It’s nice that the monitor is also given a set of speakers, sadly, they perform rather poorly. Producing minuscule canned sounds. So, we recommend you plug-in your own set of speakers for better audio experience. However, we do appreciate that it has an out-of-the-box audio output.

Verdict

While it does not provide anything new to the table in terms of design, it does make up for it with durability. Gaming-wise, the monitor can handle ultra settings of modern video games as long as your system can keep up too. At 165Hz refresh rate, it can provide smooth gameplay even at lower graphics settings. Despite being an IPS monitor, which contributes greatly to its incredible color accuracy and sharpness, its able to maintain a very low response time of just 1ms. Making the monitor a perfect match for content creation as well as fast-paced gaming. It may seem too much at Php 28, 370 (~$565.50) but what you’re trading in for aesthetics is a versatile and tough monitor that can truly game and provide enough tools even for the arts.