Being an early adopter in technology often means paying a premium price. Those who choose patience over immediate gratification typically get better deals on cutting-edge tech. For the latter group, exciting news is here: the price of OLED technology is finally coming down. ASUS, with its sponsorship of this exploration, showcases its newest offering—the ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG, a 26.5-inch, 1440p, 240Hz OLED gaming monitor with the world’s first glossy WOLED panel. Let’s dive into the unboxing, features, and performance of this impressive piece of tech.
Unboxing the ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG
The ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG arrives in well-thought-out packaging that includes a convenient handle for easy transport. Inside the box, you’ll find:
- Monitor Stand: A two-piece design consisting of a column and base, easy to assemble with a simple screw mechanism. The stand is sturdy yet compact, minimizing its desk footprint.
- Mounting Options: The package includes a VESA mount adapter for those preferring a custom setup.
- Cables and Accessories: An organized carrying case contains essentials like HDMI cables, a USB-B to USB-A cable, a microfiber cloth, stickers, warranty information, and power cables (with region-specific options).
- Power Brick: A compact 120W adapter that keeps the setup neat and efficient.
The monitor itself is encased in foam for protection, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition.
Design and Build
The XG27AQDMG blends practicality with gamer-centric aesthetics. The monitor’s stand supports height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot, providing flexibility to suit any setup. Cable management features are integrated seamlessly, keeping clutter at bay.
The back of the monitor boasts bold Republic of Gamers branding, along with a heat sink design that emphasizes efficient cooling. A standout feature is the quarter-inch threaded mount on top of the stand, perfect for attaching a camera or streaming equipment.
The I/O panel includes:
- 2 HDMI 2.0 ports
- 1 DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC
- 2 USB-A ports
- 1 USB-B port
- A headphone jack
- A Kensington lock slot
The “nubbin” style joystick and buttons make navigating the on-screen display (OSD) intuitive.
Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Display Type | Glossy WOLED |
| Screen Size | 26.5 inches |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 (1440p) |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz |
| Response Time | 0.1ms |
| Brightness (Peak) | Up to 1250 nits (Advertised: 1300 nits) |
| Color Gamut | 97.6% DCI-P3 |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite (OLED characteristic) |
| Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 (with DSC), 2x USB-A, 1x USB-B, Headphone Jack |
| Adaptive Sync | NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync |
| Stand Adjustments | Height, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot |
| VESA Mount Compatibility | Yes (Mount Adapter Included) |
| Power Consumption | 120W Power Brick |
| Special Features | Extreme Low Motion Blur, Pixel Shift, Screen Saver, Pixel Cleaner |
| Weight | ~6.5 kg (Monitor and Stand) |
| Price | $750 (Discounted to $559 during sales) |
OLED Technology and Features
The glossy WOLED panel is the star of this monitor. OLED’s hallmark is its ability to achieve perfect blacks and exceptional color accuracy. The glossy finish enhances vibrancy and sharpness, providing a premium visual experience.
Key Features:
- Uniform Brightness: Ensures consistent brightness levels across the screen, addressing the adaptive brightness fluctuations commonly seen in OLED displays.
- Clear Pixel Edge: Reduces text fringing by tackling green and red pixel fringing, making text and edges sharper.
- Color Customization: Full control over color temperature, color space (sRGB, DCI-P3), and even AA RGB. This flexibility is rare in gaming monitors.
- Screen Protection: Features like a screensaver, pixel cleaning, and pixel shift (called “screen move”) extend the lifespan of the OLED panel by preventing burn-in.
- HDR and Response Times: The monitor delivers incredible HDR performance with deep blacks and pin-point brightness. With a 240Hz refresh rate and ultra-low 0.1ms response time, the gaming experience is both smooth and responsive.
- Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB): While not essential for OLED, this black frame insertion feature further enhances motion clarity.
Performance and Gaming Experience
The ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG excels in gaming scenarios. The 1440p resolution strikes a perfect balance between detail and performance, while the 240Hz refresh rate ensures fluid motion. Input latency is minimal, and the display’s near-instantaneous response time eliminates ghosting.
The HDR implementation is stunning, producing vibrant, accurate colors and striking contrasts. Whether you’re exploring dark dungeons or experiencing vivid landscapes, the monitor’s OLED panel delivers an immersive experience.
For competitive gamers, the low input lag and fast response times provide a tangible edge. Casual gamers, too, will appreciate the cinematic quality of games on this display.
Lab-Tested Results
Independent testing of the XG27AQDMG revealed impressive results:
- SDR Mode: An average Delta E of 1.81, with a maximum of 3.63, ensuring excellent color accuracy out of the box.
- HDR Gaming Mode: A Delta E ITP of 24.87 on average and 39.82 at maximum, showing a slight dip in accuracy at peak brightness.
- Brightness: While ASUS advertises 1300 nits peak brightness, lab tests measured closer to 1250 nits, still impressive for an OLED monitor.
- Color Coverage: The monitor achieves 97.6% of DCI-P3 color space, falling slightly short of the claimed 99% but still delivering exceptional color fidelity.
Value for Money
Priced at $750, the ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG is already competitive for its specifications. During sales events like Black Friday, prices have dropped as low as $559, making it an excellent value proposition. Just a few years ago, comparable IPS monitors with high refresh rates cost as much, if not more.
OLED’s Price Evolution
The declining cost of OLED technology is a game-changer. Once prohibitively expensive, OLED monitors are becoming more accessible to gamers and creatives alike. With models like the XG27AQDMG leading the charge, it’s only a matter of time before OLED becomes the standard in gaming and content creation.
For early adopters, the price premium often pays off in getting the latest and greatest. However, those who wait benefit from price drops and refinements in technology. The ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG is proof that patience pays, as cutting-edge features are now available at more reasonable prices.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS ROG STRIX XG27AQDMG is a testament to how far gaming monitor technology has come. With its glossy WOLED panel, advanced features, and competitive pricing, it offers a compelling option for gamers and professionals alike. Whether you’re ready to upgrade now or plan to wait for prices to dip further, one thing is clear: OLED is the future, and it’s becoming more affordable than ever.
Are you ready to invest in OLED, or will you stick with your current monitor a little longer? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. As OLED continues to evolve, the gap between premium and accessible tech is narrowing, making this an exciting time for tech enthusiasts everywhere.