Today, having a high-quality monitor is essential for an immersive and visually stunning computing experience. Two popular choices in the market are the ASUS TUF VG27AQ and the LG 27GN850-B. Both monitors offer impressive specifications and features, making it challenging to choose between them. This review aims to compare and contrast the key aspects of these monitors to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: Starting with the design, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ features a sleek and modern appearance with thin bezels, providing an edge-to-edge display. The stand is adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect viewing angle. On the other hand, the LG 27GN850-B also boasts a minimalist design and slim bezels, exuding a premium look. It comes with a versatile stand that offers ergonomic adjustments as well. Overall, both monitors exhibit solid build quality and aesthetics.
Display Performance: When it comes to display performance, both the ASUS TUF VG27AQ and the LG 27GN850-B offer stunning visuals. The ASUS TUF VG27AQ boasts a 27-inch IPS panel with a WQHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels), delivering sharp images and vibrant colors. It supports a 165Hz refresh rate, providing smooth and fluid motion during fast-paced gaming. Additionally, it supports Adaptive-Sync technology for tear-free gaming.
The LG 27GN850-B also features a 27-inch Nano IPS panel with a WQHD resolution, resulting in excellent picture quality and accurate colors. It supports a higher refresh rate of 144Hz, which is still highly responsive for gaming. Like the ASUS monitor, it supports Adaptive-Sync (compatible with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync), ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Connectivity and Additional Features: In terms of connectivity options, both monitors offer a similar range of inputs, including DisplayPort and HDMI ports. The ASUS TUF VG27AQ has the added advantage of having two HDMI ports, which can be convenient if you want to connect multiple devices simultaneously. It also includes a USB hub for easy connectivity with peripherals. The LG 27GN850-B features a single HDMI port, but it compensates by including a USB-C port, allowing for display and power delivery in a single cable.
Both monitors come equipped with various additional features to enhance the user experience. The ASUS TUF VG27AQ incorporates ASUS GamePlus and GameVisual technologies, offering customizable gaming enhancements and optimized picture settings. The LG 27GN850-B includes features like Dynamic Action Sync and Black Stabilizer, enhancing gaming performance and visibility in dark scenes.
Pros of ASUS TUF VG27AQ monitor:
- Display Quality: The ASUS TUF VG27AQ features a 27-inch IPS panel with a WQHD resolution, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals. The IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles and accurate color reproduction, making it suitable for various tasks including gaming, multimedia, and content creation.
- High Refresh Rate: With a refresh rate of 165Hz, the VG27AQ offers smooth and fluid motion, reducing motion blur and providing an immersive gaming experience. It is especially beneficial for fast-paced games that require quick reactions.
- Adaptive-Sync Technology: The monitor supports Adaptive-Sync, which is compatible with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync. This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a seamless gaming experience.
- Ergonomic Design: The VG27AQ comes with an adjustable stand that allows users to customize the height, tilt, swivel, and pivot according to their comfort. This ergonomic design ensures optimal viewing angles and reduces strain during long gaming or working sessions.
- Connectivity Options: The monitor offers multiple connectivity options, including DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, and two HDMI 1.4 ports. This versatility enables users to connect various devices simultaneously, such as gaming consoles, PCs, and multimedia devices.
Cons of ASUS TUF VG27AQ:
- Limited HDR Performance: While the VG27AQ supports HDR10, its HDR performance is not as impressive compared to monitors specifically designed for high dynamic range content. The peak brightness and local dimming capabilities may be limited, resulting in a less impactful HDR viewing experience.
- Average Contrast Ratio: The monitor’s contrast ratio, while decent, may not match the deep blacks and bright whites offered by high-end monitors. This can affect the overall image depth and contrast in certain scenes, particularly in darker environments.
- Mediocre Built-in Speakers: The VG27AQ comes with built-in speakers, but their audio quality is generally considered average. For a more immersive audio experience, it is recommended to use external speakers or headphones.
- Price: As a premium monitor with desirable features, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ tends to have a higher price tag ($469.00) compared to entry-level or budget monitors. It may not be the most affordable option for those on a tight budget.
- Lack of USB-C Connectivity: Unlike some other monitors in its class, the VG27AQ does not include a USB-C port, which may be a drawback for users who rely on USB-C for video, data, and power delivery in a single cable.
Pros of LG 27GN850-B:
- Nano IPS Display: The LG 27GN850-B features a 27-inch Nano IPS panel that offers excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles. This display technology delivers vibrant and lifelike colors, making it well-suited for content creators, graphic designers, and anyone who values accurate color representation.
- High Refresh Rate: The monitor boasts a refresh rate of 144Hz, ensuring smooth and fluid motion during fast-paced gaming. It reduces motion blur and provides a more immersive gaming experience, making it ideal for gamers who prioritize responsiveness.
- Adaptive-Sync Technology: The LG 27GN850-B supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, allowing for tear-free gaming by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card.
- USB-C Connectivity: One notable advantage of the LG 27GN850-B is the inclusion of a USB-C port. This versatile port enables video, data, and power delivery in a single cable, making it convenient for connecting laptops, tablets, and other USB-C devices.
- Additional Gaming Features: The monitor incorporates features such as Dynamic Action Sync, which minimizes input lag, and Black Stabilizer, which enhances visibility in dark scenes. These features contribute to an improved gaming experience, providing better visibility and responsiveness.
Cons of LG 27GN850-B:
- Average Contrast Ratio: While the LG 27GN850-B offers respectable image quality, its contrast ratio may not match the deep blacks and bright whites seen on high-end monitors. This can lead to a slight loss of image depth and contrast, particularly in dark scenes.
- HDR Performance: While the monitor supports HDR10, its HDR performance may not be as impressive as dedicated HDR displays. The peak brightness and local dimming capabilities may be limited, resulting in a less impactful HDR experience.
- Integrated Speakers: Similar to many monitors, the built-in speakers on the LG 27GN850-B are not known for their exceptional audio quality. They are sufficient for basic audio playback, but for a more immersive audio experience, external speakers or headphones are recommended.
- Price: As a premium monitor, the LG 27GN850-B is likely to come with a higher price point compared to entry-level options. This might make it less accessible for those on a tight budget.
- Limited Connectivity Options: While the LG 27GN850-B offers a DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 ports, it does not have multiple HDMI ports like some other monitors. This may be a minor inconvenience if you need to connect multiple HDMI devices simultaneously.
After a thorough comparison, it is clear that both the ASUS TUF VG27AQ and the LG 27GN850-B are exceptional monitors that excel in different aspects. The ASUS TUF VG27AQ impresses with its higher refresh rate and additional HDMI port, making it a strong choice for gamers who prioritize smooth gameplay and multi-device connectivity. On the other hand, the LG 27GN850-B stands out with its Nano IPS panel, accurate color reproduction, and USB-C connectivity, making it a great option for professionals and users who value color accuracy.