ASUS TUF Gaming 27” 4K HDR Monitor (VG27UQ1A) – 160Hz, 1ms, Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium, 95% DCI-P3, DisplayWidget, 3 yr Warranty
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AI Verdict
This is a 27-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Fast IPS monitor with a 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time, built for competitive PC and console gamers.
This monitor is a strong fit for gamers who want a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at a fast 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time. Its support for NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium, along with HDMI 2.1 ports, makes it suitable for both high-end PC gaming and current-gen consoles.
If you need better HDR performance, look for monitors with VESA DisplayHDR 600 or 1000 certification and higher peak brightness.
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Pros
- Displays 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution at a 160Hz refresh rate for fluid motion.
- Features a 1ms (GtG) response time, minimizing motion blur in fast-paced games.
- Supports NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VESA Adaptive Sync for tear-free gaming.
- Covers 95% DCI-P3 color gamut, providing a broad range of colors.
- Includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, enabling 4K 120Hz visuals for current-gen consoles without chroma subsampling.
- ASUS Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync (ELMB Sync) works with variable refresh rates to reduce ghosting and tearing.
Cons
- The stand only allows for tilt adjustment, lacking height, swivel, or pivot options.
- HDR performance is described as decent but does not match the brightness levels of higher-end HDR displays, with a peak brightness of 300 cd/m2.
- Out-of-the-box color calibration can lean towards cooler tones, requiring manual adjustment.
- OSD navigation relies on physical buttons, which some users find less intuitive than a joystick.
Dimension Scores
The 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution on a 27-inch Fast IPS panel provides sharp visuals, and it covers 95% DCI-P3, but HDR performance is limited by 300 cd/m2 brightness.
A 160Hz refresh rate and 1ms (GtG) response time, combined with ELMB Sync and adaptive sync technologies, deliver extremely fluid and tear-free motion.
Two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 offer modern connectivity for both PCs and current-gen consoles, supporting 4K 120Hz.
The stand only provides tilt adjustment, lacking height, swivel, or pivot capabilities, which is below average for a gaming monitor.
Best For
- PC gamers with powerful GPUs seeking high-resolution, high-refresh-rate gameplay.
- Console gamers (PS5, Xbox Series X) wanting 4K 120Hz output via HDMI 2.1.
- Users who prioritize motion clarity in fast-paced games, benefiting from 1ms response time and ELMB Sync.
Not Recommended For
- Users needing extensive ergonomic adjustments from their monitor stand.
- Content creators or professionals requiring precise, factory-calibrated color accuracy out-of-the-box for critical work.
- Anyone expecting a true, high-brightness HDR experience for movies or games.
Watch Out For
- The stand only offers tilt adjustment, meaning you can't raise or lower the screen without external solutions.
- HDR performance is limited by its 300 cd/m2 brightness, which won't deliver the punch of monitors with higher peak luminance.
- Initial boot into BIOS might display at a low 800x600 60Hz resolution before switching to higher settings.
- Color calibration out-of-the-box might be cooler than preferred, needing manual tweaking for accurate representation.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0DHG1GTG2 |
| Brand | ASUS |
| Color | BLACK |
| Series | VG27UQ1A |
| Resolution | 4K HDR 2160 |
| Item Weight | 10.6 pounds |
| Screen Size | 27 Inches |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Manufacturer | ASUS |
| Item model number | VG27UQ1A |
| Screen Resolution | 3840x2160 |
| Product Dimensions | 8.4 x 24.2 x 17.9 inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 8.4 x 24.2 x 17.9 inches |
| Screen Surface Description | Matte |
| Standing screen display size | 27 Inches |
What Buyers Say
Users report that while the 4K resolution at 160Hz is a significant upgrade for visual clarity and smoothness, the monitor's HDR capabilities are not its strongest suit due to the 300 cd/m2 brightness. The lack of height adjustment on the stand is a recurring point of frustration, forcing some to consider aftermarket solutions. Color calibration out-of-the-box might need some tweaking as it can lean cooler. Despite these points, the monitor delivers on its promise of sharp, tear-free gaming with its fast refresh rate and adaptive sync features.
“Look, if you want 4K at 160Hz for gaming and don't care about a fancy stand or mind tweaking colors, this thing rips. But don't buy it for HDR, seriously. My neck already hurts from no height adjust.”
Common Praise
- 4K resolution on a 27-inch screen delivers razor-sharp imagery.
- 160Hz refresh rate at 4K is a rare find at this price point.
- ELMB Sync working with adaptive sync genuinely boosts motion clarity during rapid camera pans.
- Gameplay feels fluid with minimal tearing or stuttering due to G-Sync Compatible and FreeSync Premium.
- The 95% DCI-P3 color gamut provides a wide range of colors.
- HDMI 2.1 ports enable 4K 120Hz for consoles.
Common Complaints
- HDR execution is limited by the 300 cd/m2 peak brightness.
- The stand lacks height adjustment, making ergonomic positioning difficult.
- Out-of-the-box color calibration can be on the cooler side, requiring manual adjustments.
- OSD navigation uses physical buttons instead of a more user-friendly joystick.
- Some users experienced initial low-resolution BIOS boot issues.
Ownership Tips
- You'll likely need to invest in a monitor arm if you want proper ergonomic positioning, as the included stand is tilt-only.
- Expect to spend some time in the OSD adjusting color settings to get a more balanced look, as it can be cool out of the box.
- Even with the 300 cd/m2 brightness, the matte finish helps minimize glare in most lighting conditions.
- The physical OSD buttons are a bit clunky compared to joystick controls found on other monitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this monitor have built-in speakers?
Yes, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27UQ1A includes built-in speakers.
Can this monitor be mounted on a VESA arm?
The product specifications do not explicitly mention VESA mounting compatibility. However, most ASUS TUF Gaming monitors are VESA compatible, but you should verify this with the manufacturer if it's a critical feature.
Is the stand adjustable for height?
No, the stand only offers tilt adjustments. It does not have height adjustment.
What kind of HDR does this monitor support?
It supports HDR10. However, its 300 cd/m2 brightness means the HDR effect will be limited compared to monitors with higher peak brightness.
What cables are included in the box?
The monitor comes with a DisplayPort cable, a power cord, a quick start guide, and a warranty card.
Buying Guide
When looking at a monitor like this, you need to think about what you're actually going to do with it. If you're a gamer, especially with a powerful PC or a new console, the 4K resolution at 160Hz and 1ms response time means your games will look incredibly sharp and feel super smooth. Don't get too hung up on 'HDR' unless it's a very high brightness number; 300 cd/m2 is a basic HDR experience. Also, check the stand adjustments – a tilt-only stand can be a real pain if you spend hours at your desk.
Refresh Rate (160Hz)
This is how many times the screen updates per second. A 160Hz refresh rate means incredibly smooth motion, making fast-paced games feel more responsive and less blurry than a standard 60Hz monitor.
Response Time (1ms GtG)
This measures how quickly pixels can change color. A 1ms Gray-to-Gray (GtG) response time means there's minimal ghosting or trailing behind moving objects, which is crucial for competitive gaming where every millisecond counts.
DCI-P3 Color Gamut (95%)
This indicates the range of colors the monitor can display. 95% DCI-P3 is a wide color gamut, meaning colors will appear richer and more vibrant compared to monitors with a smaller sRGB coverage, making games and media look more immersive.
Alternatives
If this monitor doesn't fit, look for a 1440p monitor with a higher refresh rate (170Hz+) for competitive gaming, or a 4K monitor with VESA DisplayHDR 600+ certification for a more impactful HDR experience, and always check for full ergonomic stand adjustments.
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