By: Abrar Khan
Gaming
Acer Predator X27U is very similar to the other 27-inch OLED Display gaming Monitor that I've been reviewing recently: the LG 27G95QE, Asus PG27AQDM, and Corsair 27QHD240.
The design of the Acer Predator X27U should be quite familiar all look very similar from the front, at least for the display section. It's a decent-sized OLED screen with relatively thin bezels.
Acer's central box, crafted from standard black plastic with textural accents, lacks RGB LED lighting but presents a decent appearance. Notably, the stand diverges in aesthetics. However, the pillar, made of basic black plastic, falls short in premium quality.
The Acer X27U features DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a USB Type-C input supporting DP Alt mode with 90W power delivery, ideal for laptop charging. However, the limitation to HDMI 2.0 restricts the refresh rate to 144Hz, missing the potential of HDMI 2.1's full 240Hz capability.
Additionally, it incorporates a built-in KVM switch, usable with the provided USB ports, including Type-C and two Type-A ports on the hub.
The Acer X27U has OLED panel, including a 240Hz refresh rate and exceptional response time, contribute to impressive motion clarity and gaming versatility.
However, the X27U falls short in terms of brightness, especially in HDR modes, when compared to counterparts like the Asus model. The overall brightness is the lowest among the monitors tested, impacting its visual performance.
The automatic brightness limiter, which cannot be disabled, poses a limitation for desktop app usage. Additionally, the locked-down sRGB mode restricts hardware calibration options, limiting the monitor's adaptability for various tasks.
HDR-SDR switching requires manual OSD setting changes, causing an inconvenience for users who expect a seamless experience. These factors collectively affect the user-friendliness of the X27U.
With an estimated price of $799 in the US, the Acer predator X27U faces stiff competition from discounted LG and Corsair, offering better value for the money. This pricing strategy may deter potential buyers, impacting the monitor's market position.
While firmware updates could potentially address some of these issues, the Acer Predator X27U currently lags behind competitors like LG and Corsair. In the current landscape, LG and Asus models emerge as more recommendable options, contributing to a vibrant and competitive gaming monitor market in 2023.
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