ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP
A few weeks ago, ASUS ROG reached out for us to review the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP. It was both a good and unoptimized timing because I have always been fascinated with this latest product, which I first saw at CES 2024. It was an unoptimized timing because we are still waiting for our testing kit: Datacolor Spyder X2 Ultra – an upgrade from our aging Spyder X Pro.
In line with this, consider this review “in progress”, due to the limitations of our testing kit. However, we have integrated a few points based on our experience; and also our test results in contrast with ASUS’ for your reference.
Build and Design
The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP boasts a sleek and modern design that’s quintessentially ROG. With its 26.5-inch screen and slim bezels, this monitor strikes an impressive balance between form and function. The stand offers excellent ergonomics with tilt, swivel, height adjustment, and pivot capabilities, ensuring optimal viewing angles for any setup.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the PG27AQDP’s design is the inclusion of a custom heatsink. This innovative feature is a testament to ASUS’s commitment to OLED technology longevity, potentially ushering in a new era of OLED monitors with integrated cooling solutions.
The monitor also features a tripod socket, expanding its versatility for content creators and streamers who might want to mount additional equipment.
When connected to a PC with an installed ASUS Armoury Crate, users will be able to control the behavior of the RGB at the back of the monitor. This feature is useful in eSports events, internet cafes, or users just wish to “flex” their monitors.
Display
If there’s anything to flex about this monitor is its display features and qualities. At the heart of the PG27AQDP is its an anti-glare WOLED panel with a resolution of 2560×1440. This 1440p display strikes a sweet spot between the popular 1080p and 4K resolutions, offering sharp visuals without overly taxing your GPU.
It is worth nothing that it is the world-first 480Hz refresh rate with 0.03ms response time. This combination is a must-have for eSports professionals and competitive gamers, providing unparalleled smoothness and responsiveness.
Color performance is equally impressive, with 99% DCI-P3 and 135% sRGB coverage. The monitor is factory calibrated for color accuracy, ensuring a △E value of less than 2.
The PG27AQDP also incorporates ASUS’s Clear Pixel Edge algorithm, which reduces color fringing on text and lines, resulting in clearer and more defined visuals.
Hardware
The PG27AQDP is equipped with a robust set of connectivity options. It features two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and an upstream USB 3.2 Type-B port.
The monitor supports both NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies, ensuring smooth, tear-free gaming experiences across a wide range of graphics cards.
Monitor Benchmark using SpyderX Pro
Critical Disclaimer: The benchmark results presented here may not be entirely accurate due to the limitations of the SpyderX Pro testing kit. For a more comprehensive comparison, please refer to both our test results and ASUS’s official benchmark data. We plan to update our results once we acquire the Spyder X2 Ultra.
Based on our SpyderX Pro measurements:
- The monitor achieved a maximum brightness of 313.3 nits at 100% brightness setting.
- Contrast ratios were consistently high across all brightness settings, with a peak of 7740:1 at 100% brightness.
- The measured display gamma was 1.7 (0.88), which deviates slightly from the ideal 2.2.
- Color gamut coverage shows 100% of sRGB, 90% of AdobeRGB, and 97% of P3 color spaces.
These results should be interpreted with caution due to the testing limitations mentioned above.
Software and OSD Features
The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP comes with ASUS’s comprehensive DisplayWidget Center software, allowing users to adjust monitor settings without accessing the on-screen display (OSD) menu.
The OSD itself is packed with features, including:
- ASUS OLED Care+: A suite of protection features to ensure the longevity of the OLED panel.
- GameVisual: Preset display modes optimized for different game genres.
- GamePlus: In-game enhancements like crosshairs and FPS counters.
- AI Assistant: Including AI Visual, AI Crosshair, AI Shadow Boost, AI Sniper, and MOBA Map Helper.
The monitor also features adjustable HDR settings, giving users granular control over color temperature, brightness, and saturation.
Verdict
The ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP is a force to be reckoned with in gaming monitor technology. Its world-first 480Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time set a new standard for competitive gaming displays. The OLED panel delivers stunning visuals with deep blacks and vibrant colors, while features like ASUS OLED Care+ and the custom heatsink address common OLED concerns.
The inclusion of AI-powered gaming features and extensive connectivity options further cement the PG27AQDP’s position as a top-tier gaming monitor. The Clear Pixel Edge algorithm ensures crisp text and images, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity tasks. (This is what I am currently using right now.)
ASUS’s attention to eye health is evident in their OLED Anti-Flicker technology, which helps reduce eye strain during extended gaming sessions.
At a price point of around PhP62,000, the PG27AQDP is undoubtedly a premium product. It’s primarily targeted at eSports professionals, high-end gaming cafes, and serious competitive gamers. For those training in the eSports industry, whether in FPS or MOBA genres, this monitor offers a significant competitive advantage.
It’s also an excellent choice for users with current-gen gaming consoles that support HDMI 2.1, allowing for high frame rates albeit at 1440p resolution.
While the price may be steep for casual users, the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQDP represents the pinnacle of gaming monitor technology. For those who demand the absolute best in performance and are willing to invest in their gaming setup, this monitor delivers in spades.
Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.
