Acer XB273K Review: 4K HDR 144Hz G-SYNC Gaming Monitor

The Acer XB273K S (Acer Predator XB273K Sbmiprzx) is a 27″ 4K 144Hz IPS gaming monitor with a dedicated G-SYNC module. There are two more monitors with similar names:

• Acer Predator XB273K GP (Acer Predator XB273K Gpbmiipprzx); G-SYNC Compatible
• Acer Nitro XV273K (Acer Nitro XV273K Pbmiipphzx); FreeSync Premium

These two models are based on the same panel as the XB273KS, but instead of using a native G-SYNC module, they use Adaptive-Sync for variable refresh rate.

Image Quality

The Acer XB273K is based on an AHVA (IPS) panel by AU Optronics.

It offers a peak luminance of 350-nits (400-nits for HDR content), a static contrast ratio of 1,000:1, 10-bit color depth support via dithering (8-bit + 2-bit FRC), 90% DCI-P3 color gamut thanks to the quantum dot technology, 178-degree viewing angles, and a 4ms response time speed.

Thanks to the quantum-dot enhanced colors, decent peak brightness of 400-nits, and professional-grade factory calibration (Delta E < 1), the Acer XB273K monitor provides a notable enhancement over the standard picture quality; It has VESA’s entry-level DisplayHDR 400 certification.

4K UHD resolution ensures a crystal-clear image quality as well as plenty of screen space due to the rich pixel density of 163 PPI.

Although it’s quite demanding to drive, especially at higher frame rates, at least you won’t have to use anti-aliasing to eliminate the staircase effect caused by low resolution.

Our Acer XB273K unit had no excessive IPS glow and backlight bleeding nor any other defects such as dead/stuck pixels.

Its backlight is flicker-free, which, along with the integrated low-blue light filter, prevents headaches and eye strain caused by prolonged use of the screen.

Performance

The Acer XB273K input lag performance is excellent with only ~5ms of delay, which is imperceptible in real use.

Further, the response time speed of 4ms (GtG – gray to gray) effectively eliminates most trailing left behind fast-moving objects for a fluid and smooth gaming experience.

Now, in order to get 144Hz, you need to overclock the monitor from its native 120Hz refresh rate to 144Hz in the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, which will limit the color output from Full Range RGB 4:4:4 to YCbCr 4:2:2 chroma subsampling.

This compression will make text and certain elements on desktop appear somewhat blurry, but it’s not noticeable in video games unless there’s a lot of text involved.

If you wish to use 10-bit color depth, you will be limited to 98Hz. Since most games are limited to 8-bit color anyway, and since there isn’t a big difference between 8-bit color and 10-bit color, we recommend going with 4K at 120Hz.

In contrast, the Adaptive-Sync models of this monitor have two DisplayPort inputs, which allow for 144Hz at 4K with no color compression. However, this also has its downsides; if you are using both ports, you can’t use VRR or HDR.

On the Acer Predator XB273K, you can use G-SYNC all the way up to 144Hz, and you get a wider VRR range of 30-144Hz as opposed to 48-120Hz of the Adaptive-Sync models.

Additionally, you can use G-SYNC and HDR at the same time, while with the other models, you have to choose between VRR and HDR.

Features

Besides G-SYNC, other gaming features include Aim Point – customizable crosshairs and Dark Boost, which increases the visibility of objects in dark areas in video games.

There are three fully customizable picture profiles, as well as a few pre-calibrated picture presets. You can also limit the color output to the sRGB color space if you need accurate sRGB color reproduction for work.

The OSD menu is user-friendly and easy to navigate via the joystick placed at the back of the monitor. There are four hotkeys, three of which you can use as shortcuts for certain OSD functions (picture mode, brightness, volume, overdrive, input source, etc.).

There’s also a built-in sensor that can automatically adjust brightness and black level according to ambient lighting. You will find a feature called ‘SDR Variable Backlight,’ which enables local dimming (only 3-4 zones) for a slightly higher contrast ratio.

Another exciting feature is the Ambient Glow RGB lighting technology with twelve customizable (color, brightness, style) LEDs placed beneath the display. There’s an additional LED at the back of the monitor.

Design & Connectivity

The design of the Acer XB273K 4K 144Hz gaming monitor is quite sturdy with fairly thick matte black bezels.

The monitor can be height-adjusted up to 100mm, swiveled by +/- 20°, tilted by -5°/25°, or VESA mounted via the 100x100mm pattern. You cannot rotate the screen, though.

Connectivity options include DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b, a headphones jack, two USB 3.0 ports at the side (one with fast-charging) and one upstream, and two additional downstream USB 3.0 ports at the back of the monitor. There are also two 4W integrated speakers.

The HDMI port is limited to 60Hz at 3840×2160, but it also supports HDR, thus making the monitor great for console gaming as well.

Further, the monitor has a light anti-glare screen coating, it comes with a detachable shading hood, and there’s an active-cooling fan which isn’t loud.

Price & Similar Monitors

The Acer XB273KS goes for ~$1,000, while the XB273KGP and XV273K models go for ~$600. All three models are outdated and you can get a better 4K 144Hz monitor at this price range.

For instance, the Acer XB283K KV is a 4K 144Hz gaming monitor with DP 1.4 DSC and HDMI 2.1, allowing you to use 4K 144Hz with VRR and HDR without any compression on PC, as well as 4K 120Hz on the PS5 and compatible Xbox consoles.

Further, it uses a newer panel with a faster response time speed and features a built-in KVM switch.

Check out our best 4K 144Hz gaming monitor guide for more information and the best deals available.

Conclusion

Overall, the Acer XB273K is an excellent gaming monitor that ticks many boxes, but there are better alternatives for the money available nowadays.

Specifications

Screen Size	27-inch
Resolution	3840×2160 (UHD)
Panel Type	IPS
Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate	98Hz (10-bit color) 120Hz (8-bit color) 144Hz (4:2:2 color compression)
Response Time	4ms (GtG)
Adaptive Sync	G-SYNC
Speakers	2x4W
Ports	DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.0b
Other Ports	4x USB 3.0, Headphone Jack
Brightness	350 cd/m2
Brightness (HDR)	400 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio	1000:1 (static)
Colors	1.07 billion (8-bit + FRC)
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 400