Bottom Line
Overall, the ASUS XG27ACDNG is an exceptional 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor thanks to its exclusive features, such as ELMB support up to 180Hz, USB-C with 90W PD, built-in KVM and more. However, there are a lot of options worth cosndering in this price range too.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACDNG is yet another 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor, but it offers some exclusive features, such as ELMB (Black Frame Insertion) support up to 180Hz and VRR Anti-Flicker.
On top of that, it has a robust design and rich connectivity options, including USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, 90W Power Delivery and built-in KVM.
Image Quality
At the time of this writing, there are 10 monitors based on Samsung’s 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED panel, so its image quality and performance are nothing new.
The ASUS XG27ACDNG provides you with per-pixel dimming with infinite contrast ratio and the same 250-nit peak brightness for 100% APL (Average Picture Level, white window test size), which is more than enough under normal lighting conditions for most users.
You can also disable the Uniform Brightness option. In this mode, the monitor can reach around 450-nits for smaller APLs in SDR mode, but the constant changes in brightness due to ABL (Automatic Brightness Limiter) can be annoying, so we recommend leaving Uniform Brightness enabled for SDR.
In games and movies, you can disable it to get higher brightness, but for everyday use, it should be disabled.
In HDR, the peak brightness gets a boost up to 450-nits for 10% APL and up to 1000-nits for small < 3% APL highlights.
For the best HDR performance, we recommend using the Console HDR mode with Adjustable Brightness enabled and set to ‘100.’
LG’s newer W-OLED panels have a higher 275-nit for 100% and 1300-nits for < 1% APLs brightness specified, but these measures refer to white luminance.
When it comes to color luminance, QD-OLED panels are superior thanks to other brighter colors and a wider 99.3% DCI-P3 color gamut, resulting in an overall higher perceived brightness.
Mini LED displays can have even wider color gamuts and significantly higher brightness (1400-nits for 100% APL, 1000-nits for 1 – 10% APL, etc.), but they suffer from FALD blooming as there’s no per-pixel dimming. They don’t have as fast response times, but don’t suffer from the risk of burn-in. In the end, the choice between the two technologies comes down to personal preference.
The ASUS XG27ACDNG monitor also has a dedicated sRGB mode if you wish to clamp the native ~165% sRGB gamut volume down to around 100% for accurate colors in SDR mode with Delta E < 2 factory calibration.
You can enable it either by selecting ‘sRGB’ under ‘Display Color Space’ or the ‘sRGB Cal Mode’ under ‘GameVisual’ presets, the latter has most settings locked, while the former method allows for more customization.
The QD-OLED panel also boasts true 10-bit color depth support for smooth gradients without banding and 178° wide viewing angles, which ensures the image remains flawless regardless of the angle you’re looking at the screen.
It uses a newer triangular RGB subpixel layout, so fringing on small text and fine details is negligible, unlike it’s the case with the older QD-OLED and W-OLED RWBG panels.
The 2560×1440 resolution on the 26.5″ viewable screen of the ASUS XG27ACDNG display provides you with a decent pixel density of 110 PPI (pixels per inch), resulting in sharp details and text without any scaling necessary.
Moreover, the resolution is significantly less taxing on the GPU than 4K UHD, allowing you to enjoy higher frame rates as well as respectable visual fidelity in games.
Performance
The ASUS XG27ACDNG has a maximum refresh rate of 360Hz, which provides you with buttery-smooth motion clarity of low input latency of around 2ms.
Moreover, OLED panels have instantaneous pixel response time speed, so there’s no ghosting behind fast-moving objects regardless of your refresh/frame rate.
Variable refresh rate is supported with a 48-360Hz dynamic range for tear-free gameplay up to 360FPS. The monitor has AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and VESA AdaptiveSync Display 360 certifications, and it supports HDMI 2.1 VRR.
Unfortunately, as is the case with all OLED displays, there might be some VRR brightness flickering in certain scenes. It mainly occurs in dark scenes and with fluctuating frame rates, or in some in-game menus and loading screens.
ASUS offers a feature called OLED Anti-Flicker that can minimize flickering by limiting the VRR range. If that doesn’t help, we recommend simply disabling VRR in affected games since screen tearing is barely noticeable at 360Hz anyway.
Alternatively, you can use ELMB (Extreme Low Motion Blur), which is a BFI (Black Frame Insertion) technology. As the name suggests, it inserts black frames between regular ones to reduce the perceived motion blur caused by the sample-and-hold display operation.
However, it can only be active at a fixed refresh rate of 120Hz or 180Hz. VRR and HDR must be disabled, and the brightness is reduced to around 150-nits. The good news is that BFI at 180Hz provides you with the same motion clarity as 360Hz, and BFI at 120Hz offers the same clarity as 240Hz.
So, if you’re limited to 120FPS or 180FPS, using BFI can provide you with more fluid gameplay. Sadly, input lag will be a bit higher than native at 360Hz, but it’s negligible. This is especially useful for the PS5 and Xbox consoles, which are limited to 120Hz, since BFI is the only way to experience 240FPS-like motion clarity on the consoles.
Now, the main downside of OLED panels is the risk of permanent image burn-in and temporary image retention. Basically, if you leave an image with bright static elements for too long, those elements might become permanently visible as an afterimage.
As long as you use the monitor responsibly, it won’t be an issue though. ASUS even offers a 3-year warranty that covers burn-in, and there are plenty of features available to help prevent it, such as Screen Move, Pixel Cleaning, Screen Saver, Auto Logo Brightness, etc.
The ASUS XG27ACDNG is flicker-free and there’s a hardware low-blue light solution, as well as a dedicated filter feature.
Features
Beneath the bottom bezel of the screen, there’s a directional joystick for quick and easy navigation through the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, as well as dedicated input selection and power hotkeys.
Apart from the standard image adjustment tools, such as brightness, contrast and color temperature, the ASUS XG27ACDNG also offers some advanced settings, including five gamma modes, 6-axis hue and saturation, sharpness (VividPixel), aspect ratio control (with 24.5″ simulation mode) and automatic input detection.
Other features include Picture in Picture, DSC toggle, Dynamic Shadow Boost (improves visibility in dark scenes without over-brightening), Sniper (zooms in the area around your crosshair with optional Night Vision mode), a refresh rate tracker, on-screen timers and crosshair overlays.
You can also use ASUS’ DisplayWidget desktop application to make all OSD-related adjustments using your keyboard and mouse.
Design & Connectivity
The stand of the monitor is robust and versatile with up to 120mm height adjustment, +/- 45° swivel, +/- 90° pivot, -5°/20° tilt and 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility.
There’s also a phone holder on the stand, AuraSync RGB lighting at the rear, a 1/4″ mounting socket at the top of the stand riser and passive cooling (heatsink) instead of an audible fan.
The screen has a semi-glossy finish, which makes the image more vivid as there’s no graininess associated with matte anti-glare coatings.
However, the screen is also more reflective and since there’s no polarizer, blacks are raised when hit by direct lighting. As long as there’s no light directly pointed at the screen though, this won’t be an issue.
Connectivity options are abundant and include DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports with full 48 Gbps bandwidth, USB-C with DP 1.4 Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery, a headphone jack and a USB 3.0 hub (3 downstream + 1 upstream type B).
The monitor supports the 4K 120Hz mode over HDMI 2.1 for consoles.
It also has an integrated KVM functionality, allowing you to connect two PCs to the screen and easily swap control between the two with your keyboard and mouse connected to the monitor.
Price & Similar Monitors
The ASUS XG27ACDNG price usually ranges from $700 to $800, which is in line with the other 27″ 1440p 360Hz QD-OLED models. ASUS’ model offers the most features, so it’s definitely worth considering if you need ELMB, USB-C and KVM.
The MSI MAG 271QPX and the Gigabyte FO27Q3 can be found on sale for $600 – $650, so you should also take them into account.
| Dell AW2725DF | MSI MPG 271QRX | MSI MAG 271QPX | Samsung G60SD | Gigabyte FO27Q3 | ASUS XG27ACDNG | |
| Screen | Glossy | Glossy | Glossy | Matte | Glossy | Glossy |
| Video Ports | 2x DP 1.4, HDMI 2.0* | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 90W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 15W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 USB-C 18W | DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C 90W |
| Other Ports | 3x USB-A, USB-C | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP | HP | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP | 2x USB-A, USB-B, HP, Mic, 2x5W | 3x USB-A, USB-B, HP |
| Features | – | KVM | – | – | KVM | KVM, ELMB |
| Cooling | Active (Fan) | Passive (Heatsink) | Passive (Heatsink) | Passive (Pulsating Heat Pipes) | Passive (Heatsink) | Passive (Heatsink) |
| Burn-in warranty | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Price (MSRP) | $900 | $800 | $750 | $900 | $800 | $800 |
Note that there are also 1440p 240Hz QD-OLED models at a bit lower price if you don’t need such a high refresh rate, such as the MSI MAG 271QPX E2, the Gigabyte Aorus FO27Q2 and the AOC AG276QZD2.
Alternatively, consider the LG 27GS95QE or the ASUS XG27AQDMG.
These are 27″ 1440p 240Hz gaming monitors based on LG’s W-OLED panel with MLA+ technology for higher brightness.
LG’s model has a matte anti-glare coating, whereas the ASUS XG27AQDMG has a glossy screen surface with a polarizer – it offers a vivid image quality and while it’s reflective, it doesn’t raise blacks like the glossy QD-OLED displays.
They are also a bit more affordable ($650 – $750), but have an RWBG subpixel layout, which results in noticeable fringing on small text and fine details.
We don’t recommend other 27″ 1440p 240Hz W-OLED models as they lack the MLA+ technology, resulting in notably lower brightness.
If you want something better, check out the ASUS PG27UCDM with a 27″ 4K 240Hz QD-OLED panel, the ASUS PG27AQDP with a 1440p 480Hz W-OLED panel or the upcoming 1440p 500Hz QD-OLED models.
For more options and information, check out our best HDR monitors buyer’s guide.
Conclusion
The ASUS XG27ACDNG is an excellent OLED gaming monitor. Thanks to its plethora of features, it’s the best 1440p 360Hz model currently available. Of course, if you don’t need its exclusive features, one of the cheaper models will suit you better.
Specifications
| Screen Size | 26.5-inch |
| Resolution | 2560×1440 (WQHD) |
| Panel Type | QD-OLED |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 (Widescreen) |
| Refresh Rate | 360Hz |
| Response Time | 0.03ms (GtG) |
| Motion Blur Reduction | ELMB |
| Adaptive-Sync | FreeSync Premium Pro, G-SYNC Compatible, HDMI 2.1 VRR (48-360Hz) |
| Ports | DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 90W PD) |
| Other Ports | Headphone Jack, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-B 3.0 |
| Brightness (1 – 3% White Window) | 1000 cd/m² |
| Brightness (10% White Window) | 450 cd/m² |
| Brightness (100% White Window) | 250 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | Infinite |
| Colors | 1.07 billion (true 10-bit) 99.3% DCI-P3 |
| HDR | VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black |
| VESA | Yes (100x100mm) |
The Pros:
- Infinite contrast ratio, decent peak brightness, wide color gamut
- Instant response time
- Plenty of features, including VRR up to 360Hz, BFI up to 180Hz
- Fully ergonomic design, USB-C 90W PD, KVM
The Cons:
- Risk of burn-in (though covered by 3-year warranty)
