ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED Gaming Monitor Review

When it comes to gaming setups, having a quality monitor is almost as important as having a powerful PC. After all, a beefy PC capable of delivering top-of-the-line graphics and performance doesn't mean much without a display to do it justice. Like with nearly every other facet of PC gaming, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to gaming monitors that it can be overwhelming, but those that want a guaranteed high-quality monitor can rest assured that the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED will meet their needs.

ViewSonic has built a reputation as a trusted brand in the gaming monitor space, and the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED is another great product from the company. The 27" monitor boasts a 240Hz refresh rate, with the OLED screen really letting colors pop. I primarily tested the monitor by playing shooter games like Blizzard's hero shooter Overwatch 2 and Ubisoft's free-to-play Call of Duty competitor XDefiant, and they looked so vibrant and smooth on the XG272-2K-OLED that it has honestly been difficult to go back to the big screen in the living room. Of course, consoles look fantastic when hooked up to the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED as well, but their lack of power compared to a high-end gaming PC means that they won't be able to use the monitor to its full potential.

Games look fantastic on the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED, and that's really the most important thing when it comes to purchasing a new gaming monitor. I experienced no screen-tearing or any other issue one might think of when it comes to their display. Everything looked perfect, with the OLED display really proving to be a game-changer. While some may not be convinced that OLED is worth the added costs associated with it, it makes a big enough difference that it's definitely worth spending a little extra and taking the leap.

Currently, the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED is priced at $899.99. This may seem like quite a steep asking price, but it's in-line with similar OLED monitors on the market. Now, someone with an older PC that may not have the muscle to play the latest games at high settings will want to consider a cheaper alternative. But someone with a powerful PC that wants to get the most out of their gaming sessions could benefit greatly from the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED.

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED makes games look their best, and it's great for other uses as well. Whether it's watching movies on Netflix or simply doing work, the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED makes everything look great. I have no complaints about the visual quality of the monitor at all, though there was one inconvenience when using the monitor for the first time.

ViewSonic XG272-2K OLED Specs

Screen Size: 27
Viewable Area (in.): 26.5
Panel Type: OLED
Display Resolution: 2560 x 1440
Display Resolution: QHD (2560x1440)
Static Contrast Ratio: 150,000:1
Brightness: 450 cd/m2
Colors: 1.07B
Color Space Support: 10 bits
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Response Time (Typical GTG): 0.02ms
Response Time (MPRT): 0.01ms
Viewing Angles: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
Panel Surface: Anti-Glare type, Haze 35%
Refresh Rate: 240Hz
PC Resolution (max): 2560 x 1440
Mac® Resolution (max): 2560 x 1440
USB Type A: 3
USB Type B: 1
USB Type C: 1
3.5mm Audio Out: 1
HDMI 2.1 In: 2
DisplayPort: 2
Internal Speakers: 3W (x2)
Eco Mode (Conserve): 32w
Eco Mode (optimized): 36w
Consumption (typical): 44w
Consumption (max): 60w
Voltage: 100-240 VAC, 50-60Hz
Stand-by: 0.5w
Power Supply: External
Cable Organization: No
Kensington Lock Slot: 1
Physical Controls: Joystick key: Up, Right, Down, Left, Center; Quick Access; Power, Game Modes
On Screen Display: Modes, Gaming, Display, Input Select, Setup Menu
Temperature: 32-104º F (0 - 40º C)
Humidity (non-condensing): 20-90%
VESA Compatible: 100 x 100 mm
Frequency Horizontal: HDMI: 30 ~ 160 KHz / DP: 15 ~ 255 KHz
Frequency Vertical: HDMI: 30 ~ 160 KHz / DP: 48 ~ 240 Hz
Height Adjust: 120 mm / 4.7 in
Swivel: -20 ~ 20
Pivot (Right/Left): 90º / 90º
Tilt (Forward/Back): 5º / 20º
Net (lbs): 15.3
Net Without Stand (lbs): 10.6
Gross (lbs): 22.9
Net (kg): 7
Net Without Stand (kg): 4.8
Gross (kg): 10.4
Packaging (in.): 36.5 " (W) x 19.9 " (H) x 6.7 " (D)
Physical (in.): 23.8 " (W) x 17.6~22.3 " (H) x 8.5 " (D)
Physical Without Stand (in.): 23.8 " (W) x 14.35 " (H) x 2.5 " (D)
Packaging (mm): 928 mm (W) x 506 mm (H) x 170 mm (D)
Physical (mm): 604.4 mm (W) x 447.8~566.6 mm (H) x 216.9 mm (D)
Physical Without Stand (mm): 604.4 mm (W) x 364.6 mm (H) x 62.22 mm (D)
Regulations: cTUVus, FCC-B, ICES003, CEC, NOM, Mexico Energy
Package Contents: LCD Display, Power Cable, DisplayPort Cable, USB A/B Cable, Remote Control, Quick Start Guide
Recycle/Disposal: Please dispose of in accordance with local, state or federal laws.
Warranty: Three-year limited warranty on parts, labor and backlight

The only issue I encountered with the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED display-wise was a minor annoyance with how text was displayed on the screen. The monitor and my PC didn't play nice at first, causing a weird issue where text would look like it had distracting "shadows." The problem couldn't be replicated on three other monitors I tested. In any case, it took some fiddling with the settings, but I was able to get it figured out, and it was smooth sailing from there.

Otherwise, setting up the monitor was easy and painless. There are times when gaming monitors are cumbersome or frustrating to put together, but the ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED set-up is a breeze. It comes in well-organized packaging and offers easy-to-understand instructions that should ensure anyone is able to put it together without any hassle. The screen sits on a rotating stand that can also be adjusted vertically, allowing users to easily set the optimal height for the screen. As someone with an adjustable standing desk, being able to adjust the height of the monitor is hugely convenient. It may seem like a minor thing, but it can make it a lot easier to find the comfort sweet spot whether one is sitting or standing at their desk.

The ViewSonic XG272-2K-OLED checks all the boxes for the most part, but it does have one notable flaw. The speakers are subpar, with a lot of the audio sounding like someone speaking into a can. Now, it's nice that the monitor has built-in speakers at all, considering many monitors don't even make an attempt, but their quality not good enough to take the place of external speakers or a gaming headset.