5 6
85 % 70 %
4K monitors
GROUP TEST
5Pay more and you do get more, though. That’s
because a larger screen means you can reduce
Windows scaling, resulting in more desktop real
estate. A 27-inch screen with Windows scaling set to
150% reduces the effective resolution to
2560x1440, whereas this screen lets you use 125%,
for a resolution of 3072x1728. Fire up a game or
movie and you also get a bigger picture overall.
Resolution and size considerations aside, the
XB321HK has loads going for it. The design is not
too offensive and is likely to sit comfortably
alongside most PCs. The stand also offers height
and tilt adjustment, though not rotation or pivot. It
does support VESA monitor mounts, though.
As for image quality, it’s fantastic. The IPS panel
produces accurate colours and great contrast right
out of the box, and when combined with G-Sync it
makes for some truly fantastic gaming.
It’s no competitive monster but it’s a
superb all-rounder that’s great for all
other forms of work and play.ACER PREDATOR XB321HK
http://www.acer.com £800
However, there are a couple of reasons why a
display such as the Asus MG28UQ might suit you.
First, there’s the price. You’re getting a large 28-inch
display, all those pixels, a fully adjustable stand and
Freesync all for well under £400.
Nonetheless, the MG28UQ does struggle to
convince. This one has a grey finish to its stand and
frame that just cheapens the overall look. It also
feels like a noticeable step down in build quality
from Asus’ more premium models.
Some of the image quality issues of TN panels
are also obvious. Contrast is low and the viewing
angles aren’t a patch on other display types.
Still, the stand is great in terms of practicality
and is removable, plus you get loads of connectivity
with three HDMI ports alongside the DisplayPort.
Plus there’s a couple of USB 3.0 ports.
Nonetheless, there’s not quite enough here to
convince. You can get 4K for less and,
without a fast refresh rate, gaming
performance is compromised.ASUS MG28UQ
http://www.asus.com £375
Acer offers two premium 4K monitors that, for the
most part, only differ in size. Both offer 4K resolution, an
IPS panel, a 60Hz refresh rate and G-Sync, so it just
comes down to how big of a screen you want.There’s an argument for saying that 4K and TN just
shouldn’t mix. With 4K refresh rates limited to 60Hz, the
gaming advantage of TN is null, while the lower quality of
TN negates the point of having a large resolution.