Photo overview
Photo overview
As stated, the PG27AQDM from ASUS ROG Swift OLED features a non-glare coating that effectively prevents reflections, making it stand out from many OLED televisions and monitors that act like 'dark mirrors', you can spot that nicely in the photo below. Even in bright environments, such as our test location, the coating did a remarkable job of reducing reflections. However, some users may find that the perceived contrast is lower compared to glossy screens. Nonetheless, the comfort of a reflection-free display outweighs this disadvantage.
Another noteworthy aspect of the PG27AQDM is its framing. Similar to LCD screens, a black border surrounds the active area of the panel and the housing. The border runs around the screen, and while the edge at the bottom is slightly thicker, it is barely noticeable. While it is disappointing that the monitor only has one input capable of handling 240Hz, this should not be a significant issue for those who intend to use only one high-end gaming PC.
Asus has adopted a traditional approach to connectivity options. The monitor includes a DisplayPort 1.4 and a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports, which may disappoint some consumers who had anticipated the presence of HDMI 2.1. We empathize with this viewpoint, as HDMI 2.1 would have been optimal for connecting gaming consoles to take advantage of higher frame rates. However, in all modesty, HDMI 2.0 is sufficient for 120Hz QHD resolution. It's important to mention that certain gaming laptops do not have DisplayPort 1.4, but instead offer HDMI 2.1, enabling gamers to experience a higher 240Hz refresh rate – a feature the PG27AQDM does not support.
The ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is equipped with a USB hub featuring two 5-gigabit connections and a headphone jack. However, the upstream is limited to a USB-B port, which is somewhat restrictive for a monitor of this stature. Above you can see the OSD buttons.
A USB-C port without power delivery would have been a desirable inclusion, although it would have had limited utility for gaming laptop users. Additional USB ports would have been appreciated to enhance the monitor's connectivity options further.
Asus has opted not to include speakers in the PG27AQDM, which makes sense, given the target audience. Monitor speakers typically underperform, and gamers prefer headsets or high-quality external speakers. Overall, the connectivity options are adequate but fall somewhat short of expectations for a monitor with a 1000 euro price tag. I would have loved to see USB Type-C and KVM.
