Introduction
HP X27q introduced as a cheap 1440p gaming monitor in 2021. To lessen screen tearing, it has a quick frame rate and native support for FreeSync variable refresh rate. It has a nice stand, a flexible light flashing strobe feature, HDR support, and other quite advanced featuresd for a monitor in this price range. Unfortunately, it has very limited connectivity and can only use HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, which prevents it from fully utilizing Xbox Series X or PS5 consoles. It also lacks USB capability.
Differences between sizes and variables
The single accessible size, the 27-inch HP X27q 2V7U3AA display, is what we examined. There is a curved version called the HP X27qc, however, it operates differently and makes use of a different kind of panel. There are two distinct panels for this display, and they each function slightly differently. The panel in our item is an LGD LM270WQA, although there have been complaints of machines using a BOE panel, which performs a little bit worse.
Style
The HP X27q display offers a straightforward style that complements any setting. Three of its sides have thin bezels, and even the bottom bezel isn’t very large or distracting.
Build quality
The HP X27q is constructed well. Despite being primarily built of plastic and having a cheap feel, it has no major flaws.
Controls
Unfortunately, HP chose to use five fixed keys on the back of the display to navigate the OSD rather than a much simpler joystick control.
Ergonomics
The ergonomics of the HP X27q display are adequate. Although there isn’t much height adjustment, it’s not difficult to set it up in the best viewing position. The generally downward-facing inputs always face to the left in portrait mode because it can only rotate in one direction to portrait orientation. The monitor’s back has a very simple design. It lacks RGB bias lighting, a gaming look, and a cable management system.
Local Dimming
Unfortunately, the local dimming option on the HP X27q is subpar. It can only fade loosely around brilliant things in dark scenes because there are only eight single columns that can fit the entire height of the display.
Due to the significant blooming that develops, the majority of real content illuminates the entire screen. However, the processing is fairly good because there is hardly any black crush and it can keep up with quick zone shifts. Sadly, there is no way to turn it off in HDR, thus it’s always on. SDR also does not allow for its activation.
SDR Brightness
The peak brightness of the HP X27q in SDR is outstanding. It has a consistent brightness throughout all situations and is bright enough to readily avoid diffraction in a bright room. If you are sensitive to bright lights, the low minimum brightness is perfect for working in a dimly lit environment.
These outcomes reflect the ‘Custom RGB’ Picture Mode’s calibrated settings with the Brightness set to its maximum.
HDR Brightness
The peak brightness in HDR on the HP X27q is respectable. Although it doesn’t have VESA DisplayHDR Certification, it readily meets the DisplayHDR 400 standards. Unfortunately, it doesn’t track the PQ EOTF effectively, which results in crushed near-dark images and somewhat elevated midtones. Bright scenes all seem at the same brightness because of an extremely sharp cutoff that is located close to the monitor’s peak brightness.
These outcomes are from the default modes because HDR doesn’t have any picture options.
Horizontal viewing angle
An great horizontal viewing angle is offered by the HP X27q. The person sitting next to you will see exactly everything you do, which is fantastic for screen sharing. Additionally, because the sides are consistent, it’s helpful if you prefer to sit near to the screen.
Vertical viewing angle
Sadly, the vertical viewing angle is only fair. Sharing the display with someone standing close to you is not ideal because the colours change quickly and become faded out as you move off-center.
Gray uniformity
The gray uniformity on the HP X27q is excellent. The edges of the screen are slightly darker than the middle, but the filthy screen effect is barely present in the centre, which is typically where it is most obvious.
Black uniformity
Unfortunately, the HP X27q has poor black uniformity. There are a few bright spots along the top and bottom edges where the backlight is bleeding through. The screen also appears cloudy due to the low contrast ratio. Unfortunately, because to the huge zone size, the local dimming feature is useless at enhancing uniformity in dark scenes.
Reflections
Because of the HP X27q’s effective reflection management, glare is not an issue in lit spaces. Direct reflections, such as those from a light or an open window during the day, are less intense because to the matte anti-reflective coating. Sadly, the coating also produces a halo effect around strong lights, which makes it a little challenging to view the region around the reflection.
Gradient
The HP X27q has fantastic gradient handling. There’s almost no noticeable banding in areas of similar color.
Stand
Although the stand is reasonably well-built, it moves around easily and wobbles a lot.
Text Clarity
The HP X27q has good reflection handling, so glare isn’t an issue in bright rooms. The matte anti-reflective coating reduces the intensity of direct reflections, like a lamp or an open window during the day. Sadly, the coating also produces a halo effect around strong lights, which makes it a little challenging to view the region around the reflection.
Final Thoughts
The gaming performance on the HP X27q is excellent. At the maximum refresh rate, it boasts an excellent response time and only mild motion blur around moving objects. It also supports FreeSync and G-SYNC variable refresh rate technology, which guarantees a responsive gaming experience. It also features a fantastically minimal input lag. However, it struggles to keep up with lower refresh rates because there is a lot more blur around moving objects. It can’t downscale a 4k image, therefore it can’t fully utilise the PS5 or Xbox Series X.
