ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQWMG Review: 280Hz 1440p OLED Gaming Performance

Advanced OLED Technology Delivers Exceptional Motion Clarity, Deep Contrast, and Vivid HDR Performance for Competitive and Cinematic Gaming Experiences.

Hardware by Nakiro on Aug 28, 2025

The first fourth-generation W OLED gaming monitor, ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQWMG, has caught our attention lately. Despite its long name, the monitor is impressive, featuring LG's new primary RGB tandem technology that enhances brightness, color, and power efficiency.

The 27-inch 2560x1440 panel supports a maximum refresh rate of 280 Hz, adaptive sync technology, and DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, offering a step above previous True Black 400 QD OLEDs in terms of peak brightness.

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Panel Technology and Design

The fourth-generation W OLED features a four-layer blue-green-blue-red stack, replacing the previous blue-yellow-blue configuration. Color accuracy, peak brightness, and energy efficiency are all improved by ASUS's claims of a 15% higher peak brightness, a 25% wider color gamut, and a 60% longer lifespan than earlier W OLEDs.

The rear features the recognizable ROG Strix design, complete with a center box and a subdued RGB logo. At the same time, the front boasts even bezels around the OLED panel. The tiny metal stand is stable and makes the most of desk space.

Connectivity and On-Screen Display

Connectivity options include a two-port USB hub, two HDMI 2.1 ports, and one DisplayPort 1.4 port with DSC support. HDMI supports up to 4K at 120 Hz, and both HDMI and DisplayPort can handle 10-bit 1440p at 280 Hz.

The directional toggle behind the ASUS logo controls the on-screen display, offering extensive options such as color adjustments, OLED care settings, and other gaming-centric features.

Text Clarity and Coating

The RGWB subpixel layout improves text clarity over previous 1440p W OLEDs, reducing horizontal shadowing and giving a sharper image. ASUS's True Black glossy coating, now with 0% haze, enhances contrast and clarity while reducing ambient reflections.

While direct reflections remain more noticeable than on matte or QD OLED panels, the finish performs exceptionally in dark or moderately lit rooms. Burn-in remains a consideration, but ASUS mitigates this with a three-year warranty and a Neo Proximity sensor that turns off the screen when not in use.

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Motion Performance

Response times are extremely fast, averaging 0.3 milliseconds, providing motion clarity comparable to a 420 Hz LCD when gaming at 280 Hz.

The monitor also includes black frame insertion (ELMB) and OLED anti-flicker technology to minimize VRR-induced flicker.

Input latency is under 1 ms at high refresh rates, although it increases at lower refresh rates, such as 60 Hz. Power efficiency has improved, with a 28% reduction in full-white power draw compared to previous W OLED models.

Color Accuracy and HDR

Color performance has improved with 99.8% DCI-P3 coverage and 83.8% Rec. 2020 HDR coverage. Factory-calibrated SDR modes are adequate, but sRGB mode provides the most accurate results.

Full-screen white brightness now reaches 331 nits, a 26% improvement over previous models. Viewing angles remain excellent, though minor gray banding can appear in darker interfaces.

HDR performance is strong, with deep blacks and minimal blooming, while peak HDR brightness reaches 1,400 nits in small window tests. Overall color volume is up 18% from previous W OLED models.

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Final Thoughts

ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQWMG sets a new standard for 1440p 280 Hz OLED gaming monitors. Its fourth-generation W OLED panel delivers notable improvements in brightness, color accuracy, efficiency, and subpixel design.

The True Black glossy coating enhances clarity and depth of black, while motion performance, calibration, and features like ELMB, anti-flicker, and the Neo Proximity sensor further elevate the user experience.

Although the MSRP of $699 may be slightly higher than expected, the monitor's performance and feature set make it a top choice, even compared to QD OLED competitors.

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