ASUS MG24UQ and MG28UQ IPS 4K FreeSync Monitor Review

End User Testing

4K Video

The MG24UQ’s IPS display produces exceptional colours which makes 4K video content really shine. Furthermore, the incredible detail when using such a high pixels-per-inch panel is sublime. Generally, I test colour reproduction using 4K nature footage to check the panel’s consistency with my own eyes in addition to data analysis. The 24-inch 4K experience offers incredibly crisp, sharp visuals with a great level of vibrancy.

Technically, the MG28UQ uses a 10-bit TN panel and features a surprisingly rich colour gamut. It’s clearly one of the better TN monitors on the market and a significant step up from older iterations of this technology. While videos lack a certain colour definition compared to IPS alternatives, it’s not as noticeable as you might initially think.

Uncalibrated

ASUS’ 24-inch model has a wonderful setup out-of-the-box with 100% sRGB and 78% AdobeRGB coverage. Also, the monitor exhibited good colour accuracy which remained within a narrow field of the patch lab delta. The contrast numbers are superb and didn’t really require a lot of tinkering through calibration.

The 28-inch model recorded a 97% sRGB and 75% AdobeRGB coverage. This is pretty decent for a TN panel without any calibration. Even though there was a larger colour accuracy range, it’s only by a small amount and showcases the abilities of this TN panel. The White point at lower brightness setting fell short of the IPS model but there was hardly any difference under 100% brightness.

Calibrated

Once calibrated, the MG24UQ’s AdobeRGB rating increased by 1% and the average colour accuracy delta reduced from 2.04 to 1.06. Calibration also produced better contrast ratios at higher brightness settings and created a more consistent white point of 6700.

The 28-inch variant remained at 97% sRGB and 75% AdobeRGB coverage after calibration. On a more positive note, the colour accuracy figures dropped from an average of 2.04 to 1.16. On 75% and 100% brightness levels, there didn’t seem to be much change using the calibrated settings but performance at lower brightness levels were better. This suggests the out-of-the-box experience on both products is pretty strong.

Sound

Monitor speakers tend to be fairly low quality in comparison to an affordable pair of headphones or speaker setup. While both monitors have usable speakers, they’re overly flat and marred by a disappointing tonal response. However, the mid-range was certainly an improvement on a large number of monitors I’ve used in the past. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using any monitor speakers, but they’re passable if you have severe space restrictions or waiting for new audio equipment to arrive.

Game Testing

To test the visual quality and response time in games, I decided to try Ashes of the Singularity on the maximum preset. This is a great example because of the large number of units moving in a quick manner. The MG24UQ exhibited a splendid contrast ratio between various shades and brought the game into life. Despite the 4ms response time, I couldn’t detect any ghosting and the experience was extremely enjoyable. The MG28UQ’s colour seemed a little duller which is to be expected on a TN panel. While there was probably a better responsiveness from this particular display, I couldn’t notice it with the naked eye. Of course, this could be different to professional gamers or competitive players.