We’ve already discussed in prior reviews the new landscape that monitor makers have to face when offering products: gamers’ now have varying demands and for those looking to experience both, they’re willing to shell-out top dollar for high-quality products. Right now there’s only one middleground for both types of gamers that want either a high-refresh rate experience or a cinematic experience and that’s 2560×1440 resolution at 144hz. But as 240hz monitors are becoming the new standard for high-refresh rate, QHD monitors are playing catch-up but at 1440p reso, there’s still plenty of screen real estate to enjoy, new-generation gaming graphics.
Today we take a look at Viewsonic’s flagship QHD gaming monitor that features a 2560×1440 resolution but an overclockable refresh rate up to 165hz and is fully compatible with G-Sync. Read on!
Features
- WQHD Resolution
- 165Hz refresh rate
- SuperClear® IPS-type panel technology
- NVIDIA G-SYNC technology
- NVIDIA Ultra Low Motion Blur technology
Closer Look
The ViewSonic XG2703-GS comes in a simple cardboard box, which is quite typical for the company. Inside the package we have the actual monitor sandwiched between styrofoam layers. Viewsonic ships the XG2703-GS pre-assembled so all you need to do is to hook-up the cables and you’re all set. Our review sample is marketing demo unit so we’re not sure if the accessories included are the ones included in the retail sample. Included with the unit is a power brick, an AC cable, USB3.0 cable, an HDMI cable and DisplayPort cable along with manuals and audio cable.
If we take the box as any sign of what’s inside, we’d be totally misled. ViewSonic has done an excellent job in keeping the bezel and stand edge and aggressive whilst still being quite conservative, keeping any distraction away from the user’s eye.
ViewSonic gives the bezel a slight angle at the middle but retains a slim profile towards the rest of the edges. The monitor buttons are done in green so they’re visible in lit rooms but are intuitive enough to be used even in the dark thanks to the OSD. The panel itself is a semi-gloss screen.
ViewSonic did some excellent tooling job at the back of the monitor with most of the branding visible in this area. The curves in the back chassis accentuate the back with the top curve serving as vents for the monitor. The ViewSonic is tooled at the top area of the monitor with the XG logo visible in the top and side.
Another view of the curved recess at the back of the monitor.
The monitor stand is also stylized, hiding the rigid metallic frame that serves as the main support of the monitor. At the back of the stand is a retractable headset stand which can be folded back when not in use or if you’re using the monitor up against a wall. Very creative approach by ViewSonic here.
The controls for the OSD of the XG2703-GS are on the right-edge of the screen and comprise of buttons which serve to control the OSD menu.
The ViewSonic XG2703-GS offer a pair of USB3.0 ports for convenience and the faster bandwidth offered by USB3.0 is a great option for easier access instead of reaching out the back of your PC. In terms of input, the XG2703-GS allows connection from either a single DisplayPort (1.4b) or HDMI (2.0). For those curious, the white port is a service connection and may not be present in retail models.
Brightly painted button markers on the side guide the users as mentioned to the OSD buttons. The bright green does contrast with some theme so do keep that in mind if you’re a bit sensitive of your setup otherwise its an NVIDIA green which should blend in with the G-Sync feature of this monitor
The XG2703-GS has a light-up feature on its base just to add an accent to the overall feel of the monitor.
The ViewSonic XG2703-GS comes with an articulated stand which allows movement of the screen for easier adjustment. The monitor can pan left and right and tilt upwards and downwards a few degrees for better viewing angles. The screen itself can be rotated 90* to portrait orientation.
Screen Quality
The ViewSonic XG2703-GS is actually an AHVA (Advanced Hyper-Viewing Angle) which delivers similar performance as IPS and PLS but were the first IPS-type panels to offer high-refresh rates at 144hz. Out of the box, the screen looked great with colors bright and balanced. Overall, screen is well-saturated and backlight bleed is quite controlled. For more in-depth details for number junkies, we have in-depth data in the next section.
Spyder5 Analysis
Note: All tests were done with out-of-box settings.
OSD
The ViewSonic XG2703-GS provides a wealth of controls via its OSD panel but the most key feature here is the ability to enable Overclocking which allows native use of 165Hz from the out-of-box 144hz. There’s little reason not to use it but do keep in mind ViewSonic does note that there may be some increased in operating temps but in our observation there’s really not much to be concerned about.
User Experience & Conclusion
Monitors like the ViewSonic XG2703-GS serve as a color-accurate yet fluid display for those that want high-refresh rates found on TN but want the high level picture quality from IPS-type panels. Given the higher refresh rate over other competing QHD monitors, the XG2703-GS does have an edge with its 165hz screen. Overall, there’s a lot to like on this ViewSonic monitor.
With an MSRP of Php37,990, this monitor competes with a couple of screens in the market today most of which sport QHD resolutions running at 144hz at nearly the same price range. The ViewSonic XG2703-GS features a touch faster refresh rate as well as some notable design cues making it quite suitable to those that like green theme that fit in well with the NVIDIA G-Sync feature of this monitor.
The offering in this segment is too close for comfort and from a purely performance standpoint the 165hz refresh rate is the edge it might need to contend with its rivals. Stand-out color quality and overall great display performance also puts it in the top of our list in the QHD segment for IPS-like displays. That said, all these qualities combine make the ViewSonic XG2703-GS an excellent and well-rounded monitor suitable for gaming as well as creative work. Perfect for those who need to find a versatile monitor that closes the gap between work and play for people who want to do both with one screen.
ViewSonic backs the XG2703-GS with a 3-year warranty. We give it our B2G Editor’s Choice Award!
