Review of Gigabyte GS27QXA 240 Hz QHD Gaming Monitor: Excellent Value and High-Performance Delivered
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 (model GS27QXA) has made a name for itself as a strong contender in the high-end budget gaming monitor category, known for its impressive color accuracy and gamma tracking performance.
Color Accuracy
Out of the box, the GS27QXA boasts good factory calibration, with an average Delta E (dE) of less than 2. This means that color differences are very subtle and accurate, without the need for immediate calibration.
The monitor offers near-full coverage of the sRGB color space (~98.09%) and substantial coverage of DCI-P3 (around 92.54%), ensuring vibrant and well-saturated colors. Its VA panel contributes to deep blacks and good contrast, though some VA panels might have slight color shifts at wider viewing angles compared to IPS panels.
Gamma Tracking
The gamma tracking on the GS27QXA is exemplary. Measured gamma curves closely follow the target 2.2 curve, resulting in natural mid-tone reproduction and good shadow detail. Gamma consistency tends to be quite stable across different brightness levels, ensuring image quality in various lighting environments.
Comparison to Other Budget Gaming Monitors
Many budget gaming monitors in the 27" 1440p/165Hz class prioritise refresh rate and response times over color accuracy, often featuring IPS panels with decent but not top-tier factory calibration. Compared to typical budget IPS gaming monitors, the GS27QXA offers better contrast and deeper blacks thanks to its VA panel, and comparable or slightly better color accuracy due to effective factory calibration.
However, some budget IPS monitors may have wider viewing angles and more consistent colors across angles, whereas VA panels like the GS27QXA can have some color shifting. The gamma tracking on the GS27QXA is generally superior to typical budget gaming monitors, which can have more noticeable deviations from the ideal gamma curve, leading to washed-out or overly dark midtones.
Summary
GS27QXA Strengths: Accurate colors out of the box (Delta E < 2), strong sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage, excellent gamma tracking, excellent contrast ratio due to VA.
Trade-offs: Slightly narrower viewing angles and moderate color shifts at the edges (typical of VA), but better overall image depth and immersion.
Vs. Other Budget Gaming Monitors: Usually better color accuracy and gamma tracking than similarly priced IPS panels, with the benefit of superior contrast and black levels, making it a standout choice for gamers who also want good color fidelity.
If color accuracy and gamma are important to you alongside strong gaming performance, the GS27QXA is one of the best options in its price segment.
Smart-home devices can benefit from the GS27QXA's color accuracy for enhanced visual quality during presentations, while gadget enthusiasts will appreciate its impressive gamma tracking performance for an immersive viewing experience. This high-end budget gaming monitor, with its technology delivering near-full sRGB coverage and exemplary gamma tracking, could be a prime candidate for smart displays or other smart-home devices that prioritize quality visuals.
