Acer Predator XB273K Review: 4K Gaming With Vivid Color & Dual Refresh
▼ Summary
– The Acer Predator XB273K V5 is a high-performance 27-inch 4K gaming monitor priced under $400, offering sharp image quality and vivid color.
– It features dual refresh rates with 160 Hz at 4K resolution and 320 Hz at FHD, plus Adaptive-Sync compatibility for smooth gaming with Nvidia or AMD graphics cards.
– The monitor delivers excellent color performance with around 92% DCI-P3 coverage, HDR10 support, and precise calibration controls for professional use.
– It includes a Smart Dial remote for easy settings adjustments and gaming features like aiming points and blur reduction, but lacks USB ports and LED lighting.
– With a strong price-to-performance ratio, it provides a premium gaming experience and is also effective for productivity tasks like graphics and document editing.
For gamers seeking a premium 4K experience without breaking the bank, the Acer Predator XB273K V5 delivers exceptional performance at an accessible price point. This 27-inch display combines razor-sharp imagery, vibrant colors, and advanced video processing to create an immersive gaming environment that feels both responsive and visually stunning.
As OLED technology dominates the premium monitor market, prices for other high-performance displays have become increasingly competitive. The XB273K V5 exemplifies this trend, offering 4K resolution with fast refresh rates for under $400. The 27-inch screen size proves ideal for 4K content, providing a pixel density of 168 pixels per inch that renders images with remarkable clarity and detail.
This latest Predator model features an IPS panel with edge LED backlighting rather than Mini LED technology, which helps maintain its budget-friendly pricing. Despite this cost-saving measure, the monitor achieves impressive brightness levels exceeding 450 nits for both SDR and HDR content. Field dimming in HDR mode produces outstanding contrast ratios surpassing 5,300:1, while HDR10 support and wide color gamut coverage of approximately 92% DCI-P3 ensure rich, accurate colors.
The display’s video processing capabilities include finely tuned overdrive and blur reduction through backlight strobing. Adaptive-Sync compatibility works seamlessly with both Nvidia and AMD graphics cards, eliminating screen tearing without added input lag. The dual refresh rate functionality stands out as a key feature, offering 160Hz at 4K resolution and 320Hz when switching to 1080p Full HD. Acer’s innovative Smart Dial remote makes transitioning between these modes effortless with a single button press.
Gaming-oriented features include customizable aiming points, an on-screen timer, and refresh rate indicators. While the monitor lacks USB ports and LED lighting, it includes built-in speakers and a headphone jack. The construction maintains Predator’s signature premium aesthetic with angular designs and smooth transitions throughout the chassis.
Assembly proves straightforward with recyclable packaging that securely protects all components. The package includes an IEC power cord, HDMI cable, and VESA mount hardware for alternative mounting solutions. The stand features a clever centering indicator that shows when the swivel adjustment reaches its neutral position.
The Smart Dial remote quickly becomes an indispensable accessory despite initial skepticism about its necessity. This compact controller features a joystick with dedicated buttons for source selection, dual frame rate switching, aiming point activation, and menu navigation. An infrared receiver on the front bezel ensures reliable operation from various angles, while traditional controls remain available on the monitor’s rear for those who prefer physical buttons.
Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.1 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 input, along with a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or external speakers. The integrated speakers provide clear audio though they emphasize midrange frequencies with limited bass response.
The on-screen display organizes settings into eight intuitive sub-menus. Gaming features split between Game Assistant for utilities like timers and crosshairs, and Gaming for video processing options including overdrive, Adaptive-Sync, and VRB blur reduction. The VRB technology performs exceptionally well, with Normal setting maintaining brightness without common phasing artifacts, while Extreme setting eliminates all motion blur at the cost of reduced brightness.
Picture settings offer comprehensive control with eight preset modes that switch to User mode when customized. Calibration tools include precise RGB gain and bias sliders alongside color temperature presets and gamma curve adjustments. The dual refresh rate function requires initial setup through graphics card control panels but thereafter switches seamlessly between resolutions using the remote’s DFR button.
Calibration out of the box proves generally accurate, though grayscale tracking benefits from minor adjustments. The wide color gamut becomes available for SDR content by selecting the General option in the color space menu, while sRGB mode locks calibration controls for color-accurate work. HDR operation requires manual activation through the picture menu, with HDR-400 providing the most accurate implementation.
Setting up dual refresh operation involves establishing both resolution profiles in the graphics control panel before using the remote to toggle between them. The transition takes several seconds but proves reliable when initiated from the Windows desktop rather than during gameplay. At 27 inches, the shift to 1080p resolution remains more acceptable than on larger displays, with noticeable improvements in responsiveness and motion clarity.
The monitor’s overdrive implementation ranks among the best available, virtually eliminating motion blur without introducing artifacts. Combined with the exceptional VRB backlight strobing, the XB273K V5 delivers remarkably clear motion rendering. During testing with high-end graphics hardware, the monitor handled 4K gaming at high frame rates with exceptional smoothness and detail reproduction.
Beyond gaming, the display excels as a productivity tool. The high pixel density eliminates visible pixel structure, making text and fine details appear crisp in applications ranging from photo editing to spreadsheet work. Color reproduction remains vibrant yet natural across various content types.
The XB273K V5 represents outstanding value in the 4K gaming monitor segment, combining premium features with accessible pricing. Its excellent color accuracy, high pixel density, and smooth video processing create an experience that rivals more expensive alternatives. The money saved on this display can be redirected toward upgrading other components, particularly the graphics card, to build a competitive gaming system that also handles productivity tasks with ease.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
