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My experience with the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K 144hz Gaming Monitor (2024)
Introduction
A month ago I bought the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor for gaming and work (mainly programming). It is a fantastic monitor with not just a high resolution for sharpness but also a 144hz refresh rate which makes everything smooth (not just gameplay but also things like scrolling webpages). Add 1ms response time to that for instant feedback from e.g. typing. More on all of this below.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 28 Inches | Display Resolution Maximum | 3840 x 2160 Pixels |
| Brand | ASUS | Special Feature | Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free, High Dynamic Range, Anti Glare Screen, Curved |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
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Prices
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Performance and Gaming Experience
My gaming experience with the monitor has been great. Here’s a quick rundown:
High Refresh Rate: At 144Hz, games feel buttery smooth.
Quick Response Time: 1 ms (GTG) response time makes all the difference in competitive gaming.
Resolution: UHD (3840 x 2160) is eye-candy for immersive worlds.
Right off the bat, the UHD resolution ensures that games and videos look crisp and detailed. However, it’s not just about resolution; the high refresh rate of 144 Hz and the 1ms response time transform motion clarity during gameplay into something you can’t go back from after experiencing.
I was a bit skeptical about the impact HDMI 2.1 would have, but native 4K at 120 Hz on the PS5 and Xbox Series X is a game-changer—no chroma subsampling means you’re getting the full picture quality as intended. ASUS’s ELMB Sync technology deserves a nod too, as it effectively reduces ghosting and tearing, pairing well with G-SYNC and FreeSync Premium for that seamless, tear-free experience across various game genres.
Diving into HDR performance, I must say, DisplayHDR 400 and the 90% DCI-P3 color gamut make an impressive duo. The colors are vibrant and have that pop you want, especially when you’re gaming or viewing HDR content. Though, I’ll note the HDR could be brighter to fully do justice to the high dynamic range.
On the flip side, the monitor’s not without its quirks. I’ve encountered moments where waking up the monitor felt like a mini game on its own, having to prod the buttons to get it up and running. Not quite the plug-and-play experience I hoped for.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been stoked about the fluid and tear-free gameplay, but admittedly, the sleep/wake issues are a notable drawback. However, when it’s up and running, paired with quality internals like a high-end GPU, the VG28UQL1A doesn’t just keep up—it excels, delivering a responsive and visually stunning gaming session.
To sum up, the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K monitor is a powerhouse that’s reshaped my gaming and content creation experiences significantly. While some aspects like the wake-up behavior left me wanting a firmware polish, overall, it’s a robust offering that pushes the boundaries of what gaming monitors can deliver, assuming you’ve got the hardware to match.
Build Quality and Design Features
When it comes to monitors, especially ones tailored for gaming, build quality and design are as important as performance. My experience with the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor has been generally positive, but let’s break down the key aspects:
Sturdy Stand and Adjustability: The monitor comes with a robust stand that’s supportive and versatile. It allows for a range of movements, from tilt to swivel and pivot. I can easily switch between portrait and landscape which is a huge plus for multitasking.
Aesthetics: The design is sleek and doesn’t scream “gaming” which I appreciate. It can blend well in a professional setup.
Materials: The build feels premium, not the plasticky kind you might expect in some gaming monitors. This gives me confidence in its longevity.
Cable Management: There’s a decent system at the back that helps keep things tidy, a small but valuable feature.
Cooling: I’ve noticed the design incorporates good heat dissipation, which keeps it cool even during extended gaming sessions.
Now, on to the drawbacks:
The bezels aren’t the thinnest, which might detract from a seamless multi-monitor setup. It’s not a deal-breaker, but worth noting.
The backlight bleed is present, as with most IPS panels. It’s not the worst I’ve seen, but for the price point, I was hoping for better.
While the OSD (On-Screen Display) is comprehensive, it’s a bit clunky to navigate. Direct access buttons would be much more convenient.
Despite these drawbacks, the overall quality of this monitor is on point. The 90% DCI-P3 gamut and HDR functionality work together to present vibrant colors and deep blacks, which are critical for content creation and gaming alike. The ELMB Sync technology is another feature that distinguishes this monitor, eliminating ghosting which can be quite detrimental to the gaming experience.
In summary, the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor stands out with solid build quality and thoughtful design elements. There are minor issues, but they don’t overshadow the premium feel and reliable performance of the monitor. It’s a worthwhile investment for serious gamers and professionals alike who require a high-performing display that also looks good on their desk.
Connectivity and User Interface
When it comes to the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor, connectivity and user interface are significant aspects that can make or break the overall experience.
Rich Connectivity: The array of ports is impressive. The inclusion of both DisplayPort 1.4 DSC and multiple HDMI ports (v2.1 and v2.0) ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices, from PCs to modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Having multiple input options is a godsend because it means less fiddling with cables when switching between devices.
USB Hub: The integrated USB 3.1 and 3.0 hub is a neat feature, providing additional connectivity for peripherals and helping to keep the desk clutter-free. It’s not just about the number of ports; it’s the convenience that stands out.
Cable Management: Including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB cables in the box is a considerate touch. It’s a relief not to have to run out to buy the correct cable or dig through drawers for spares.
Hassle with Buttons: A minor complaint is the placement of the control buttons—tucked on the side, they can be a bit of a stretch to reach, notably in a dual monitor setup. It’s not a deal-breaker, but can be annoying.
OSD Annoyances: The On-Screen Display (OSD) does the job, but it’s neither the most intuitive nor the most responsive. Navigating through the menus can feel clunky, and some of the settings are less accessible once certain features are enabled.
Firmware Updates: It seems ASUS could improve the user experience significantly with firmware updates, yet there’s little to indicate ongoing support or updates. This feels like a missed opportunity, especially for a premium product.
HDR and Color Profiles: While the monitor boasts HDR capability with DisplayHDR 400 compliance, it doesn’t consistently deliver across various applications and uses. Some settings adjustments are needed to get the right balance, which might not be immediately straightforward to all users.
Input Detection: The automatic input detection can be a hit or miss, sometimes requiring manual intervention to get the display awake and running, particularly when using multi-device setups.
In short, the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor offers a plethora of ports and reasonable out-of-the-box usability. However, it’s let down slightly by a less user-friendly button layout and OSD. Firmware support could be better. These are minor nuisances rather than major flaws, and for the most part, the ample connectivity options are a significant plus, mitigating any frustrations with the user interface. The capability to seamlessly switch between multiple high-definition sources is invaluable—especially when you’re juggling between work and gaming, or streaming and content creation.
Software and Support Challenges
Navigating the software and support for the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor can be a mixed bag. After spending considerable time with this monitor, I’ve identified a few key areas that ASUS could improve to enhance the overall user experience:
Firmware Updates: Essential for optimal performance, yet the process can be cumbersome. The updates do bring improvements, and I found that installing the latest firmware right out of the box is a good practice. Thankfully, ASUS provides a firmware update guide on their support page, which can help mitigate the complexity of the process.
Driver Support: The monitor occasionally has difficulty being recognized by the system, and without proprietary drivers for all operating systems, particularly macOS, this can be frustrating. While it isn’t a deal-breaker, as third-party solutions exist, it would be beneficial for ASUS to offer more comprehensive driver support.
OSD (On-Screen Display): A bit of a learning curve here, and some settings can be unintuitive. Although customizable via the joystick button on the back, the OSD can initially be tricky to navigate.
Support Response: While ASUS typically has a good reputation, the variability in support responses can be disappointing. Some users report excellent support services, while others face challenges. Good support can smooth out a lot of the wrinkles in the user experience, so consistency here would be a boon.
Despite these drawbacks, it’s worth noting that once set up, the monitor’s software features, like the ASUS Dynamic Shadow Boost and Ultra-Low Blue Light technology, enhance the gaming experience without becoming obtrusive.
My recommendation? If you’re considering this monitor, be prepared to spend some time getting to know the software suite and navigating the support channels. Sure, it’s not plug-and-play, and there’s a learning curve. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, the software enhancements complement the raw specs of this monitor and can tailor the experience to your liking.
In conclusion, the software and support side may not be the ASUS TUF 28’ 4K Gaming Monitor’s strongest suit, but it’s far from a dealbreaker. The issues are manageable, and the benefits – especially after fine-tuning and firmware updates – make it a worthy contender on your desk. Just be ready to roll up your sleeves and maybe even learn a few new technical tricks.