ASUS ProArt PA278CFRV 27-inch QHD Monitor: colour, USB-C and specs

The ASUS ProArt PA278CFRV is a 27-inch QHD monitor aimed at photographers, video editors and designers. It combines a wide colour gamut, factory calibration and a USB-C port that can charge a laptop, so one cable can carry picture, data and power. Here is what its specifications mean.

QHD resolution and the IPS panel

The screen resolution is QHD, 2560 x 1440 pixels. On a 27-inch screen, that gives more room for toolbars, timelines and images than Full HD, with sharper text at normal desk distance. The panel uses IPS technology, which ASUS describes as 178-degree wide viewing angle. In general, IPS gives steadier colour when you look at the screen from the side.

The listing names a LuxPixel AGLR coating, an anti-glare, low-reflection treatment meant to cut reflections while keeping the picture clear. Exact results depend on the lighting in your room.

Colour gamut and calibration

A colour gamut describes the range of colours a screen can show. ASUS lists 95% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB. sRGB is the standard for most web content, and DCI-P3 is a wider space used in cinema and increasingly in photo and video work. Covering 95% of DCI-P3 means a good majority of that range.

The monitor is factory pre-calibrated and Calman Verified, with a stated colour accuracy of Delta E below 2. Delta E measures how far a displayed colour is from the intended one, and a lower number means closer. Values under 2 are generally difficult to tell apart by eye. If your work is professionally colour-critical, check whether you also need a hardware calibrator, as monitors drift over time.

USB-C with 96W power delivery

The USB-C port supports DisplayPort video, data transfer and up to 96W of power delivery. With a compatible laptop, one cable can show the picture, link peripherals and charge the laptop. Check that your laptop's USB-C port supports DisplayPort output and that 96W meets its charging needs. The monitor also has DisplayPort with MST, HDMI and a USB hub, and MST allows daisy-chaining a second compatible monitor.

100Hz variable refresh rate

ASUS lists a 100Hz variable refresh rate. That is higher than the typical 60Hz of office displays, so scrolling and cursor movement look smoother, and it suits video editing and light gaming. It is not a dedicated high-refresh gaming specification.

HDR and other details

The listing's title mentions HDR400. HDR400 is an entry level of HDR certification, so expect a modest effect compared with brighter HDR displays. The monitor measures about 27.0 x 15.0 x 10.0 inches including its stand and weighs 14.6 lb (about 6.6 kg). The listing also states a three-year warranty.

Who it suits

It suits photographers, video editors, designers and anyone who wants accurate, consistent colour on a single-cable desk setup. It is also a sound match for office users with a USB-C laptop who want one cable for everything.

What to check before you buy

• Laptop USB-C: confirm DisplayPort Alt Mode support and the wattage your laptop needs.
• Colour workflow: check which colour spaces your work needs and whether you want to recalibrate.
• Desk size: the stand and screen take real space, so measure first.
• Ports: make sure the HDMI, DisplayPort and USB hub fit your devices.
• Warranty: confirm what the three years cover in your region.
• Promotions: any bundled software offers are time-limited, so check their terms.

The short version

• 27-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) IPS monitor with an anti-glare coating.
• 95% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB, factory calibrated to Delta E below 2.
• USB-C with DisplayPort and 96W power delivery, plus DisplayPort (MST), HDMI and a USB hub.
• 100Hz variable refresh rate.
• 14.6 lb with a three-year warranty.

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