ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A 28-inch 4K Monitor: features, specs and fit

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q1A is a 28-inch 4K UHD monitor with an IPS panel, built mainly for gaming but suitable for general desktop use. It combines high resolution with adaptive sync and HDR10 support.

What 4K means at 28 inches

4K UHD is 3840 x 2160 pixels, four times the pixels of Full HD. On a 28-inch screen that makes text and fine detail look crisp at normal desk distance. The trade-off is that your graphics card has to render many more pixels, so demanding games may need lower settings on modest hardware.

IPS panel and colour

The panel is IPS. ASUS describes it as DCI-P3 grade, a wider colour range than the standard sRGB used for most web content, and the listing credits it with crisp, detailed visuals. IPS panels typically keep colour consistent from wider viewing angles, which suits shared screens.

HDR10 and Shadow Boost

The monitor is compatible with HDR10, an industry-standard high dynamic range format. ASUS says it brings colour and brightness levels beyond ordinary monitors. As a general point, the effect of HDR depends on the content and on the panel's own brightness, so treat it as a compatibility feature rather than a guarantee of cinema-style results.

Shadow Boost is an ASUS feature that brightens dark areas of the image to reveal detail, without over-exposing bright areas, according to the brand.

Adaptive-Sync and FreeSync

FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync let the monitor adjust its refresh rate to the frames your graphics card produces, which reduces screen tearing and choppy motion. ASUS says it supports Adaptive-Sync with NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards, listing GTX 10 series, GTX 16 series, RTX 20 series and newer, and FreeSync with AMD Radeon cards.

Connections

There are two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.2. A DisplayPort cable is in the box. Both interface versions can carry 4K, though the refresh rate you can reach depends on the connection and your device, so check your graphics card's outputs and the manual's supported modes.

The listing states a 100-240V power range, so the monitor works with mains supplies in most countries, with the right plug for the power cord.

What's in the box

• DisplayPort cable
• Power cord
• Warranty card and quick start guide

Who it suits

It fits gamers with a recent NVIDIA or AMD graphics card who want a sharp picture, and people who want extra pixels for editing, spreadsheets or several windows at once. It is also a reasonable match for current game consoles that output 4K over HDMI.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics hardware: confirm your card can drive 4K at the frame rates you want.
• Ports: make sure your computer has DisplayPort or HDMI.
• Size and weight: the listing gives about 12.6 lb; check the desk depth and any arm you plan to use.
• Model number: the listing's model field differs slightly from the title, so check the exact model on the box.
• Text scaling: at 4K you will typically use display scaling in your operating system.

The short version

• A 28-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS gaming monitor from ASUS TUF Gaming.
• DCI-P3 grade colour per ASUS, HDR10 compatibility and Shadow Boost.
• FreeSync and Adaptive-Sync support with the listed NVIDIA and AMD cards.
• Two HDMI 2.0 ports and DisplayPort 1.2; 100-240V power.

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