Pros:
- Excellent ProArt Calibration
- High Contrast
- USB-C Connectivity
- Attractive Design
Cons:
- Pricey
- Uniformity Issues
The Asus PA24AC represents the entry-level section of the brand’s ProArt line which is specifically designed for photo and video editing at an elevated degree. The series includes ultra-premium flagships such as the PA32UC, so it would be interesting to see how the starter variant performs. However, the Asus PA24AC sits at a higher price point compared to other WUXGA monitors, making us curious if the ProArt lineage adds something worthwhile.
Asus PA24AC Specifications
- Screen Size: 24 Inches
- Resolution:1920 x 1200 WUXGA
- Aspect Ratio: 16:10
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-inSpeakers: Yes (2 x 2 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes (5 Inches)
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 0 x 2, USB 3.0 x 4, USB-C x 1, Audio Jack x 2
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 295” x 199.21” x 7.95”
- Weight: 18.74 lbs
Design and Features
The Asus PA24AC sports the same luxurious aesthetic as the PA32UC, but on a smaller scale or form factor. The monitor has a matte gray finish up front which is combined with a matte black back panel and a satin silver stand. The display is bezel-free on three sides, but minimal panel borders are still present on the top and sides.
This look and the accompanying functions of the Asus PA24AC make it highly suitable for multi-monitor setups. It’s not rare to see editing rigs with dual or even triple screens, so it’s very important for productivity to go through a well-designed display product.
Build quality doesn’t come up short on the Asus PA24AC like many of the brand’s offerings in several niches. The plastics used feel thick and sturdy, while there are no cosmetic defects on any of the parts. The movements on the mechanism are smooth and quiet, plus, we did not notice any wobbling on the device once it’s propped up on a desk.
The Asus PA24AC comes with a fully-adjustable stand that has an attractive minimalist design. You can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height of the display, so virtually any viewing angle is easily doable. The flat base takes up some space, but you can stow small objects such as phones or thumb drives on top of it.
You can also opt for VESA mounts with 100 x 100 adapters with the Asus PA24AC, but it isn’t entirely necessary. You also lose the good looks brought about by the stand, so the aesthetic builders will surely opt for the stock configuration instead.
One of the best features of the Asus PA24AC is its connectivity suite which includes several options for savvy users. The layout includes DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 2.0 slots for video inputs, but there is also a USB-C connector that is DP Alt Mode-compatible with 60 Watts of power delivery for laptops like the MacBook Pro.
We also like Asus’ OSD control layout for most of their upper-class monitors which include a joystick and hotkeys for presets. Navigating the OSD is part and parcel of prosumer monitors which often see calibration, so having a user-friendly interface is essential.
The Asus PA24AC is rounded up by a pair of 2-watt built-in speakers for basic audio appreciation. You can’t expect jaw-dropping quality or thumping bass from the duo, so speakers or headsets are still better choices for movies and games. But we think it’s nice to have audio output from a working monitor for notifications, or even background music to drive away the drowsiness.
Display and Performance
The Asus PA24AC sports a 24-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1200 WUXGA resolution, 60hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The contrast is rated at 1000:1, while the backlight has a typical brightness of 350 cd/m2 and a 400 cd/m2 max for HDR content. This model is HDR10 compatible, but its HDR performance cannot level with the PA32UC which has a FALD system.
WUXGA or 1920 x 1200 isn’t common nowadays, but its resurgence in professional-use monitors means some customers still find it useful. The 94PPI pixel density is comparable to most 24-inch displays, but you do get extra vertical space with a 16:10 variant like this offering.
The Asus PA24AC provides fantastic color quality, starting with a 100% coverage of the sRGB gamut. The pre-calibrated color accuracy of the screen has a DeltaE average of only 1.05, ensuring that you are getting lifelike images. The screen also sits at an almost perfect color temperature that’s close to the 6500K standard, so calibration isn’t immediately necessary.
The screen is also capable of excellent contrast, reaching as much as 2000:1 thanks to its four-zone dynamic dimming backlight. The blacks are considerably better on the Asus PA24AC, and the grayish appearance of IPS displays in the dark is visibly lesser. Gamma is also perfect at 2.2, giving users a balanced image that isn’t dim or extra bright.
HDR performance also improves with the Asus PA24AC compared to other DisplayHDR 400 monitors we’ve tested. The excellent colors and contrast of the display, along with its backlight provide visible improvements in HDR-compatible games and media. Some details have better highlights, but you can’t expect true HDR out of the monitor’s limited specifications.
The Asus PA24AC did suffer from a few uniformity issues due to a backlight leak on one corner. This flaw added clouding in dark images, plus, it also affected contrast and vibrancy at a slightly noticeable scale. Take note that this aspect varies between every unit due to manufacturing tolerances.
The Asus PA24AC isn’t the fastest when it comes to pixel transitions since there are noticeable blurs in fast-paced scenes. It also doesn’t help that the monitor is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, so games like CSGO are not ideal on this device. The monitor has an overdrive feature, but we recommend staying at the middle setting to avoid overshoot.
The Asus PA24AC is a FreeSync-compatible monitor, but some users have also reported that it works with G-Sync compatibility. This characteristic is great for gaming on the side, but there are better-equipped variants in the market. Input lag sits at around 10ms, so even if it isn’t the fastest, you still won’t feel delays or “de-synced” instances.
Thoughts on the Asus PA24AC
The Asus PA24AC is a fantastic professional monitor that is capable of great image quality and functionality. The brand’s factory calibration for this variant is spot-on, while the inclusion of features such as USB-C extends its usability for a wider audience. We also love the design of the monitor which isn’t too gaudy yet decorative.
The biggest caveat of the Asus PA24AC is its higher price which is more or less a hundred bucks more than other 16:10 variants in the market. It’s a bitter pill to swallow especially if you consider the resolution, but you are paying for quality and excellent pre-calibration with this product.
About the Author:
Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since his junior high years. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.