The Pixio PX277 Advanced is a sub-$250 1440p gaming monitor that promises upgraded visuals and speed. We’re skeptical about the “Fast VA” label since not a whole lot can claim that they are indeed blur-free. Let’s take a closer look to discover if its claims are accurate and determine if it should be the next top-value option in the 2K monitor segment.
Pixio PX277 Advanced Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 4000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 320 cd/m²
- Speakers: None
- Stand: Height -No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 2.0 x 1, DisplayPort 1.2 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.06” x 18.19” x 9.92”
- Weight: 10.05 lbs
Design and Features
The Pixio PX277 Advanced has a simple, yet modernized design which looks cleaner than the original PX277’s aesthetic. It has a matte black finish all over, so it doesn’t look too gaudy like some of the brand’s older offerings. The display doesn’t have bezels, but it still has inner borders like most modern options.
It is not a large monitor, but we think that it could have been downsized a bit since the stand isn’t fully ergonomic. The device takes up almost ten inches of depth, so those with cramped desks might dislike its design. The unit only weighs ten pounds, so it’s fairly portable if we don’t consider that it’s a 27-inch model.
The new PX277’s build quality has drastically improved compared to the wobbly original. The plastics used are scratch and crack-resistant, while the stand is now more robust and stable. The screen won’t sag or shake, so you won’t get disturbed while seriously focused on your favorite game.
The Pixio PX277 Advanced has an OSD joystick as opposed to buttons, which you would normally find on most budget models. It’s located at the back but is easily within reach from the right side of the display. This is all you will ever need for convenient usage, but other brands have included more options now.
The stand for this model only offers tilt, so it is quite limited when it comes to comfort. The monitor doesn’t sit too low, in our opinion, but taller users will need a monitor base to prop it up higher. You can use VESA mounts, but buying one is an added expense that might put you in range of a better-equipped alternative.
It doesn’t offer a whole lot when it comes to connectivity options, but that’s understandable due to the low price. It includes two DisplayPort slots, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. It also doesn’t have speakers, but that’s okay since gaming displays deserve perfectly tuned headsets for better focus and immersion.
Display and Performance
The Pixio PX277 Advanced sports a 27-inch VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 320 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 4000:1. This model doesn’t have HDR certification, but that’s okay since most budget options are limited in what they can provide in that regard.
1440p monitors are perfect for both gaming and productivity, and we can’t help but be happy that their prices have dropped considerably. You will need a more powerful GPU, but it is still not like a 4K screen where top-end cards are necessary. It’s also easier on the eyes, so it’s less straining after extended hours of use.
The Pixio PX277 Advanced covered 100% sRGB and 85% DCI-P3 for decent color in games and movies. Its default average had a deltaE average of only 2.09, so it’s decently accurate out of the box. Most users won’t need to calibrate it since it’s already been balanced out of the box.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.21, which makes it more neutral and suitable for content creation. It is not the most accurate monitor from Pixio, but we think that this result punches above the price point. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter that’s more expensive than the display itself, so the advantage somehow fizzles out.
Its backlight reached 315 cd/m2 at 100%, so it can fight off a decent amount of glare. Its contrast peaked at 3611:1 at 40% brightness, enabling it to produce deep blacks, unlike its IPS counterpart. Its HDR performance is nonexistent, but we knew that from the get-go based on the specs and price.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some issues due to backlight leaks on the top edge of the screen. This issue is common with panels like this, but they aren’t 100% noticeable. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so better units are out there.
The Pixio PX277 Advanced’s “Fast VA” claim is more marketing than fact. The screen is still prone to blurring and smudging, even if we maxed out the overdrive. It did help a bit, but it added overshoot. This doesn’t mean that the monitor is completely unusable, but it is not suitable for E-Sports titles.
The Pixio PX277 Advanced is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync via DisplayPort. Dual compatibility is essential now, so you don’t get stuck with one GPU brand if you want to upgrade to the other and keep VRR. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz, so it is still very responsive, like most modern gaming displays.
Thoughts on the Pixio PX277 Advanced
The Pixio PX277 Advanced is a very attractive budget monitor for those who want to upgrade their visual experiences. You get a 1440p panel for the price of a 1080p variant, along with improved design and responsiveness. It offers excellent colors and contrast, so games will look convincing.
There are some tradeoffs that we assume helped the brand drop the price this low. Our main grip is the “Fast VA” gimmick, which doesn’t actually have any bearing since the panel used is just like any other VA module out there. However, it’s a great pick because it’s easy to overlook these limitations if you heavily consider how affordable it is.
Pros:
- Improved Design
- Fanastic Contrast
- Great Default Accuracy
- Very Affordable
Cons:
- Poor Pixel Response Time
- Limited Features
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that 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.
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