The ViewSonic XG2402 is an amazing value-oriented gaming monitor that includes all the essentials along with a few useful extras. This new model replaced the beloved XG2401 which was widely considered in the enthusiast community as the best overall 144Hz 1080p monitor. The ViewSonic XG2402 presents tremendous performance per dollar value, but does it have what it takes to elevate the brand in the annals of the gaming display industry?
ViewSonic XG2402 Specifications
- Screen Size: 24 Inches
- Resolution: 1080p FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Twisted Nematic Film (TN)
- Refresh Rate: 144hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 2 watts)
- Stand: Height -Yes (4.72 Inches)
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-5°/+20°)
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, USB 3.0 x 3, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimension (WxHxD): 22.3″ x 17.1″ x 9.4″
- Weight without Stand: 14.8lbs
Design and Features
The ViewSonic XG2402 sports one of the most modest designs in its category, although the dashes of gamer-red aren’t forgotten. The product comes with a matte black finish which is reminiscent of the XG2401’s overall aesthetic. The display isn’t bezel-free which is unjustifiable to some since this is a refreshed model.
One thing we wish the brand changed in the ViewSonic XG2402 is its OSD controls which is composed of tiny buttons under the bottom bezel. The functions are easy to distinguish and should be memorized by users after some time, but you can’t beat the convenience of a joystick.
One thing that changed on the ViewSonic XG2402 is its rear panel with a redesigned angular aesthetic, complete with boomerang-shaped dashes of red. The treatment doesn’t look overbearing, especially since most of the time this will face your wall. We’re glad that despite this drastic turn around, build quality and the physical features are still solid.
Despite being at the lower end of the price spectrum, the ViewSonic XG2402 still includes a full ergonomic stand. You can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the display’s height, making it easy to achieve a perfect viewing angle. This device is also completely removable to reveal a 100 x 100 bolt pattern for VESA mounting.
We also like how the firm changed the base and chopped off a considerable chunk on the rear part. Users can stick the ViewSonic XG2402 closer to a wall thanks to this design consideration, so users with limited desk depths can maximize comfort and eye safety.
Like most of FreeSync-enabled monitors, the ViewSonic XG2402 does not have a connector limitation incurred by the green team’s VRR implementation. The neatly tucked I/O layout includes DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4 and 2.0, plus three USB 3.0 slots. There is also a a pair of 2-Watt speakers which are insufficient for the product’s main purpose.
Display and Performance
The ViewSonic XG2402 sports a 24-inch TN panel from AU Optronics with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time. Other typical specs included are a 1000:1 contrast ratio and 350cd/m2 of brightness, plus a 6-bit+FRC color interface. Image quality might fall short when compared to IPS or VA panels, however, this monitor’s focus is biased towards speed more than eye candy.
The ViewSonic XG2402 posted decent results when scrutinized with a colorimeter like the DataColor Spyder Elite. The TN panel can produce 98% of the sRGB gamut with reasonable accuracy that slightly exceeds the ideal 2.2. We suggest manual calibration and setting the gamma modes to either 2.4 or 2.6 to maximize the richness of the color.
On the other hand, contrast is at an excellent place, scoring an average of 900:1 depending on brightness settings. This aspect made the grayscale performance and black levels way above average. The output can’t be compared to VA monitors, however it is a bit harder to find something exceedingly better in this regard that’s based on TN technology.
Panel uniformity for our ViewSonic XG2402 falls within acceptable limits, however, deviances that exceeded 15% in both color and brightness could use some improvements. The upper corners looked a bit dimmer than the center, however the difference isn’t substantial enough to ruin gaming visuals. The variance also becomes less noticeable if you set the backlight to around 30%-50% which typically strikes a good balance for your optical comfort.
As mentioned, the ViewSonic XG2402 focuses on speed more than anything. The biggest change in the monitor’s features is the addition of the brand’s Rampage Response technology which is a proprietary overdrive feature. Setting this add-on to its fast or fastest setting produces some of the best blur reduction results we have seen in gaming monitors without adding overshoot or reverse ghosting.
Like the rest of the E-Sports-grade monitors in the market, the ViewSonic XG2402 is also responsive enough to be suitable for pro gamers. The device’s average input lag sits at an average of 4ms which equates to nearly zero delays. The monitor is perfect for games such as CS:GO and Overwatch, where a split-second can mean the difference between a kill or kissing the floor.
Finally, the ViewSonic XG2402 comes with FreeSync compatibility which has a disappointing 48Hz to 144Hz. Some cheaper models like the AOC G2460PF provides a 35Hz to 144Hz range, although we reckon the framerates of games at 1080p don’t drop that far.
Thoughts on the ViewSonic XG2402
The ViewSonic XG2402 isn’t perfect when it comes to image quality, but its value for competitive FPS gaming is superb. The monitor’s fantastic blur reduction suite and low latency makes it a great option for serious gamers who rely on a lag-free display to hone their mechanical skills. It’s also a fact that this model is attractively priced, making this kind of responsive performance accessible to the masses.
The aesthetics could use a bit of work in some places like the bezels, but its hard to argue with an easy to own gaming monitor like the ViewSonic XG2402. Sure, it has a few flaws, but wanting something slightly better in some key points will cost a whole lot more.
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