1.Pricing & specs2.Setup & design3.Picture quality4.OSD5.Audio6.Competition7.Scorecard8.Should you buy it?
However, it isn’t perfect.
Let’s dive in and discuss what I’ve discovered about it.
The ASUS ZenScreen Smart TV MS27UC has a classy look with grey fabric that matches the design of Google Assistant devices.
This review was made possible thanks to a review unit provided by ASUS.
The company did not see the contents of this review before publishing.
That said, there are several options to choose from right now, notably from Samsung and LG.
This higher cost is likely due to the fact that this is an official Google TV with incorporated controls.
It even features the same fabric design that Google Assistants have.
I specifically used my Pixel 8 while reviewing this monitor, and it made set up an absolute breeze.
However, it does not have a built-in webcam or a microphone.
ASUS ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC What’s in the box?
This Smart Monitor works as both a 4K monitor and a Google TV.
It was all very convenient.
Regardless, having this healthy range of ports makes it easy to connect accessories or various devices as needed.
I love that these controls are easy to reach and respond quickly whenever I touch them.
I’ll talk more about the remote and the OSD later in this review.
I pulled out my colorimeter and analyzed the monitor with it.
These aren’t the best results out there, but they are very good for an IPS panel.
You’d definitely get a better color range from an OLED display, but that will also cost more.
This display also supports HDR10+, which can help visuals look more vibrant and lifelike.
However, some brightness issues get in the way of HDR.
The ASUS ZenScreen Smart TV MS27UC has a classy look with grey fabric that matches the design of Google Assistant devices.
I had some issues adjusting brightness and contrast, which I will get to in the OSD section.
In addition to that, there wasn’t much differentiation when it came to higher percentages.
The 50%, 75%, and 100% parameters all measured at 239 nits.
The ZenScreen Smart TV comes with everything you need to connect to a computer and get started.
I personally experienced a few brightness-induced headaches while using this monitor.
Another thing to note is that increasing brightness causes black and darker colors to turn notably gray.
This can really throw off the visual balance of displayed images.
In that way, it feels more like I’m adjusting contrast when increasing the brightness setting.
I’ll talk more on that in the next section.
These buttons feel satisfying to press, and the TV always responds quickly.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
If I press a button to wake my computer up, then the monitor automatically turns on.
A pretty nifty feature is the ZenScreen’s multi-view capability.
This multitasking capability between compatible devices and apps can make the ZenScreen incredibly convenient to use.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
Unlike some other smart monitors on the market, this one does not have a built-in mic or webcam.
It has a similar look overall to the ASUS ZenScreen, and both feature a white remote.
However, Samsung’s offering is larger, and it comes with a removable SlimFit Camera.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
However, it only has a 1-year warranty, while the ASUS ZenScreen MS27UC has a 3-year warranty.
Another similar-looking option is the LG My View 27" UHD Smart Monitor.
It has a 1-year limited parts and labor warranty and sells for$349.99 at Best Buy.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
ASUS ZenScreen Smart MS27UC: Scorecard
ASUS ZenScreen Smart MS27UC: Should you buy it?
However, the ZenScreen Smart isn’t perfect.
It would be better if there was more variance in how much brightness the screen produced at different levels.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
On a similar note, changing brightness tweaks seems to effect contrast a little too much.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
This monitor produced 100% of sRGB, 79% of AdobeRGB, and 82% of P3 in a color gamut test.
The remote is relatively minimal, but still offers all the most necessary controls.
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
(Image credit: Rebecca Spear / Windows Central)
The Multi-view capability makes it easier to multitask between devices while using the ASUS ZenScreen.
Speaker quality is very nice, so you don’t have to connect any external speakers unless you really want to.
HP OMEN 27k has a built-in KVM switch for a more convenient gaming setup.
The monitor is wide enough that it is easy to work split screen and multitask between programs or browsers.
