Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ5A 27" specifications and in-depth review

Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ5A 27"

Manufacturer: Asus

The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ5A is a 27-inch gaming monitor built around an IPS panel with LED backlighting, offering a 2560 x 1440 resolution at 108 ppi. It supports portrait mode, VESA mounting, and total tilt adjustment, while its matte, anti-glare coating makes it practical across a range of lighting conditions.

Running at a 210Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time, the display targets fast-paced gaming workloads. Color output reaches 10-bit depth with 1.073 billion colors, 130% sRGB coverage, and a contrast ratio of 1300:1 at 300 nits typical brightness. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 output, a USB Type-C port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and one additional USB port, complemented by built-in stereo speakers rated at 2 x 2W.

Pros
  • The IPS panel delivers wide 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, maintaining image consistency across a broad range of positions
  • A 210Hz refresh rate combined with a 1ms response time suits fast-paced gaming where smooth motion and low latency matter
  • 10-bit color depth with 1073 million colors and 130% sRGB coverage produces a wide and detailed color output
  • VESA mount support and portrait mode capability offer meaningful flexibility in how the monitor is set up
  • Connectivity is well-rounded, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 output, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm audio jack
  • Color calibration support allows for manual tuning of color accuracy when needed
Cons
  • The stand lacks a swivel function, limiting horizontal angle adjustment without physically moving the monitor
  • Built-in speakers are limited to 2 x 2W with no support for Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround, restricting audio output quality
  • Picture-in-Picture is not supported, which reduces multitasking flexibility on screen
  • There is no ambient light sensor, so brightness cannot adjust automatically to the surrounding environment
  • Only one USB port is available, which may be insufficient for users needing to connect multiple peripherals
Who is this for?

This monitor is a strong fit for PC gamers who prioritize fast, fluid gameplay, as the 210Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time keep motion sharp and input lag low at 1440p. The wide color gamut and 10-bit depth also make it a reasonable choice for users who do color-sensitive work and want calibration support built in. Those who prefer a flexible desk setup will appreciate the VESA mount compatibility and portrait mode support, along with the range of input options including USB Type-C and dual HDMI ports for connecting multiple devices.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require advanced audio output will find the built-in 2 x 2W stereo speakers limiting, particularly given the absence of Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround support. The monitor is also a poor match for those who need flexible stand ergonomics, since there is no swivel function, which can be a genuine inconvenience in shared or multi-angle viewing setups. Additionally, users who rely on connecting several peripherals at once may find a single USB port insufficient for their daily workflow.

Display:

Display type LED-backlit, LCD, IPS
response time 1 ms
screen size 27"
resolution 2560 x 1440 px
pixel density 108 ppi
Adaptive synchronization VESA Adaptive Sync
has anti-glare coating
refresh rate 210Hz
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º
has a matte panel
has a glossy panel
has a touch screen

The display is a 27-inch LED-backlit LCD with an IPS panel, delivering a 2560 x 1440 resolution at 108 ppi. It runs at a 210Hz refresh rate with a 1ms response time, and supports VESA Adaptive Sync for smoother motion handling. Both horizontal and vertical viewing angles reach 178 degrees, while the matte, anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections in varied lighting environments. The panel does not have a glossy finish and does not support touch input.

General info:

Type Gaming
supports total tilt
Has a swivel stand
Supports VESA mount
height 367 mm
width 615 mm
thickness 54 mm
weight 5000 g
supports portrait mode
volume 12188.07 cm³

This is a gaming monitor measuring 615 mm wide, 367 mm tall, and 54 mm thick, with a total weight of 5000 g and a volume of 12188.07 cm³. The stand supports tilt adjustment and portrait mode, giving some flexibility in how the screen is positioned, though it does not include a swivel function. VESA mount compatibility is supported, allowing the monitor to be attached to third-party arms or wall mounts if preferred.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 300 nits
supports color calibration
display colors 1073 million
bit depth 10-bit
contrast ratio 1300:1
sRGB coverage 130%

The display operates at a typical brightness of 300 nits and delivers a 10-bit color depth capable of rendering up to 1073 million colors. A contrast ratio of 1300:1 adds definition between light and dark areas, while 130% sRGB coverage indicates a wide color gamut relative to the standard color space. Color calibration is also supported, allowing for manual adjustments to color accuracy when needed.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 2
supports Thunderbolt
DisplayPort outputs 1
DisplayPort version DisplayPort 1.4
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a DVI connector
USB ports 1
Has USB Type-C
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
supports Ethernet
supports Wi-Fi
has AirPlay
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector

The monitor includes two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4 output for video input, alongside a USB Type-C port and one additional USB port. A 3.5mm headset jack is also present for audio output. There are no mini DisplayPort, DVI, or VGA connectors, and the monitor does not support Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay.

Power:

operating power consumption 20.8W
standby power consumption 0.5W

The monitor draws 20.8W during normal operation and drops to a minimal 0.5W in standby mode.

Features:

has PiP
has stereo speakers
has built-in smart TV
audio output power 2 x 2W
has a remote control
supports Dolby Digital
supports Dolby Digital Plus
has DTS Surround
has an ambient light sensor
has a front camera

The monitor includes built-in stereo speakers rated at 2 x 2W, providing a basic audio setup without the need for external speakers. It does not support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround, and there is no remote control, ambient light sensor, front camera, or Picture-in-Picture functionality. Built-in smart TV capabilities are also absent.

Final Verdict

The Asus TUF Gaming VG27AQ5A is a 27-inch IPS gaming monitor that makes a coherent case for itself through a well-matched set of specifications. Its 210Hz refresh rate paired with 1ms response time and 1440p resolution forms a solid foundation for fast-paced gaming, while 10-bit color depth, 130% sRGB coverage, and color calibration support add a degree of versatility beyond pure gaming use. Connectivity is practical, with dual HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB Type-C, and VESA mount support rounding out a functional package. The stand's lack of swivel and the limited audio setup are real-world trade-offs worth noting, but they do little to undermine the display's core strengths. For users whose primary focus is responsive, high-refresh gaming at QHD resolution, this monitor delivers a specification set that is well-suited to that purpose.