HP Series 5 524sf 23.8" specifications and in-depth review

HP Series 5 524sf 23.8"

Manufacturer: HP

The HP Series 5 524sf is a 23.8-inch standard desktop monitor built around an IPS panel with LED backlighting. Designed for everyday computing use, it delivers a 1920 x 1080 resolution at 93 ppi across its anti-glare coated screen, with wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically. The stand supports tilt adjustment and the monitor is compatible with VESA mounting solutions, offering some flexibility in how it can be positioned or installed.

On the display performance side, the HP 524sf runs at a 100Hz refresh rate with a 5ms response time and achieves a contrast ratio of 1500:1 alongside 300 nits of typical brightness. Color reproduction spans 16.7 million colors at 8-bit depth with 99% sRGB coverage, making it consistent for general color work. Connectivity is straightforward, with one HDMI 1.4 port and a VGA connector as the available video inputs. Power draw sits at 16W during operation and drops to 0.5W in standby, and the unit weighs 2500g with overall dimensions of 535.8 x 315.6 x 34mm.

Pros
  • The IPS panel delivers wide 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, ensuring consistent image quality from off-center positions
  • A 99% sRGB color coverage combined with a 1500:1 contrast ratio provides reliable color accuracy for general use
  • The 100Hz refresh rate offers smoother motion handling compared to a standard 60Hz panel
  • Anti-glare coating helps reduce reflections in well-lit environments
  • VESA mount support and tilt adjustment allow flexible positioning and third-party stand compatibility
  • At 16W operating power consumption, the monitor runs with a notably low energy draw
Cons
  • No adaptive synchronization support, which can result in screen tearing during fast-moving content
  • Connectivity is very limited, with only one HDMI 1.4 port and a VGA connector and no DisplayPort, USB, or audio jack
  • The monitor does not include built-in speakers, requiring an external audio solution
  • Portrait mode and swivel adjustment are not supported, limiting ergonomic flexibility
  • No USB ports of any kind are available, ruling out hub functionality
  • The EU energy label is rated E, indicating a relatively poor energy efficiency classification
Who is this for?

This monitor suits users who need a reliable everyday display for office work, web browsing, and general productivity tasks. The 99% sRGB coverage and IPS panel make it a reasonable fit for basic content consumption and casual photo viewing where consistent color rendering matters. The 100Hz refresh rate also makes it usable for light gaming or video playback where smoother motion is appreciated, and the VESA mount compatibility makes it a practical choice for users who want to integrate it into a structured desk setup or multi-monitor arm arrangement.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require a more capable workstation display will find this monitor limiting in several areas. The absence of DisplayPort, USB ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack makes it a poor fit for professionals who rely on a well-connected setup with multiple peripherals or daisy-chaining. The lack of adaptive synchronization makes it unsuitable for competitive or fast-paced gaming where screen tearing can negatively impact the experience. Additionally, the fixed stand with no swivel or portrait mode rotation limits ergonomic adaptability, making it a poor match for users who require flexible screen orientation in specialized workflows.

Display:

Display type IPS, LCD, LED-backlit
response time 5 ms
screen size 23.8"
resolution 1920 x 1080 px
pixel density 93 ppi
Adaptive synchronization None
has anti-glare coating
refresh rate 100Hz
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º
has a matte panel
has a glossy panel
has a touch screen

The HP Series 5 524sf features a 23.8-inch IPS LCD panel with LED backlighting, delivering a 1920 x 1080 resolution at a pixel density of 93 ppi. It operates at a 100Hz refresh rate with a 5ms response time, and covers wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically. The display includes an anti-glare coating to reduce reflections, though it is neither a matte nor glossy panel in classification, and does not support touch input or adaptive synchronization. The screen is not a touchscreen and has no glossy or matte panel designation beyond the anti-glare surface treatment.

General info:

Type Standard
EU energy label E
supports total tilt
Has a swivel stand
Supports VESA mount
height 315.6 mm
width 535.8 mm
thickness 34 mm
weight 2500 g
supports portrait mode
volume 5749.34832 cm³

The HP Series 5 524sf is a standard-type monitor with physical dimensions of 535.8 mm wide, 315.6 mm tall, and 34 mm thick, weighing 2500 g. It supports VESA mounting and allows tilt adjustment, though it lacks a swivel stand and cannot be rotated into portrait mode. The monitor carries an EU energy label of E. It does not support portrait orientation, and its overall volume measures approximately 5749 cm³.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 300 nits
supports color calibration
display colors 16.7 million
bit depth 8-bit
contrast ratio 1500:1
sRGB coverage 99%

The display produces 16.7 million colors at an 8-bit depth, backed by a 99% sRGB color coverage and a contrast ratio of 1500:1. Typical brightness is rated at 300 nits, providing a reasonably well-lit image under standard conditions. Color calibration is not supported on this monitor.

Connectivity:

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

Connectivity on this monitor is minimal, limited to a single HDMI 1.4 port and a VGA connector as the only video inputs. There are no DisplayPort, mini DisplayPort, DVI, or USB Type-C outputs, and the monitor includes no USB ports of any kind. It also lacks a 3.5 mm audio jack, and does not support Thunderbolt, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or AirPlay.

Power:

operating power consumption 16W
standby power consumption 0.5W

The monitor draws 16W during normal operation and drops to a low 0.5W in standby mode, reflecting a modest power footprint for everyday desktop use.

Features:

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

This monitor does not include built-in stereo speakers, a front camera, or an ambient light sensor, and there is no support for audio formats such as Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround. It also lacks Picture-in-Picture functionality, a remote control, and no built-in smart TV capabilities are present, making it a straightforward display without supplementary multimedia or smart features.

Final Verdict

The HP Series 5 524sf is a no-frills 23.8-inch standard monitor that delivers where it matters most for everyday desktop use — its 99% sRGB coverage and IPS panel ensure dependable color consistency, while the 100Hz refresh rate adds a degree of fluidity beyond what basic displays typically offer. That said, its limited connectivity, fixed stand design, and absence of audio or USB support mean it serves a fairly narrow audience. It is best suited to users with straightforward display needs who value color accuracy and easy mounting flexibility, while those expecting a more versatile or well-equipped workstation display will likely find its feature set insufficient.