Test: ASUS Designo MZ27AQ

Computers have become household necessities; it only follows that monitors have as well. Unlike the oven toaster, however, these don’t have to be utilitarian. With the Designo MZ27AQ, ASUS aims to deliver functionality in a very attractive form.

Vizualize. The Designo MZ27AQ boasts of a minimalist yet luxurious design aesthetic. Sat on the signature ASUS halo stand, the frameless 68.47cm display panel’s slim 0.84cm borders disappear into the even slimmer 0.7mm chassis. At the rear lower third of the chassis is the cluster of I/O ports and, to its left, the solitary user interface control button. The monitor comes with an external subwoofer, which complements its speaker pair.
Appreciate. As expected from an IPS panel, the display delivers exceptionally bright images with vivid but not over-saturated colors as well as a wide 178° H/V viewing angle. The MZ27AQ native WQHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution displays 77 percent more pixels than a Full HD panel which, in practical terms, mean less scrolling and zooming. The pair of Harman Kardon-tuned 6W speakers, plus the 5W breakout subwoofer, produce sound quality and volume not expected from a computer monitor. The subwoofer, though, doesn’t deliver as much bass as I’d hope; but still contributes to creating a better sound stage.

Connect. Two HDMI (v1.4) and one DisplayPort input ports ensures that you won’t be constrained to using the monitor for just the PC or Mac. You could conceivably connect a game console, cable, satellite set-top box, or a Chromecast to the MZ27AQ and use it as the de facto entertainment center in your home.
Optimize. The MZ27AQ features a single button to navigate its OSD options; something that is fast becoming a standard with monitors. Within its myriad of settings, there are preset configurations for tailoring audio and video—all of which can be tweaked according to your preferences.

Utilize. Features like 100% sRGB, SPLENDID Video, three skin tone selection, and Low Blue Light seem to lean the monitor towards content creation and design—but don’t be quick to dismiss it. The MZ27AQ’s 1440p resolution, a fast 5ms response time, and respectable contrast ratio makes it a suitable gaming monitor as well. It does support adaptive sync, after all.

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VERDICT
The choices in the premium monitor market are vast and often you may be swayed by how the product looks rather than how well it fits your requirements. Fortunately, the ASUS Designo MZ27AQ seems to easily straddle those lines—form vs. function, work vs. play.

SPECIFICATIONS
Panel size: Wide screen 27” 16:9 non-glare IPS (2,560 x 1,440 resolution)
Display colors: 16.7M colors (real 8-bit)
Color saturation: 100% sRGB
Brightness: 350 cd/m² max
Contrast: 1000:1 max
Viewing angle: 178° H/V
Response time: 5ms G-to-G
Video: Trace Free Technology; 8 SPLENDID video modes, 3 skin-tone selection modes, 4 color temperature modes; QuickFit, GamePlus, Low Blue Light, VividPixel; HDCP support
Audio: 6W (RMS) stereo speakers with ASUS SonicMaster and Harman Kardon technologies; 5W subwoofer; 4 AudioWizard preset sound modes
Control & I/O ports: 5-way OSD navigation joystick; 2 x HDMI (v1.4); 1 x DisplayPort 1.2; 3.5mm earphone mini-jack
Dimensions & weight: 614 x 433 x 255 mm (with stand); 4.3kg (net)
Price: P31,110