A dual-mode monitor solves an age-old dilemma: 4K sharpness or a high refresh rate. With the ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2 (XG27UCGR), the ROG Strix XG27UCS Gen2 (XG27UCSR), and the TUF Gaming VG27UQEL5A—three 27-inch models that switch between the two modes at the touch of a button—from razor-sharp 4K up to 485 Hz in Full HD. The XG27UCGR and the TUF monitor are available now, with the XG27UCSR to follow shortly.
Key Highlights
- Three new 27-inch models with 4K Fast IPS panels and a 0.3 ms response time (min.)
- Dual mode via hotkey: 4K for visuals, Full HD for maximum Hz during competition
- Smart Pixel technology upscales lower resolutions to 4K quality
- Prices: 269.90 euros (TUF) to 439.90 euros (XG27UCGR)
What a dual-mode monitor actually does
The idea behind it is simple. If you want the full 4K splendor in single-player games or while watching movies, switch to high-resolution mode. If you need every frame in a competitive shooter, press a key combination and the monitor switches to Full HD with a significantly higher frame rate. Two monitors in one chassis, without the hassle of unplugging and replugging.
To ensure the lower-resolution image in Hz mode doesn’t look blurry, the company’s proprietary Smart Pixel technology is used: It upscales every single frame to 4K resolution, ensuring sharper details even in Full HD. In addition, all three models feature ELMB Sync, which combines Extreme Low Motion Blur with a variable refresh rate—to combat ghosting and tearing in fast-paced scenes. All three are VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified.
ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2 and XG27UCS Gen2: The Premium Models
The XG27UCGR is the top model in the lineup. It switches between 4K at 162 Hz and Full HD at a whopping 485 Hz—a figure more reminiscent of esports displays than 4K monitors. The back features Aura Sync lighting, and the spec sheet lists a color gamut of 99 percent DCI-P3 (according to the spec sheet; the press release states 95 percent for the series) and factory calibration. The ports—including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C with 15 W Power Delivery—also support current-generation consoles and laptops.
The slightly more affordable XG27UCS Gen2 sticks with the same panel design but switches between 4K at 160 Hz and Full HD at 324 Hz. Both Gen2 models offer a noticeable improvement in response time compared to their predecessors, the XG27UCG and XG27UCS—ASUS now lists a minimum of 0.3 ms instead of 1 ms GTG.
TUF Gaming VG27UQEL5A: Dual Mode for the Mainstream
The TUF Gaming VG27UQEL5A is the budget-friendly option. It also uses a 27-inch 4K Fast IPS panel with 0.3 ms (min.) and Smart Pixel, but switches via hotkey between 4K at 80 Hz and Full HD at 310 Hz. The 4K mode is clearly geared toward visuals and productivity, while the fast FHD mode is designed for smooth gameplay. Instead of USB-C, it features two HDMI 2.0 ports plus DisplayPort 1.4 and a headphone jack. At 269.90 euros, this is a comparatively affordable entry into the world of dual-mode monitors.
Technical Specifications Comparison
| Model | XG27UCG Gen2 (XG27UCGR) | XG27UCS Gen2 (XG27UCSR) | TUF VG27UQEL5A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal / Panel | 27″ Fast IPS | 27″ Fast IPS | 27″ Fast IPS |
| Resolution | 3840 × 2160 | 3840 × 2160 | 3840 × 2160 |
| Dual Mode | 4K@162 Hz / FHD@485 Hz | 4K@160 Hz / FHD@324 Hz | 4K@80 Hz / FHD@310 Hz |
| Response time | 0.3 ms (min.), 1 ms GTG | 0.3 ms (min.), 1 ms GTG | 0.3 ms (min.), 1 ms GTG |
| Color gamut | DCI-P3 99% | DCI-P3 95% | sRGB 120% |
| Brightness (HDR Peak) | 600 cd/m² | 500 cd/m² | – (400 cd/m² SDR) |
| HDR | DisplayHDR 400 | DisplayHDR 400 | DisplayHDR 400 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C (15 W PD) | HDMI 2.1, DP 1.4, USB-C (15 W PD) | 2× HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4 |
| Extras | Aura Sync, DisplayWidget Center | DisplayWidget Center | ELMB Sync, DisplayWidget Center |
| MSRP | €439.90 | €429.90 | €269.90 |
Part of a growing dual-mode family
These three new additions aren’t alone: ASUS and ROG have been expanding their dual-mode lineup for some time now. This includes, among others, the 5K powerhouse XG27JCG (5K@180 Hz / QHD@300 Hz), the 32-inch XG32UCG (4K@160 Hz / FHD@320 Hz), and various OLED models such as the PG27AQWP-W (QHD@540 Hz / HD@720 Hz). If you want to get a sense of just how far ASUS goes in terms of pure speed, look no further than the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP with 540 Hz.
Availability and Prices
The ROG Strix XG27UCG Gen2 (XG27UCGR) and the TUF Gaming VG27UQEL5A are now available in stores in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with the ROG Strix XG27UCS Gen2 (XG27UCSR) to follow shortly. The suggested retail prices, including VAT, are 439.90 euros (XG27UCGR), 429.90 euros (XG27UCSR), and 269.90 euros (VG27UQEL5A). All details and spec sheets are available directly from ASUS ROG.
If you’re currently planning your setup: In our guide to the best monitors, we rank various models, and for the right peripherals, our overviews of the best gaming mouse and the perfect gaming keyboard will help you out.
Conclusion
The dual-mode monitor is ASUS’s answer to a question gamers have been asking themselves for years: visuals or speed? Instead of having to choose, you simply press a hotkey. The XG27UCGR, with its 485 Hz refresh rate, is the spectacular flagship model, while the TUF VG27UQEL5A, priced at 269.90 euros, shows that the technology is slowly entering the mainstream. Whether the upscaled Full HD images in Hz mode are truly convincing in practice remains to be seen in testing—but the concept is clever, and the price range covers a broad spectrum, from budget-friendly entry-level models to those for enthusiasts.
