Expert rating
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Good game performance
- Numerous ergonomic adjustment options
- Cheap
cons
- A relatively low refresh rate of 60 Hz
Our verdict
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is a monitor for gamers who prefer games with excellent and detailed graphics over fast e-sports or shooter games. The on-screen menu offers extensive game settings and a plethora of ergonomic features allow for flexible adjustments. At this price, you can get 4K resolution without spending a fortune.
Best Prices Today: Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q
$309.99
With the TUF Gaming VG289Q, Asus wants to undercut the 4K market and bring 4K gaming to the masses. In our review, we put the gaming monitor through an extensive test to see how it compares to other 4K displays that are twice or three times as expensive.
Note: This review is part of our ongoing roundup of the best 4K monitors. Go there to learn more about the competition, what to look for in a monitor, and buy recommendations.
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: the specifications
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q IPS monitor has a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. It reaches 90 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and supports HDR10 technology for displaying extended dynamic range. The gaming monitor can be synced with both Nvidia and AMD graphics cards via support for their respective adaptive sync technologies.
| Screen size | 28-inch |
| Native resolution | 3840×2160 |
| Panel type: | IPS/16:9 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync and G-Sync |
| Ports | 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI, 1 analog audio jack |
| Standard adjustment | Height, tilt, pivot, pivot |
| VESA mount | Yes, 100x100mm |
| speakers | no |
| HDR | Yes, HDR 10 |
| Price | $400 |
Compared to the ROG monitor series, Asus has scaled back some of the equipment in its TUF gaming series to keep the price down. For example, most of the red housing parts, as well as LED light strips, are missing. You’ll also find a distinct lack of USB ports and the monitor has no built-in speakers.
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Image quality
The overall image quality of the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is above average. Especially the natural color reproduction in combination with a rich contrast and good brightness is impressive during gaming.
The gaming monitor is especially suitable for gamers who appreciate high resolution and detailed graphics. The 28-inch screen is less suitable for fast and responsive games because of the relatively slow response time of the IPS panel, namely 5 milliseconds.
In our gaming test, the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q delivered an excellent experience with flawless gaming performance. Synchronization with graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD also works flawlessly. Various technical features also contribute to good gaming performance, such as black level brightness, blue light reduction and flicker-free technology.
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: UHD gaming monitor for graphics-oriented games
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Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Ports
The Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q has two HDMI interfaces and a DisplayPort input. Headphones can also be connected via the audio output.
HDMI and DisplayPort cables are included with the monitor. A three-year warranty with purchase provides a nice bonus benefit.
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: The UHD monitor has two HDMI interfaces and a Display Port input
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Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Features and menu
The on-screen menu is organized in tabular form and offers various functions specifically tailored to gaming, such as predefined game modes and picture settings. The configuration of the gaming monitor is mainly done via a five-way joystick, which is easily accessible on the right rear of the housing. Although some functions can even be accessed directly via additional keys.
In contrast to the materials and build quality, Asus does not compromise on ergonomic adjustment options. The gaming monitor can be adjusted up to 15 cm in height and can also be tilted and swiveled in a wide range on the stand. Asus makes it easy and convenient to optimally customize and adapt the TUF Gaming VG289Q to almost any location, helping you to enjoy fatigue-free gaming.
Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Convenient configuration via a five-way joystick
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Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q: Power consumption
The power consumption of the Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q is around 36 watts at maximum brightness during use, a pretty low value. In standby mode, the consumption drops to 0.5 watts.
Final Thoughts
The name Asus TUF Gaming VG289Q says it all: it’s a monitor designed with gamers in mind. However, despite its excellent visual quality and color gamut, it only delivers a 60Hz refresh rate which, while still capable of gaming, is well below many other gaming brand monitors. There are also some handy preset functions in the menu that you can use for your favorite games to enhance the experience. Ultimately, though, this monitor is all about getting a 4K display on a budget and in that regard it delivers confidence.
This review originally appeared on PC-Welt, PCWorld’s German sister site.