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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.
Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
The XB273U F5 delivers a lot of light in SDR and HDR modes with over 500 nits peak available. There is no zone dimming here, so you’ll see the same number from a full field or a window pattern. Black levels are decent relative to other IPS monitors, and the contrast ratio is slightly above average at 1,101.5:1. Most IPS screens render around 1,000:1, with some models going as high as 1,500:1, like the KTC.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration doesn't visibly change the dynamic range. It remains just a tick under 1,100:1. If high contrast is a priority, VA and OLED technologies are superior. In the ANSI test, the XB273U F5 maintains its static 1,027.2:1 ratio. That demonstrates a high-quality grid polarizer and good sample quality control.
Test Takeaway: The XB273U F5 delivers good contrast when compared to other IPS screens, though some newer models have greater dynamic range thanks to lower black levels. But there’s more than enough brightness here to make it useful and attractive in any lighting environment.
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