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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.
The XB273U F5 is certified to VESA DisplayHDR 500 and supports HDR10 content with automatic switching. You get a two-step brightness adjustment and grayscale calibration, which is something few HDR monitors offer.
HDR Brightness and Contrast
I measured just over 523 nits peak from both full field and 25% window patterns. There is no option for local or field dimming, so the XB273U F5’s contrast is the same for HDR as it is for SDR. While HDR content is bright and colorful, it doesn’t have the impact of the top three screens. To adjust brightness, there is a toggle between 400 and 500 nits peak. If you’re playing or working in a dark room, 400 is a little easier on the eyes.
Grayscale, EOTF and Color
The XB273U F5 is one of the few monitors that lets you adjust color and brightness in HDR mode. I noted that the color temps, both fixed and variable, plus the color vibrance and 6-axis controls were all available. I measured the default Warm color temp and saw a slight green tint above 60% brightness. This was not visible in most content. The EOTF runs slightly dark except at values below 20% where shadow detail looks light. This is where a zone or field dimming feature would yield improvement. But luminance tracks linearly so there is no loss of detail at any point in the brightness range.
In the color test, the XB273U F5 sticks closely to the DCI-P3 standard up to the point where it runs out of color at 90% red and 80% green with blue receiving full coverage. In the BT.2020 test, color ends at 78% red, 60% green and 95% blue.
Test Takeaway: The XB273U F5 doesn’t have a ton of HDR impact mainly because it lacks a zone or field dimming feature. Color coverage is good, but not as high as others in the segment. It is accurate, though, with natural hues throughout. And the addition of adjustable brightness and color is a standout feature.
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