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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
If you want the brightest monitor in this category, Xiaomi’s G Pro 27i delivers with its Mini LED backlight. The XG2736-2K is a little less bright than the competition but has more than enough light for indoor use. You’ll see a little more output in HDR mode where I measured over 406 nits peak with black levels that are reasonably good for the genre. Resulting contrast is an average-for-IPS 1,065.2:1. The top three screens make more of their potential and will look slightly more textured.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration increases contrast to 1,114.3:1 which is a visible change. Coupled with better grayscale tracking, adjusting the XG2736-2K is worthwhile. If you’re looking for ultimate dynamic range in an LCD, the Xiaomi, ASRock, and Gigabyte are good choices.
The XG2736-2K maintains its hold in fifth place in the ANSI test with a consistent 1,048.1:1 result. When static and intra-image contrast are this close, it indicates good quality control and component selection of the screen’s polarizing layer.
Test Takeaway: The XG2736-2K isn’t life-changing in the contrast and brightness department but it delivers plenty of light output and a solid image that can be improved with calibration. Though it doesn’t take top honors in these tests, its superior speed will undoubtedly be a draw to potential buyers.
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