Asus has a brand new monitor on sale. The ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is aimed at gamers who want to enjoy chic 4K gaming on a large screen diagonal. We grabbed a copy and tested how the monitor performs in everyday life.
The most important data at a glance:
PanelIPSSize38 inches (16:9)resolution3.840 x 2.160 Pixelframe rate144 Hertzreaction time1 ms (GtG)brightness600 cd/m²connections2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 1.4, 4x USB-A, 1x headphone jackErgonomicsTiltable (5° back and forth)FeaturesIntegrated speakers, AMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatible, DisplayHDR 600, anti-glare panelPreis1.399,90€
Design & Connections
Before the monitor is ready for use, the base has to be fixed to the screen with a total of four screws. Although the base is very wide, it doesn’t protrude too far forward. This leaves enough space on the desk for a mouse and keyboard. Three non-slip contact surfaces are sufficient to ensure a secure footing.
When switched off, the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ makes a rather inconspicuous impression. The monitor is completely black and you will look in vain for particularly striking decorations. There is a large ROG logo on the back and matching lettering above.
A small red flap on the top brings at least a little color into play. Underneath is a USB-A port. Most of the other connections are on the back of the monitor and can also be covered with a removable flap if desired. The flap is made of thin plastic and unfortunately doesn’t look as high-quality as the rest of the monitor.
A total of two HDMI ports (2.1), a DisplayPort (1.4) and four USB inputs are available as connection options. However, Asus has not included a USB-C port. The power cable is located on the left edge of the screen and there is a headphone jack on the bottom.
Display: large and high definition
The ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ catches the eye even without RGB lighting & Co. This is ensured by its impressive size of 38 inches, which corresponds to a screen diagonal of almost one meter. In contrast to other monitors of this size, it comes in the classic 16:9 format.
The built-in IPS panel has a UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels. This results in a pixel density of around 116 PPI. For comparison: a 27-inch monitor with WQHD resolution only comes to just under 109 PPI. Accordingly, the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ shines with an extremely sharp display.
The viewing angles are at a high level, as is typical for IPS. Viewed from the side, all the important details can still be seen. Even reading texts is absolutely no problem. The maximum brightness is 600 cd/m², which earns the monitor a DisplayHDR 600 certification. The HDR support brings out the already good contrasts of the panel even better.
The colors that the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ spits out look beautifully realistic. The monitor is factory calibrated and has a color deviation of Delta E
The main focus of the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is definitely on the gaming area. This underlines the combination of a brisk refresh rate of 144 Hertz and a response time of 1 ms, which leaves nothing to be desired in everyday life. All game scenes are played back smoothly and without noticeable delays. In theory, fans of typical eSports titles will also get their money’s worth here – as long as you can somehow come to terms with the size.
Because 38 inches are anything but compact. In everyday life, it is difficult to always keep an eye on the entire image content. This isn’t a problem in Witcher 3, but more so in League of Legends. After all: compared to 43-inch monitors, which we have also been able to test here a few times, the 38-inch ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is much more comfortable. It’s a size that we think still works well as a monitor.
Menu, ergonomics & speakers
There are two ways to navigate through the monitor’s menu. First, with a small joystick attached to the bottom of the screen. On the other hand with a remote control included in the scope of delivery. The latter is much more comfortable in everyday life.
The menu is clearly laid out and intuitive to use. In addition to the conventional setting options for color, brightness, etc., Asus also offers a few settings that are specifically aimed at gamers.
“Gameplus” offers, for example, the possibility to display additional elements such as an FPS counter or a crosshair. Various presets for racing, RPGs, cinema and other genres are collected under the “Gamevisual” menu item. Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) Sync and Dynamic Shadow Boost are also included.
The ergonomic customization options are a weak point of the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ. Apart from the fact that the screen can be tilted forwards and backwards a bit, it has none to offer. The integrated speakers are also disappointing. These are so tinny and pressureless that you don’t even want to use them as an emergency solution. Asus could have done without that completely.
Conclusion
The ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is an all-round solid gaming monitor. It scores with realistic colors, good contrasts, a fast frame rate and a short response time. The hallmark is its size. In our opinion, the given 38 inches in 16:9 format are a very good choice. So it’s small enough to still function as a classic desk monitor, but at the same time big enough to be able to enjoy it from a few meters away on the couch. Thanks to HDMI 2.1, the ASUS ROG Swift PG38UQ is particularly interesting for everyone who not only likes to play on the PC, but also with the console.
PROCONTRALarge screenRestricted ergonomicsUHD resolutionNo USB-CRealistic colorsDisappointing speakersGood viewing angle stabilityHigh priceSuitable connections for console gamersHigh frame rate & low response time
A notice: We received the product from the manufacturer for a test report. However, this has no impact on our reporting.