2023 is an exciting year for those in the market for a new gaming display, as multiple brands have recently announced their foray into OLED gaming monitors. LG was the first to unveil its OLED monitors in December 2022, and we've already compared them to Spectrum OLED on our blog. Just yesterday, Acer announced the release of two new OLED monitors featuring impressive picture quality and modern designs at the CES 2023 event. If you're searching for the best OLED gaming monitor, keep reading! This article will compare the Dough Spectrum OLED ES07E2D and the Acer Predator X27U - two 27-inch models with QHD 240Hz OLED technology.
Spectrum OLED ES07E2D vs. Predator X27U
How Spectrum compares
Although they may have similar headline specifications, there are several key differences that will greatly impact your gaming experience in particular and your user experience in general.
Glossy OLED vs Matte OLED
One major distinction between the Predator X27U and the Spectrum OLED is the coating applied to their OLED panels. While the general public often prefers a glossy finish, matte panels are popular for manufacturers. Thus, Acer continues to use the standard matte panel, while Spectrum opts for a glossy coating that sets them apart from other gaming monitors on the market. The glossy coating ensures that the monitor's visual performance is not affected by room lighting, resulting in higher perceived contrast and more vibrant colors compared to the Acer OLED model.
Glossy is much better for colour and blacks.
Source: r/Monitors
There is no point in hiding the breakthrough features of OLED technology, such as true-to-life colors and a deep black behind the anti-glare matte panel, from the perspective of our community.
Peak brightness
Peak brightness refers to the maximum intensity of light that a display is able to produce. When choosing a monitor, it is important to consider peak brightness because it affects the display's ability to show bright, vibrant images and how easily the screen can be seen in well-lit rooms. A higher peak brightness can also enhance the display's contrast ratio, making images look more realistic and helping to clearly show finer details. The Spectrum OLED and Acer Predator X27U both claim to have a peak brightness of up to 1,000 nits, making them both good options for an HDR experience. However, the Acer Predator X27U supports HDR 10 while the Spectrum OLED will be Display True Black 400 certified.
Ports and Connectivity
When it comes to video inputs, the Acer X27U falls short with only two HDMI 2.0 ports that are limited to displaying 144Hz at 1440p. While it is possible to support 240Hz with 1440p with DSC, this may be difficult for an average user to set up. In contrast, the Spectrum OLED and LG UltraGear OLED have two HDMI 2.1 ports that allow you to fully utilize the refresh rate at 1440p on PC. This is especially important to consider if you have or are planning to get a newer generation console like the PS5 or Xbox Series S, as compatibility is a crucial factor in choosing the best monitor for your consoles.
HDMI Support for Common TV Video Formats
Both brands have prioritized convenience in the design of their monitors, as both models feature a USB C input that allows the display to run while charging the source device. There is a small difference in charging capabilities, with the Spectrum's USB C input supporting up to 100W and the Acer X27U supporting up to 90W. In addition to the USB C input, both the Acer X27U and Spectrum OLED have added a built-in KVM switch for added convenience. This allows you to control two connected desktops or laptops with a single keyboard and mouse.
Design
Based on feedback from our community, the sleek design of the Spectrum is more appealing than Acer's gamer-focused alternative. This preference may vary among individuals, but the Spectrum's design allows it to be used in an office or open room during the day and as a gaming monitor at night, fulfilling the needs of users who want a single monitor for both work and gaming.
Availability and Pricing
The Acer OLED monitor is expected to be available in the second quarter of this year, and the first batch of Spectrum OLED is scheduled to be shipped in early July. Both have a retail price of $1099 in the North American market. However, as a uniquely community-powered company, the pricing model for the Spectrum OLED will be different from that of the Acer Predator X27U. Like our current models, the price of the Spectrum OLED will increase as it approaches shipment and global retail release. Early supporters can take advantage of our lean online-only cost structure, which has no middleman markups, by subscribing to our OLED page.