Lag-Free and Precise Gaming Without Paying Extra
The truth hurts, but gaming monitors are expensive. Therefore, gamers are always on the hunt for budget-friendly monitors to complete their setup.
Finding the best budget 1440p gaming monitor may sometimes feel like a hit or miss game. Well, how about an affordable, low-maintenance panel with a decent display and simple controls? Acer products are known for their top-notch performance, and the G257HU, with its sleek design, promises an enjoyable gaming experience.
Acer G257HU Specifications
- Screen Size: 25 inch
- Resolution: WQHD 2560 x 1440
- Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height: No
- Stand: Tilt: Yes
- Stand: Swivel: No
- Stand: Pivot: No
- VESA Compatibility: No
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, DVI-Dx 1, 5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions with stand (WxHxD): 22.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inch
- Weight: 8.6 lbs
Build And Design
One of my favorite features of the Acer G257HU is the gloss and silver color furnish, which I find quite appealing. It just makes you want to put your hands on it, even though these same things make it prone to dust. I still can’t deny that this monitor is a charmer. It is a budget pick, and yet it looks classy and premium.
I like the fact that it is bezel-free due to a special design that eradicates the gaps between the border and screen. The molded bottom strip is thicker to house the Acer logo and the OSD buttons. Don’t expect a joystick for OSD control, though, as this one sports tactile buttons. After all, this is a low-end model, so it still uses an older design.
If you are a fan of slim monitors, then the Acer G257HU is your cup of tea. Aside from the slight bulge at the rear of the chassis, this monitor is pretty thin. However, if you consider mounting it to a wall, you will be disappointed as it doesn’t come with a VESA bolt pattern.
The stand is a tilt-only with a 20-degree range that’s fixed to the chassis. The build quality is decent, and the monitor is sturdy, but we still can’t deny that monitor mounting is a thing, and some people are particular about it.
Display And Performance
The Acer G257HU produces average picture quality. It has a satisfactory contrast ratio, remarkable peak brightness, and excellent horizontal viewing angles.
The colors are correctly generated once calibrated and have a good richness to them. For example, games like Horizon Zero Dawn are rendered decently. Darker-hued games also retain crispiness. Games like Outlast 2, The Evil Within, and Bloodborne are also accurately displayed. A significant drawback of the G257HU, however, is that it does not have local dimming.
The image remains perfect when viewed from an angle. I love it, especially when my sister is watching me play from the sidelines, and the picture stays true. I also noticed that the edges don’t fade when I sit closer to the screen.
Aside from RPGs, I also tested the Acer G257HU in FPS gaming conditions. The panel managed a few Apex Legends matches well. It has decent motion handling and suffers no lags. If you are particular with frame rates, then you might want to check out our article for the Lowest Input Lag Monitors.
During my play, I noticed that the monitor has an excellent response time. I observed no blurring in motion. Though the backlight is flicker-free, which is fabulous, it doesn’t give you the freedom to introduce flicker to additionally clear up motion.
Overall, this is a standard monitor for gaming. No-fuss, no additional explosive features, but it does the job well.
I believe that an average gamer will enjoy its excellent low input lag. Hardcore gamers might find the 60Hz refresh rate too low and get frustrated by the lack of FreeSync or G-Sync. Sure, the 1440p resolution is enough for everyday gaming. It is just about enough if you are not that picky when it comes to phenomenal HD quality.
Controls And Added Features
The Acer G257HU has a limited set of features, given its budget nature. Don’t expect extra goodies. It has standard internal speakers and a 3.5mm output to connect external speakers or headphones for better sound. This panel is simple, so it doesn’t support HDR and has no extra USB charging ports. The controls are not very intuitive. I find the buttons a bit small, so they might need some getting used to.
Connectivity
The Acer G257HU PC has standard connectivity features. It has a built-in DVI, DisplayPort, and HDMI ports. Those who fancy multiple displays will find the DisplayPort very useful. On the other hand, if you want to connect other peripherals and multimedia gadgets, then you must have separate adapters to make it work as there isn’t a USB port.
Final Verdict
The Acer G257HU display’s performance performs adequately after proper calibration. You will also agree that the size, dimensions, and price make it an ideal pick for multi-display setups. However, the limited ergonomics and the lack of VESA mounting might cause some concerns.
Display-wise, this monitor is great for gaming, and the main reason for that is its exceptional responsiveness. The negligible input lag of the monitor simply means that there will be no delays.
Also, the IPS panel handles motion, such as swipes and running, rather admirably. Overall, if you need a cost-effective monitor to improve your viewing resolution, this panel is worth it. It is also a wise choice if you want a secondary display to increase productivity or upgrade your gaming experience. Whatever the case may be, the Acer G257HU is a rational pick.
