ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ it’s an unusual gaming monitor. Not so much for the features as for the size: with its 43 inches it is a real mastodon, difficult to accommodate on a common desk. But that’s not his natural environment. ROG Strix XG43UQ is more suitable for a TV cabinet because this is basically its purpose: replace a television to offer gamers a complete and immersive experience.
We’re not just talking about PCs, let’s be clear. ASUS is also targeting next-generation consoles, giving gamers the ability to exploit their potential.
The review of ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ
We have already had the opportunity to try large screens but often they were curved displays in 21: 9. This means that yes, the space they occupy is a lot but the shape of the panel and the proportions make them comfortable even at close range. This does not mean that you will never have to look away but that the effort is reduced.
43 inches in 16: 9 aspect ratio do not have the same effect. You get used to it, it is true, but in any case you will find yourself moving your neck and head more than expected.
All this considering a traditional use of the monitor, that is leaning against a desk and also used to work.
The situation changes when you change the position, yours or the display. By keeping an adequate distance you can enjoy this monitor to the full, just like with a TV. After all, the usage scenarios are similar: ROG Strix XG43UQ is perfect for video games, for watching a movie or for enjoying the episodes of your favorite series while it is a little more uncomfortable to work.
But what specifically does this giant offer?
The design of ROG Strix XG43UQ
The front of ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ is rather classic, with the panel occupying most of the available space and the ROG logo positioned in the center of the lower frame; on the back instead ASUS has moved to full the aggressive aesthetic typical of gaming products. Made of white plastic, the back proudly sports a giant ROG logo, Republic of Gamers lettering, a series of futuristic engravings and large grilles for heat dissipation.
Complete the overview the metal stand che contributes to the already considerable weight of this monitor: 15,3 kg.
On the connectivity front there is everything you may need: we have a DisplayPort 1.4, 2 HDMI 2.1, 2 HDMI 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, 1 USB Type-C and a 3.5mm jack. There is also a mini USB dedicated to the small RGB projector included in package. It is optional but if you want to add the always loved lighting effects to the monitor you will have to connect it and then use the OSD menu to choose the suitable color; the pattern instead is unique, that is the ROG logo that will be projected on the desk or on the surface on which the monitor is placed.
Speaking of OSD menus, how is it evoked? Simple: with i 4 keys which you will find on the back of the monitor. They are black, so as to be easily distinguishable from the rest of the rear body, and flanked by the classic joystick. Don’t they seem comfortable enough? You can always use the remote control included in the package.
What is missing, on the other hand, is the ability to adjust the height of the monitor but, considering the size and the intended use by ASUS, you just need to be able to define its inclination.
How do you see it?
ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ shows up with a 43-inch VA panel with 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 × 2160 pixels). We have an average brightness of 750 nits which reaches a peak of 1000 nit, support forHDR10 and a color gamut that covers 90% of the DCI-P3 space and 125% of the sRGB space. Let’s not forget the refresh rate a 144 Hz and the response time of 1 ms.
Confused by all this data? Understandable.
So let’s try to put aside the technical sheet to understand how it behaves in everyday life.
Let’s start with what convinced us least: the rendering of the text. We are facing a BGR (Blue-Green-Red) panel instead of RGB (Red-Green-Blue) with a pixel density of 102 ppi. This results in a smoothing effect on the edges of the text that yes, it still remains legible but the first times it will seem strange to you, as if it were not sufficiently defined.
Get used to it, this is true, but if you plan to use the monitor to write texts or manage many emails this peculiar rendering of the text could annoy you.
However, when faced with a video game, Strix XG43UQ gives its best. First of all you can benefit from the excellent anti-reflective treatment which reduces all those artifacts that can potentially distract you from what’s going on in-game. Secondly you can enjoy sharp images thanks to DSC technology, a compression standard that displays smooth, detailed images in 4K and 144Hz using the DisplayPort 1.4 input.
Particularly satisfactory brightness, flanked by good contrast and vivid and bright colors that guarantee an excellent viewing experience for any content, from video games to movies.
You can also count sul Picture in Picture e sul Picture by Picture, extremely convenient given the size of the screen, and on the blue light filter, which provides 5 different levels, while it is not too effective.‘Extreme Low Motion Blur, which tries to limit ghosting phenomena, that is the overlapping of different frames, without however giving significant results. Finally, there is no shortage of the fps counter and the possibility of activating the viewfinder that can be useful for gamers.
We complete the overview with the audio, entrusted to speaker da 10 watt which return a clear sound and reach a rather high volume.
The ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ review: not for everyone
ASUS ROG Strix XG43UQ it is a very particular monitor. In fact, its size makes it more similar to a TV, making itor an ideal companion more for consoles than for a gaming PC.
Then there are the ghosting phenomena that make it into consideration unsuitable, for response times, to the most competitive players.
Who could use it instead? Surely to those who want a very large display, to be associated with any gaming platform with the benefit of 144 Hz and above all with great images in 4K both for the latest generation titles and for the multimedia contents.
The price, however, is quite demanding: 1.499 €.
PRO
- Excellent build quality
- It can (almost) replace a TV
- Many inputs available
- Remote control included
- Vibrant and bright 4K images
AGAINST
- Not suitable for a desk
- Response times not exciting