Xiaomi G Pro 27i Monitor Review: Affordable HDR Excellence
Mini-LED monitors are currently making waves in the monitor market, offering dynamic contrast through an array of LED lights behind the screen. One budget-friendly option that has emerged is the Xiaomi G Pro 27i, which not only features a Mini-LED backlight but also comes at a price point that is surprisingly affordable.
### Specs and Features
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a 27-inch gaming monitor with a resolution of 2560×1440 and a refresh rate of up to 180Hz. What sets this monitor apart is its Mini-LED backlight with an impressive 1,152 dimming zones, providing excellent HDR performance that rivals higher-priced models. In addition, it supports AMD FreeSync, VESA DisplayHDR 1000, and offers a range of connectivity options including HDMI 2.0 and DisplayPort 1.4 ports.
### Design
Taking design cues from Alienware, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i features a sleek and attractive look with a combination of white and charcoal-black materials. The retro-futuristic font used on the back of the display adds a unique touch, reminiscent of Alienware’s “Legend” design language. Despite its budget-friendly price, the monitor feels well-built and includes RGB-LED lighting for added flair.
### Connectivity and Menus
While the Xiaomi G Pro 27i offers ample video connectivity with HDMI and DisplayPort ports, it lacks USB connectivity which may be a downside for some users. The on-screen menu system, controlled via a responsive joystick, provides a range of options for adjusting colors and gamma settings. However, the monitor lacks gaming features such as an on-screen crosshair or FPS counter.
### SDR Image Quality
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i excels in SDR image quality, with exceptional brightness reaching almost 800 nits and a contrast ratio of 8,530:1. The monitor’s color gamut is a standout feature, offering 99% of DCI-P3 and 98% of Adobe RGB, surpassing many competitors in this price range. While color accuracy may require calibration, the monitor’s sharpness and resolution provide a crisp viewing experience.
### HDR Image Quality
With VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i delivers impressive HDR brightness and color gamut, enhancing the viewing experience for HDR content. However, like many Mini-LED monitors, it may suffer from blooming issues, where bright objects on a dark background exhibit halos. Despite this, the monitor’s overall HDR performance is commendable for its price.
### Motion Performance
Featuring a fast IPS display panel with a refresh rate of 180Hz, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i offers smooth motion performance suitable for gaming. While the monitor supports AMD FreeSync and Adaptive Sync, motion clarity may not be as sharp as higher refresh rate monitors. The Mini-LED backlight can also impact motion clarity, especially with fast-moving objects on dark scenes.
### Conclusion
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a compelling option for those seeking an affordable monitor with excellent HDR performance and a wide color gamut. While it has some drawbacks such as blooming issues and average motion clarity, its overall value proposition is strong. With a sleek design, solid SDR and HDR image quality, and impressive color accuracy, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i stands out in the budget monitor market as a versatile and capable option for gaming and content creation.
