The Xiaomi G Pro 27i stands out in the competitive gaming monitor market by offering Mini-LED backlighting with an impressive 1,152 dimming zones, a feature usually reserved for high-end displays. This technology delivers excellent HDR performance comparable to some of the best monitors of 2023, all while remaining remarkably budget-friendly. However, some inherent Mini-LED issues like blooming still persist.
Xiaomi G Pro 27i: Specs and Features
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i boasts specs typical of a 27-inch gaming monitor under $500, featuring a 2560×1440 resolution and a 180Hz refresh rate. What sets it apart is the inclusion of Mini-LED backlighting.
- Display Size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect ratio
- Resolution: 2560×1440
- Panel Type: Fast IPS with Mini-LED backlight (1,152 dimming zones)
- Refresh Rate: Up to 180Hz
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync
- HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 1000
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x 3.5mm audio out
- VESA Mount: 100x100mm
- Speakers: None
- Price: $329.99 (MSRP)
The 1,152 dynamic dimming zones of the Mini-LED backlight are the key differentiator, offering a level of contrast control previously unavailable at this price point.
Design and Build
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i’s design takes cues from Alienware’s “Legend” design language, featuring a striking blend of white and black materials with a futuristic font. The monitor feels surprisingly premium for its price, showcasing a robust build and high-quality materials. RGB-LED lighting on the rear adds a touch of gamer aesthetic, although it could be brighter.
xiaomi g pro 27i 4
The included ergonomic stand provides height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, offering excellent flexibility. However, the wide stand base occupies more desk space than some competitors. Setup is slightly more involved, requiring four Phillips-head screws instead of a thumb screw. A 100x100mm VESA mount is available for alternative mounting options.
Connectivity and Menus
The monitor offers two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. While DisplayPort supports the full 180Hz refresh rate, HDMI is limited to 144Hz. A notable omission is the lack of any USB connectivity, a common compromise in budget monitors. A 3.5mm audio-out jack is included, but the monitor lacks built-in speakers.
xiaomi g pro 27i 3
The on-screen display (OSD) is controlled by a responsive joystick and offers a decent range of image adjustment options. However, it lacks advanced gaming features like an on-screen crosshair or FPS counter. Furthermore, Xiaomi doesn’t provide a Windows software utility for monitor control, a feature becoming increasingly common with other brands.
SDR Image Quality
Despite its HDR capabilities, SDR performance remains crucial for everyday use. The Xiaomi G Pro 27i excels in brightness, reaching a peak of almost 800 nits, significantly surpassing competitors. While this extreme brightness might be overkill for typical use, it provides excellent visibility in bright environments.
xiaomi g pro 27i hdr brightness
The monitor achieves a respectable 8,530:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks and vibrant colors. However, some competitors with fewer dimming zones, like the AOC Q27G3XMN, achieve even higher contrast ratios.
xiaomi g pro 27i contrast
Color gamut is a standout feature, with the Quantum Dot panel covering 99% of DCI-P3 and 98% of Adobe RGB. This wide color range provides vivid visuals in games and is a significant advantage for content creators.
xiaomi g pro 27i color gamut
While color gamut is impressive, out-of-the-box color accuracy is less so. Calibration can improve accuracy, but gamma and color temperature adjustments can be challenging.
color accuracy
HDR Image Quality
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i’s VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification is a testament to its HDR capabilities. It delivers impressive peak brightness and a wide color gamut, enhancing HDR content significantly. However, blooming, a common Mini-LED issue, is still noticeable around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
Motion Performance
The 180Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support provide smooth motion handling, but motion clarity is comparable to other 180Hz monitors. Blooming can sometimes exacerbate ghosting and create a slightly uneven appearance in fast-moving scenes.
Conclusion
The Xiaomi G Pro 27i presents a compelling value proposition for budget-conscious gamers and content creators seeking excellent HDR performance and a wide color gamut. While it’s not without its flaws, primarily blooming and some color accuracy quirks, the monitor offers remarkable performance for its price. If HDR gaming and vibrant visuals are your priorities, the Xiaomi G Pro 27i is a strong contender.
