The Acer Predator Z57 is a behemoth. Boasting a 57-inch display with a 32:9 aspect ratio and over 1,000 nits of peak brightness, it dwarfs even the best gaming monitors. While the size and specs are undeniably impressive, as any good monitor buying guide will tell you, there’s more to a monitor than just those two factors. After spending several weeks with the Predator Z57, I’ve discovered both its strengths and its weaknesses. While it delivers the immersive experience that 32:9 displays are known for, alongside excellent image quality, there are some significant caveats to consider, especially given its $2,000 price tag.
Design and Ergonomics
Logo on the Acer Predator Z57.
The sheer size of the Predator Z57 is difficult to overstate. With a true 57.1-inch panel housed in a 32:9 chassis, it stretches over 4 feet wide. The substantial dual-point stand adds nearly 2 feet of depth to your desk, and the monitor itself weighs a hefty 40 pounds. Think small child-sized. Acer has incorporated plenty of branding, including a large Predator logo on the stand and the brand name spelled out on the bottom bezel. The back features customizable RGB lighting where the stand connects. A VESA mount option is available, highly recommended considering the stand’s footprint. Be prepared to enlist help for setup; this monitor is not a one-person job.
Someone adjusting the Acer Predator Z57.
Despite its size, the stand offers decent adjustability: 20 degrees of tilt, 4.33 inches of height adjustment, and 30 degrees of swivel. Pivot functionality is thankfully absent, as adjusting the vertical orientation on a monitor this size would be impractical and potentially hazardous. The cable-routing channel is a welcome addition, although it doesn’t extend through the front of the stand, leaving some cables exposed. Given the monitor’s premium price, a more comprehensive cable management solution and longer included cables would have been appreciated.
Features and Functionality
An HDR demo on the Acer Predator Z57.
For a $2,000 monitor, the Predator Z57’s feature set feels somewhat sparse compared to competitors like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, which offers a full operating system. While the Predator Z57 includes essential features like picture-in-picture (PIP) and picture-by-picture (PBP), accessing them requires navigating the on-screen display (OSD), which can be cumbersome given the monitor’s size. A remote control would have significantly improved usability.
Picture-by-picture mode on the Acer Predator Z57.
Unlike the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, which allows for running apps and games simultaneously thanks to its Tizen OS, the Predator Z57 requires separate sources for PBP. This is fine for console gaming, but for PC use, it necessitates using window management tools like Windows PowerToys. Furthermore, PBP mode limits the refresh rate to 60Hz when using 4K for both sources or restricts the resolution to 1440p at 120Hz. HDR is also disabled in PBP mode. One positive is the surprisingly powerful built-in 10W stereo speakers, making good use of the monitor’s substantial chassis.
Ports and Controls
OSD on the Acer Predator Z57 gaming monitor.
Controlling the Predator Z57 exclusively through the OSD feels outdated in 2024, especially given the monitor’s size and the frequency of adjusting settings like PBP and volume. Keyboard and mouse control would have been a welcome addition. Connectivity, however, is excellent. Dual HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 connection support dual 4K resolution at 120Hz. While DisplayPort 2.1 is absent, this is understandable considering the monitor’s 120Hz refresh rate and the current limitations of even high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090. A USB-C port with 90W power delivery and a KVM switch are valuable additions for multi-device setups. While the lack of easy PBP access is a drawback, the Predator Z57 provides ample connectivity options.
Image Quality
1000 nits logo on the Acer Predator Z57.
The Predator Z57’s image quality is truly impressive. Its dual 4K resolution (7,680 x 2,160) combined with a mini-LED backlight featuring 2,304 local dimming zones and DisplayHDR 1000 certification results in stunning visuals. The monitor easily surpasses its claimed 1,000 nits peak brightness, reaching up to 1,411 nits in HDR and nearly 500 nits in SDR.
| Color coverage | |
|---|---|
| sRGB (Graphics mode) | 100% |
| DCI-P3 (Graphics mode) | 97% |
| AdobeRGB (Graphics mode) | 93% |
| sRGB (HDR mode) | 99% |
| DCI-P3 (HDR mode) | 78% |
| AdobeRGB (HDR mode) | 77% |
Color accuracy is exceptional, with a Delta-E of just 0.76 out of the box and 0.71 after calibration, rivaling high-end OLED monitors. The contrast is also fantastic, with a black level of 0.02 nits, approaching the true black of OLED displays. While the claimed 100,000,000:1 contrast ratio isn’t achieved in testing (measuring around 70,550:1), the real-world performance is still outstanding. The Predator Z57 delivers a sharp, vibrant, and highly detailed image that comes remarkably close to the quality of OLED.
| Average Delta-E (color difference) | |
|---|---|
| Standard (sRGB) pre-calibration | 0.76 |
| Standard (sRGB) post calibration | 0.71 |
| Peak brightness | |
|---|---|
| 1% SDR | 305 nits |
| 4% SDR | 438 nits |
| 10% SDR | 486 nits |
| 1% HDR | 1,173 nits |
| 4% HDR | 1,292 nits |
| 10% HDR | 1,390 nits |
| 25% HDR | 1,411 nits |
| Contrast | |
|---|---|
| Black level 50% | 0.02 |
| Black level 100% | 0.02 |
| Maximum contrast ratio | 70,550:1 |
Gaming Performance and 32:9 Challenges
Horizon Zero Dawn on the Acer Predator Z57.
While the Predator Z57 offers an incredibly immersive gaming experience, its sheer size presents some challenges. The 57-inch display and aggressive 1000R curve can be overwhelming, even causing motion sickness in fast-paced games. The limited 32:9 support in many games, often reverting to 16:9 in menus, can be disruptive. Even with an RTX 4090, the demanding dual 4K resolution requires significant graphics setting reductions and upscaling techniques like DLSS Frame Generation to achieve playable frame rates.
An HDR demo on the Acer Predator Z57.
The Predator Z57 shines when used as two separate 4K displays, allowing for multitasking with multiple windows, including gaming at 4K. Console gaming is also viable, albeit with refresh rate and resolution limitations in PBP mode. The lack of HDR support in PBP mode remains a disappointment.
Should You Buy the Acer Predator Z57?
Forza Motorsport on the Acer Predator Z57.
The Acer Predator Z57 and the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 are the only two 57-inch 32:9 monitors currently available. While the Predator Z57 is $500 cheaper at $2,000, the Odyssey Neo G9 offers a 240Hz refresh rate (requiring DisplayPort 2.1) and supports up to 120Hz in PBP mode, a significant advantage over the Predator Z57’s 60Hz limit.
The Predator Z57 pushes the boundaries of size and brightness, but its limitations and high price make it a niche product. For those seeking a more affordable and similarly immersive experience, the Odyssey OLED G9 with its lower resolution and OLED technology offers a compelling alternative at around $1,300. Ultimately, the Predator Z57 requires careful consideration due to its unique form factor and inherent challenges.
Cyberpunk 2077 on the Acer Predator Z57.
