HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor Review

HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor Full Review

With everything that we’re doing on our PCs these days, work or study tasks, even social in our downtime which might involve multiple programs, webpages windows and, it seems like our computer screens are no longer quite big enough.

We try to squeeze more and more open windows onto our screens in the belief (or you could say, hope!) that it will make things easier and quicker.

But while screen space might seem like a precious commodity, it doesn’t have to be in reality. For monitors are growing larger while prices remain the same, and even drop. It could be time, if you haven’t already done so, to upgrade to a larger display

HP’s Pavilion range of beautifully designed displays is noted and praised for their modern and minimalistic aesthetics, while also delivering equally stunning image quality. HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor, originally released in January 2016, is the largest screen option in the series and is no exception.

Could it be the large screen answer to your needs? We used and tested one for a week in our office and delivered our verdict on it to help you decide.

Who’s It For?

We’re sure that you’ve worked out the size of this monitor, after all, it’s in the name. But 27 inches is the display size, also known as viewable image size; the length of its diagonal where videos are displayed, or the distance between two opposite corners, and not the whole monitor case in itself. In this case, that’s a whole lot of screen!

But about the ‘IPS’ of the product name and description? That’s one of the three common panel types for computer monitors: IPS, TN, and VA. Of these, IPS panels are known for having the best color reproduction and viewing angles. So far so good. But they also tend to cost more and usually have slower response times and worse refresh rates than their TN counterparts.

Therefore, IPS panels are pretty much a must for some; those who work, or play, a lot with graphics, videos, or images. They’re particularly known for their high-quality design work.

But if you play mostly fast-twitch games, or are a really serious or even a competitive gamer, then this type of monitor isn’t for you. Their standard 60Hz refresh rate and 8ms response time, with HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor no exception, will be too slow. You’ll get both screen-tearing and ghosting or blurring in motions sequences, which negatively impact reaction-based gameplay.

That said, the image quality of slower-paced games is enhanced by an IPS. If into games like Fallout, World of Warcraft, or GTA, then this might still be the monitor for you. You’ll probably still get some screen disturbance occasionally, but it doesn’t affect your play in these types of games in any great way. You might even think that the gorgeous picture quality that you get with high-quality glossy IPS panels, like the HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor, is a net benefit and worth it.

What We Like About HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor

As you’d expect from such an established and well-renowned manufacturer like HP, the monitor was impressively packaged to ensure against any rough treatment in dispatch, transit, and delivery.

Assembling it was so easy, that even non or inexperienced techies shouldn’t have any problem; and of course, it comes with an instruction manual just in case you do. It’s probably the easiest monitor to assemble that we’ve ever reviewed. You just slide the stand into their locking slots on the bottom of the monitor, with no need for screws. It holds together well, without the wobbling that’s sometimes a concern with large flat panel displays.

HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor has a function that lets you tilt the screen 2 degrees forward and 25 degrees back. It still feels very steady when you do, making it a nice feature for customizing your preferences.

It’s very minimalistic and aesthetically pleasing with a clutter-free screen. It’s ultra-thin nothing is taking up room on the screen except the HP logo and the model name. There are just a few buttons situated on the underside of the right corner of the screen, very subtle and slim, but still perfectly easy to access.

The screen is very close to being, but not quite, truly ‘bezel-less as advertised. Instead, the top and side bezels are razor-thin. The bottom bezel is just a little thicker, with its silver color complimenting the glossy black of the rest of the front. The back and the stand are also silver, the latter in an open wedge design, forming an oblong base at the bottom.

Let’s just say that HP was ‘inspired by the clean and minimalist look of most Apple displays and that Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor will bring a premium and classy look to any setup.

It comes with dual HDMI connectors as well as VGA. The second HDMI input is very welcome, and something that we’d like to see other manufacturers follow. Our connection to desktop and, later, laptop by HDMI was almost instantaneous; the ports are easily accessible through the opening in the stand, and the cables remained firmly in their ports without coming loose or breaking connection throughout the week of our testing.

The whole setup took very little time, with the menu very easy to navigate, having from the CD driver and then checked for, and downloaded, the latest version of the software on the HP website.

HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor makes use of its large and glossy IPS panel, operating at a 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. It’s a gorgeous panel, as you’d expect from any monitor utilizing IPS technology. After a few tweaks in the Control Panel, we were taken aback by its crisp, beautiful display.

In 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, the picture quality is gorgeous, with amazing color accuracy; bright whites, deep blacks, and, in between, a vibrant and rich spectrum of every color. Operating at a maximum measured brightness of 250 nits, it’s complemented by fantastic viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically, which IPS panels are known for.

All are further enhanced by HP’s anti-glare Low Haze treatment that minimizes reflection. This is especially effective when watching movies and playing games. HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor with HP Enhance+. This proprietary HP technology improves image quality by advanced noise reduction. It’s not something that you’ll consciously notice unless you compare it with a non-HP IPS panel side by side. Which we did.

Although IPS panels do tend to suffer from light bleed, most noticeably around the corners and when the picture is black or dark, we were surprised by how little there is with HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor.

Otherwise, it was simply the sheer size of its display that impressed us the most. We could keep two full-sized windows side-by-side, with no need to scroll left and right to view everything. By the end of the week, we were fighting in our office, over who’d get to use it!

What We Don’t Like About HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor

A couple of oddities. While it comes with an HDMI cable, it doesn’t with a VGA one, even though it is supplied with smaller screens in the range. And get used to the external power brick; the trade-off for a monitor this thin.

Also, no biggie, but worth mentioning. Although it claims to be ‘bezel-less, there is a bezel, albeit a very small one, as we’ve written above.

HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor is limited in its adjustability. You can’t tilt it backward and forwards that much, and it does not swivel, rotate, or adjust vertically. But it’s not alone in that, in monitors of its class. Similarly, it does not have any built-in speakers.

We must admit, that when we began browsing at the very start, we were initially a little disappointed by the image quality. The text was a little dim, and overall it seemed to be 1080p, rather than the 1920p advertised. However, after we ran the monitor’s calibration utility and made a few tweaks in the Control Panel, everything was as it should be.

Of course, there’s no escaping that from a gaming standpoint, the technical specs are nothing to be impressed with. 60Hz might be the standard refresh rate for, well, standard rather than gaming monitors, but it means that you will get some screen tearing from time to time, and more with fast-twitch games. And 7ms is typically considered the gaming cutoff; 8ms is definitely on the slower side, and likely to result in unwanted motion blurring and image ghosting.

What’s Included?

Inside, you’ll find the monitor, AC power cord and cable, HDMI cable, CD driver, user guide, and warranty information with a card listing service provider.

Overview Of Features

HP Pavilion 27xw is a 27” display, IPS panel monitor. LED-backlit, it has 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution and a 16:9 aspect ratio. It has a 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast and can operate at a maximum measured brightness of 250 nits. Connectivity is provided by two HDMI ports with HDCP support for laptop or multi-monitor setups and a VGA input.

It’s ‘plug and play compatible with Windows, Mac iOS (USB-C/Thunderbolt 3-to-HDMI adapter required for 2016 MacBook Pros or later), and even PS4.

The IPS panel delivers stunning picture quality, with Technicolor Color Certification for color-accuracy assurance and incredible high-color fidelity, and ultra-wide 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles. Its thin display frames provide an exceptional viewing experience for a multi-monitor setup.

Other features are HP’s anti-glare Low Haze treatment that minimizes reflection, and HP Enhance+ to improve image quality by advanced noise reduction.

HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor measures 6.5 x 24.5 x 17.9 inches, and weighs 12.3 pounds with its stand. It’s also possible to wall mount.

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HP Pavilion 27xw Monitor Review Summary

HP Pavilion 27xw is an excellent Full HD monitor with a wonderful 27” screen and beautiful picture quality provided by its IPS panel. It’s one of the most stylish monitors around and in itself and its minimalist design, looks equally too. Sleek and stylish, it would look great on any desk or in any setup.

As long as you know what you’re getting with its IPS panel, and will be satisfied by the slower response time and run-of-the-mill refresh rates, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this gorgeous display. But if competitive, fast-paced games are your thing, then you should pass in favor of a monitor with better refresh rates and response times to cut down on screen tearing and motion blurring, and ghosting.

For graphic designers, picture and video editors, photographers, and cinematographers, or even just slower-paced casual gamers and movie enthusiasts, it will more than do the job. Overall, the display quality and experience of the HP Pavilion 27xw 27” IPS LED Backlit Monitor is impressive. We loved the crisp colors, ultra-wide viewing angles, and just simply the screen space that it offers.