Okay, I’ve had some quality time with the ViewSonic XG275D-4K, and I’m ready to share my thoughts on this rather unique display. There’s been a bit of a buzz around monitors offering this kind of dual-personality, and I was eager to see if ViewSonic could deliver a compelling package that truly gives you the best of two very different worlds without asking for a king’s ransom or a physics degree.

Unboxing and setting it up, my initial impressions were very positive. It feels sturdy enough for its price point, and the design has a very modern gamer aesthetic without being overly aggressive. The bezels are pleasingly thin, which is always a plus in my book, especially if I were considering a multi-monitor setup. However, what really caught my attention was the monitor stand. It’s fully adjustable – height, tilt, swivel, and even a full 90-degree pivot for portrait mode, which is fantastic. The base has a surprisingly narrow footprint, a thoughtful touch that gives me more desk space for my keyboard and mouse, something I appreciate during intense gaming sessions. And yes, for those who like a bit of flair, there’s customizable RGB lighting to set the mood to “cool”.

Getting everything connected was a breeze – super straightforward. ViewSonic has kitted the monitor out as a proper gaming hub. I found two HDMI 2.1 ports, which is great for my PS5 and potentially another console or device. There’s also a DisplayPort 1.4 for my PC, and a USB-C port that not only handles display input but also delivers up to 65W of power. This USB-C inclusion is incredibly handy for quickly hooking up my work laptop with a single cable for both display and charging.

Now, for the main attraction: that “dual-mode” functionality. What is dual-mode, you ask? The idea is simple but powerful: one moment you’re immersed in a visually stunning 4K world, and the next, you’re in a high-octane, super-responsive Full HD environment. Switching between the 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 160Hz mode and the Full HD (1920×1080) at a blistering 320Hz mode is done with the press of a dedicated button, which is convenient and very easy to implement.

In 4K at 160Hz, games look absolutely gorgeous. The detail is crisp, and the Fast IPS panel delivers vibrant colors, covering a good chunk of the DCI-P3 color space (94% according to the specs). Exploring lush open worlds or appreciating intricate textures in single-player adventures felt incredibly immersive. Even for productivity, the sheer pixel density of 4K on a 27-inch screen makes text super sharp and provides ample screen real estate. The 160Hz refresh rate in this mode is no slouch either; it’s a significant step up from older 60Hz and 90Hz 4K panels, keeping motion smooth and fluid.

Then, I switched over to Full HD at 320Hz for some competitive FPS games. The difference in raw speed is immediately noticeable. The gameplay becomes incredibly fluid, and combined with the monitor’s claimed 0.5ms MPRT response time (it also has a 2ms GTG), motion clarity is excellent. Aiming felt precise, and I could track fast-moving targets with ease. This mode is clearly tailored for esports enthusiasts who demand the highest possible refresh rates for that split-second advantage.

Speaking of esports, ViewSonic has included another neat feature: a 24.5-inch OSD setting. This effectively shrinks the active display area, simulating the smaller screen size many pro gamers prefer to keep all critical information within their immediate field of view. It’s a niche feature, but for its target audience, it’s a very welcome addition, especially when paired with the 320Hz mode. I did not know that this feature was something that was enjoyed by pro-level gamers but, after using it for a while, I can understand why. Of course, it is not nearly as immersive as those full-screen experiences, but that’s the point. The pro-level gamer needs to see everything going on as much as possible – not be so immersed in the experience that they visually miss something.

Beyond the dual modes, the general gaming performance is solid – in either resolution mode. It supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and is NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible, so I experienced smooth, tear-free gameplay regardless of which graphics card I was using – and I tested this display out on a high-end system with an RTX 4090 inside as well as a lower-end system touting an RTX 2080. The colors, as mentioned, are good for an IPS panel, making games look lively. However, while it supports HDR10, the typical brightness is 300 nits. This means that while it can process an HDR signal, the impact isn’t going to be as dramatic as you’d find on brighter displays with more advanced local dimming. It’s what I would consider an entry-level HDR experience, so it’s best to keep expectations in check on that front. That being said, even that level of HDR will be beneficial to your gaming experience – especially if you’ve never had an HDR capable display before.

For its asking price of around $499.99, I think the XG275D-4K offers a pretty compelling package. You’re essentially getting the functionality of two distinct types of gaming monitors in one. If you’re someone who jumps between graphically rich single-player titles and fast-paced competitive games, this monitor is designed for you.

Of course, it’s not without a few minor caveats. The built-in 2W speakers are, as expected, quite basic; you’ll want headphones or external speakers for any serious audio. Also, running a native 4K panel at Full HD resolution can, in theory, lead to a slightly softer image compared to a native FHD panel, though modern scaling technology does a decent job of minimizing this. I didn’t find it particularly distracting during fast-paced gameplay, but it’s a consideration to those seeking the utmost of visual clarity.

In conclusion, I’m genuinely impressed with what the ViewSonic XG275D-4K brings to the table. It’s a versatile workhorse of a display that successfully bridges the gap between high-resolution visual splendor and high-refresh-rate competitive prowess. If you’re a gamer who wears many hats and wants a single display that can keep up with all your diverse gaming needs, and even pull double duty for work, this monitor is a very strong contender, especially at this price. It truly feels like it’s trying to give you two specialized monitors in one. The ViewSonic XG275D-4K retails for $499.99 and is available now!

Overall Rating 5 out of 5

Pros:

• Innovative dual-mode: 4K @ 160Hz for immersion and FHD @ 320Hz for speed.
• Excellent connectivity with dual HDMI 2.1 and USB-C 65W PD.
• Fast response times (0.5ms MPRT) and comprehensive adaptive sync support.
• Dedicated 24.5-inch esports OSD setting.
• Fully ergonomic stand with good design.
• Competitive price for its unique feature set.

Cons:

• HDR performance is entry-level (HDR10 with 300 nits brightness).
• Integrated speakers are just passable.
• Potential for slight image softness in FHD mode due to scaling on a native 4K panel.