Display
27-inch, IPS, 3840 x 2160
27
Refresh Rate
40 Hz - 60 Hz
40 Hz
Brightness
350 cd/m² (peak 400 cd/m²)
350 cd
Contrast Ratio
1000 : 1
1000
Overview
The Asus ZenScreen Smart MS27UC is a 27-inch 4K monitor with Google TV (Android 11) built in, which changes what it is for. With Wi-Fi and the streaming apps on board, it plays Netflix or YouTube with nothing plugged in - no PC, no console, no stick. Harman/Kardon-tuned 2 x 5 W speakers back that up, and a 90 W USB-C port means it still docks a laptop properly for work. The panel itself is a sensible 163 PPI IPS at 350 cd/m2 with HDR10+ and HLG support. What it is not is a gaming monitor: refresh tops out at 60 Hz with a 5 ms response, and the stand does not adjust for height. Think of it as a small smart TV that happens to work as a desk monitor.
BrandAsusPanel TypeIPSResolution3840 x 2160Refresh Rate40-60 Hz
Key Highlights
- Google TV (Android 11) built in - streams with nothing else connected
- Harman/Kardon-tuned 2 x 5 W speakers, 10 W total
- 90 W USB-C - it still docks and charges a laptop for work
- 163 PPI at 4K, so text stays sharp when you do use it as a monitor
- HDR10+ and HLG support alongside DisplayHDR 400
Who Should Buy the Asus ZenScreen Smart MS27UC
+ Best For
Bedrooms and small spaces
a monitor and a streaming TV in one box
Laptop desks
90 W USB-C docks and charges over one cable
Casual viewing
Wi-Fi and Google TV need no source device
Text work
163 PPI matches a dedicated 4K office panel
× Not Ideal For
Gamers
60 Hz with a 5 ms response is not a gaming spec
Ergonomic setups
the stand does not adjust for height or swivel
Colour-critical work
no DCI-P3 figure is published, only 99% sRGB
Dark-room film
1000:1 IPS contrast lifts blacks
Display Performance
Refresh Rate
40-60 Hz
standard; fine for streaming and desk work, not for games
Response Time
5 ms (GtG)
adequate for video, slow for gaming
Brightness
350 cd/m2 typical / 400 peak
comfortable in a normally lit room
Contrast
1000:1
typical IPS; dark scenes look grey
Colour Gamut
99% sRGB
accurate for standard content; no DCI-P3 figure listed
HDR
DisplayHDR 400 / HDR10+ / HLG
formats supported, brightness limits the effect
Gaming Performance
Refresh Rate60 Hzno high-refresh capability at all
Response Time5 ms (GtG)blur is visible in fast motion
VRR / Adaptive SyncVESA AdaptiveSyncpresent, within a 40-60 Hz window
GPU Requirementnot a gaming panel - the screen is the limit, not the card
HDR & Brightness Reality
The format list is generous for a monitor - DisplayHDR 400, HDR10+ and HLG, which is more than most desk screens decode, and HDR10+ genuinely helps because it tone-maps scene by scene. The hardware behind it is the limit: 400 cd/m2 peak and 1000:1 contrast with no local dimming. So a Netflix HDR stream will play in HDR and look fine, but not dramatic. Given that this is really a streaming screen, format support arguably matters more here than peak brightness does.
Connectivity & Ports
HDMIHDMI inputfor a console or set-top box at 4K60
DisplayPortvia USB-C DP Alt Modethe 90 W port carries video
USB-C1 x USB-C, 90 W, DP Alt Modefull laptop docking and charging
USB Hub2 x USB 2.0 Type-A downstreambasic peripheral support
Audio Out3.5 mmplus Harman/Kardon 2 x 5 W speakers, 10 W total
Desk Fit & Ergonomics
Size / Footprint27-inch 16:9, 613 mm widelight at 6 kg with the stand
StandIncluded, removable4.6 kg panel alone
VESA Mount100 x 100 mmuseful, given the fixed-height stand
TiltSupportedthe only stand adjustment
Height AdjustNot supportedfixed height
Swivel / PivotNeither supportedno turning or rotation
Real-World Use Cases
Google TV and Wi-Fi run Netflix or YouTube on their own
90 W USB-C for picture, peripherals and charging over one cable
a small TV and a 4K monitor in one unit
163 PPI keeps text sharp for documents and browsing
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Google TV built in streams with no PC or stick required
- 90 W USB-C docks and charges a laptop
- Harman/Kardon 10 W audio, tuned rather than token
- 163 PPI 4K panel for sharp text
- HDR10+ and HLG support, unusual on a monitor
Cons
- 60 Hz and 5 ms not usable as a gaming monitor
- Fixed-height stand with no swivel
- 1000:1 contrast and 400 cd/m2 limit the HDR effect
- No DCI-P3 coverage figure published
Score & Ratings
7/10
Great
Model Information
6
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Asus |
| Series | ZenScreen |
| Model | ZenScreen Smart MS27UC |
| Model Alias | MS27UC |
| Full Product Name | Asus ZenScreen Smart MS27UC |
| Model Year | 2024 |
Display & Panel
5
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27-inch |
| Aspect Ratio | 1.778:1 |
| Display Area | 83.71 % (percent) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Backlight Type | W-LED |
Resolution & Pixel Details
3
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 3840 × 2160 |
| Pixel Density | 163 PPI |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.155 mm (millimeters) |
Picture Quality & Color
2
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Panel Bit Depth | 10 bits |
| Display Colors | 1073741824 colors |
Refresh Rate, Response & Gaming
1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Refresh Rate Range | 40 Hz - 60 Hz |
Ports & Connectivity
7
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| HDMI Ports | 1× HDMI 2.0 |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.0 |
| DisplayPort Input | 1× DisplayPort 1.4 |
| DisplayPort Version | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| USB-C Video Input | 1× USB-C |
| DisplayPort Alt Mode | Yes |
| HDCP Support | Yes |
Audio, Camera, Network & Smart Features
1
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Built-In Camera | No |
Ergonomics & Stand
4
| Specification | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| VESA Mount | 100 × 100 mm | |
| VESA Size | 100 × 100 mm | |
| Removable Stand | Yes | |
| Height Adjustment | No | Not supported - fixed stand; a VESA arm is the fix. |
Dimensions, Weight & Design
2
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight With Stand | 6 kg |
| Weight Without Stand | 4.6 kg |
Power & Operating Conditions
6
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Input | 100–240V |
| AC Frequency | 50/60Hz |
| Typical Power Consumption | 30W |
| Average Power Consumption | 30W |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 155W |
| Sleep Consumption | 0.3W |
Certifications, Standards & Licenses
3
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy Star | Energy Star |
| TÜV Flicker-Free | TÜV Rheinland Flicker-free Certified |
| TÜV Low Blue Light | TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certified |
Frequently Asked Questions
01 Is this a monitor or a TV? +
Both, honestly. It has Google TV with Android 11, Wi-Fi and Harman/Kardon speakers, so it streams like a small TV with nothing connected - but it is a 27-inch 163 PPI 4K panel with a 90 W USB-C dock, so it works as a proper desk monitor too.
02 Is 60 Hz a dealbreaker for casual gaming? +
Not really. It runs at 60 Hz with a 5 ms response. A console will work at 4K60, but any modern game monitor will feel considerably smoother.
03 Do I need a Chromecast or Fire Stick with it? +
No - that is the point. Google TV is built in and it connects over Wi-Fi, so the apps run on the monitor itself.
04 How good is the Harman/Kardon audio? +
Two 5 W drivers, 10 W total, and tuned rather than an afterthought. Fine for streaming, YouTube and calls; not a replacement for a soundbar if you watch a lot of films.
05 Can I raise it on the stand? +
No, the stand is fixed height with tilt only. It weighs just 4.6 kg though, so a VESA arm is an easy fix.
Reviews
DISPLAYINPUT · INDEPENDENT · SPEC-BASED · NO SPONSORED PLACEMENT
SHEET № ZENSCREEN SMART MS27UC