Review: ASUS PA278CFRV image-editing monitor

In a number of ways, The ASUS PA278CFRV ProArt Display is exactly what is says on the tin.

The display’s un-catchy conglomerate of numbers and letters for a name screams “technical” rather than “consumer” and this is backed up by the words “pro” and “art”.

This display is a premium monitor not for a teenager to do their homework on but designed specifically for creative professionals, blending ultra high-end specs with some clever practical features that cater to videographers, designers, photographers, and game developers.

Along with this display’s colour accuracy credentials and are also some green ones; showing off ASUS’ good intentions to minimise their environmental impact while also bringing a lot of joy to the photographer lucky enough to be unboxing one of these units.

The PA278CFRV retails for $629. 

Design and build quality

Straight of the—discreet, cardboard—box, this display exudes quality and attention to detail. Upon opening the packaging of the PA278CFRV, rather than being faced with the usual squeaky monotony of styrofoam that monitors are often housed in, you’re presented with a (seemingly recycled) cardboard tray and a small collection of rigid cardboard shims keeping the display snuggly in place.

However, disappointingly the collection of stand components and supporting documents are wrapped in good-ol’ low- density plastic.

Assembly is impressively straightforward thanks to its tool-less, intuitive design. The base of the stand screws onto the stand itself without the need for screwdrivers or Allen keys and the mount both clicks and locks into place on the back of the display, giving you much confidence to lift the unit into place on your desk.

Once in place, you can get familiarised with the ergonomic adjustments—tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments that allow for a highly customisable viewing experience. The stand also includes built-in cable management to keep your space tidy and organised.

Plugging my MacBook Pro into the display via the supplied USB-C cable was yet another nod to the professional nature of the PA278CFRV as the device was picked up instantly and further reduces the need for additional cables cluttering up my workspace.

Aesthetically, the display hits the mark well, balancing form and function. The reflective ASUS logo on the display’s bottom edge disappears easily into the surrounds and the gun metal grey base includes a discrete but handy indicator allowing you to precisely rotate the unit.

Perhaps the only thing letting the PA278CFRV down on looks is the rather uninspiring square buttons, marked with smaller grey squares. But despite their ugliness, the buttons perform well and bring to life a menu system that is intuitive and frankly quite beautiful.

The shortcut buttons for brightness, energy-saving mode, and input selection are practical and handy (and customisable) and a press of the display’s menu button brings up the plethora of options available to even the most discerning of colourists or pixel-peeping photographers.

Display Quality

The PA278CFRV boasts a 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) IPS panel, delivering impressive colour accuracy and 178-degree viewing angles, ensuring that colours remain consistent and true to life from various positions.

Handy—again—for professionals who are likely to be running multiple-monitor workstations, this pairs well with the display’s native ability to be “daisy chained” via the display port.

One of the standout features of the PA278CFRV is the 100Hz variable refresh rate (VRR), which provides smooth motion and a comfortable viewing experience, reducing motion blur and making it an excellent choice for both content creation as well as some casual gaming.

The anti-glare and low-reflection coating enhances the display's usability in various lighting conditions, reducing distractions from ambient light.

But most crucial to this display and to the needs of pros in this space is colour accuracy. The PA278CFRV is Calman Verified, undergoing stringent testing to ensure smooth gradation and precise colour reproduction.

The monitor also offers multiple colour space modes, a built-in ruler, colour temperature selector, RGB tuning, safe area selector, and centre marker, among other tools, making it highly versatile for various creative tasks.

Connectivity and features

Connectivity is robust with the PA278CFRV. It includes DisplayPort over USB-C™ with 96W Power Delivery, DisplayPort (MST), HDMI, and a USB hub, ensuring compatibility with various devices and workflows.

The unit also includes an Ambient Light Sensor, which automatically adjusts the display's brightness based on the surrounding light conditions, again speaking to the professional nature of the PA278CFRV, providing a more comfortable viewing experience but also maintaining consistent visibility throughout a long work day for pro creatives.

As mentioned, the display’s built-in menu is easy to navigate and looks and feels great but for those wanting to take this a little further, the downloadable Display Widget Centre software is a notable addition, allowing users to adjust monitor settings using their mouse rather than the physical buttons.

This software can also be configured to set customised display modes for different applications, such as Cinema mode for Chrome and sRGB mode for Photoshop, for example.

Environmental and energy efficiency

The PA278CFRV does well to remind us that environmental considerations and a luxe product experience aren’t mutually exclusive. In fact, they can often support one another in delivering a product that is well thought out and a joy to experience.

ASUS has done exactly that here. The monitor is constructed from 85% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastics and mercury-free panels, reflecting a commitment to eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient standards and the green packaging further hits home ASUS’s strides in this area.

Though it would be nice to see those small soft plastic accessory bags ditched at some point.

Furthermore, a physical switch to fully shut down the monitor is a great energy-efficiency touch, saving some carbon as well as your wallet. However, it is worth noting that the switch to turn off the monitor is not clearly indicated nor particularly easy to reach.

Conclusion

Call me picky but there’s something to be said about a monitor that you can look at from the other side of your work-from-home space, office or living room and think “gee, that looks the part”.

Far from a cheap and nasty object cluttering up your space, this display is simply stunning from all angles and has the grunt under the hood to get some serious work done.

The ASUS PA278CFRV ProArt Display is a compelling choice for professionals who demand high colour accuracy, versatile connectivity and a range of practical features for their workstations. And serious amateur photographers will get a lot out of this product as well.

While some small design elements leave space for aesthetic and ergonomic improvement, the features that ASUS have crammed into this unit make for an overall experience that is no-fuss and powerful. Exactly what any pro wants when getting the job done.

If you’re looking for a monitor that combines high performance with user-friendly features and eco-conscious design, the ASUS PA278CFRV ProArt Display is well worth considering.