The past few years, we have seen a welcome trend: monitors with high refresh rates becoming increasingly affordable. ViewSonic recently released a new lineup of monitors, and we’ve been testing their 24-inch VX2479-HD-PRO which is priced at around Php 6,500. This monitor boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, making it an attractive option for budget-minded gamers. But can it deliver the high refresh rate we crave? Let’s find out in this review.
Table of Contents
ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO Specifications
| Display Size (in) | 24 |
| Viewable Area (in) | 23.8 |
| Panel Type | IPS Technology |
| Resolution Type | FHD (Full HD) |
| High Dynamic Range | HDR10 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² (typ) |
| Color Space Support | 8 bit (6 bit + FRC) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Response Time (MPRT) | 1ms |
| Refresh Rate (Hz) | 180 |
| Variable Refresh Rate Technology | FreeSync |
| Color Gamut | NTSC: 72% size (Typ) sRGB: 104% size (Typ) |
| Connector | 3.5mm Audio Out: 1 HDMI 1.4: 2 DisplayPort: 1 Power in: DC Socket (Center Positive) |
The Packaging
The ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO comes in a cardboard box which has some of its key features like its 165Hz refresh rate and IPS display. Opening the box, you will be getting the monitor itself, the stand for the monitor, HDMI cable, two power cables that have 3 pin plug that is standard and 3 pin plug that is round pins, AC/DC Adapter , a screw, and a quick start guide.
They are packed well and the monitor is secured by sandwiching with hard styrofoam.
The Design
The ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO features a straightforward simple design for its body. The included stand is in a triangular base with a short stem, allowing only the tilting of the monitor. If you prefer not to use the included stand, you can opt for a VESA mount that is 100mm x 100mm.
In terms of ports, it offers two HDMI 1.4 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a headphone jack. Unfortunately, the monitor does not include built-in speakers.
The Settings
There are five buttons located on the lower right side of the monitor, which provide access to the monitor’s settings and power button.
The first button on the left allows quick access to change its ViewMode, offering presets for various settings tailored to different types of content such as games, movies, web browsing, and text. Additionally, there are modes for MAC and Mono.
The second button from the left toggles the built-in crosshair on and off.
The third and fourth buttons navigate to the main menu, offering access to various settings including Input Select, Audio Adjust, View Mode, Color Adjust, Manual Image Adjust, and Setup Menu. The power button also serves as the exit button when accessing the monitor’s settings.
Breaking down the settings within Color Adjust, you can adjust Contrast/Brightness, Color Temperature, Color Space, and Color Range. In the Manual Image Adjust settings, options include Sharpness, Blue Light Filter, Aspect Ratio, Overscan, Black Stabilization, Advance DCR, and Response Time. Finally, within the Setup Menu, you can access features such as Variable Refresh Rate, HDR, MPRT, Overclocking, as well as other monitor settings like language selection, OSD settings, and recalling monitor settings.
Enabling the overclocking setting of the monitor grants access to turn on the MPRT, which reduces the response time to 1ms.
The Display
The ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO is a 24-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920×1080 and a refresh rate of 165Hz. It features FreeSync, which can be enabled under Variable Refresh Rate. The display’s surface screen is coated with an anti-glare layer, a beneficial addition that minimizes distractions from external lights bouncing off the screen during gameplay.
While it does support HDR10, the screen’s maximum brightness of 232 nits may not provide an optimal HDR viewing experience, prompting users to prefer turning it off.
Regarding its Color Gamut specifications, it claims NTSC: 72% and sRGB: 104%. However, our testing with the SpyderX Pro revealed results of 94% sRGB and 70% NTSC with its default setting. These figures are slightly lower than stated but still render the monitor suitable for general use and basic graphic or video editing, although not recommended for professional tasks.
In terms of Tone Response, the Gamma of 1.9 indicates a slightly brighter image output.
Brightness and contrast levels were assessed across various settings, peaking at 232 nits with a contrast ratio of 640:1. While the brightness aligns closely with specifications, the contrast level is average.
At maximum brightness, some bleeding is noticeable mostly on the edges.
To check its motion clarity, we did the UFO test that enabled us to see if there is ghosting or motion blur for fast-moving things that are happening on the monitor. The motion clarity of the monitor, considering its IPS panel and 165Hz refresh rate, is commendable. Unfortunately, I don’t have any tools to be able to correctly take a picture of the UFO test.
The Verdict
The ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO is a decent gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate for its price point which is priced at Php 6,500, plus, coming from a reputable monitor brand. Although it may not fully meet the sRGB specifications listed on its spec sheet, it’s still adequate for gaming. However, for editing purposes, it’s suitable only for casual use and not for professional tasks.
Overall, we recommend the ViewSonic VX2479-HD-PRO if you’re seeking a gaming monitor that offers a high refresh rate along with decent display quality and colors at an enticing price.
Just a note, if you plan to research more about this monitor: The available unit in the Philippines is the 165Hz version, but there is also the same model with a 180Hz refresh rate.
