By Thanks to new models from Samsung, LG, and other companies, smart monitors—monitors that run a smart TV operating system, such as Google TV or Tizen—quietly gained popularity in 2024. However, most of these displays are larger and aimed at higher price points. For those more concerned with a smart monitor’s functions than its image quality, the Asus ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC is a more compact and reasonably priced option.
Specs & Features
The Asus ZenScreen Smart display MS27UC is essentially a standard 27-inch 4K display. It features a 27-inch IPS screen with 3840 x 2160 native resolution. The display panel’s specs are unimpressive, even though it supports HDR. Its frame rate is 60 Hz, it is not VESA DisplayHDR certified, and it does not have adaptive sync.
- Size of display: 27-inch widescreen 16:9
- Resolution in native: 3840 x 2160
- In-plane switching panel type
- 60 Hz is the refresh rate.
- No adaptive sync
- Yes, HDR 10.
- Ports include: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB-A 2.0 downstream, 1x 3.5mm audio out, and 1x USB-C with DisplayPort and up to 90 watts of USB Power Delivery.
- Mounting VESA: 100×100 mm
- Two 5-watt speakers are used.
- Wireless connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi 6
- System software: Google TV
- Two AAA batteries are included with the remote control.
- MSRP: $399.99
Despite having a simple display panel, the Asus monitor has a lot of helpful features. To control the Google TV operating system, it comes with a remote control and batteries. It also features a pair of 5-watt speakers, USB-C with 90 watts of power delivery, and Wi-Fi, which is essential for the smart TV OS to function. Although Asus offers it at $399.99 MSRP, it seems to often go on sale for $369.99.
Design
You would not know it by looking at the Asus ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC, which is one of the more reasonably priced smart displays on the market right now. Conversely, it has a sleek, high-end appearance that ought to look fantastic in any living room or office. The MS27UC’s top and sides feature thin bezels from the front, while the bottom is covered in a stylish grayish-white fabric that complements most interior design styles and gives the monitor a warm, accessible vibe.
ASUS ZenScreen 27” 4K USB-C Smart Monitor (MS27UC) – UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS, 99% sRGB, Google TV
The cloth covering wraps around the monitor’s back, joining silver polymers that resemble metal but do not feel it. There is a little shelf on the back of the display for storage, and Asus offers several accessories, like the TV remote control, that are made to fit on it. If you prefer a neat setup, this function might be helpful, however I rarely remembered to use it. The monitor features a flat base and a small yet functional L-shaped stand. Because of its small size, the monitor can be placed on even smaller surfaces, such as a cabinet or nightstand, which is useful if you want to use it as a mini television.
It also takes up very little room on a desk. However, the ergonomic adjustment of the stand is limited. It only has tilt and height adjustments, and its 100mm total travel height adjustment range is a little bit smaller than usual. The monitor can be connected to a third-party stand or mount using a standard 100x100mm VESA connection. Rather than facing downward, the ports face backward. Although I usually like this because it is easy to connect gadgets, it can be difficult if you wish to wall-mount the monitor.
Connectivity
The connectivity range of the Asus ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC is good. Three visual interfaces are available: DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. Although a second HDMI would have been nice, most owners will probably be content with this setup. Connecting and charging a laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone is made easier by the USB-C connector with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, which can deliver up to 90 watts of power. This works best in a home office, but it might also be helpful if you want to play games on a smartphone, laptop, or portable gaming device.
Features
Google TV, an Android-based operating system that is frequently used by TVs from Sony, TCL, and Hisense, among others, is pre-installed on the ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC from Asus. The MS27UC needs some configuration before it can be used because it is a smart monitor with an operating system. A Google account must be logged in, Wi-Fi must be established, and a few optional customization steps must be finished. Due to multiple setup load screens that took a minute or two to finish, I found this procedure to be a little slower than with rival smart displays. Nevertheless, it took me less than ten minutes to get the monitor operational.
I found the Google TV operating system to be familiar and simple to use once it was set up. Since it is actually Google TV, apps that you would anticipate working on a bigger TV running Google TV would also operate here. This covers streaming applications such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and so on. Without a device attached to a video input, you can use the MS27UC as a 27-inch smart TV if you would like. Additionally, the monitor supports wireless video connections via Miracast and Chromecast standards, allowing for wireless video streaming from a few laptops, tablets, and phones.
However, keep in mind that the MS27UC does not have a TV tuner and cannot be connected to a coaxial cable source. However, this also applies to rival smart monitors. The big, ergonomic remote control offers convenient access to display choices and video connections. Compared to the Samsung and LG smart monitors I examined last year, I found the menu system to be simpler to use. Additionally, I had no issues connecting a PC by USB-C, HDMI, or DisplayPort. The menu system is occasionally a little slow, but it is not a big deal, and I doubt many users will notice.
Performance
There are no features on the Asus ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC that could enhance its motion performance. It does not have adaptive sync for fluid frame pacing and has a refresh rate of 60 Hz. But that does not mean it is awful. The motion clarity and pixel response speeds of the IPS display panel are normal for a 60Hz monitor.
Although the MS27UC exhibits ghosting and blur, these issues are manageable outside of demanding esports games and are comparable to those of other mid-range monitors. It will appear fine to shoppers who are not finicky about motion clarity. Nevertheless, the MS27UC is not a viable option for buyers who are concerned about motion performance because gaming monitors operating at 120Hz and 240Hz are more commonly accessible and more affordable.
Conclusion
The Asus ZenScreen Smart Monitor MS27UC is a great pick for shoppers who want an affordable smart monitor that’s easy to use, can handle a wide variety of streaming apps, and looks attractive. Though it’s not a bad choice for a home office, the MS27UC is best in a studio apartment, kitchen, guest room, and any other space where a small, versatile display might be needed. The MS27UC is less appealing when used solely or mostly as a PC monitor, as its image quality and motion performance can’t match similarly priced PC gaming monitors that lack smart TV features.
