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Acer XF251Q Bmiirx Monitor Review

Tested using Methodology v1.0
Review updated Nov 09, 2018 at 08:11 am
Latest change: Retest Jan 15, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Acer XF251Q Bmiirx Picture
7.1
Mixed Usage
7.0
Office
8.0
Gaming
6.8
Multimedia
6.9
Media Creation
5.5
HDR Gaming

The Acer XF251Q Bmiirx is a decent 1080p TN monitor with some great gaming features. It has a fast response time, low input lag, and it supports AMD's FreeSync VRR technology. It has a good design, with a great stand that can be easily adjusted to an ideal viewing position. Unfortunately, it has poor viewing angles, so the image degrades when viewed at an angle, and it isn't very accurate out of the box.

Our Verdict

7.1 Mixed Usage

The Acer XF251Q is a decent monitor for most uses. It has great motion handling and low input lag for gaming, and it supports FreeSync VRR. The stand has great ergonomics, so it can easily be placed in an ideal viewing position. Unfortunately, the image degrades when viewed at an angle, and the 1080p resolution and 25" screen may be too small for some users, and it isn't ideal for multitasking.

Pros
  • Low input lag
  • Stand has great ergonomics
Cons
  • Image degrades when viewed at an angle
  • Poor accuracy out of the box
7.0 Office

The XF251Q is a decent monitor for office use. It has great ergonomics, so it is easy to place it in the ideal viewing position. It has decent peak brightness and great reflection handling, so it looks good in bright offices. Unfortunately, the 25", 1080p screen isn't ideal for multitasking, and the image loses accuracy when viewed at an angle.

8.0 Gaming

Great monitor for gaming. It has an excellent fast response time, but some transitions have a lot of overshoot that can bother some people. It has excellent low input lag, and it supports AMD FreeSync VRR technology for a tear-free gaming experience. Unfortunately, the 25" 1080p screen isn't very immersive.

6.8 Multimedia

Decent monitor for multimedia. It has a fast response time, so fast motion scenes look clear, with little motion blur trail. It also has excellent low input lag and great reflection handling. Unfortunately, it is limited to a 1080p resolution that may be insufficient for some people, and the image loses accuracy when viewed at an angle.

6.9 Media Creation

Decent monitor for media creation. It has excellent low input lag and a fast response time, and it has excellent coverage of the sRGB color space. Unfortunately, the Adobe RGB coverage isn't ideal for professional photo or video editing, and the 1080p resolution limits how much of your project you can see, and makes it harder to multitask.

5.5 HDR Gaming

The Acer XF251Q does not support HDR. For a good HDR monitor, check out the Samsung CHG70.

  • 7.1 Mixed Usage
  • 7.0 Office
  • 8.0 Gaming
  • 6.8 Multimedia
  • 6.9 Media Creation
  • 5.5 HDR Gaming
  1. Updated Jan 15, 2019: We tested the monitor's compatibility with NVIDIA's new FreeSync driver. See our full investigation into NVIDIA's FreeSync Drivers here.
  2. Updated Nov 09, 2018: Review published.
  3. Updated Nov 07, 2018: Our testers have started testing this product.
  4. Updated Nov 07, 2018: Early access published.
  5. Updated Nov 05, 2018: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  6. Updated Oct 11, 2018: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 24.5" Acer XF251Q Bmiirx. There are other models in the XF series, but beyond FreeSync support they have different specifications.

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Acer XF251Q doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

Model Size Resolution Refresh Rate Notes
XF251Q 24.5" 1080p 75 Hz FreeSync
XFA240 24" 1080p 144 Hz FreeSync, DVI
XF270H B 27" 1080p 144 Hz FreeSync
XF250Q A 24.5" 1080p 240 Hz FreeSync, DVI
XF250Q B 24.5" 1080p 144 Hz FreeSync
XF250Q C 24.5" 1080p 240 Hz FreeSync

The XF251Q we reviewed was manufactured in July 2017

Compared To Other Monitors

Comparison picture

Left: ViewSonic XG2402. Middle: Acer XF251Q. Right: LG 24MP59G-P.
Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

The Acer XF251Q is a decent entry-level monitor with great gaming performance. See our recommendations for the best monitors under $200, the best 1080p gaming monitors, the best budget gaming monitors and the best 24-25 inch monitors.

Acer GN246HL Bbid

The Acer XF251Q Bmiirx is much better than the Acer GN246HL Bbid. The GN246HL has a faster 144Hz refresh rate, but it doesn't support any variable refresh rate technologies like FreeSync or G-SYNC. The XF251Q has a 75 Hz refresh rate, but it supports FreeSync. The Acer GN246HL uses PWM to dim the backlight, and this causes flicker that may bother some people, whereas the XF251Q is flicker-free. Finally, the XF251Q has much less input lag, especially when gaming at 60Hz.

ASUS VG245H

The Acer XF251Q Bmiirx is slightly better than the ASUS VG245H. Both models are 75Hz TN monitors, with FreeSync support. Both offer very similar performance, but the XF251Q we reviewed had better black uniformity and much better color volume. The ASUS VG245H is much more accurate out of the box, but a few setting changes on the XF251Q can correct this.

ViewSonic XG2402

The ViewSonic XG2402 is better than the Acer XF251Q Bmiirx. The XG2402 has much better motion performance, thanks to the faster 144 Hz refresh rate. The XG2402 is also a bit brighter, and has a better color gamut and better color volume.

Samsung CF398

The Acer XF251Q Bmiirx is a 25" TN monitor, whereas the Samsung CF398 is a VA monitor. The XF251Q has better motion handling, thanks to a faster response time. The XF251Q is a bit brighter, but the CF398 has much better native contrast, so it looks better in a dark room.

Dell S2417DG

The Dell S2417DG is better than the Acer XF251Q Bmiirx. The S2417DG has much better motion handling, thanks to a much faster refresh rate, faster response time, and optional black frame insertion feature. The Dell also has slightly less input lag. While the Acer XF251Q supports AMD's FreeSync VRR, the Dell S2417DG supports NVIDIA's G-SYNC instead, so the compatibility with your graphics card should be taken into account when choosing between these two.

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Test Results

Design
Design
Style
Size 25"
Curved No
Curve radius N/A
Weight (without stand)
8.2 lbs (3.7 kg)
Weight (with stand)
12.3 lbs (5.6 kg)

The Acer XF251Q has a good design. The stand has a large footprint but supports the monitor well. It has great ergonomics, and can easily be adjusted to an optimal viewing position. There is an included headphone bracket that attaches to the stand, which is great. It is mostly made of plastic, but it has a good build quality and there shouldn't be any issues.

Design
Stand
Width
15.3" (38.9 cm)
Depth
10.6" (26.9 cm)

The stand has a large footprint, and it supports the monitor very well. The is very little wobble when knocked or when adjusting settings.

8.0
Design
Ergonomics
Height Adjustment
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Switch portrait/landscape Yes
Swivel Range -45° to 45°
Tilt Range -20° to 5°

Great ergonomics. The Acer XF251Q can easily be adjusted to an optimal viewing position. It can rotate to a portrait/landscape orientation, and unlike some monitors with this feature, it can rotate in either direction.

Design
Back
Wall Mount VESA 100x100

The back is plain with a simple design. There is a small hole in the stand that works well for cable management. There is also a headphone bracket that can be clipped on to the top of the stand.

Design
Borders
Borders
0.3" (0.8 cm)

The borders are thin, with very little gap between the edge of the bezel and the display. This is a great display for a multi-monitor setup.

Design
Thickness
Thickness (with stand)
8.5" (21.6 cm)
Thickness (without stand)
2.2" (5.6 cm)

The stand leans slightly back, so the monitor appears thicker when viewed from the side. It is significantly thicker when on the stand than when VESA mounted.

7.5
Design
Build Quality

The monitor has a good build quality. It is mostly made from plastic, but it is solid and seems well built, similar to the ASUS VG245H.

Picture Quality
6.2
Picture Quality
Contrast
LCD Type
TN
Native Contrast
1,161 : 1
Contrast with local dimming
N/A

Mediocre contrast ratio, but one of the best TN monitors we've tested so far; only slightly worse than the ASUS VG245H.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Edge

There is no local dimming feature on this monitor. The video is for reference only.

7.3
Picture Quality
SDR Peak Brightness
SDR Real Scene
273 cd/m²
SDR Peak 2% Window
299 cd/m²
SDR Peak 10% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Peak 25% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Peak 50% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Peak 100% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 2% Window
299 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 10% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 25% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 50% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR Sustained 100% Window
300 cd/m²
SDR ABL
0.000

The Acer XF251Q has decent peak brightness, with no variation in brightness with different content, which is great. The peak brightness is very similar to the ASUS VG245H.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Peak Brightness
HDR Real Scene
N/A
HDR Peak 2% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 10% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 25% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 50% Window
N/A
HDR Peak 100% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 2% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 10% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 25% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 50% Window
N/A
HDR Sustained 100% Window
N/A
HDR ABL
N/A

HDR is not supported on this monitor.

5.2
Picture Quality
Horizontal Viewing Angle
Color Shift from Left
30°
Color Shift from Right
28°
Brightness from Left
47°
Brightness from Right
45°
Black Level from Left
31°
Black Level from Right
27°
Curve Radius N/A

Disappointing horizontal viewing angles typical of TN monitors. The brightness drops by half at about 45°, which is mediocre, but the black levels increase sharply after about 30°, and the colors shift significantly at about the same angle.

5.1
Picture Quality
Vertical Viewing Angle
Color Shift from Below
Color Shift from Above
33°
Brightness from Below
14°
Brightness from Above
38°
Black Level from Below
19°
Black Level from Above
25°

Disappointing vertical viewing angles; slightly better than the ASUS VG245H but worse than the ViewSonic XG2402. The XF251Q is definitely best viewed at eye level.

7.5
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
6.636%
50% DSE
0.117%
5% Std. Dev.
2.246%
5% DSE
0.078%

The Acer XF251Q bmiirx has good gray uniformity. The edges of the screen are quite a bit darker due to the poor vertical viewing angles. The center of the screen is more uniform, and there is very little dirty screen effect (DSE). In near-dark scenes, the uniformity is better, and there is almost no DSE.

6.4
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
1.690%
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
N/A

Decent black uniformity, one of the best we've ever tested on a monitor. There is some clouding visible across the entire screen, but there is very little flashlighting, which is great.

5.2
Picture Quality
Pre Calibration
Picture Mode
Graphics
Luminance
307 cd/m²
Luminance Settings
80
Contrast Setting
50
RGB controls
50-50-50
Color Temperature
6,058 K
White Balance dE
5.07
Color dE
4.70
Gamma
2.14

Out of the box, the Acer XF251Q bmiirx has poor accuracy. The white balance dE and color dE are very high, to the point where we expect most people will notice the errors. The gamma does not follow the target curve at all, but despite the strange look of the curve we don't expect this to be noticeable for most people.

9.3
Picture Quality
Post Calibration
Picture Mode
User
Luminance
101 cd/m²
Luminance Settings
14
Contrast Setting
50
RGB Controls
43-49-50
Color Temperature
6,499 K
White Balance dE
0.58
Color dE
1.15
Gamma
2.17

After calibration, nearly all of the white balance and color errors were corrected. Gamma follows the target curve nearly perfectly, but some scenes will be too bright. The color temperature is nearly spot-on the 6500 K target. Some colors are still inaccurate, but this shouldn't be noticeable by most people.

You can download our ICC profile calibration here. This is provided for reference only and should not be used, as the calibration values vary per individual unit even for the same model due to manufacturing tolerances.

8.4
Picture Quality
SDR Color Gamut
sRGB xy
92.5%
Adobe RGB xy
73.7%

s.RGB Picture Mode: User (calibrated)
Adobe RGB Picture Mode: User

Great SDR color gamut. Excellent s.RGB coverage, but it doesn't quite cover the entire gamut. Coverage of the wider Adobe RGB color space isn't as good, and is not ideal for professional photo or video editing.

8.6
Picture Quality
SDR Color Volume
sRGB in ICtCp
93.5%
Adobe RGB in ICtCp
77.7%

s.RGB Picture Mode: User
Adobe RGB Picture Mode: User

Great SDR color volume. It is mainly limited by the native contrast, as it can't produce deep, dark colors very well. Like many monitors, it can't produce very bright blues, but overall it fills out its gamut well in most luminance levels.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
No
DCI P3 xy
N/A
Rec. 2020 xy
N/A

HDR is not supported on this monitor.

0
Picture Quality
HDR Color Volume
DCI-P3 in ICtCp
N/A
Rec. 2020 in ICtCp
N/A

HDR is not supported on this monitor.

10
Picture Quality
Image Retention
IR after 0 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 2 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 4 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 6 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 8 min recovery
0.00%
IR after 10 min recovery
0.00%

There are no signs of temporary image retention, even immediately after displaying our high-contrast static test image for 10 minutes.

7.9
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
8 Bit

The Acer XF251Q bmiirx has very good gradient reproduction. There is some noticeable banding in darker colors, but this shouldn't be very noticeable under most viewing conditions.

10
Picture Quality
Color Bleed
Pixel row error
0.000%
Pixel column error
0.000%

Perfect color control, as there is no measurable color bleed.

7.5
Picture Quality
Reflections

Very good reflection handling. There should be no issues using this monitor in a bright room.

Motion
9.4
Motion
Motion Blur
80% Response Time
2.9 ms
100% Response Time
12.2 ms
Best Overdrive Setting
Normal

Over Drive Off
Over Drive Off Motion Photo
Over Drive Normal
Over Drive Normal Motion Photo
Over Drive Extreme
Over Drive Extreme Motion Photo

The XF251Q has an excellent fast response time, but there is significant overshoot with any Over Drive setting. This causes some noticeable haloing around moving objects, as seen in the above motion photos.

When connected to a FreeSync compatible device, like a PC with an AMD graphics card or an Xbox One S/X, the Over Drive option is locked to 'Normal'. On our test PC it was impossible to change the setting even with FreeSync disabled. On the Xbox On S/X however, disabling FreeSync allowed us to change the Over Drive setting.

7.5
Motion
Image Flicker
Flicker-free Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
0 Hz
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
N/A
BFI Maximum Frequency
N/A
BFI Minimum Frequency
N/A

The Acer XF251Q bmiirx is completely flicker-free, as it directly dims the backlight without using PWM. Unfortunately, it does not have an optional black frame insertion feature to reduce persistence blur.

8.2
Motion
Refresh Rate
Variable Refresh Rate
FreeSync
Native Refresh Rate
75 Hz
Factory Overclock
N/A
Variable Refresh Rate
FreeSync
G-SYNC Compatible
No
VRR Maximum
75 Hz
VRR Minimum
40 Hz
VRR Maximum With OC
N/A
VRR Supported Connectors HDMI

The Acer XF251Q has a 75 Hz native refresh rate, which while better than a 60 Hz monitor, might not be fast enough for more serious gamers. It supports FreeSync VRR, but has a limited range, and no LFC as the VRR minimum is too close to the native refresh rate. This means that in more intense scenes, there may be tearing if the frame rate drops below 40 fps

Update 01/15/2019: Unfortunately, the XF251Q is not compatible with NVIDIA's new FreeSync drivers, as it does not have a DisplayPort connection.

Inputs
9.2
Inputs
Input Lag
Native Resolution
7.1 ms
Non-Native Res @ Native Refresh
N/A
Native Resolution @ 60 Hz
8.8 ms
Variable Refresh Rate
7.4 ms
10 bit HDR
N/A
Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
N/A

Excellent low input lag, even with the refresh rate set to 60 Hz. Non-native resolutions are not properly supported, as they are always upscaled to 1080p without you knowing, and there is no option to disable upscaling.

7.2
Inputs
Resolution and Size
Native Resolution 1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Megapixels 2.1 MP
Pixel Density 90 PPI
Screen Diagonal 24.5"
Screen Area 257 in²

The Acer XF251Q has a 24.5" screen and a 1080p resolution, good for casual use, but many users may find this too small for more serious work.

Inputs
Inputs
Inputs
Total Inputs
DisplayPort No
Mini DisplayPort No
HDMI 2 (HDMI 1.4)
DVI No
VGA 1
DisplayPort Out No
USB No
USB C No
Analog Audio Out 3.5mm 1
Microphone In 3.5mm 1
Digital Optical Audio Out No
Analog Audio Out RCA No
Power Supply Internal

There are two HDMI inputs and a VGA port, but no DisplayPort or DVI. There is a 3.5mm analog audio out port, it is a headphone port with adjustable volume on the monitor's on screen display.

Features
Features
Additional Features
Speakers
Yes
HDR10 No
Multiple input display
No

There are a few additional additional features on the XF251Q. It has built-in speakers, but does not support HDR.

  • Game Modes: There are three preset configurations for Action, Racing, and Sports, and a fourth setting that can be customized to your liking.
  • Aim Point: There are three selectable cross-hairs that can be added, good for FPS games that don't have one.

Features
On-Screen Display (OSD)
Features
Controls
Features
In The Box

  • User Guide
  • Audio cable
  • VGA Cable
  • Power Cable
  • HDMI Cable
  • Headphone Bracket