Lenovo Legion Y27q-20  Monitor Review

Reviewed Nov 24, 2020 at 10:42am
Retest Dec 09, 2020 at 12:22pm
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
Lenovo Legion Y27q-20

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Multimedia 
0.0
Media Creation 
0.0
HDR Gaming 

Track

 1

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is an impressive gaming monitor that delivers incredibly smooth and responsive gameplay. It has an exceptionally quick response time and a 165Hz refresh rate, resulting in almost no motion blur in fast-moving scenes. Its input lag is low, and it has both FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility to minimize screen tearing. It has an IPS panel with wide viewing angles but a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look grayish in the dark. It has good ergonomics and allows you to adjust the screen to your ideal viewing position easily. It handles reflections well and gets bright enough to fight glare, so visibility shouldn't be an issue in most viewing conditions. However, it doesn't get quite bright enough to deliver a good HDR experience. On the upside, its color accuracy is remarkable out of the box, and it has an exceptional SDR color gamut with full sRGB coverage.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is a great monitor overall. It has a large screen and high resolution that allow you work comfortably. It has good ergonomics and wide viewing angles, making it ideal for sharing content or playing co-op games. It has full coverage of the sRGB color space and exceptional accuracy out-of-the-box, but blacks can look grayish due to its low contrast ratio. Its low input lag and high refresh rate make gaming feel incredibly responsive, and it supports variable refresh rate technology to reduce screen tearing.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Great resolution and size.
  • Good reflection handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Poor black uniformity.
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Office 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is great for office use. The stand allows for a good amount of ergonomic adjustments, so you can easily place the screen at your optimal viewing position. It has a large screen so that you can work with multiple windows opened side-by-side, and its high resolution results in sharp images and text. It has a low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity, which can be distracting if you work in a dark room, but it shouldn't be an issue in well-lit environments. Its IPS panel has wide viewing angles, great for sharing your work with colleagues.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Great resolution and size.
  • Good reflection handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
Gaming 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is an impressive gaming monitor. It delivers an immersive gaming experience thanks to its large screen and high resolution, and its wide viewing angles make it great for co-op gaming. It has a high refresh rate and exceptional response time, resulting in smooth and clear motion in fast-moving scenes. Unfortunately, it isn't the best choice for gaming in the dark, as it has a low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity.

Pros
  • Exceptional response time.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • VRR support.
  • Great resolution and size.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
Multimedia 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is good for media consumption. It has a large screen and high resolution to deliver an immersive viewing experience. It has good ergonomics and wide viewing angles, great for sharing content on your screen with others. It handles reflections well and gets bright enough to overcome glare in most viewing conditions. Unfortunately, it isn't ideal for dark rooms due to its low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Great resolution and size.
  • Good reflection handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
Media Creation 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is great for media creation. It has a high resolution and a large 27 inch screen, allowing you to work comfortably with multiple windows opened side-by-side. It has full coverage of the sRGB color space, and its exceptional out-of-the-box accuracy means you might not have to calibrate it to get accurate color reproduction. Unfortunately, the contrast ratio is low and black uniformity is sub-par, so blacks appear grayish.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Great resolution and size.
  • Good reflection handling.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
HDR Gaming 

The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is decent for gaming in HDR. It delivers a smooth gaming experience due to its low input lag, high refresh rate, and quick response time. However, it has a low contrast ratio and poor black uniformity, making it less ideal for gaming in the dark. Also, it lacks local dimming and doesn't get bright enough to make highlights pop in HDR content.

Pros
  • Exceptional response time.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • VRR support.
  • Great resolution and size.
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio.
  • Doesn't get very bright in HDR.
  • No local dimming.
  • Poor black uniformity.
  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Dec 09, 2020: We've retested the HDMI input and changed the version from 1.4 to 2.0.
    2.  Updated Nov 24, 2020: Review published.
    3.  Updated Nov 18, 2020: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Nov 03, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.

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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 27 inch Lenovo Legion Y27q-20, and it's the only size available. There's a variant called the Lenovo Legion Y27gq-20 with native G-SYNC support, but we haven't tested it. There are other monitors in Lenovo's Legion lineup, some of which you can see in the table below.

    Model Size Panel Type Resolution Refresh Rate VRR
    Legion Y27q-20 27" IPS 2560 x 1440 165Hz FreeSync
    Legion Y27gq-20 27" TN 2560 x 1440 165Hz G-SYNC
    Legion Y25-25 24.5" IPS 1920 x 1080 240Hz G-SYNC
    Legion Y44w-10 43.4" IPS 3840 x 1200 144Hz FreeSync

    Our unit of the Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 was manufactured in June 2020; you can see the label here.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 is a great gaming monitor that delivers an incredibly smooth and responsive gaming experience. However, its lack of a Black Frame Insertion feature might be disappointing for some, and there are better and cheaper options, such as the ASUS TUF VG27AQ. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best 1440p 144Hz monitors, and the best 27 inch monitors.

    ASUS TUF VG27AQ

    Track

    Overall, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ is marginally better than the Lenovo Legion Y27q-20. The ASUS has better ergonomics and a Black Frame Insertion feature. The Lenovo has faster response time, better gradient handling, and significantly better color accuracy out of the box.

    Dell S2721DGF

    Track

    The Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 and the Dell S2721DGF are very similar overall. The Dell has better ergonomics, better reflection handling, and higher peak brightness in both SDR and HDR. However, the Lenovo has significantly better color accuracy out of the box.

    LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B

    Track

    Overall, the Lenovo Y27q-20 is a bit better than the LG 27GL850-B/27GL83A-B. The Lenovo has a slightly higher refresh rate, better ergonomics, and better color accuracy out of the box. However, the LG gets a little brighter in SDR and HDR, and it has better response time when running at 60Hz.

    Gigabyte AORUS FI27Q

    Track

    Although the Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 and the Gigabyte AORUS FI27Q score similarly overall, there are a few differences between them. The Lenovo has better out-of-the-box color accuracy, better reflection handling, and faster response time with less overshoot. On the other hand, the Gigabyte has a Black Frame Insertion feature to improve motion clarity, and it gets brighter in SDR and HDR.

    Show more 
    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    SizeLocked27"
    CurvedLockedLocked
    Curve RadiusLockedLocked
    Weight (without stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Weight (with stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    Stand
    Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Switch Portrait/LandscapeLockedLocked
    Swivel RangeLockedLocked
    Tilt RangeLockedLocked

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    Borders
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Thickness (with stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (without stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast With Local Dimming
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
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    Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    HDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Right
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    Lenovo Legion Y27q-20 Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Above
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB xy
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedLock%
    Rec. 2020 xy
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR After 0 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 2 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 4 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 6 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 8 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 10 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

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    0.0
    Color Bleed
    Pixel Row Error
    LockedLock%
    Pixel Column Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    LockedIPS
    Sub-Pixel Layout
    LockedLocked

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    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-FreeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    BFI Maximum Frequency
    LockedN/A
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedFreeSync
    Native
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked165 Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    10 Bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native ResolutionLocked2560 x 1440
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

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    Inputs
    Total Inputs
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPortLockedLocked
    HDMILockedLocked
    DVILockedLocked
    VGALockedLocked
    DisplayPort OutLockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    USB CLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Microphone In 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Power SupplyLockedLocked

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    Features
    Additional Features
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    HDR10LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked

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    On-Screen Display (OSD)
    Controls

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    In The Box

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