In line with the characteristics of IPS panels, the HP monitor provides expansive viewing angles, reaching up to 178 degrees for both vertical and horizontal perspectives. This ensures that colors stay accurate and free from distortion or posterization, even when viewed from extreme angles to the side or above. Our informal testing confirmed this observation for off-center viewing.

The Z27k G3 boasts a sleek, durable aluminum frame, with dimensions of 21.9 by 24.1 by 8.1 inches (HWD). The display is framed by slim black bezels, complemented by an additional thin border on all sides. The stand offers a wide range of ergonomic adjustments, allowing you to raise the monitor by up to 5.9 inches and tilt the panel up to 5 degrees forward or up to 20 degrees backward. Additionally, you can swivel the screen up to 45 degrees in either direction and switch it from landscape to portrait mode with ease.

The Z27k G3 can be easily mounted on a wall or movable arm due to its square array of holes spaced 100mm apart, along with a VESA mounting bracket provided in the package. While VESA-mount compatibility is common, it is worth noting that this monitor stands out as one of the few in its class that comes with the necessary mounting hardware.

If you wish to install the Z27k G3 on a wall or movable arm, it features a square array of holes spaced 100mm apart, in addition to a VESA mounting bracket included in the packaging. Although VESA-mount compatibility is standard, this monitor is unique in that it comes with the essential mounting hardware required.

The onscreen display (OSD) menus of the monitor can be easily navigated using a compact joystick controller situated at the back. This controller proves to be more user-friendly compared to the button-based navigation system commonly found on various business monitors, such as the Philips Brilliance 279P1.

Abundance of Connections.

The Z27k G3 is equipped with a variety of ports. These consist of an HDMI port, a DisplayPort-in, a DisplayPort-out connector, and an upstream USB-C port. The upstream port is capable of supporting DisplayPort over USB alternate mode, along with USB power delivery (PD) of up to an impressive 100 watts for compatible HP laptops. (For non-HP models, PD is limited to a respectable 65 watts.)

Additionally, the Z27k G3 comes equipped with an RJ-45 Ethernet jack that supports Gigabit Ethernet, allowing internet connectivity for laptops without their own Ethernet port when connected to one of the monitor’s USB-C ports. This feature can be particularly beneficial in areas with limited or no Wi-Fi access. The monitor also offers various network manageability functions such as PXE Boot, LAN/WLAN switching, Wake-on-LAN (WoL), and MAC address pass-through (MAPT). PXE Boot enables computers to boot directly from the network, LAN/WLAN switching deactivates the laptop’s Wi-Fi connection when connected to a LAN, WoL allows remote awakening of a computer from a low-power state, and MAPT permits laptops to bypass the monitor/dock’s MAC address for unique network identification using their own MAC address. It is important to note that these functions require the connected PC to be in a wake or sleep state, not powered off.

There are a total of four USB 3.2 downstream ports available, with two of them capable of delivering up to 7.5 watts of power to charge smartphones or other compact devices. Although the ports are positioned downwards at the back, they can be conveniently accessed by simply adjusting the monitor into portrait mode.

The Z27k G3 by HP, although not explicitly marketed as such, falls under the category of USB hub, USB-C hub, or docking-station monitors. These monitors feature an upstream USB-C port for charging or powering a laptop while displaying content, along with a hub of downstream USB 3 ports, an Ethernet jack, DisplayPort, and HDMI connectors. Essentially, they can function as a laptop docking station while also serving as a monitor. Other examples include the Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2722DE), the Philips 279P1, the Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB (an Editors’ Choice winner), and HP’s E24d G4 FHD Advanced Docking Monitor.

HP supports the Z27k G3 with a standard three-year warranty, similar to the E24d and common among premium productivity monitors. Dell offers a three-year warranty for the U2722DE, whereas Philips goes a step further by providing a four-year standard warranty for both the 279P1 and 272P7VUBNB.

Evaluating the Z27k G3: Exceptional Color and Contrast, Reliable Brightness.

I evaluated the brightness, contrast ratio, and color accuracy of the Z27k G3 by utilizing our standard testing tools: a Klein K-10A colorimeter, a Murideo SIX-G signal generator, and Portrait Displays’ CalMAN 5 calibration software. The graphs presented in this section were produced using CalMAN.

The Z27k G3 by HP is rated at a luminance of 350 nits (candelas per square meter), and during our testing, it achieved a very close result of 338 nits. Furthermore, it surpassed its rated contrast ratio of 1,000:1 by achieving a score of 1,333:1.

HP states that the Z27k G3 monitor achieves a coverage of up to 99% of the sRGB color gamut, which is essential for web-based art and various other applications. However, during my evaluation, I found that it actually covers the entire 100% of this color space, as indicated in the chromaticity or color-coverage chart provided below. Additionally, the panel is rated to cover 85% of the DCI-P3 color space, commonly used in digital video. Nevertheless, our test sample performed slightly better, achieving a coverage of 88.2% in our testing. (For more information on our monitor testing methodology, please refer to the relevant section.)

HP claims that the Z27k G3 has a Delta E of less than 2, indicating good color accuracy in the sRGB color space. Delta E, or dE, measures the difference between the displayed color’s hue and the color input received by the monitor. The dE value listed in monitor specifications is an average of numerous individual color readings, with lower values indicating higher color accuracy. Many professional monitors boast a dE of less than 2 in different color spaces. The Z27k G3 surpasses this standard for sRGB, achieving an average dE of 1.65.

In addition, I conducted my customary impromptu testing, which involved examining a variety of movie clips and photographs from our test collection. The colors in the films were vibrant, and the contrast was commendable in both well-lit and dimly lit scenes. Moreover, the colors in the photographs appeared precise and vibrant.

The productivity panels are currently facing a challenging audience.

The Z27k G3 is well-suited for handling photo and graphic processing for the web due to its 4K resolution, full sRGB coverage, and high color accuracy. Its extensive connectivity options and ergonomic features further enhance its appeal. However, competing manufacturers are also offering productivity displays with similar specifications.

The Philips 279P1, which shares similar features with the HP Z27k G3, has been awarded as our latest Editors’ Choice for productivity monitors. It is priced approximately. lower and comes with an additional year of warranty coverage. Both models are relatively new in the market and are often out of stock due to high demand caused by the pandemic. While the Z27k G3 offers a more user-friendly OSD navigation joystick, the Philips monitor relies on a less convenient button-based control system. Although the difference in control systems may not be a decisive factor considering the price gap, the HP Z27k G3 is still a reliable alternative, especially if you manage to find it at a discounted price.

Upon further testing of the HP Z27k G3, we have discovered that our initial review was based on a pre-production model. HP has provided us with the full commercial version for reevaluation, resulting in some notable changes. As a result, we have decided to increase the rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. The commercial unit displayed a significant increase in brightness, measuring at 338 nits compared to the previous 235 nits. Additionally, it performed better in DCI-P3 color testing, covering 88.2% of the color space as opposed to the initial 80.3%.