Acer Nitro GA271U P: The 27‑inch Smart Monitor That Wins on Value, Not Just Pixels

A Smart Monitor That Doesn’t Break the Bank

When the price of a 27‑inch smart display drops to $299, the first instinct is to wonder if the bargain comes at the expense of quality. Acer’s Nitro GA271U P says otherwise. With a matte IPS panel, 2560 × 1440 resolution, and a variable 180 Hz refresh rate that supports both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G‑Sync, it sits comfortably between high‑end gaming monitors and entry‑level TVs.

Source: ZDNET, “Should you invest in a smart monitor in 2025? This Acer makes that decision easy for me” – Kyle Kucharski

Design & Ergonomics

The Nitro’s V‑shaped legs give it a gaming‑centric look, yet the stand is fully adjustable: tilt, swivel, and height can be fine‑tuned to keep the screen at eye level. The build feels solid, and the matte finish reduces glare in bright office environments.

Performance: Gaming Meets Everyday Use

• Refresh Rate: 180 Hz over DisplayPort, 144 Hz over HDMI. Perfect for competitive titles.
• Resolution: QHD (WQHD) is a sweet spot—sharp enough for productivity, less demanding than 4K.
• Brightness: 250 nits. Not a TV‑class brightness, but adequate for typical indoor lighting.

The monitor’s only performance hiccup appears when a laptop connected via HDMI is put to sleep. The screen repeatedly flashes “Can’t connect to HDMI” before finally going dark, forcing users to physically disconnect the cable. Switching to DisplayPort or Bluetooth peripherals sidesteps this glitch.

Smart Features: Work, Play, and Everything In Between

Acer bundles Microsoft Office apps (Word, Outlook) directly onto the monitor, letting you draft emails or spreadsheets without a laptop in sight. The built‑in streaming apps (Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube) turn the screen into a mini‑TV, while screen mirroring works smoothly across Android and iOS devices.

The Multiview mode is a highlight: split the screen into up to four panes, each running a different app. For a student juggling code, notes, and a video lecture, this can be a game‑changer.

Audio: The “Tinny” Shortcoming

Dual 5‑W speakers are a modest addition, sounding comparable to a laptop’s built‑in audio. They’re loud enough for casual use but lack depth, especially for voice‑only content. Pairing the monitor with an external speaker or soundbar dramatically improves the experience.

Connectivity Overview

Pros & Cons

Pros
- Affordable entry to 27‑inch smart displays
- High refresh rate and QHD resolution
- Versatile smart apps and Multiview
- Fully adjustable stand

Cons
- Speakers lack depth and clarity
- HDMI sleep‑mode glitch
- 250 nits brightness limits outdoor use

Bottom Line

Acer’s Nitro GA271U P proves that a smart monitor can deliver on both performance and price. For students, freelancers, or anyone with a cramped desk, the ability to switch between a laptop, Office apps, and streaming services without buying a separate TV is a major win. If you’re willing to pair it with an external speaker and avoid the HDMI sleep‑mode quirk, the Nitro offers a compelling, budget‑friendly alternative to pricier competitors like Samsung’s Q60T or LG’s UltraGear series.

Affiliate Disclosure: The article contains affiliate links that may earn the publisher a commission at no extra cost to the reader. This does not influence editorial content.

Source: ZDNET – Kyle Kucharski, "Should you invest in a smart monitor in 2025? This Acer makes that decision easy for me", 17 Nov 2025.