In this review, we dive deep into the ASUS VG34VQL3A, a 34-inch ultrawide curved monitor that promises an immersive gaming experience with its 165 Hz refresh rate, 1 ms response time, and FreeSync Premium support.
Disclosure: ASUS provided the TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A for this review. The brand did not request any specific commentary about the product.
Table of Contents
Technical Specifications
The ASUS VG34VQL3A is a 34-inch curved gaming monitor featuring a 3440 x 1440 (UWQHD) resolution. It has a fast 165 Hz refresh rate – overclockable to 180 Hz, a 1 ms response time (MPRT), and supports FreeSync Premium for smooth gameplay. The 1500R curvature enhances immersion, while its VA panel should be able to deliver vibrant colors and deep contrast with a probable trade-off when it comes to viewing angles.
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Panel Size | 34 inch |
| Panel | VA |
| Backlight | LED |
| Surface Treatment | Non-Glare |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 (21:9) |
| Pixel Density | 109.68 ppi |
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz (180 Hz max) |
| VRR Support | Adaptive-Sync (FreeSync Premium) |
| Brightness | 400 cd/m2 |
| HDR Support | DisplayHDR 400 |
| Contrast Ratio | 4000:1 |
| Response Time | 1 ms (GtG) |
| Color Coverage | 125% sRGB |
| Color Depth | 8-bit + FCR |
| Connectivity | |
| Display | 2x HDMI (2.0), 2x DisplayPort (1.4) |
| USB | 3x USB Type-A (3.2 Gen 2), USB Type-B (Hub) |
| Audio | 3.5 mm (Headphone-out), 2x 2 W Speakers |
| Ergonomics | |
| Mount Support | VESA (100 x 100 mm), Tripod Socket (1/4″) |
| Pivot | N/A |
| Swivel | -10°/+10° |
| Tilt | -5°/+20° |
| Lift | 0-80 mm |
| Anti-strain | Low Blue Light, Flicker-Free |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 808 mm |
| Width | 111 mm |
| Height | 364 mm |
| Weight | 5.8 kg (w/o stand) |
Packaging and Accessories
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A comes in a huge box, housing its parts and accessories in a two part styrene packaging.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A monitor
- DisplayPort cable
- HDMI cable
- Power cord
- Quick start guide
- USB Type-B to A cable
- Warranty Card
Modest amount of items are bundled with the VG34VQL3A to get you started.
Design, Build and Connectivity
The TUF VG34VQL3A is a modern looking gaming monitor sprinkled with the TUF Gaming DNA here and there. It is wide at 34 inches (diagonally), and has an ergonomic tripod stand to keep the 5.8 kilogram panel unit safe and secure.
The tripod stand features a standard female 1/4″ thread adapter, which can be used to attach lights, clamps, and other compatible accessories. Unfortunately, the VG34VQL3A does not include a male to male 1/4″ thread adapter, which may be more practical for certain users.
The OSD navigation features a chin-mounted joystick, two buttons, and a non-glaring status LED. These quality of life enhancements are much appreciated.
In terms of inputs and outputs, the monitor offers 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.0 ports, a Type-B port to connect the 3x Type-A ports for the USB 3.2 Gen 2 Hub. A 3.5 mm audio-out is also provided if you find the actually decent 2x 2 W speakers lacking.
While we cannot please both internal and external power adapter camps, I am glad that ASUS went with an IEC cable for power delivery.
Two of the said USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports are located at the back next to the Type-B port. Another one is located at the right side of the monitor which is most likely what you would use for your mouse or keyboard. Funny enough, there seems to be an accessory mounting port similar to Dell’s optional monitor soundbars.
Ergonomics
The TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A is a 34 inch wide (diagonally) monitor, offering a native resolution of 3440 x 1440 and an aspect ratio of 21:9. These figures translates to a pixel density of 109.68 ppi which is fairly decent for its size. With a VA panel, expect the VG34VQL3A to offer middling viewing angles when viewed at its extremities. However, one cannot deny its gaming and productivity potential with its wide aspect ratio along with a comfortable 1500R curvature.
The VG34VQL3A’s VA panel is coated in an anti-gloss material and as far as ergonomics are concerned, you are only missing a pivot mechanism. While the stand is limited to a small degree of tilt and height adjustment, I appreciate that the rear leg is short enough to put the monitor next to the wall. This setup provides a comfortable distance between the monitor and its user on a 60 cm deep desk. Now the inclusion of a 1/4″ mount is excellent, as you may add any compatible gears – in my case, it is a notebook, freeing up valuable desk space for additional items.
OSD Menu
The OSD consists of seven primary menus, featuring up to three layers or sub-menus based on the complexity of the selected settings. It also functions as the status display for the VG34VQL3A, indicating its current resolution, refresh rate, and preset mode, among others. The Gaming menu is where you may overclock the display to 180 Hz, tweak the Variable OverDrive, and select the preset along with other gaming-centric settings.
The Image menu allows you to tweak the preset’s (GameVisual) detailed settings, including brightness, contrast, and HDR when activated. Please note that some settings might be unavailable depending on the chosen preset, such as when using sRGB mode.
Software
If you prefer not to tinker with the joystick, you can download the ASUS DisplayWidget to adjust your OSD settings. It doesn’t require a USB cable to function and serves as an excellent alternative within a desktop environment. Additionally, it offers more adjustable settings such as MultiScreen, the ability to assign hotkeys to different settings, and application-specific configurations.
OSD Presets
The VG34VQL3A features seven GameVisual presets, with Racing mode (default) being the chosen preset for calibration.
| Spyder5 ELITE | OSD Settings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Settings | Brightness (cd/m²) | Black Level (%) | Contrast (:) | White Point (K) |
| Scenery | 317.9 | 0.22 | 1470:1 | 8100 |
| Racing | 196.5 | 0.16 | 1230:1 | 7500 |
| Cinema | 219.5 | 0.20 | 1090:1 | 12100 |
| RTS/RPG | 292.8 | 0.20 | 1450:1 | 8000 |
| FPS | 292.6 | 0.20 | 1450:1 | 8000 |
| sRGB Cal | 98.3 | 0.09 | 1080:1 | 7500 |
| MOBA | 293.1 | 0.20 | 1440:1 | 8100 |
OSD settings are as follows:
- Preset = Racing
- Brightness = 48 (120 cd/m²)
- Contrast = 80
- Color Temperature = N/A
- Gamma = Shadow Boost Off
- Color Space = N/A
Send an email if you wish to test our own color profile. Alternatively, you may download ASUS’ own at the VG34VQL3A’s support page with sRGB mode enabled.
Gamut
The VG34VQL3A offers good color coverage across the available range of spaces tested.
| Spyder5 ELITE | Gamut, Percent (%) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Color Space | sRGB | AdobeRGB | DCI-P3 | NTSC |
| Measured | 100 | 90 | 97 | 94 |
Tone Response
Regarding gamma levels, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A does not provide a direct setting for adjustment. Instead, it features Shadow Boost with four settings. The ‘Off’ setting is nearest to the standard 2.2 gamma with a 2.1 output, while Levels 1 and 3 align with the targets, though with less smooth curves. Level 2 is positioned between Levels 1 and 3, offering a gamma value of 1.9.
Brightness and Contrast
The SDR brightness peaks at 330.1 cd/m², which is lower than the expected rating. On the other hand, the contrast ratio exceeds 1000:1, which is likely even higher as I could easily tell by eye.
| Spyder5 ELITE | Brightness and Contrast, SDR | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Settings | Brightness (cd/m²) | Black Level (%) | Contrast (:) | White Point (K) |
| 0% | 5.7 | 0.00 | 5740:1 | 6400 |
| 25% | 30.4 | 0.09 | 330:1 | 6400 |
| 50% | 87.5 | 0.14 | 630:1 | 6300 |
| 75% | 191.7 | 0.18 | 1050:1 | 6100 |
| 100% | 330.1 | 0.23 | 1460:1 | 7000 |
HDR mode is essentially a checkbox. This monitor does not provide local dimming, or it simply doesn’t have a sufficient number of zones – or any at all. If you plan to consume HDR content, the VG34VQL3A will not cut it.
Screen Uniformity
The color uniformity of the VG34VQL3A is outstanding in its category, achieving an average Delta-E of less than 1.05.
On the other hand, luminance uniformity could see some improvement, as the lower portion of the panel exhibits two-digit deviations. This may amplify the VA panel’s inherently average viewing angles, so it’s crucial to adjust or look at the gaming monitor properly.
Color Accuracy
The color accuracy is outstanding, with an average ΔE of 0.78. The darker shades of brown (5C) and gray (6C) are the least accurate performers but these are even acceptable.
Response Time
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A is outfitted with Variable OverDrive, intended to complement adaptive sync. However, it essentially functions as the traditional overdrive when the monitor is used without v-sync. It offers five levels of adjustment, and after evaluating each, I’ve determined that level 3 is optimal, yielding an average score of 86.72 from OSRTT at 180 Hz. The performance at 165 Hz is nearly the same, with a score of 86.32 on average.
Input Lag
The VG34VQL3A has an average display lag of 3.167 ms at 165 Hz refresh rate. This goes even lower at 2.655 ms when the display is overclocked to 180 Hz.
Power
At a luminance of 120 cd/m², the power consumption of the VG34VQL3A was recorded at approximately 27.81 watts, which is quite efficient for its size. To add, the power consumption rises steadily from 0% to 100% brightness level.
Final Thoughts
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A emerges as a highly versatile, ultrawide gaming monitor that caters to both casual and competitive gamers, as well as productivity enthusiasts. With a 34-inch, 3440×1440 VA panel, it offers an expansive field of view with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a gentle 1500R curvature, enhancing immersion for both gaming and multimedia use.
Connectivity options on the VG34VQL3A are robust, offering dual DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 inputs, along with a Type-B port connecting to three USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports. This thoughtful array of ports supports a variety of peripherals and further enhances the monitor’s usability for multi-device setups.
Navigating the on-screen display (OSD) is a breeze, thanks to the chin-mounted joystick and dual buttons that provide tactile feedback for menu selections. For gamers who prefer an even more streamlined experience, the ASUS DisplayWidget software serves as an alternative.
In terms of performance, the VG34VQL3A excels with strong color accuracy and coverage across tested color spaces. The panel’s tone response, while lacking a direct adjustment, has four levels that approximate standard gamma curves with slight deviations. HDR performance, however, falls short of standards due to the lack of local dimming, limiting the monitor’s potential for true HDR content consumption. SDR brightness on the other hand peaks around 330 cd/m², slightly below the expected range but very much acceptable for most environments.
The VG34VQL3A’s response times and input lag performance solidifies its standing among ultrawide gaming monitors, with a measured display lag averaging 3.167 ms at its base refresh rate and a reduced 2.655 ms when overclocked.
Finally, in terms of power efficiency, the VG34VQL3A is quite economical, drawing approximately 27.81 watts at a comfortable 120 cd/m² brightness, with power consumption scaling proportionally with brightness settings. This efficiency is a valuable trait in larger, high-performance monitors.
To wrap things up, the ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A is a strong contender in the ultrawide monitor space, offering an appealing blend of high refresh rate, color accuracy, and thoughtful ergonomic features. While its HDR capabilities and VA panel viewing angles present some limitations, its outstanding performance make it a versatile choice for both immersive gaming and productivity at $369 USD. Locally though, this curved gaming monitor retails for about ₱29,995 which is a fair reason to reduce its overall mark in our review.
ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A Monitor $369
Product Name: TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A
Product Description: The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A is a 34-inch ultra-wide, curved gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution and a fast 180 Hz refresh rate. It offers immersive visuals and smooth performance ideal for gaming and multitasking.
Brand: ASUS
Summary
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG34VQL3A offers a comprehensive set of features for immersive gaming and productivity, along with strong performance metrics, albeit at the cost of proper HDR support.
Pros
- 165 Hz, overclockable to 180 Hz, with 1 ms response time
- Good color uniformity and accurate colors for gaming and multimedia.
- Minimal lag for responsive gaming, especially when overclocked
- Multiple DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB options
- Includes a 1/4″ thread adapter for compatible peripherals
- Chin-mounted joystick for easy navigation and ASUS DisplayWidget support
Cons
- Lacks effective HDR features
- VA panel has restricted viewing angles at extremes
- Brightness inconsistency, especially at the screen’s lower portion
- A bit more expensive locally (PH)
So, this monitor seems considerably dimmer than its predecessor, the VG34VQL1B. But in both cases, they are dimmer than advertised. Are the measured HDR brightness levels ‘peak brightness’ levels?
Hi Geoff, yes these are the peak brightness levels at each window sizes tested.
hello, I read your review to make a comparison between this monitor and Optix MPG341CQR 34. One thing that is very important to me is backlight bleeding. The pricture I saw for Optix MPG341CQR 34 was really impressive. How does this monitor compare to that Leo . Thank you for the reviews BTW
Hi! If memory serves me right, the VG34VQL3A should be better in terms of bleeding – barely noticeable even considering the luminance uniformity test at 120 cd/m2. Must be because it is a better binned VA panel and the fact that it had such a good coating.
Thank you Leo!
Hi. Can you email me the color profile you used in this review for the asus tuf 34? Thanks.