Displays are plentiful now, with many companies producing some of the most advanced hardware. Despite all the advancements in the sector, I was excited to try a more budget-friendly option with the new Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 Monitor. While the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 lacks some features and options, it makes up for it with a stellar price point, a curved design, and a quality display that can keep up during the most gruelling dungeon runs.
First, the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 is incredibly easy to assemble out of the box. The monitor, power cable, 178-degree swivel stand, and DisplayPort 2.4 cable come with the initial setup, and everything is highly user-friendly (though there is an instruction manual included). The display is impressive, with 27 inches of screen space and a WLED backlight to enhance the 1920×1080 resolution that the Legion offers.
When sitting on a counter (or even a coffee table) the Lenovo Legion can provide a user with unparalleled swivel viewing from any angle in the room. I was able to adjust the screen to nearly any viewpoint, and while hoisted on the stand mount, moving and placing the device is simpler than ever. The curved presentation is also a boon in the cap of any FPS player, on occasion looking left and right at the curves of the screen would reveal enemies not found in a traditional flat-panelled monitor.
“The lightning-fast 240Hz (280Hz max with overclocking) refresh rate is also no slouch when it comes to MMOs.”
The curved display even helped crowd control during Dragon Age: The Veilguard gameplay on harder difficulties in particularly chaotic battles, and maintaining battlefield position in Chivarly II was simpler than using a massive TV-mounted display where details weren’t as illuminated as on the Legion. The lightning-fast 240Hz (280Hz max with overclocking) refresh rate is also no slouch when it comes to MMOs, and firing up a load-heavy Path of Exile dungeon run is handled expertly by the display without choppy frame rates.
These features are elevated further when the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 utilizes its 0.5ms moving picture response time (MPRT), which hastens the display’s response time to a point faster than I could detect, making unintentional blur in-game an afterthought. A Helldivers 2 run with motion blur turned all the way off didn’t trip the Legion monitor up, which is more than I could say about my old TV.
The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 notably lacks an included HDMI cable for players who primarily use a console (this is easily addressed, as every console comes packaged with its own HDMI cable). Another drawback is that users must manually adjust settings and features using the buttons on the back of the monitor, as the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 lacks remote control access and does not support remote access through another device.
“The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 stands out as an outstanding budget monitor.”
A problem I encountered with the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 is the tinny sound from the onboard speaker system. While the monitor does include a 3.5-mm audio jack so users can connect via AUX, the built-in speakers deliver sound comparable to early 2000s Nextel walkie-talkies, without the chirp. For those in the market for a new monitor, this one requires a good headset or external speakers, as the provided sound system is poor. The monitor is also missing Bluetooth functionality, so gamers will need to use a wired connection if plugging directly into the monitor for audio.
Compared to other industry titans with OLED technology built into the display, the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 falls short. While OLED monitors have built-in smart support (like the latest Samsung OLED) and stunning screen detail, consumers would have to spend nearly five times the price of the Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 to get one. In comparison, the Lenovo Legion achieves what it sets out to do: make games look great without breaking the bank. I would argue that it excels in both aspects remarkably.
The Lenovo Legion R27fc-30 stands out as an outstanding budget monitor. Where other companies focus on delivering pricey OLED displays or extensive built-in features, Lenovo brings it back to basics with the Legion R27fc-30. The adaptable stand and easy mobility assure users they will stay comfortable while enjoying an attractive display. Consumers should note they will need external audio to get the most out of the Lenovo Legion (whether a headset or speaker system), as the onboard speaker system will be a challenge to overcome.
