The Sony INZONE 27” M3 monitor offers a really good option for gamers as it’s packed with features to provide a smooth visual experience for both PC and PS5. I have both the M3 and the M9 monitors, so I’ll mention some differences in case you are looking between the two models.
Packaging and Contents
The packaging is very standard for a typical computer monitor; outer cardboard box with styrofoam inner packaging.
Contents include the 27” gaming monitor, power cord (2-pieces), tilt stand, base wings, 2 screws, plastic clip, set-up guide, operating instructions, INZONE sticker, and some other paperwork. This monitor came with a display port cord.
Be careful when unpacking the monitor box. The 2 screws and clip are very small and would be easy to drop/misplace.
Assembly depends on if you plan to use a wall mount or a desktop setup. I chose the desktop setup which uses all of the pieces. The tilt arm bracket simply slides into the back of the monitor and clicks into place. To attach the base wings to the tilt arm you will use the two screws (so you will need a small phillips head screwdriver). The plastic clip just snaps into place.
General Specifications
Screen Size: 27”
Refresh Rate: up to 240Hz for Display Port or HDMI
Maximum Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
HDR Format: VESA Certified Display HDR 400
Panel Type: IPS
Display Type: LED
Edge Lit Backlight Technology
Synchronization Technology: Adaptive-Sync (VESA DP), G-SYNC by NVIDIA compatible
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Has Integrated Speakers
Ports and Connections
Headphone Jack
USB Type A: 3 (downstream)
USB Type B: 1 (upstream)
HDMI 2.1 Inputs: 2
Display Port USB Type C: 1 (upstream)
Display Port (Version 1.4): 1
Webcam: None
Appearance
This monitor is made for both PC and PS5, and it looks like it. The entire INZONE line has a cohesive appearance. The stand and back side are mostly white and there are elements of black that match the aesthetic of the PS5.
Wire management is built into the tilt arm so that you can run the wires within the arm minimizing their appearance at your desktop.
The backside of the M3 monitor does not have the backlighting feature. The M9 monitor (model above the M3) has backlighting where the color can be changed using the INZONE Hub for personal customization. The M3 monitor has the same exact appearance as the M9, but surprisingly does not have the backlight option.
Display / Picture Quality
The screen has a good picture. It maxes out at 1920 x 1080, so you are getting Full HD. The M9 offers 4K and is a much better picture in my opinion. The video while gaming had an enjoyable smooth movement. It didn’t have any lag. The M3 has a 240Hz refresh rate which is the sole feature that bests the M9. The M9 tops out at 144Hz using display port.
Brightness – The M3 has VESA Certified Display HDR 400, so you get 400 nits of brightness. It’s good, but the M9 has VESA Certified Display HDR 600 gaining 200 nits more than the M3. Overall, the image is clear.
LED Backlighting – The M3 uses an Edge Lit LED lighting technology which is standard. In contrast the M9 uses a Full Array Local Dimming which aids in contrast to help control the darker aspects.
IPS, NVIDIA G-Sync, and Variable Refresh Rate help to control ghosting and blur, match variable frame rates, and eliminate screen tearing and shuttering. Video streams are smooth and clear. They have a great amount of detail, but it would be better in 4K. Games are smooth and sharp with no visible ghosting or blur.
Picture quality is why we are buying the product, and I have to say that the overall picture is good for the M3, but the M9 is noticeably better. The refresh rate is better on the M3.
Disappointments
Speakers – Don’t purchase this monitor expecting to use it for audio. The speakers are terrible.
Limited movement of monitor – The stand has a pretty wide base, so you need to be aware if using it as a desktop display. The monitor does not swivel, which I find surprising. The tilt arm does provide for a limited amount of tilt.
Power Cord – I have two issues with the power cord. 1) The total length of the power cord seems short. 2) The transformer box is gigantic. I don’t know why this needed to be so big.
Wire Management – The wire management system is limited to how much it can hold, so it’s better to limit the number of wires running through and to use thinner wires if possible.
Plastic Clip – The plastic clip seems odd to me. If you use the wire management system it places the wires at the bottom of the stand. To utilize the plastic clip, you bring the wires back up and they dangle off the back. It reminds me of a pony tail.
Awkward to plug in new wires – Plugging in wires is a little awkward once the monitor is setup. The HDMI ports are directly behind the stand so it seems a little in the way. This is a minor detail as the plugs are fairly typical. I would have just preferred them to not be so close to the arm.
Conclusion
Overall, the Sony M3 monitor is really solid. It’s has a crazy refresh rate and a good picture. For me, the 4K resolution is more important than the refresh rate, so I prefer the M9 between the two. There are some things that I have mentioned that could be improved. It really bothers me that Sony did not spring to add the rear lighting feature because the monitor casing is designed for it. The monitor seems to function as described in the product description, so I am giving this a 4 star rating.