The Acer Predator Z57 is a beast. If you can actually lift the thing onto your desk, then you’ll benefit from a huge DUHD resolution that is ideal for gaming. The fact that it’s the equivalent of two 4K monitors will please creatives who crave productivity but you’ll have to be happy with seeing your work distorted by the curve.
For
A curved beast
Good quality 4K image
USB-C input and power delivery
Against
Expensive
Very heavy
Will be too big for most desks
Why you can trust Creative Bloq
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The last curved monitor that I tested was the Innocn 49Q1R. I described it as the “mother of all curved monitors”. As much as I hate to retract my words, I might need to take that statement back. Having now had my hands on the Acer Predator Z57, I can semi-confidently say that I have now actually witnessed the true mother of all curved monitors; that is, until next time someone releases a bigger and better beast.
This is unashamedly a gaming monitor that has delivered what most gamers will need while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in resolution. It’s quite hard to believe but this monitor packs a whopping 7680 X 2160 pixels. Wowsers. That’s the equivalent of having two 4K monitors side by side.
I’m not a huge fan of curved monitors for creative work but we’ll see whether it has any redeeming qualities that make it a competitor as one of the best monitors for graphic artists or video editors.
I know I keep going on about it but the Predator Z57 is just absolutely massive. To state how heavy this thing is, I struggled to lift it out of the box on my own. You’ll want an extra person around just to make sure it doesn’t topple and smash when you’re getting it over to your desk. While we’re talking about the eventual location, please make sure you have a desk that is big enough to house it. I didn’t, which meant I had to create a bespoke workspace just to test the thing.
Constructing the stand and connecting it to the monitor was incredibly straightforward, although there are two bolts on the base rather than the standard one that is more common on most monitors. It’s also compatible with a VESA mount if you’d prefer to wall mount this thing. Just be sure to check your wall is up to it before drilling any holes.
The stand itself contains a set of RGB lights which can be customised using the on-screen display (OSD). It also boasts a reasonable level of height, swivel, and tilt adjustments, although I found that anything other than a standard positioning made it difficult to work with.
There’s a good array of connection options at the rear, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C. You’ll therefore have no problems connecting your PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. Additionally, there are a set of dual 10W speakers but these are nothing to write home about.
Design and build score: 4/5
Features
(Image credit: Future)
1000R curvature and panoramic 32:9 aspect ratio
120 Hz refresh rate
VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and DCI-P3 98%
A 1000R curvature and a panoramic 32:9 aspect ratio draw you into the action in a way that no flat screen monitor can. The website says it ‘cocoons you’ and I would 100% agree. Its size, curvature, and resolution envelop you and leave you with nowhere to go but into the game.
A 120 Hz is nowhere near the fastest we’ve seen from recent monitors but it’s more than enough for most gamers. 2304-zone MiniLED local dimming delivers an impressive range all the way through, from the darkest shadow to the brightest highlight.
The monitor is also equipped with VESA DisplayHDR 1000 and DCI-P3 98%, which means it’s more than capable of bringing games to life. Photographers and colour graders will require more but most won’t notice.
Features score: 4/5
Performance
(Image credit: Future)
Super-bright
Fantastic colour coverage
Amazing contrast
The Predator Z57 is one seriously high-performing monitor, especially considering it’s a VA panel. Straight out of the box, you’re getting an amazing level of brightness. Acer claims it achieves 1,000 nits and rises to 1,411 in HDR mode. That’s an impressive level of brightness that was borne out in my testing. To sum up, it goes much brighter than you could ever want it to.
In terms of colours, there are better alternatives, but the Predator is right up there competing for the top spot. Coverage includes 100% across the sRGB colour space. No surprises there. Larger gamut coverage is 97% of DCI-P3 and 93% of AdobeRGB. It’s not perfect but it’s more than enough for most gamers and creatives.
The contrast is also top-level thanks to the local dimming zones. The range from shadows to highlights guarantees a vibrant, punchy image that is a pleasure to look at. If you care about properly true blacks, then you’re better off with an OLED, but the Predator isn’t far off.
In terms of how it performs for a creative, I’d just like to make a few comments. With a resolution of 7680 X 2160 pixels, you’re getting a stunning amount of screen real estate to work with. I loved having multiple windows all open at the same time and when I worked on a video timeline, I had plenty of room to put a seemingly endless number of panels. But, and it’s a pretty big but, the 1000R screen curvature is pretty intense and it leads to the work you're viewing being pretty heavily distorted. I love seeing my work in a flat projection but this monitor doesn’t deliver that.
Performance score: 4.5/5
Price
The Predator Z57 attracts a seriously high price of £2,199.95 / $1,999. You’re paying for the size rather than the features. If you’re looking for a curved monitor that’s a little more affordable, then we’d highly recommend the Innocn 49Q1R.
(Image credit: Future)
Scorecard
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Design and build
It’s big and heavy but the DUHD resolution is to die for.
4/5
Features
A curvature to die for and good coverage of shadows and highlights.
4/5
Performance
It’s bright, vibrant, and looks fantastic across the entire panel.
4.5/5
Who's it for?
Gamers, gamers, gamers
The Predator Z57 is a dedicated gaming monitor that might appeal to a certain niche group of creatives. Gamers will love the 120Hz refresh rate and immersive experience as well as the sharpness to die for. Creatives might be drawn to the resolution for productivity purposes but only if they’re happy with the curved distortion.
Buy it if
You’re a serious gamer
You want a super-sized creative monitor
You prefer one monitor rather than two
Don't buy it if
You have limited desk space
You need the truest colour replication
You’re not a fan of curved monitors
The Verdict
8
out of 10
Acer Predator Z57
The Acer Predator Z57 is a beast. If you can actually lift the thing onto your desk, then you’ll benefit from a huge DUHD resolution that is ideal for gaming. The fact that it’s the equivalent of two 4K monitors will please creatives who crave productivity but you’ll have to be happy with seeing your work distorted by the curve.
Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. With a particular love of all things visual, including photography, videography, and 3D visualisation Paul is never far from a camera or other piece of tech that gets his creative juices going. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
