Color Gamut Explained: Do You Need 100% AdobeRGB in 2026?

In the realm of digital design, understanding sRGB and AdobeRGB is vital. sRGB is the standard color space for web content, ensuring consistent color display across different devices. Monitors like the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV, with 100% sRGB coverage, are perfect for web designers aiming for color consistency. In contrast, AdobeRGB encompasses a wider color spectrum, crucial for print media where color precision is paramount. Although none of the listed monitors support full AdobeRGB, the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE's 98% DCI-P3 coverage offers a broad gamut suitable for both video editing and near-print quality work. Choosing between these depends on your primary output medium: digital or print.

Delta E is a metric that quantifies the difference between two colors. A Delta E of less than 2 indicates that the color difference is imperceptible to the human eye, making it an essential factor for professional editing. The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV is factory calibrated with a Delta E < 2, ensuring exceptional color accuracy right out of the box, which is crucial for photographers and graphic designers. This level of precision is vital when working on projects where color fidelity is non-negotiable. While the Dell UltraSharp also offers factory calibration, its focus on DCI-P3 is more aligned with video editing requirements.

Calibration is essential to maintain consistent and accurate color reproduction. Hardware calibration involves adjusting the monitor's internal settings, often resulting in more precise color accuracy. This is typically found in high-end monitors designed for professional use. In contrast, software calibration adjusts colors through the computer's graphic card settings, which can be less accurate. Monitors like the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV come factory-calibrated, offering reliable color accuracy without the need for additional calibration tools. For users who require ongoing precision, investing in a monitor that supports hardware calibration is advisable.

A 10-bit color depth allows a monitor to display over a billion colors, providing smoother gradients and more realistic images, essential for professional photo and video editing. The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE and LG 27GR93U-B both support 10-bit color depth (via 8-bit + FRC), making them suitable for demanding visual work. This capability is crucial for editors working with HDR content, where subtle nuances in color are critical. In comparison, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV offers an 8-bit color depth, which is adequate for most web content but may fall short for high-end print or video work.