There is no shortage of 27-inch gaming monitors to choose from. This size strikes a balance between screen area and desktop footprint. But who would turn down a 32-inch panel when it comes to the best gaming monitors? No one I can think of. It requires a bit more room, but if you have it, it’s a screen size that lets you keep multiple apps open and edit documents side by side. It’s also a great window for the detailed graphical worlds found in today’s most popular games.

Larger screens always cost more than smaller ones, or do they? Following my recent review of AOC’s U27G4XM, a 27-inch 4K Mini LED panel that sells for $350, I have the U32G4. It also uses a 4K panel with a dual-refresh operation that toggles between 4K/160 Hz and FHD 320 Hz. It forgoes the Mini LED for an edge array, but in doing so, it actually costs less while being larger, 32 inches diagonal. It also has Adaptive-Sync, wide gamut color, and HDR. Let’s take a look.

AOC U32G4 Specs

The U32G4 starts with an IPS panel that’s both fast and full of contrast. I measured around 1,100:1, which is a little higher than average for the category. Keep in mind that an OLED with similar specs will cost you close to $1,000, so this AOC is a terrific bargain. Speed comes from a 160 Hz refresh rate and a decent overdrive. You also get backlight strobing that can be used in concert with Adaptive-Sync. That’s something usually reserved for high-end gaming screens. The dual-mode feature doubles the Hertz to 320 and sets the resolution to FHD (1920x1080). That’s a bit soft for such a large screen, but it nearly eliminates motion blur.

There’s plenty of color and brightness here with 480 nits available for SDR content. Contrast is solid with respectable black levels that are a little lower than the average IPS panel. No Quantum Dots are used, but color coverage is measured at 90% of DCI-P3. HDR10 content is supported, with a VESA DisplayHDR 400 rating. And three HDR emulation modes work to increase the dynamic range of SDR material.

Gamers get a nice set of extras, including aiming points with a dynamic option, sniper modes, and a frame counter. There are no LED lights, USB ports, or internal speakers. But you do get a precise four-level overdrive and the backlight strobe, which can be used along with Adaptive-Sync. That’s a boon for those who want to stay at 4K resolution but don’t have a fast enough video card to run at 160 fps. Of course, the 320 Hz/FHD option is just a button click away.

If you’re willing to give up the U27G4XM’s Mini LED backlight, the U32G4 represents a phenomenal value. $320 for a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor? That’s a deal well worth checking out.

Assembly and Accessories

The U32G4 ships in crumbly foam packaging, with the base, upright, and panel requiring toolless assembly. Once done, it’s a reasonably solid piece with a wide stance and good stability. The power supply is internal, so you get an IEC cord plus DisplayPort and HDMI cables.

Product 360

The U32G4’s styling is simple and elegant, with the panel’s shape formed from triangles in the back. A bright red trim ring encircles the fulcrum in the back and the words “AOC Gaming” appear as well. The cooling vents are hidden inside the gap you see at the top.

The screen has an 8 mm-wide flush bezel with a 20mm strip across the bottom. Under the right corner are four OSD control keys and a power toggle. A tiny status LED glows orange in standby and white when the power is on. The screen’s anti-glare layer keeps ambient light from spoiling the image while being clear and grain-free.

The stand is secure and tight in operation. It includes a red-trimmed cable hole that’s turned to the side, so it doesn’t show from the front. Ergonomics include a 5/23-degree tilt, 20-degree swivel, and a 5-inch height adjustment. You also get a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are firm and smooth with little to no play. Though relatively lightweight, the U32G4 is a solid piece of gear.

There isn’t much happening on the I/O panel, except for a DisplayPort 1.4 port and two HDMI 2.1 ports. There are no internal speakers, but you can plug headphones into the 3.5mm jack. There are no USB ports or LED lighting. If you prefer to use a monitor arm, a 100mm VESA mount is provided with fasteners included.

OSD Features

To summon the U32G4’s OSD, press the right-most control key. Don’t press the power toggle by mistake, as I did several times. The menu is convenient and concise, and divided into seven sections.

The Game Setting menu starts with the dual mode feature, which includes 4K 120 Hz, 160 Hz, and FHD 320 Hz modes. The quicker way to switch is to press the second button, which pops up a quick menu and changes modes in a few seconds. You’ll need to visit the Nvidia or AMD control panel once to set each mode, then you can toggle back and forth at will.

There are also game modes in addition to the Eco picture modes. That makes for many possible combinations, so I suggest sticking with Standard/Standard for all content. It’s the closest to spec and calibrates to a high standard. This menu also offers shadow control for low-end gamma, a color saturation slider, a dial point (the aiming point, static or dynamic), and three sniper magnifications. The second screen has MBR and MBR Sync, which is the blur-reducing backlight strobe. Sync means you can use it along with Adaptive-Sync. There is a little phasing, but it is effective at keeping blur at bay when frame rates drop below 120fps. You can also turn on a frame rate indicator. The overdrive has four levels, of which Faster strikes the best balance between ghosting and blur reduction at 160fps.

The Picture menu contains the eight main picture modes. Standard works the best, and I used it for all testing and gameplay. You can adjust the color temp with fixed modes and a set of RGB sliders. There are five gamma presets, color management and three gamut options. Panel Native covers around 90% of DCI-P3 and is suitable for all SDR and HDR content. The sRGB mode is accurate enough to qualify for color-critical applications.

There are three HDR emulation modes that extend the perceived dynamic range of SDR content. When HDR10 signals are present, a fourth mode appears, Display HDR. It is the best choice for its accurate grayscale, EOTF, and color tracking.

The only other peripheral feature I noted here was PIP and PBP. You can view two sources at once and the PIP window can be moved and sized. You can swap the windows and select which one plays audio through the DisplayPort or HDMI inputs.

AOC U32G4 Calibration Settings

The U32G4 looked a tad warm to my eyes, and initial measurements showed it was a little short on blue in grayscale patterns. It can be used without calibration, but a few tweaks to the RGB sliders removed all visible errors. Gamma runs a shade dark on the 2.2 setting. Changing it to 2.0 was too much; it washed out the image. I noted that the sRGB mode had no calibration options, but it tracked grayscale and color with reasonable accuracy, though it showed a few gamma quirks. I’ll tell you more about that on page four. HDR signals have four modes available, with Display being the best choice. They cannot be calibrated. Below are my recommended SDR settings. Please enjoy.

Gaming and Hands-on

Right out of the gate, I could see how quick the U32G4 was. Even at a “mere” 160 Hz, it delivered smooth motion thanks to its precise and artifact-free overdrive. It’s one of the better implementations I’ve seen, especially at this price point. I used the Faster setting (third of four) and was rewarded with no perceivable motion blur. I was able to stay at 160fps thanks to a GeForce RTX 4090.

I tried the backlight strobe and found it effective at lower frame rates. I capped the action at 120 Hz and still had a smooth experience. It keeps Adaptive-Sync on, which is something I’m rarely able to do. There aren’t many monitors at any price that have that ability. If you have a slower video card, you can still enjoy 4K resolution at lower frame rates.

The dual-mode switch worked without issue once I set it up in the Nvidia control panel. You can toggle it in the OSD or press the second control key for a quick menu that does it faster. Running FHD on a 32-inch monitor is soft at best, but there’s no denying the benefit of 320fps. The U32G4 is quick at 160 Hz and super-quick at 320 Hz. This is also a good way to enjoy high frame rates from a budget gaming PC.

There are no Quantum Dots here, so I missed a little green saturation. But otherwise, the U32G4 is very colorful. DCI-P3 coverage is around 90%, so there is plenty of color for SDR content. The sRGB gamut option is useful when a smaller color space is needed, but I noticed slight gamma issues. Shadow areas were a bit light, and some highlights were muted. You can see why in the tests on page four.

For workday tasks, I stuck with Panel Native and a few tweaks to the RGB sliders to remove all grayscale errors. Gamma is a shade dark, but there is no loss of detail. Set the brightness slider to 200 nits, and you’ll enjoy a vivid and pleasing image.

4K at 32 inches has plenty of pixel density at 139ppi. That’s fine enough to hide the dot structure unless you sit inches from the screen. Text is smoothly rendered without visible jaggies. Graphics look realistic with photos being particularly enjoyable. That might have something to do with the large format. 32 inches is my go-to and it’s the size of my reference screen. It’s perfect for writing where I need to keep extra windows open to refer to charts and data. Spreadsheets can be viewed with much less scrolling, and webpages display more of their content too. Photoshop lets you see the picture and keep lots of toolbars at hand.

Takeaway: For $320, it’s hard to imagine a better 4K gaming monitor than the U32G4. It’s fast, bright, and colorful. It doesn’t have USB ports or internal speakers, but it does have all the goods for high-performance gaming with low input lag, smooth motion resolution, and accurate color. It’s equally adept at productivity with lots of screen area for documents and large, clear text. If you have the desktop space for something bigger, a 32-inch monitor is a great option.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

For all tests except panel response, I’ll be comparing the U32G4 to a group of 27-inch 4K screens. My database doesn’t have any current 32-inchers except for BenQ’s PD3226G. The other displays are AOC’s U27G4XM, ViewSonic’s VX2730D-4K, Titan Army’s P2712V, and Gigabyte’s GS27U.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The response test group consists of the last five LCD panels I’ve tested, so their sizes and resolutions vary. It’s interesting to note that refresh rate doesn’t always mean faster screen draw. That is a function of the overdrive. When I test, I set it to where there are no ghosting artifacts. This is usually not the fastest setting. In the U32G4’s case, doubling the refresh rate adds a scant 0.16ms to the score. This is an imperceptible amount. The overdrive is effective, but the first three panels will be a touch smoother at the indicated refresh rates. Remember that an OLED panel is about ten times quicker with draw times around 0.25ms.

In the lag test, the U32G4 takes the win at 320 Hz with a 13.4ms score. This puts it on par with many premium gaming monitors. At 160 Hz, it manages to outdo three monitors with higher refresh rates. For the price, this kind of performance is hard to beat.

Test Takeaway: The U32G4 is one of the faster gaming monitors I’ve tested. It’s worth pairing with a video card powerful enough to run at 160 Hz at 4K resolution, as it offers excellent overdrive and very low input lag. To get smoother processing, you’ll need an OLED, which will cost you around three times as much. This is impressive performance to say the least.

Viewing Angles

The green tint seen in the U32G4’s 45-degree side photo shows its IPS origin. But it isn’t the most tint I’ve seen. And there is no change to gamma or brightness, which is a major plus. This is a very shareable monitor. The top view has a red cast with reduced gamma and luminance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

I noticed a Uniformity picture mode, which indeed improves uniformity but at the cost of peak brightness and contrast. No matter, because my U32G4 sample scored an excellent 6.58% in its Standard mode. There are no visible issues here in any test pattern or content. This is excellent performance.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The U32G4 is fairly bright for its size. Most 32-inch screens do well to hit 400 nits unless they have Mini LED backlights. At 480, the U32G4 is nearly as bright as its 27-inch Mini LED stablemate, the U27G4XM. If you use a 32-inch monitor at 480 nits, you will tire quickly unless your room is sunlit, or you’re outside, say in a location shoot tent. The black level is respectable for an IPS monitor, so you get 1,154.9:1 contrast, which is a tad above average. Only the ViewSonic boasts more dynamic range.

After Calibration to 200 nits

After calibration, the U32G4’s black level goes up to second place behind the overachieving VX2730D-4K, and contrast stays consistent at 1,147.4:1. ANSI contrast is also very consistent at 1,088.4:1, keeping it ahead of all but the ViewSonic in this group of tests. This is excellent performance.

Test Takeaway: You won’t mistake the U32G4 for an OLED or VA monitor, but among IPS screens, the most common tech, it stands out with solid contrast and good black levels. It also has high brightness, which is an asset for outdoor use or if you have a very sunny office like me.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The U32G4 is on the edge of needing calibration. I expect most users will be satisfied with the image as it comes out of the box. If you do tweak, stick to the Standard/Standard mode which allows access to RGB sliders, gamma presets and color gamut options.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

In the first chart, you can see that the U32G4 is a tad warm in tone, but the errors are close to the 3dE threshold. Brightness levels below 50% have no visible issues. This is solid performance for the money. Gamma runs a tad dark with rising values in the 60-90% range. This is a small error that won’t adversely affect real-world content. Some highlights may look muted, but problems will be hard to spot.

Calibration tightens up grayscale tracking by bringing all errors below 2dE. You won’t see anything but perfectly neutral tones here. Gamma is a shade lighter too, which is a subtle but positive change. Considering that the U32G4 is a 32-inch 4K monitor for $320, I can’t complain.

The sRGB mode has similar grayscale tracking, but gamma is a bit askew. The dip at 10% means dark areas will be too light. As the values rise, it mutes highlight areas, especially in the 80-90% brightness region. The U32G4 can be considered qualified for critical applications, but some compensation for the gamma error should be made.

Comparisons

In the default comparison, the U32G4 sits right on the edge of “needs calibration.” I would say it does, but I’m pickier than most. It’s an occupational hazard. I doubt too many gamers would complain. But if you tweak, at least with my recommended settings, you’ll make visible gains in image quality. Not only are the neutral tones more neutral, but the gamma is also a tad lighter, which gives the picture more verve.

Though gamma is a shade dark, its tight range of values mitigates the visual impact of any inaccuracy. The range is small at 0.12 while the deviation is 3.64%. That equates to an actual value of 2.28, not too far from 2.2. This is excellent performance for a budget gaming monitor.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The default color chart shows excellent tuning on AOC’s part, with only slight hue errors in magenta and cyan. Green comes up a tad short of full coverage thanks to the lack of Quantum Dots. The inner points hit their marks, but you only get around 85% of the green primary. This is typical of non-QD LCD panels.

Calibration corrects secondary hue errors without changing any saturation points. The improvement is subtle but visible. This is excellent performance.

The sRGB chart adheres well to the standard despite the gamma errors I noted earlier. This is why you can use the U32G4 for critical work. Gamma issues can be compensated for using a software profile if you wish.

Comparisons

This is a solid group of color-accurate monitors, with the U32G4 in fourth place. If you lined them all up, you’d see very little difference except for the top three, which cover more of the green primary. From a precision perspective, the U32G4 holds its own with more expensive displays. DCI-P3 coverage comes up a little short of 90%, but for the price, there is nothing to complain about. sRGB coverage is ideal at 99.32%.

Test Takeaway: The U32G4 is very accurate out of the box when price is considered. You’re getting a 32-inch 4K display for $320. That alone is enough. With calibration, it delivers solid accuracy with its only weakness being green primary coverage when referenced to DCI-P3. The sRGB mode has excellent gamut accuracy and only needs improvement to its gamma tracking. Overall, the U32G4’s color performance is more than good enough to satisfy users looking to save a bit of money on a large screen.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The U32G4 supports HDR10 content with an automatic switch and four specific picture modes. It can also mimic HDR’s dynamic range with three emulation modes for SDR signals.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

I was surprised to see that the U32G4’s HDR peak was a little lower than its SDR number. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does narrow the gap between SDR and HDR in terms of impact. I also noted that there was no dynamic contrast in play. There is no edge-zone or field dimming, and the DCR option in the picture menu is grayed out. This means there is no difference in black levels or contrast between SDR and HDR. In both modes, you get around 1,100:1. The U32G4 supports HDR but doesn’t embrace it. This is also true of the ViewSonic, Titan Army, and Gigabyte displays. If you want high-impact HDR from an LCD, go for a Mini LED screen like the U27G4XM.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

In the HDR grayscale test, there is a slightly warm tone, but the error is barely visible in content. That’s a good thing because there are no adjustments available. The highest errors just crack 4dE, not bad for a budget display. The EOTF tracks very closely to the reference with a little lightness around 40-50% brightness and an elevated black level seen at the 0-5% part of the chart. The tone map transition at 65% is correct for the measured black and white thresholds.

The color test shows a little oversaturation, but no more than any other HDR monitor I’ve tested. This is a typical approach taken by most displays that gives HDR more punch. It’s effective in the U32G4’s case with no cause for complaint. Hue tracking is on point. The DCI-P3 chart is a tad short on green; also typical for non-Quantum Dot screens. In the BT.2020 test, the U32G4 runs out of color at 85% red, 70% green and 90% blue.

Test Takeaway: The U32G4 is a color-accurate HDR monitor but not a particularly bright or impactful one. It has no dynamic contrast available to extend that range but that isn’t unusual at this price point. The standard is supported with accurate color and luminance tracking, but HDR doesn’t look significantly different from SDR.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Now that 4K monitors are becoming available at truly attractive prices, the array of choices is vast. But it seems they’re mostly concentrated in the 27-inch category, if my review database is any indication. I doubt there are users who would choose a 27 over a 32 unless they just don’t have the room. 32 inches used to be a significant price jump, but no more. The AOC U32G4 is $320, and for that sum, you get a lot.

Its IPS panel has slightly higher than average contrast at around 1,100:1. Color is accurate with no real need for calibration, but you can tweak it for a small improvement. It’s bright at over 480 nits peak though HDR is a little less vivid at around 450 nits. And it doesn’t offer dynamic dimming so the quality difference between SDR and HDR is small. In all scenarios though, it is very colorful. You don’t get Quantum Dots, but you do get 90% coverage of DCI-P3.

Video processing is on par with many premium screens thanks to a precise overdrive and extremely low input lag. The U32G4 also lets you run backlight strobing with Adaptive-Sync, a feature that very few monitors offer. And the dual-mode feature works without issue if you want to race around at 320fps in FHD resolution.

If you only have a small monitor budget but want a large screen, the AOC U32G4 is pretty much a no-brainer. It’s fast, bright, and colorful, and games with the best monitors I’ve reviewed. It’s versatile too, with dual-refresh and MBR Sync. For $320, it has no real competition. Budget-conscious gaming PC owners should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

In the enthusiast market, the most shopped-for monitor category is, without a doubt, 4K, specifically in the 27- and 32-inch sizes. The density of 3840x2160 pixels in these two screen formats is, put simply, where you stop seeing the dots. This makes anything look better, be it graphics, photos, documents, videos, or games. And once you’ve experienced it, you can’t go back to QHD or FHD.

The hurdle to resolution nirvana used to be price, but today there are plenty of 4K monitors available for less than $500. But for gamers, the question of frame rates remains. Yes, you can buy a fast 4K monitor, but how much will you have to spend on an equally fast video card? Moving 8.3 million pixels at 200fps is expensive. Luckily, there is a solution – the dual-mode display.

This is a fairly new trend where you get one of the best 4K gaming monitors that can switch to FHD and double its refresh rate with the push of a button. I’ve already reviewed a number of them, and here's AOC’s latest entry, the U27G4XM. It’s a 27-inch IPS screen with 160 Hz, 320 Hz in FHD, Adaptive-Sync, a full-array local-dimming Mini LED backlight with 1,152 zones, wide-gamut color, and DisplayHDR 1000. Let’s take a look.

AOC U27G4XM Specs

The U27G4XM maximizes the nit-to-dollar ratio with a full-array Mini LED IPS panel that has 1,152 local dimming zones. There are three different settings that reduce the black level to increase contrast. This gets the monitor closer to the broad contrast delivered by an OLED at a lower cost, and with higher brightness. DisplayHDR 1000 means a 25% window pattern will exceed 1,000 nits peak, and the U27G4XM achieves this with over 1,100 nits measured from my review sample. Black levels can go all the way down to the backlight being turned off (unmeasurable), but with local dimming on medium, I saw just over 13,000:1.

There’s plenty of color saturation that covers a measured 109% of the DCI-P3 gamut, and that’s without the benefit of Quantum Dots. The U27G4XM is reasonably accurate out of the box, but a quick calibration takes it to reference-level. And there’s a spot-on sRGB mode that’s suitable for color-critical tasks.

The dual-mode feature is a one-button affair that switches between 4K/160 Hz and FHD/320 Hz. It’s great for systems without a high-end video card. To run 160 fps at a game’s max detail level in 4K will require a GeForce RTX 4090. But you can run 320 fps in FHD with a cheaper GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super. So, what you save on the video card will buy you the U27G4XM with a few bucks left over for a nice mouse and keyboard.

At this writing, that price is $350, which gets you terrific performance and a bright, colorful image. It also includes aiming points, sniper modes, and a frame counter. There are plenty of image modes and HDR support, with four presets for HDR10 content. You even get side USB ports, which I haven’t seen in a long time. The only things missing are LED lights and internal speakers. But you get a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside the HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, all of which support Display Stream Compression (DSC). On paper, the U27G4XM is an impressive package. Let’s see how it performs.

Assembly and Accessories

The U27G4XM comes in fully recyclable packaging, with molded pulp that protects the contents. The panel, upright, and base assemble without tools into a lightweight setup that fits easily on the average desktop. The accessory bundle includes IEC for the internal power supply, plus nice HDMI and DisplayPort cables.

Product 360

The U27G4XM goes for a chiseled look with flat, angular surfaces making up the back of the panel and an all-screen configuration in the front. Bits of red trim outline the stand’s fulcrum and the offset cable hole in the upright. This is unique in that it’s turned to the side, so you don’t see through it if you’re not using it. The base is cast aluminum with a wide stance and solid construction. The panel snaps on, and though the fulcrum looks large, it’s a little wobbly. It’s perfectly secure, but there is some play when you tilt or rotate the screen. Ergonomics include a 5/23-degree tilt, 20-degree swivel, a 90-degree portrait mode, and a 5.3-inch height range. If you want to use an arm, there’s a 100mm VESA mount with fasteners included.

The front bezel is thin and flush with just a small AOC logo at the bottom. The OSD is controlled by buttons rather than a joystick, a move that probably helped drop the price a tad. A tiny LED indicates power status with a soft glow. The anti-glare layer has a 3H hardness and is free of visible grain.

The input panel is up and under and features two HDMI 2.1 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 hookup. All ports have DSC and work at full resolution and refresh. There are two USBs here, too, an upstream and a downstream. Three more downstreams grace the right side for easy access. This is a rarity nowadays, and I’m glad to see a nod to convenience from a budget display. There are no internal speakers, but you get a 3.5mm jack for headphones.

OSD Features

The U27G4XM’s OSD is controlled by a row of buttons, which, by modern standards, is a little old-school. But you get one-button access to the refresh mode switch, which is nice.

The dual-resolution feature is up first in the U27G4XM’s Game Setting menu. The easier way to do it is with the second control key, which pops up a little selector. The switch takes a few seconds once you’ve set it up in Nvidia or AMD’s control panel. Also, there are seven picture modes, Standard is the default and best. You also get shadow control to brighten up dark parts of the image, general color saturation, aiming points, sniper modes, a five-level overdrive and a frame counter.

The Picture menu has eight more image modes, which is a bit confusing since you can theoretically combine them with the Game modes for hundreds of combinations. I recommend sticking with Standard/Standard for all content. There are three gamma presets plus fixed color temps and RGB sliders. HDR gets four modes, three of which can be used as emulators for SDR content. HDR10 signals add a mode called Display HDR, which is fairly accurate for color and luminance tracking. Local Dimming gets three levels of aggressiveness. Each further lowers the black level while leaving peak brightness unchanged. Strong turns off the backlight completely under zero signal conditions. You can also choose the sRGB color space here. This mode is very accurate and can be used for critical applications. The U27G4XM also has a PIP/PBP feature for the viewing of two sources at once. The PIP window can be sized and moved.

AOC U27G4XM Calibration Settings

The U27G4XM can be used without calibration in its Standard picture mode. You can use local dimming for SDR and HDR content if you like. The medium setting increases the contrast ratio to around 13,000:1 for HDR and 1,600:1 for SDR content. I improved grayscale tracking to reference level with a few tweaks to the RGB sliders. I also noted that the sRGB mode is spot-on out of the box if you need the smaller gamut. The native color space covers just over 109% of DCI-P3. Local dimming does not change peak brightness, only black levels, so the brightness values below work in all dimming modes.

Gaming and Hands-on

After spending time with the U27G4XM playing games and getting through some work, I found that I only had two minor complaints. The stand, while secure, has a wobbly fulcrum where the panel attaches. This isn’t a big deal except when operating the OSD, which ties into my second nitpick. I am so spoiled by joysticks that on the rare occasion I get control buttons, I am sad. I realize that this is a budget monitor and at that vocation it excels. But pressing the arrow keys while the panel jiggles about is annoying.

These things aside, the U27G4XM is close to flawless. I’ve noticed that budget 4K screens have been getting quicker with each new model I review. This is the fastest one I’ve seen to date with extremely low input lag and smooth panel response from an excellent overdrive. Though 4K tops out at a mere 160fps, it is free of blur or phasing artifacts. In-game movement is precise with instantaneous reaction to control inputs. It seems counterintuitive to pair a $350 monitor with a $1,600 video card, but the U27G4XM qualifies as a competitor’s tool. It’s a frag master for sure.

The dual-refresh feature was seamless in operation once I set it up in the Nvidia Control Panel. I had to set the options for UHD and FHD just once, 160 and 320 Hz, respectively, then it worked every time. I noted that each mode retained its HDR status, on or off. So, if I was in HDR/160 Hz and switched to 320 Hz, it wouldn’t stay in HDR mode if I hadn’t set it that way previously; no complaint, but just to make you aware. Fortunately, I was fine with running at 160 fps in 4K, so I had no real need for 320 Hz. If you have a slower video card, though, it’s a great alternative to backlight strobing, which usually brings phasing artifacts.

The image is gorgeous in both SDR and HDR. The native color gamut covers over 109% of DCI-P3, so there were always vivid hues to enjoy. When I needed the correct color space for SDR, I could reach for the very accurate sRGB option. The U27G4XM is qualified for color-critical apps.

Work tasks were accomplished with a clear and bright picture that made small fonts and graphical details easy to see. I could sit as close as I liked thanks to the U27G4XM’s 163ppi pixel density. The local dimming worked well on its medium setting. It didn’t increase the peak output, which was nice because then there was no need to change the brightness setting. Rather, it lowered the black level, so contrast was increased with no clipping of detail.

Other things of note were the U27G4XM’s USB ports, three of which are on the right side of the panel. Many budget screens forgo USB ports entirely so to find them here at all is a bonus. I also made use of the gaming aids, aiming point, sniper mode and frame counter. The only thing missing is internal speakers. I had to use headphones to hear game sounds.

Takeaway: The U27G4XM is a superlative value. For $350, you get 4K, 160 Hz, dual-refresh flexibility and a bright, colorful picture. It’s accurate out of the box and calibrates to a high standard. Video processing is top-notch with smooth response and super low input lag. Aside from the OSD buttons and the stand wobble, I have no complaints.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To compare the U27G4XM’s performance, I’ve rounded up dual- and single-refresh 4K 27-inch monitors. The dual models are Titan Army’s P2712V, Acer’s XB273K V5, and ViewSonic’s VX2730D-4K. Single-mode displays include TCL’s 27R94 and Gigabyte’s GS27U.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The monitors in the response time chart are different because it’s unfair to compare LCDs and OLEDs in this test. OLED’s black-to-white transition is much faster, which is why they are smoother at lower refresh rates. On planet LCD, the XB273U F5, a G-Sync Pulsar monitor, shares the speed crown with the ViewSonic VX2730D-4K in its 288 Hz FHD mode. The U27G4XM is a bit behind at 3.58 and 3.74 ms, respectively. Doubling the refresh rate does not halve the response time. This is with the overdrive set to medium, which is the smoothest option that doesn’t have ghosting artifacts.

In the lag test, the U27G4XM takes the win at 320 Hz with a 14ms average of 25 mouse clicks. At 160 Hz, it’s 16.5ms, which is faster than nearly every other screen, including two that are running at 320Hz. So, if you can run in 4K, you’ll have one of the quickest examples available.

Test Takeaway: The U27G4XM has an average panel response for a gaming LCD with an overdrive that removes most motion blur. It’s one of the quickest in my lag test with 14ms at 320 Hz and 16.5ms at 160 Hz. That puts it above all the other 27-inch 4K LCDs I’ve tested except for the ViewSonic VX2730D-4K at 288 Hz. It is certainly the quickest 4K monitor you can buy for $350.

Viewing Angles

The U27G4XM’s off-axis image quality is a little better than most of the IPS panels I’ve photographed. The side view has a slight red tint but no change to brightness or gamma. The top view is also a bit red with reduced brightness and gamma. This is a very shareable monitor.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

It’s safe to say that IPS glow is a thing of the past. Today’s panels, like the U27G4XM, show excellent uniformity with no visible issues whatsoever. My sample had no problems in any part of the screen and was uniform in all field patterns, color and neutral.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The U27G4XM has more than enough light output for any indoor or outdoor environment. With nearly 500 nits peak available, it could be used at a location shoot or turned down to 50 nits for dark room gameplay. The panel’s native contrast is 923.3:1, a bit below the IPS average of 1,000:1. With local dimming set to medium, it delivers around 1,600:1 for SDR content with no clipping in shadow or highlight areas.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration bumps the contrast up to 989.2:1, a slight improvement. With local dimming on medium, it’s around 1,600:1. If you set it to strong, the backlight is shut off, making measurements impossible. ANSI contrast stays relatively consistent at 922.1:1, which is average for IPS panels with either full-array or edge backlights.

Test Takeaway: The U27G4XM offers effective local dimming for SDR content, which sets it apart from some other screens that only dim for HDR. It has nearly 500 nits peak available, making it good for brightly lit environments. Native contrast is just below 1,000:1, and dynamic contrast is 1,600:1 with local dimming on medium. Image depth and texture are exemplary at this price point.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The U27G4XM ships in its Standard picture mode. In the OSD’s parlance, that’s the Standard Game Mode and Standard Eco Adjustment. There are gamut selections available and accuracy is high both before and after calibration.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The U27G4XM’s default grayscale is a tad cool, but errors barely crack the 3dE threshold, the point where they become visible. Most are below the line, so this monitor can be enjoyed right out of the box. Gamma is right on the 2.2 reference line as well, with no visible issues.

Calibration takes grayscale tracking down to a pro-level 0.42dE. It doesn’t get much better than that. Gamma gets a shade light from 50-90%, but the change is barely visible in actual content. This is excellent performance.

The sRGB gamut mode cannot be calibrated, but it has visually perfect grayscale tracking and slightly light gamma that closely tracks the 2.2 reference. It is suitable for color-critical tasks.

Comparisons

The top three screens, including the U27G4XM, are visually identical in the grayscale test. 2.40dE is a solid result. After calibration, there is no visible difference among the monitors. The U27G4XM’s 0.42dE is a standout result. In the gamma test, the range of values is fairly tight at 0.11 from smallest to largest. Overall tracking is a tad light with a 3.18% deviation representing an actual value of 2.13.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The U27G4XM is a very colorful monitor with extra punch across the entire gamut triangle. The default is close to perfect with slight oversaturation and hue errors in red and green. The points track linearly, so there is no loss of detail in any part of the image. Calibration only makes a slight difference that will be hard to see in a before-and-after comparison. But it’s worth doing for the improvement in grayscale tracking. The sRGB mode is better than many pro monitors I’ve tested with an average error of just 0.80dE.

Comparisons

As impressive as the U27G4XM’s accuracy is, it is competing with some equally precise displays. 2.27dE is a great score, but others score better. Is that a difference worth paying for? Not in my opinion, especially when you consider gamut volume, which is the U27G4XM’s main advantage. Amazingly, it does not have a Quantum Dot layer, but it does a great impression of that tech with over 109% coverage of DCI-P3. You will see that in the brightest content where primary colors dominate. There is a good deal of extra red, green, and blue. The sRGB result of 97.93% is nearly ideal and qualifies the U27G4XM for critical tasks.

Test Takeaway: The U27G4XM can be enjoyed without calibration, but a few tweaks take it to reference levels. Gamma is a touch light, but color is exemplary and richly saturated. It has more coverage than the competition, which is a difference that can easily be seen. The sRGB mode is very precise with nearly perfect color and grayscale.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

Mini LED displays like the U27G4XM are great for HDR content thanks to their bright backlights and full array zone dimming (FALD). This monitor is rated for VESA DisplayHDR 1000, which is something rarely seen in the OLED category. The signal switch is automatic, and you get four additional picture modes.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

It’s easy to identify which screens are Mini LED in the first chart above. The U27G4XM exceeds its HDR1000 rating, reaching a peak of 1,107 nits. I measured that from a 25% window pattern, and it is extremely bright. Only the TCL is brighter. Local dimming can be used to make the contrast ratio unmeasurable at its highest setting. On medium, the ratio is 13,061.4:1, which is excellent for an IPS panel. I noted that different local dimming settings did not change the peak value, only the black level.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

In the HDR grayscale test, the U27G4XM is slightly warm in tone from 70% brightness and higher. The error is hard to spot in content, but it would be nice to have RGB sliders available. Of the four HDR modes, Display HDR delivers the best EOTF with values a little below the reference until 60%, where it goes a bit light. These are small variations that will not negatively impact the image. The tone map transition is at 75%, which is correct for the measured white and black levels.

In the color test, the U27G4XM’s large gamut is used to full effect with general oversaturation in all colors. This gives HDR content some extra punch that isn’t strictly accurate, but it is pleasing. The BT.2020 test shows the same response with color running out at 90% red, 80% green and 95% blue. In both charts, hue targets are on point for all six colors.

Test Takeaway: The U27G4XM is a superb HDR display with bright highlights and deep shadows. The Mini LED backlight effectively increases contrast to over 13,000:1 with no penalty. Color is pleasingly oversaturated with vivid hues that deliver great impact to game and video content.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

With OLED commanding the premium market, it has driven down the prices of other premium technologies, namely 4K and Mini LED. It is now possible to buy a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor with wide-gamut color, 160 Hz, premium video processing, accurate imaging, and high brightness, and that is a clear sign of progress. The U27G4XM exemplifies that design goal for $350 and offers performance we’d have paid over $1,000 for just a few years ago. And did I mention the Mini LED backlight with 1,152 dimming zones? Yeah, it has that too. For perspective, Acer’s X27 from 2018 had 384 dimming zones, 4K, and 144 Hz for an eye-watering $2,000. Check out that review here if you’re curious.

The AOC U27G4XM is better than that Acer in every way. It has 1,152 dimming zones. It has 109% coverage of DCI-P3 color. It has 160 Hz and a 320 Hz FHD mode. It has lower input lag and better panel response – and it’s $350. That’s what eight years of progress looks like. My only complaints are that the OSD is controlled by buttons instead of a joystick, and the stand is secure but a little wobbly. But performance and image-wise, there are no flaws. For the money, I can’t fault it at all. It games with the very best and provides a bright, colorful, and accurate picture for work and play alike.

If you’re looking for an affordable 4K monitor that pairs well with budget and premium video cards alike, the AOC U27G4XM is well worth checking out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Black Friday is still technically a few days away, but that doesn't mean there aren't deals to be had. Luckily, if you're in the market for a portable monitor, Amazon is running a fantastic deal on the AOC 16T20. The monitor has a typical selling price of $79.99, but is currently on sale for just $49.99.

• Grab this deal at Amazon

So, what does a sub-$50 price tag get you these days? The 16T20 features a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a 1920x1080 (FHD) resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, 230-nit typical brightness, and a contrast ratio of 800:1. The panel is covered in glossy finish. Keep in mind that the glossy finish might make colors pop a little bit more, but you're bound to see more reflections than you would with an anti-glare coating.

Even more remarkable is that the 16T20 features a mini-HDMI 2.0 port and two USB-C ports with DisplayPort Alt Mode support. This universal port support means that the 16T20 is compatible with a wide range of devices, from PCs and Macs to gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X. In addition, there's a headphone jack if you want to keep the tunes to yourself.

Despite the bargain basement price, the 16T20 offers some added touches, like dual 1-watt speakers and an included smart cover (which doubles as a multi-position stand). The monitor is even wall- or stand-mountable thanks to its VESA 75 compatibility. The 16T20 weighs just 1.54 pounds and is 0.38 inches thick, making it easy to slip into a laptop bag.

While we've seen huge price increases in segments like SSDs, memory, and even microSD cards, portable monitors are a category that has been dropping to new lows in the past year. And given the versatility that these easily transportable monitors offer, now's a great time to score an epic deal.

If you're looking for more Black Friday savings, check out our Best PC Hardware deals for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals, Hard Drive Deals, Gaming Monitor Deals, Graphics Card Deals, Gaming Chair, Best Wi-Fi Routers, Best Motherboard or CPU Deals pages.

AOC is a name that doesn't quite carry the same brand cachet as the likes of Asus or Samsung, but the Taiwanese maker has been around for quite a long time. While it's mostly known for its value-oriented wares, its monitor department has now turned its attention to properly nice QD-OLED displays with jarringly high refresh rates. The new pixel slabs come in 27-, 32-, and 34-inch sizes, with refresh rates ranging from 165 Hz to an eye-popping 500 Hz, and in 1440p and 4K resolutions. The 27-inch model is $449.99 at Amazon, the 32-inch model rings in at $599.99 at Best Buy, and the 34-inch model is $699.99 at Best Buy.

• 27-inch Agon Pro AG276QZD2 with a resolution of 2560x1440 and a 240 Hz refresh rate is $449.99 at Amazon

As an exceedingly quick recap, OLED displays have a response time of effectively zero and a near-infinite contrast ratio, making for a blur-free experience with perfect blacks and popping colors. While AOC doesn't specify, given the specs and the company's history, the panels in these displays assuredly come from Samsung. By the way, if you're concerned about OLED burn-in, AOC offers a three-year warranty for any such issues. All the displays offer G-Sync Compatible VRR support.

Judging by online store stock, 27" is currently the most popular monitor size, so it makes sense that AOC has three riffs on it. The first one is the Agon Pro AG276QZD2, with a resolution of 2560x1440 and a 240 Hz refresh rate. Color and brightness-wise, it has a DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, although it does claim a peak brightness of 1000 nits. It comes with a height-adjustable stand, rear RGB lighting, and a USB hub. This model is actually pretty darn affordable at $449.99 at Amazon.

If you're looking to have a career in professional Counter-Strike, then you'd do well to look at the Agon Pro AG276QKD2, essentially an upgrade of the above model with a massive 500 Hz refresh rate. The overall brightness in HDR mode gets a slight boost, with a corresponding DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. We can't find it in North American retailers just yet, but it's selling for £679 at Amazon UK. Removing VAT and doing the currency conversion gives us a theoretical stateside price of around $740.

If the pedestrian 1440p resolution isn't quite your jam, you can check out the Agon Pro AG276UZD with its sharp 3840x2160 (4K) resolution. For this model, the refresh rate is 240 Hz and the certification is DisplayHDR True Black 400, but it's otherwise similar to its cousins. The current street price is £549 at Amazon UK, or about $598 once it reaches the United States.

Moving onto bigger sizes, we have the Agon Pro AG326UD, a 32" 4K display with a 165 Hz refresh rate and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. The 165 Hz refresh rate might look unimpressive in comparison to the models above, but keep in mind that it'll take at least an RTX 5080 graphics card to push that kind of frame rate at 4K in most games, at least without compromising on visual quality. This monitor has the same creature comforts as the rest of the lineup, and rings in at only $599.99 at Best Buy, a pretty good deal if you ask me.

Finally, ultra-wide fans can mosey over to the Agon Pro AG346UCD, a 21:9, 34-inch monitor with a 3440x1440 resolution and 175 Hz refresh rate. The display is curved, but gently so at a very reasonable 1800R. This model carries a DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification, and a price tag of $699.99 at Best Buy.

There are so many excellent 27-inch OLED gaming monitors appearing almost weekly that one might wonder if LCD is on the way out. This is definitely not the case for one major reason: cost. A 27-inch QHD 240 Hz OLED is around $700. An LCD with the same specs will set you back $350 or less. And there’s another thing – peak brightness. Mini LED panels are delivering over 1,000 nits full-screen, whereas an OLED might hit 500. That too is a significant difference.

AOC has long been a master of price/performance, bang-for-the-buck, value among the best gaming monitors — choose your metaphor. It delivers excellent color accuracy, broad contrast, and premium gaming performance for beer money. The Q27G4ZMN is a perfect example. This 27-inch VA panel boasts QHD resolution, 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR1000, a full-array local dimming Mini LED backlight with 1,152 zones, and wide-gamut Quantum Dot color for just $330.

AOC Q27G4ZMN Specs

OLED will always have one significant advantage over LCD, and that is regarding black levels. It can shut off individual pixels frame by frame, which means blacks will be darker and contrast will be higher. But a well-engineered LCD with the right combination of technologies can still approach that image quality. Luckily, the Q27G4ZMN has that winning combination. It’s a VA panel, Fast VA in AOC’s parlance, with a Mini LED backlight that not only approaches 1,500 nits full-field, but also has 1,152 dimming zones, each with four LEDs. To say the Q27G4ZMN is bright is to engage in understatement. It’s rated for DisplayHDR 1000, and I saw 1,460 nits measuring a full-field white pattern.

Color is important too, and the Q27G4ZMN has more than enough to satisfy, thanks to a Quantum Dot layer that boosts the gamut volume to 106% coverage of DCI-P3. There are a few slightly more colorful monitors out there, but in the Mini LED camp, it’s one of the most colorful. Accuracy is also spot-on, with no need for calibration. I achieved only a tiny gain in the numbers after making adjustments. HDR color is even more saturated with tremendous vibrance and impact.

Gamers will be looking for video processing cred, and the Q27G4ZMN covers that base too. It hits 240 Hz without overclocking and includes Adaptive-Sync, which works seamlessly on both Nvidia and AMD platforms. There’s a precise overdrive to remove almost all motion blur as well. The only thing missing is backlight strobing.

To keep the price low, AOC leaves out conveniences like speakers and USB ports. There’s no LED lighting either. But you do get aiming points, including a dynamic reticle and a frame counter. The stand is solid and fully adjustable. Styling is game-forward but understated. There’s no OSD joystick, you’ll have to make do with buttons. But for competitive gameplay, the Q27G4ZMN has everything you need and nothing you don’t. If you’re focused on performance and image quality, it’s on par with the very best at an attractively low price.

Assembly and Accessories

A simple clamshell box with molded pulp inside, no crumbly foam, contains the Q27G4ZMN in three pieces that assemble without tools. There’s a 100mm VESA mount in back with fasteners if you want to use an arm. You can buy two of these for the price of one OLED, so I expect to see them in multi-screen setups. The cable bundle includes HDMI, DisplayPort and IEC for the internal power supply.

Product 360

AOC keeps the Q27G4ZMN’s styling understated, but there are a few bits of red trim to signal its gaming intent. You can see the offset cable hole is lined in red, and there’s a red ring around the attachment point in the back. The only other graphic is “AOC” on the front and “AOC Gaming” printed in the back. The shape is created by flat triangles that intersect at the top to form a small ventilation grill.

There’s no LED lighting, aside from a tiny power indicator that glows white when the Q27G4ZMN is on and orange in standby mode. Five control keys protrude slightly from the bottom right with their functions labeled in front. Buttons aren’t my favorite, as I’m spoiled by joysticks and nifty remotes, but here, they get the job done. You won’t need to do much tweaking as the picture is already very close to perfect out of the box.

AOC doesn’t skimp on the stand. It has a broad and deep base with a solid upright. There’s a little wobble at the fulcrum, but ergonomics are sound. You get 5/23 degrees tilt and 20 20-degree swivel plus 4.9 inches of height adjustment. There is no portrait mode.

Underneath is a tiny input panel with two HDMI 2.0 ports and a single DisplayPort 1.4. You also get a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are no USB ports, nor are there internal speakers.

OSD Features

Pressing the Q27G4ZMN’s second-from-the-right control key brings up an intuitive OSD with six sub-menus. Though I missed the joystick controller, the buttons got the job done. There are plenty of options for image tweaking and video processing, but once you’ve made a few settings changes, you won’t be visiting the OSD often.

The Q27G4ZMN has four fixed gaming picture modes and three settings memories. I stuck with Standard as it made all the image controls available. Additional game tweaks include shadow control to make dark areas easier to see, color saturation, Adaptive-Sync toggle, aiming point, three-level overdrive and a refresh rate indicator. The aiming point includes a dynamic setting to keep the reticle in contrast with the background. The overdrive is very precise and works best on its Fastest setting. There are no ghosting artifacts, and blur is almost absent. The only thing missing here is backlight strobing.

In the picture menu, there are more image modes called Eco Adjustment. I recommend leaving this on Standard as well to avoid confusion. The large number of gaming and eco modes make literally dozens of combinations possible. It’s better to stick to Standard and adjust from there.

This menu includes three fixed color temps and a user mode with RGB sliders. I tweaked them for a tiny improvement in measured values, but they made no visual difference. The Q27G4ZMN is very accurate out of the box. That precision extends to the sRGB mode, which you can select from the Color Space sub-menu. HDR signals unlock four more modes, of which Display is the best. The other three, Picture, Movie and Game, can be used as emulations with SDR content. There are three levels for local dimming available. Strong works well and doesn’t clip detail, so I used it for HDR games. I appreciated the flexibility to use this feature for both SDR and HDR

AOC Q27G4ZMN Calibration Settings

You don’t have to calibrate the Q27G4ZMN in its Standard gaming mode. It’s also best to leave Eco Mode on Standard. I tweaked the RGB sliders, for a tiny bit better grayscale tracking, but this had no visual impact. Color accuracy here is very high. My settings are shown below.

HDR signals default to HDR Game, but I found better luminance tracking using Display HDR. You can see those results on page five. Local Dimming is available for both SDR and HDR. I suggest leaving it off for SDR as the Q27G4ZMN has around 5,000:1 native contrast, plenty for productivity and video. For HDR material, choose Strong for the most dynamic picture.

Gaming and Hands-on

The Q27G4ZMN is truly the next best thing to an OLED in every way. It delivers about 95% of the image quality, impact and gaming performance of the best OLEDs for less than half the price, similarly spec’d. The VA panel’s native contrast is around 5,000:1, so it looks great whether you engage the local dimming or not. It’s nice to see that it’s available for both SDR and HDR. I found it was better left off for work tasks and most video content. However, gaming benefited, and I could use its Strong setting for deep blacks and very bright highlights.

Color was also the star with rich hues and vivid textures. The default settings use the full gamut for SDR, which is quite a bit more colorful than the sRGB standard, but Q27G4ZMN looks great doing it. It’s vibrant without veering into the cartoon look. And if you prefer sRGB, that mode is spot-on in every metric. This monitor is fully qualified for color-critical work like Photoshop or video post-production.

LCDs vary greatly in their video processing ability, but the Q27G4ZMN is one of the best I’ve seen. The overdrive is very precise and works perfectly on its highest setting. Blur is nearly nonexistent, and there are no ghosting artifacts. There’s no backlight strobe option here, so you’ll want to make sure you can get as close to 240fps as possible. Adaptive-Sync worked without issue. Response to control inputs was instantaneous, as quick in feel as any OLED I’ve experienced. The only slight I can make here is that there is just a hint of motion blur. It’s small enough that I wouldn’t notice if I hadn’t already played on many OLEDs.

The Q27G4ZMN is a bare bones gaming monitor so there aren’t USB ports, speakers or LED lights. But none of that detracts from its capabilities. It is a seriously good monitor in every respect, gaming, image quality, ease of setup, and out-of-the-box performance.

Takeaway: For the relatively low price of $330, the Q27G4ZMN delivers most of an OLED’s attributes. In fact, it’s brighter than any OLED I’ve reviewed, so it has that one advantage. It’s super colorful, super quick and addictive to play on. And it serves very well for work and video content. There is nothing to complain about here; it just works.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

With so much attention focused on OLEDs, I had to go back in time to find a group of QHD LCDs worthy of comparison to the Q27G4ZMN. They are AOC’s CQ27G4ZH, Titan Army’s P32A2S2, Gigabyte’s GS27QXA, ViewSonic’s XG2736-2K, and the Xiaomi G Pro 27i. Speeds range from 180 to 300 Hz.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

It’s interesting to see the variance of panel response times and how they don’t stay in lockstep with refresh rates. OLEDs are a bit more consistent. The Q27G4ZMN draws a full white field in 5ms which is quick enough to eliminate most motion blur before the overdrive kicks in. With that engaged, there is virtually no blur, and no artifacts either. The other AOC and the Titan Army are a tad quicker, but the visual difference is minute.

The spread of input lag scores is tight as well. And clearly, refresh rate doesn’t guarantee success. The quickest screen is the 240 Hz ViewSonic, followed closely by the Q27G4ZMN. The other AOC runs at 300 Hz but is no faster. You’ll see no real difference between any of the six monitors in terms of gaming feel and responsiveness. The Q27G4ZMN runs with the best and stands out in other areas that I’ll show you later.

Test Takeaway: The Q27G4ZMN is one of the quickest Mini LED monitors you can buy. It also has an excellent overdrive which runs smoothly and is artifact-free. It’s also one of the least expensive screens in the group so the bang-for-the-buck quotient is extremely attractive.

Viewing Angles

A VA panel’s main weakness is off-axis image quality and the Q27G4ZMN breaks no new ground there. At 45 degrees, you can see a green shift with slightly darker gamma, but peak output remains constant. The top view is around 50% dimmer with very low gamma and a blue shift. This is typical VA panel performance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The Q27G4ZMN’s screen uniformity is about average for its price and technology. The score is 11.25%, which indicates a slight anomaly in the upper right and left corners of my sample. It’s easier to spot in a full black field pattern than in actual content.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The Q27G4ZMN is a super-bright monitor. I noted that it maintained its peak luminance when measured with either a full-field or a 25% window pattern. The local dimming affects black levels only to increase contrast. 617 nits is incredibly bright, as in you can barely look at it without discomfort. There is more than enough light here for use in any indoor or outdoor environment. Black levels are very low, though the CQ27G4ZH is a tad darker. That gives it a contrast edge, but the main takeaway is how much broader the VA panel’s dynamic range is when compared to four excellent IPS screens. It’s no contest.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration doesn’t change the running order much. The two AOCs are still out in front by a wide margin. Though the Q27G4ZMN is just under 5,000:1 versus the CQ27G4ZH’s 5,482:1 score, the visual difference there is small. Only an OLED will look significantly different from these excellent VA monitors.

The Q27G4ZMN stays consistent in the ANSI test with a 4,386.5:1 value that’s among the best I’ve recorded from an LCD monitor. OLED aside, it doesn’t get much better than that.

Test Takeaway: The Q27G4ZMN is extremely bright and has higher contrast than nearly every LCD I’ve tested. It keeps local dimming available for SDR content too if you want even deeper black levels. Its peak of 617 nits is enough for indoor and outdoor environments. This is a very versatile screen.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The Q27G4ZMN has many possible picture modes, but I recommend sticking with Standard/Standard for the best possible image. It’s close to perfect and does not need calibration.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The Q27G4ZMN’s default grayscale run would be the envy of some monitors after calibration. This is exceptional out-of-the-box performance with all errors below 2dE and nearly perfect gamma tracking. I calibrated anyway because that’s just what I do, and made a slight improvement with grayscale errors now all below 1dE and slightly better gamma.

When you select the sRGB gamut, you can’t adjust grayscale or gamma, but that’s OK given the results above. Errors are under 3dE, and gamma is again perfect. This is exceptional performance.

Comparisons

I don’t see too many monitors that hit 0.93dE grayscale error out of the box, but the Q27G4ZMN is one of those rare screens. The next two are good without calibration as well. Once tweaks are in place, all the monitors slide under 1dE with the Q27G4ZMN at 0.56, very impressive.

It tops both gamma metrics with a minuscule 0.04 range of values and 0.45% deviation from 2.2. The actual value is 2.19, which is visually indistinguishable from perfect. This is excellent performance.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The Q27G4ZMN’s color is also very accurate, but since it is a Quantum Dot screen, its volume exceeds DCI-P3. It’s a bit oversaturated in every color but still balanced. You can see the linear progression of the measured saturation points. Hues are a little off in all colors as well, but when all totaled, the error is just under the visible threshold. The calibration adjustments were too small to make any appreciable difference in this test.

If you need sRGB, the Q27G4ZMN provides one of the best options I’ve seen lately. The gamut is well into the realm of visually perfect, with every point on target. It can’t get much better than this.

Comparisons

The Q27G4ZMN comes last in the gamut accuracy comparison, but with a 2.84dE score, there is no cause for complaint. You can see the reason for this in the volume chart where it renders more color than all but the Xiaomi. The Q27G4ZMN is significantly more colorful than its competitors below. It also hits an ideal 98.38% of sRGB. It’s fully qualified for color-critical applications.

Test Takeaway: The Q27G4ZMN is one of the most accurate and colorful monitors that I’ve tested of late. It doesn’t need calibration out of the box and though you can perform one, there’s no significant benefit, and it has more color volume than most other LCDs, which adds to its appeal.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The Q27G4ZMN is rated for DisplayHDR 1000 which makes it much brighter than most OLEDs. This is the principal advantage of Mini LED, which is further enhanced here by 1,152 dimming zones and a VA panel with high native contrast.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The Q27G4ZMN is one of the brightest HDR monitors I’ve ever reviewed, coming close to 1,500 nits peak. And that is from a full-field white pattern. Windows maintain the same brightness, even when Local Dimming is set to Strong. That option affects black levels in a positive way, making them almost unmeasurable. 0.0128 nit is at the lower limit of my meter’s capability. It’s hard to compare the Q27G4ZMN’s 114,338.5:1 to the Xiaomi because that monitor simply shuts off its backlight. The AOC keeps it on at an extremely low level. In practice, you won’t see a difference between them. This is exceptional LCD performance.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The Q27G4ZMN’s four HDR modes have slightly different luminance curves. Display is the best choice because it comes closest to the reference line. It’s a tad dark from zero to 50%, then it gets above the line. These errors are small and will not have a negative impact. Grayscale tracking goes a bit warm in the brightness steps above 70%. This too will be hard to spot in content.

The Q27G4ZMN’s HDR color is very oversaturated with its points anywhere from 5-20% past their targets. The progression is linear which maintains good balance, but you’ll see very vivid color in HDR content. I doubt most users will complain but it would be nice to have a mode that’s closer to the reference. Hue tracking is excellent for all six colors. The BT.2020 chart shows the same oversaturation with color topping out at 90% red, 75% green and 95% blue.

Test Takeaway: The Q27G4ZMN has excellent grayscale and EOTF tracking in all its HDR modes with Display being the best choice. Color is very oversaturated, not in a bad way, but there’s no perfectly accurate mode. Few users will complain about this as the picture is very bright and vividly detailed.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

If asked to recommend a gaming monitor, I’ll gravitate to OLEDs based on my experience. But if there are budgetary concerns, a VA Mini LED is easily the next best option. And it’s a less expensive option too. In the 27-inch QHD category, an OLED will cost you 2-3 times as much as the AOC Q27G4ZMN.

Full disclosure, this is a pared-down display. There are no USB ports, speakers, or LEDs. And the stand is solid but not quite monolithic. But the minuses end there. The Q27G4ZMN delivers an honest 1,500 nits peak in HDR mode and over 600 nits for SDR. It has 106% coverage of DCI-P3. It has near-perfect color accuracy out of the box. It has an excellent overdrive that reduces motion blur to almost nothing. And it’s very responsive with just 18ms of total input lag in my tests and a smooth 5ms panel response.

It also has one of the best local dimming features I’ve seen. 1,152 zones deliver deep black levels and broad contrast. You can enjoy the dimming in SDR and HDR, which is something most monitors don’t allow. And the strongest setting retains full shadow and highlight detail. Though it isn’t an OLED, it does a convincing impersonation of one.

If you want premium image quality and speedy gaming but can’t afford an OLED, the AOC Q27G4ZMN is a great alternative. It delivers 90% of an OLED’s positives for a third the price. Budget-conscious users should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

With so many of the best OLED gaming monitors appearing regularly from every major and minor manufacturer, my review opportunities have been prolific. And with no significant exception, their imaging and gaming performance differs by mere minutia. As long as the refresh rate is over 150 Hz, you can expect to see no motion blur and experience low input lag. Perfect black levels and large color gamuts mean a stunning image that outguns the best LCD can offer.

Buying choice comes down to size, shape, and price. In the 34-inch curved ultra-wide 21:9 category, prices hover around $800 for the speediest models running at 240 Hz. But for $650 at this writing, you can have the AOC Agon AG346UCD. It runs at 175 Hz with Adaptive-Sync at WQHD 3440x1440 resolution. It also delivers HDR and a wide color gamut courtesy of Quantum Dot technology. Let’s take a look.

AOC Agon Pro AG346UCD Specs

I won’t build suspense here. The AG346UCD doesn’t offer the 240 Hz and high brightness of Acer’s Predator X34 OLED. But that monitor is $900, and though it is awesome, it won’t perform 28% better. AOC offers a lot of gaming performance and image goodness at a reasonable price compared to other OLEDs.

The panel features Quantum Dot tech which expands the color gamut comfortably past 100% of DCI-P3. AOC claims 99%, but I measured over 112%, a new record in my ever-growing test database of which the AG346UCD is the 414^th member. Out-of-box accuracy is good enough to skip the calibration step, but a few tweaks take the numbers to reference-level.

As a curved 21:9 panel, the AG346UCD creates an immersive feel, but the 1800R radius is gentle. When looking at spreadsheets, there is no image distortion, so it is fit and ready for the workday. But gaming is the focus; to that end, you get aiming points and a sniper mode. There’s also a nice pair of internal speakers with eight watts of power that provide good sound with surprisingly good bass. If you enjoy a light show, there are colored LEDs in the back called Light FX that accentuate the monitor’s angular styling.

Gaming is also supported by a 175 Hz refresh rate, which is lower than the 240 Hz OLEDs I’ve regularly seen. Motion blur is almost non-existent but not entirely eliminated. It’s more visible if you’ve seen as many fast screens as I have. But as you’ll see, there is no impact on input lag; it’s extremely low. The AG346UCD supports FreeSync, G-Sync, and VRR for consoles.

Where is the sacrifice, you ask? It’s brightness, specificlly HDR brightness. The AG346UCD peaks around 237 nits, which is lower than most. If you’re familiar with OLEDs, you know that is a typical number for monitors with their variable brightness feature turned off. The AG346UCD does not have that option, so you’ll miss the bright highlights that make HDR content stand out.

Are these sacrifices worth getting a 34-inch OLED gaming monitor for $650? Once you see the test results, you’ll agree they are. The AG346UCD is an undeniably good value.

Assembly and Accessories

The AG346UCD’s package contents must be extracted from crumbly foam before assembly. I noted the base which is a seriously thick chunk of metal. It weighs more than some entire monitors. Only a concerted effort will knock it over. After attaching the upright with a captive bolt, the panel attaches to the fulcrum with two included fasteners. If you’d rather use an arm, there’s a substantial bracket in the box with screws provided. The cable bundle contains HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB.

Product 360

The AG346UCD displays its Agon branding on the front bezel and in the back. The distinct design element is a hexagon with five unequal length sides. This shape surrounds the stand fulcrum and is ringed by ventilation and an LED array. Effects and colors can be controlled in the OSD. The upright is also a hexagon with a flip-out headphone hook and a small cable management clip incorporated. The panel is finished in black with gray trim while the stand is all gray.

Ergonomics include 3/21 degrees tilt and 16 degrees of swivel. The height range is 130mm (5.1 inches) and moves with a slight click so you can easily lock in your preferred position. The single control is a large joystick that manages power and OSD navigation. You can opt for Windows desktop control using AOC’s G-Menu app.

You may have noticed something cool in the side profile photo above. Yes, the AG346UCD has side USB ports. This feature used to be more common, but now is a rarity. It’s great to see because it’s very convenient. Fishing underneath to plug in a mouse and keyboard is a pain, if you even get USB ports. There’s no KVM though. The video input panel includes two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4 along with the USB upstream and one more downstream port. You also get a 3.5mm headphone jack. The internal speakers play nice and loud with no significant distortion and decent bass. They’re driven by eight-watt op-amps.

OSD Features

The AG346UCD’s OSD has the same look as all Agon monitors. It has a vertical screen trimmed in sci-fi graphics, with red text on a black background. The bottom ribbon is organized like the one on AOC’s rank-and-file monitors.

There are eight menus in total, starting with Game Setting where you’ll find a selection of game modes that operate separately from the picture modes. The best way to avoid confusion is to leave this off. Shadow Control is provided if you have trouble seeing in dark places. The sniper scope occupies a large window at center screen and features three magnifications. If you want to track the fps count, turn on the Frame Counter. There are aiming points available by down-clicking the joystick. Depending on the background, you can have a fixed red cross or one that changes between black and red.

In the Luminance menu, you’ll find seven Eco modes or picture modes. Standard is the best choice and conforms closely to industry standards. You can enjoy it without adjustment, but I recommend a few tweaks for the best possible image. You also get three gamma presets and three HDR emulation modes. They alter the luminance curve to simulate HDR for SDR content. When HDR10 signals are present, two additional modes are revealed.

21:9 monitors are well suited for PIP and PBP use where you can view two video sources at once. The options here include window size and position and the ability to specify which one outputs audio.

Color options include three fixed color temperatures and a user mode with RGB sliders. You can also choose from Native, DCI-P3, or sRGB gamuts. However, picking one of the latter two will gray out all other image options, so I suggest sticking with Native.

The Light FX feature plays a show with the LED ring in back. You can enjoy a variety of effects and tweak colors to many different combinations. OLED care options are extensive with pixel orbiting and refresh plus dimming of static logos and screen borders like the HUDs in many first-person games. A screen saver can also be engaged.

AOC Agon Pro AG346UCD Calibration Settings

The AG346UCD measures well out of the box in its Standard picture mode with D65 grayscale, 2.2 gamma, and around 112% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Calibration is unnecessary, but reference-level accuracy is achieved with a few changes to the RGB sliders in the color menu and a one-click reduction in the contrast slider. I recommend avoiding the HDR emulation modes as they alter the luminance curve to the point where some highlight and shadow detail is obscured. There are two modes available for HDR signals. Display HDR has the best accuracy, and both it and HDR 1000 Max deliver the same peak brightness. My recommended SDR settings are provided below.

Gaming and Hands-on

If you’ve hesitated to pull the trigger on a curved monitor because you work more than play, the AG346UCD is a great choice. It has a relatively slight 1800R curve, which means it is “only a little curved.” There is no image distortion, and when you’re crunching numbers in a spreadsheet or writing your next novel in Word, you won’t even notice the curve. It is every bit as useful and functional as a flat panel. Its size is practical as well. It’s wide but not tremendously so. You’ll need 32 inches of space to accommodate the width and 12 inches to sit the large but slender base. The legs are skinny so there’s plenty of room to let papers pile up.

The image is bright enough for the workday and when dialed back to a comfortable 200 nits peak, you can stare at the screen for hours without fatigue. Color is beautifully saturated, and contrast is just as wonderful as any OLED. For SDR content, there is almost no difference in image quality between OLEDs. You will notice the extra punch of those Quantum Dots though. The AG346UCD is the most colorful monitor I’ve yet tested.

You’ll see later in my tests that it isn’t as bright as other OLEDs. That is because it lacks a variable brightness option. If you were to turn it off on a screen that has it, you would see roughly the same peak as the AG346UCD offers. The problem happens when you switch to HDR mode. Most graphics-driven games today offer HDR, and an OLED is typically the best way to experience it. The AG346UCD let me down a little here. It doesn’t offer any more brightness, meaning the peak is around 236 nits for SDR and HDR. And I noted some undersaturated color in the most vivid parts of the image. You’ll see what I mean on page five when you check out the HDR tests. However, the contrast I expect from an OLED is there, and the AG346UCD maintains an edge over LCD technologies.

When it comes to the more essential parts of gaming feel, response, and motion processing, the AG346UCD excels. Though it runs at 175 Hz, it matches many 240 Hz OLED screens with extremely low input lag. When looking very closely, I could see a little motion blur in test patterns. But when gaming, there was no blur. Every detail, near or far, was rendered perfectly. Fast movements showed no breakup or stuttering. My aim was precise, and my movements were exact.

Takeaway: The AG346UCD is positioned as a value choice, and it easily meets that goal. It delivers excellent gaming performance with low lag and smooth motion processing. It has beautifully saturated SDR color and is extremely useful for everyday tasks. My only complaint is that it doesn’t have the bright HDR highlights one expects. And there are HDR color anomalies which appear as undersaturation of the most vivid shades. Considering it’s a 34-inch ultra-wide OLED for $650 though, I can’t complain too loudly.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

My database contains mainly 240 Hz OLEDs. To compare the AG346UCD’s performance to at least one other 175 Hz model, I had to activate the time machine for the numbers from my review of the Samsung OLED G8 from 2023. The remaining screens are Gigabyte’s MO34WQC2, Corsair’s 34WQHD240-C, Acer’s X34 and AOC’s AG456UCZD.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

It’s important to remember that OLED gaming monitors make more of a given refresh rate than an LCD. In addition, the differences between 175 and 240 Hz are small enough that most players won’t see a difference in smoothness or control response. The numbers above demonstrate this. Though the AG346UCD takes 6ms rather than 4ms to draw a full white field, the difference in practice is minute. I could see a tiny hint of blur in test patterns but during actual gameplay, there was no difference.

I also noted no appreciable difference in the total control lag times. The Samsung is an outlier, but it is a bit older than the others. Clearly, paying more for 240 Hz won’t get you a lot more speed. The AG346UCD is on par with the faster screens.

Test Takeaway: While it’s easy to ding the AG346UCD for being *only* 175 Hz, the test results show that doesn’t matter. My visual observation was of very slight blur in moving test patterns but nothing that would affect the gaming feel or experience. You can save a bit of money buying the AG346UCD and get the same performance offered by most 240 Hz screens.

Viewing Angles

I’ve observed slight red tints in some QD-OLEDs at 45 degrees off-center, but the AG346UCD doesn’t have this trait. The side view is identical to the on-center photo in color and luminance. Gamma is also unaffected. The top view is a tad red with a reduced gamma. This is excellent performance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Also excellent is the AG346UCD’s screen uniformity which is among the best I’ve measured from any monitor. You won’t see any bleed, glow, or hotspots here. It truly doesn’t get better than this.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The AG346UCD has no real weaknesses except for brightness. And how that’s perceived is up to the individual user. Though it peaks at 236 nits, you still get the infinite blacks all OLEDs are known for. Contrast is infinite,l and don’t forget that enormous color gamut. Since there’s no option for variable brightness, the AG346UCD operates like all the other screens would if their variable brightness were turned off. Measuring a full field versus a 25% window made no difference.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Adjusting the brightness to a peak of 200 nits does not affect black levels or contrast. If you set all the monitors for constant brightness, they would look the same except for their color saturation, which we’ll discuss on the next page. The ANSI checkerboard, which measures intra-image contrast, also looks the same on all six panels.

Test Takeaway: With the AG346UCD’s brightness remaining constant for all content, its peak is at 236 nits which is less bright than a monitor with variable brightness. In practice, this manifests as less impactful highlights. Variable brightness gives a panel more pop and verve. The AG346UCD has great color though and that may appeal more to some users than peak luminance.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To avoid confusion, I recommend turning off the AG346UCD’s Game Mode and sticking with the default Standard picture or Eco mode. This mode is relatively close to the mark but has a little room for improvement.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The AG346UCD’s default chart is slightly deficient in green, but the errors barely crest the visible threshold of 3dE. This is an acceptable performance. The gamma trace rides a bit below the reference line, but since contrast is so high, you won’t see a problem with actual content.

Calibration doesn’t affect gamma which is a good thing. Grayscale tracking is now extremely close to perfection with all errors well under 1dE. This is reference-level performance.

The sRGB gamut option grays out all picture controls but measures well with a 3.29dE average grayscale error and near-perfect 2.2 gamma. Only a slight dip at 90% can be seen in the chart. This makes the AG346UCD suitable for color-critical work in the sRGB realm.

Comparisons

The AG346UCD’s default score of 3.18dE is reasonably close to the mark and shouldn’t be seen as a negative. It can be enjoyed without calibration. But with the tweaks I provided earlier, you can take it to a class-leading 0.26dE. That’s one of the lowest scores I’ve ever recorded. Gamma tracking is extremely tight with a 0.06 range of values and an average that’s 2.73% off the reference. The actual value is 2.14. This error is hard to spot in actual content.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The first chart shows that the AG346UCD is super colorful in its default state. This represents the Native option in the color gamut menu. There is a little oversaturation in all three primaries but not enough to cause a visual problem. The points track in a linear fashion which means all fine detail is fully rendered. The 2.16dE average error is quite low. Calibration tightens up the chart nicely with near-perfect hues across the board. The sRGB chart shows slight oversaturation in red but no visible hue errors. Overall, we’re seeing reference-level color here.

Comparisons

It’s hard for any OLED to stand out in the color accuracy test when the numbers are this good and this close. It is not an exaggeration to say that you won’t find a bad example. The AG346UCD’s 1.62dE score is average among this group but well above average when compared to all other monitors and technologies. This is excellent performance.

It seems the gamut volume record just won’t stand for more than a few days. Quantum Dot OLEDs typically cover around 110% of DCI-P3 and I’ve had some touch 111%. The AG346UCD is the first to crack 112%. While these are minute differences, the numbers don’t lie. The AG346UCD is officially the most colorful OLED monitor I’ve tested. And its near-perfect 100.95% sRGB volume qualifies it for critical applications.

Test Takeaway: Concerns about brightness are largely soothed with color results this good. The AG346UCD is beautiful to look at thanks to deep blacks and color saturation for days. It’s accurate without calibration and even better when adjusted. Gamma is nearly spot on as well which means you’ll see every fine detail the image has to offer. Color accuracy can’t get much better than this.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

When the AG346UCD receives an HDR10 signal, it enables two dedicated HDR picture modes. These should not be confused with the three HDR emulation modes available for SDR content. You get Display HDR and HDR 1000 Max. I’ll talk about the differences below.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

I measured the Display HDR and HDR 1000 Max modes and saw no difference in peak brightness. Both top out at 237 nits which is the same value I noted in SDR mode. There is no option for variable brightness which is what OLED monitors use to achieve brighter peak highlights. Black levels and contrast are still unmeasurable, so HDR looks very good but without the verve most other OLEDs have. This is the AG346UCD’s one real weakness. I verified these conclusions by measuring full field and 25% window patterns and got the same result every time.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

I measured Display HDR and HDR 1000 Max and got very different EOTF curves. The charts above show Display HDR which is the default and best choice. The brighter grayscale steps are a tad warm but nothing that will harm actual content. The EOTF trace runs slightly dark up to the tone-map transition at 70%. Some shadow detail might be hard to see but since the progression is linear, there was no problem in the content I observed. I noted that the 1000 Max mode darkened the picture considerably due to a low luminance curve below the tone-map transition. It also made no difference in peak brightness.

The color chart shows some issues that should be addressed by AOC. Color saturation hits the mark up to around 60% where the points fall short of their targets. The DCI-P3 chart should be fully covered to the 100% perimeter, but it isn’t. Blue comes close but red and green are 10-15% shy. This means the brightest colors will be slightly muted in HDR content. Most material falls in the 40-60% range but the most vivid shades don’t quite render. The AG346UCD is fully capable of this gamut so I can only conclude that this is an unintended result. A firmware update would take care of this issue.

Test Takeaway: OLED monitors need a variable brightness option to render the best possible HDR and the AG346UCD currently lacks this feature. That means its HDR peak is no higher than SDR. I also noted the brightest primary colors were undersaturated. This showed in the tests and in my gaming sessions. The awesome OLED contrast and black levels are there, but color should have a bit more verve.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

I look forward to the day when an OLED gaming monitor costs the same as its LCD counterpart. That means around $400 for a speedy 27-inch flat panel or $500 for a 34-inch ultra-wide model. Today is not that day, but we’re a bit closer than when you started reading this. The AOC Agon Pro AG346UCD shows you can get nearly all the performance of an $800 OLED for $650.

There are a couple of flaws here. There is no variable brightness option, so the measured peak brightness is around 236 nits in both SDR and HDR modes. That’s not a problem for SDR content, which doesn’t rely on strong highlights for its impact. That comes from the AG346UCD’s large color gamut which is the largest of any OLED I’ve reviewed at over 112%. It is without a doubt, very colorful.

I found room for improvement in HDR. In addition to low relative brightness, the most saturated colors weren’t quite saturated enough. In my gamut tests, everything up to around 60% was on target, but shades over that mark fell short. Since the AG346UCD has more than enough potential coverage, I must conclude that this monitor will soon receive a firmware update.

There was certainly no fault with its gaming prowess. It makes as much of 175 Hz as most other OLEDs make from 240. You don’t need to pay extra for more Hertz; the gain is almost zero. I enjoyed smooth motion with crisp detail in both moving and static images. And input lag from my perspective was a non-factor. Gaming with the AG346UCD is both precise and satisfying.

If you’ve hesitated at the entry price for an OLED gaming monitor, consider the AOC Agon Pro AG346UCD. It has it where it counts and is a pleasure to use for both work and play.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Today, the AOC CQ27G3Z 27-inch curved gaming monitor is available at Amazon for one of the lowest prices since it first launched. It usually costs around $269, but right now, it's discounted to $219. As of this writing, no expiration date has been specified for the discount, so we're not sure how long it will be available at this rate.

We reviewed this monitor back in 2023 and enjoyed our overall experience. Its performance was exceptional, given its price—at the time, $399. We gave the monitor a final review of 4 out of 5 stars, which is pretty good, especially considering today's discount.

The AOC CQ27G3Z curved gaming monitor is built around a 27-inch VA panel with a 1000R curvature. It has a dense QHD 2K resolution, measuring 2560 x 1440px. The refresh rate can reach 240 Hz, while the response time can get as low as 0.5 ms.

It has excellent contrast support and can reach a maximum brightness of 300 Nits. This screen is certified by AMD FreeSync Premium for its performance. There are two input options: two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and two HDMI 2.0 ports. A 3.5mm jack is included for connecting external audio peripherals. It's supported by a 3-year manufacturer's warranty from AOC and Amazon's 30-day return policy.

Visit Amazon's AOC CQ27G3Z 27-inch curved monitor product page for more details and purchase options.

Finding the right panel type for your gaming monitor can make a huge difference in the performance you get and your overall gaming experience. That's why we're excited to share a deal we found on this AOC Q27G3XMN mini-LED gaming display. This monitor usually goes for around $279, but right now, it's available for the lowest price we've ever seen for this gaming display since it was first released. It debuted with a price of $279 so this offer saves you 11% off the going rate.

This gaming monitor sports a 27-inch VA panel that is backlit using mini-LEDs. We have at least one other mini-LED backlit display on our list of best gaming monitors, which is the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8. This monitor stands out with a few different specs and it's worth a look at this price. We recommend checking out the full list to see how the AOC Q27G3XMN stacks up against other monitors leading the market.

The AOC Q27G3XMN features a 27-inch VA panel that's backlit with mini-LEDs. It's capable of reaching a maximum brightness of 1,000 nits. It has a high-PPI 2K QHD resolution that measures at 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. Although that's not the densest resolution you can find within 27 inches, it's still far preferable to an FHD standard at the size. It has a high refresh rate that caps out at 180 Hz and a response time that gets as low as 1 ms.

This gaming monitor covers 134% of the sRGB color gamut, which is elevated by the mini-LED backlighting. You also get a handful of video input options to take advantage of, including two HDMI 2.0 ports and two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs. It also has a 3.5mm jack available for connecting external audio peripherals.

This isn't the first time this monitor has dropped to this price, but it is the lowest price it's ever been lowered to. It's unclear how long this monitor will be available, but you can check out the AOC 27-inch mini-LED 2K gaming monitor product page on Amazon for more details and purchase options.

It is difficult to overstate the performance of the best OLED gaming monitors running at 240 Hz. Not only are you getting a stunning picture with saturated color and deep contrast, but they also deliver perfect motion resolution with smooth play action and low input lag.

Though this category remains at the high end of the price scale, it is possible to buy a 27-inch QHD OLED panel for less than $600 as long as it comes from AOC’s Agon Pro line. Last year, I reviewed the, AG276QZD and now, I have its successor, the AG276QZD2, for evaluation. It adds a Quantum Dot layer for more color, and in my tests, it proved slightly quicker. Let’s take a look.

AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD2 Specs

With most 27-inch 240 Hz OLEDs costing north of $800, the AG276QZD2 represents a price breakthrough. It isn’t a revolution, but we’re making progress. Resolution is QHD, 2560x1440 pixels, which works out to 109ppi, an ideal density for sharp images and high frame rates. In the OLED world, you’ll want to hit at least 150 fps to eliminate motion blur. Above 200 fps, there’s no blur, and QHD means you can achieve this with a wider variety of video cards.

The AG276QZD2’s main upgrade over the AG276QZD is the addition of Quantum Dot color. Indeed, the gamut is now 14% larger than before. That’s a difference you can easily see in a side-by-side comparison. It also means more impact for HDR content and SDR if you choose to run the native gamut all the time. The AG276QZD2 promises and delivers accuracy with an individual factory calibration for each unit. I confirmed the included data sheet in my tests. Calibration is not required, though I achieved a small improvement with a few adjustments to the color temperature. You also get an accurate sRGB mode should you need it for photo and graphics work.

Gaming is everything I’ve come to expect from a speedy OLED monitor. At the full 240 fps, motion is incredibly smooth, and there is no perceptible input lag. The AG276QZD2 carries FreeSync and G-Sync certifications from AMD and Nvidia. There is no additional strobe feature, but it is certainly not needed here.

So, is there a “but” here? After all, there’s no free lunch; something must be sacrificed at the altar of value. Yes, there is one thing missing, and that’s high brightness. The AG276QZD2 operates with constant brightness, meaning the peak output is lower. It’s rated for DisplayHDR 400, but that level only occurs in small highlights. And SDR brightness peaks at a measured 251 nits. This doesn’t affect contrast; you still get the deep blacks that all OLEDs are known for. But if you need a really bright monitor, this isn’t it. I’ll talk more about that in my test notes later.

The AG276QZD2 doesn’t skimp on other features. You get a pair of internal speakers, USB ports, LED lighting, game aids and solid build quality with slick styling. Ultimately, the value quotient is very high and once you start playing on it, you’ll be hooked.

Assembly and Accessories

A colorfully adorned clamshell box opens to reveal the AG276QZD2’s three main components packed in molded pulp rather than crumbly foam. They mate with a captive bolt and a snap to form a solid package that exudes the high quality one expects from AOC’s Agon Pro line. A separate box houses the external power supply, and you get USB, HDMI and DisplayPort cables. A stamped steel adapter with fasteners is provided for use with arms that conform to the 100mm VESA mount standard.

Product 360

The Agon Pro line of monitors are identified by a signature shape, which the AG276QZD2 uses in the base, OSD button and panel back. It’s an angular form where each side is a different length. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else and it’s pretty cool. The all-metal base is thin with a dark silver matte finish that carries to the upright and trim. The attachment point is ringed by LED lights that glow indirectly in various colors and effects. The back is faceted with an Agon logo offset in the same dark silver.

The stand features a handle at the top and a cable management clip at the bottom. It has full ergonomics with 5/25 degrees tilt, 28 degrees swivel, 5.1 inches (130mm) height and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements have an appropriately premium feel that is smooth and sure.

The AG276QZD2’s side profile takes advantage of OLED thinness to create a dramatic taper up to the top edge. The screen has similar reflection management to other shiny OLEDs, so you’ll need to take a bit of care when placing it. The bezel is narrow and flush with a 21mm trim strip across the bottom and an LED that glows white when the power’s on and orange in standby.

The input panel is centered up and under and features two each of DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0. USB is version 3.2 and includes one upstream and two downstream ports. The internal speakers play cleanly with five watts of power each and you get a 3.5mm headphone jack with volume control in the OSD.

OSD Features

The AG276QZD2’s OSD appears when you press the hexagonal joystick around the back right. I found a small nit to pick with this shape because it makes the clicks less positive if you press the stick too casually. Occasionally, I would either miss a control input or errantly do a double-click.

AOC sticks with a menu design unique to the Agon Pro line with a vertical format that announces “Agon” at the top. It is ringed by red graphics and divided into eight sections.

Game Setting has six game modes in addition to the seven Eco picture modes. This can be confusing since there are so many possible combinations. My advice is to leave Game Mode off and Eco set to Standard. It allows for a full calibration and offers a choice of color gamuts with three gamma presets and three color temps. You can also engage RGB sliders for a precise result that is free of visual errors. HDR content adds four more modes, and you can use one of three HDR emulations with SDR content.

Game aids include two aiming points, one of which is dynamic in that it changes between black and red to remain in contrast. There’s also a sniper mode, frame counter and shadow control, improving dark scene visibility.

To view two sources at once, you can engage PIP or PBP with full control of window size and position. You can also swap sides and select which source plays the audio stream.

In the color menu is a low blue mode for reading plus a gamut selector (DCI-P3, sRGB or Native) and the color temp presets. The RGB sliders start at center range so it’s easy to dial the grayscale tracking.

Light FX refers to the LED ring in the back and can be programmed for different colors and effects. You can control the light level or shut it all off if you like.

The AG276QZD2 has several panel care options that include a pixel orbiter, refresh routine, corner logo dimming, boundary dimming and taskbar dimming. I left these off for testing, but when they are engaged, they only have a minor effect on the image.

AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD2 Calibration Settings

The AG276QZD2 can be enjoyed without calibration at its default settings. I recommend leaving Game Mode off because it doesn’t improve image quality. The Standard Eco mode meets industry specs for a D65 white point, DCI-P3 color gamut and 2.2 gamma. I eked out a small improvement in grayscale tracking using the RGB sliders with the User color temp option. My SDR settings are below.

In HDR mode, there are four options available. Two of them, Movie and Picture, have considerable edge enhancement, which detracts from the already sharp image. Display is the most accurate choice. 1000 Max is not any brighter and it significantly crushes shadow detail.

Gaming and Hands-on

Later, you’ll read my comments about the AG276QZD2’s luminance and HDR color saturation, but during my gaming sessions and hands-on experiences, I had nothing but love. It delivers everything you buy an OLED for, perfect blacks, bright color, incredible depth and unmatched contrast.

Gaming is also a revelation unless you’ve already played on a fast OLED. In that case, it will be every bit as good as you remember. The AG276QZD2’s QHD resolution is a great balance point for frame rates, and I was able to maintain 240fps in Doom Eternal with detail levels maxed. The picture is super sharp and loaded with fine textures and highlights. It doesn’t have quite the punch of the brighter screens I’ve reviewed like the ViewSonic XG272-2K, but it is no slouch either. I would keep it away from sunny windows but otherwise, it’s gorgeous to look at.

Video processing is on par with every 240 Hz OLED I’ve reviewed. There is no motion blur at all, and input lag simply isn’t a factor. Precise aiming and movement are easier to achieve compared to LCDs running at the same frame rates. I verified the flawless operation of both FreeSync and G-Sync with no frame tears to report.

The wide color gamut enhanced workday tasks with deep reds, rich greens and brilliant blues. Working on photos is always fun on an OLED because color is so vibrant. It’s like viewing a fine photo print with textures and elements that pop off the screen to create a 3D feel. With pixel density at 109ppi, there are no jagged lines or rough font outlines to contend with. Small elements are sharply and smoothly rendered. The AG276QZD2’s size, shape and configuration are ideal for anything one does with a computer from work to play.

Takeaway: The AG276QZD2 delivers gaming performance consistent with all the 240 Hz and faster OLED monitors I’ve reviewed. It is on par with much more expensive screens, so it leads the pack for value. Though I observed less light output than the competition, it didn’t make my gaming or work sessions any less enjoyable. And the larger color gamut is worth an upgrade from last year’s AG276QZD.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To compare the AG276QZD2’s performance, I’ve collected five other 27-inch QHD OLED monitors. All run at 240 Hz except for the Alienware AW2725DF, which hits 360 Hz. The others are last year’s AOC AG276QZD, ViewSonic’s XG272-2K, Pixio’s PX277 OLED MAX and Acer’s X27U.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The six monitors are incredibly close in performance except for the AG276QZD’s response result, which is 2ms behind the others. Though visual differences are small, it has a slight disadvantage in smoothness. The newer screens are free of motion blur at 240fps. And there is no measurable performance benefit to the 360 Hz Alienware. In the lag test, it hits the same 19ms as the Pixio and Acer displays. The AG276QZD2 is only 2ms slower, which is a difference that only a highly skilled player will notice.

Test Takeaway: The AG276QZD2 is fully qualified for competition with very low input lag and flawless video processing. It delivers blur-free motion over 200fps and is extremely smooth over 150fps. Adaptive-Sync works perfectly too. You can expect consistent results from any of the OLEDs here, and there is no advantage to running at 360 Hz.

Viewing Angles

The AG276QZD2 looks almost identical at all horizontal viewing angles from on-center to 45 degrees. There is a barely visible red tint, but you’ll never be able to see that in content. Gamma and brightness do not change at all. The top view is also a tad warm with a slight loss of output and lowered gamma. The AG276QZD2 is completely sharable by two users.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

I’ve observed excellent screen uniformity in almost all the OLEDs I’ve reviewed and the AG276QZD2 is one of the best. With a 3.83% deviation, you won’t see anything but perfectly smooth tones from edge to edge. I saw this in all color patterns and at all brightness levels. There are no flaws here.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

AOC claims 250 nits peak brightness for the AG276QZD2, which I measured in my test. The issue here is that there is no variable brightness option like most OLEDs have. This means you can’t get the brighter highlights of that feature. It’s not a big deal in SDR mode unless you really need the 300 or 400 nits offered by the other monitors. But for HDR content, you’ll miss that extra impact that comes from small extra bright bits like reflections from rendered surfaces. The good part is that you still get OLED’s infinite contrast and perfect black levels.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration doesn’t change anything except peak brightness. 200 nits is a good level for indoor use in a space with moderate ambient light. When comparing SDR content, all the screens here have the same depth and contrast, whether static or intra-image. HDR is a different story which I’ll tell on page five.

Test Takeaway: The AG276QZD2 has the same SDR contrast and black levels as any other OLED. Without variable brightness, you can’t run up to 400 nits peak, but that isn’t a problem for most environments. And since it has Quantum Dot tech, there’s a good deal more color saturation to provide image impact.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The AG276QZD2’s game and picture modes can be confusing as there are many possible combinations. To simplify, I recommend leaving Game Mode off and Eco Mode on Standard, the factory defaults. Calibration is not required, but a few tweaks net a small improvement in grayscale tracking.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Out of the box, the AG276QZD2 is a tad warm in the brightest steps with gamma that rides just below the reference. The values indicate that it’s too light, but since contrast is so high, there’s no problem. With a few tweaks of the RGB sliders, I got all errors below 1dE while gamma remained consistent. The sRGB mode removes the user color temp option but is accurate enough not to require any changes. Overall, this is excellent performance.

Comparisons

OLED gaming monitors are generally accurate out of the box. The AG276QZD2 doesn’t need calibration like all others except the Pixio which definitely benefits from adjustment. Once they’re all tweaked, the differences are invisible, and the numbers are impressive. AOC wins this contest with a 0.45dE result.

The AG276QZD2 performs well in the gamma test too with a very tight 0.03 range of values and a tiny 1.82% deviation from 2.2. The actual value was 2.16. Though this is a little light, it doesn’t negatively impact content. It truly doesn’t get much better than this.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The AG276QZD2’s color gamut is significantly larger than the AG276QZD thanks to Quantum Dot tech. You can see in the default chart that every primary goes past the DCI-P3 spec by just a little. This delivers more visible color without straying too far from the standard targets. Overall error levels are as good as any professional monitor can boast. Calibration makes a subtle difference by tightening up secondary hues. The sRGB gamut is also very good with just a bit of bonus red. This is excellent performance.

Comparisons

None of the screens have visible color errors, but the AG276QZD2 runs close to the others with a 1.50dE score. As you can see, it doesn’t get much better than that. Even without calibration, the value is 1.96dE so either way, you’re seeing very accurate color.

In the gamut volume test, the AG276QZD2 takes the win with over 110% coverage of DCI-P3. That’s tremendous saturation that can only be equaled by a few pro monitors. In a gaming monitor like this, it adds a lot of texture and vibrance to the image. And if you’re in need of sRGB reference capability, the 103.74% score is nearly ideal.

Test Takeaway: The AG276QZD2 has very accurate grayscale, gamma and color right out of the box that can be slightly improved with calibration. Color volume is among the highest available from any monitor. From a value standpoint, it doesn’t get much better. It is one of the very best in its class.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The AG276QZD2 offers five HDR modes, three of which can also be used with SDR content. The extra two are Display and 1000 Max and have their own unique characteristics that I’ll explain in a moment. Once you select a mode, the switch between SDR and HDR is automatic.

Of the five HDR modes, I strongly recommend avoiding Movie and Picture. They add a lot of unattractive edge enhancement that ultimately reduces sharpness. Game is free of artifacts, but it has a very light luminance curve that dulls the image. 1000 Max suggests a higher peak level, but it is no brighter than the others. It also has very dark shadows that make it unsuitable for gaming. Display is the default and best choice for its accuracy and correct tone mapping.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

It’s hard to ignore the AG276QZD2’s relatively low peak output level in the HDR brightness test. This is because there is no variable brightness feature. That omission is shared by the AG276QZD, but it is visibly brighter in HDR mode, as are the other screens. Black levels and contrast are the same across the board, so you still get the deep image OLED is known for. But the highlight areas don’t quite have the pop that they should.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

In the HDR grayscale test, there are no errors of consequence, just a slight warmth in the brighter steps which does not adversely affect content. The EOTF tracks a bit dark, but shadow detail remains visible.

Color rendering is similar in all five HDR modes, so I’m showing the results from Display. Saturation is on target except for the 100% points, which are a bit under the mark. Most content is unaffected, but images with a lot of bright primary colors will have a little less verve. The BT.2020 chart is much the same with coverage that extends to 85% red, 75% green and 95% blue.

Test Takeaway: Though the AG276QZD2’s color gamut is wider than last year’s AG276QZD, its HDR rendering doesn’t take full advantage of the extra saturation. It definitely looks more colorful in SDR mode but HDR comparisons between the two screens are more alike than they should be. Other than overall saturation, the AG276QZD2 shows excellent color accuracy and solid tone mapping.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

When it comes to OLED gaming monitors, it is still true that you won’t find a bad one. They are super consistent in performance and appearance with tremendous contrast, color saturation, accuracy and build quality. That said, I’ll always laud a monitor that offers good value.

The AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD2 is that monitor. It has the same contrast as any OLED with its unmeasurable black levels. It has a huge color gamut thanks to Quantum Dot tech which is larger than last year’s AG276QZD. Accuracy comes from a factory calibration that can only be slightly improved with adjustment. It also delivers the best gaming performance available from any monitor with perfect motion resolution and low input lag.

My only complaints are that it is less bright than the competition and that the most vivid HDR colors are a bit muted. The brightness issue comes down to its lack of variable brightness. Most of today’s OLEDs have this feature, but AOC has left it out. That means SDR and HDR peaks are just over 250 nits which is lower than the competition. But so too is the cost. At less than $600 at this writing, there isn’t a better deal in the OLED category. And in practice, the HDR color issue was minor. For the price, I can forgive.

If you’ve been dying to put an OLED gaming monitor on your desk but balked at the entry fee, the AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD2 is worth serious consideration. It delivers everything OLEDs are known for including that addictive gaming experience, which makes it worthy of your consideration.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The best gaming monitors don’t have to be pretty to be functional. Top performance is certainly a key element, but gaming is much more fun when your display looks the part. Many manufacturers add an attractive aesthetic to their gaming screens, but AOC’s Agon line goes up a level from the rest thanks to a relationship with the famed Porsche Design.

Porsche Design isn’t only known for penning legendary sports cars with engines in the back. It also lends its name and expertise to various products, from watches to sunglasses. And it was indeed founded by F.A. Porsche, who conceived the original 911. If that isn’t a timeless piece of rolling art, I don’t know what is.

AOC has produced several gaming monitors with Porsche Design’s help, and the latest example is the Agon Pro PD49. It brings high performance and high style to a 49-inch 32:9 QD-OLED panel with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR400 and wide gamut color. Let’s take a look.

AOC Agon Pro PD49 Specs

Curved monitors have gone from the answer to a question no one asked to an essential gamer’s tool in just a few years. The pinnacle of the format is the 49-inch 32:9 category. This layout is becoming more popular as an alternative to putting two 27-inch screens on the desktop. With DQHD 5120x1440 resolution, you can have 109ppi pixel density and lots of screen area with no dividing line.

The PD49 brings every bell and whistle to the party. It’s an OLED with an 1800R curve, which is enough for greatness on its own. To that, it adds a Quantum Dot layer for wide gamut color. And it’s very wide; indeed, I measured over 115% coverage of DCI-P3 in my tests. That’s a whole lotta color. There is bonus saturation in every primary. Out-of-box accuracy is decent as well. Calibration isn’t strictly required, but there has been some improvement after a few tweaks.

The PD49 is certified for HDR 400 TrueBlack, and it easily met this spec in my tests using a 25% white window. With constant brightness turned off, you can expect peaks around 1,000 nits from small highlights. And as a premium OLED, it delivers the same perfect black levels as every other OLED I’ve reviewed. The picture quality is stunning.

With a 240 Hz maximum refresh rate, smooth motion is no problem. There is no need for overdrive, and there is no strobing option. But it isn’t too difficult to run at 240fps. And at speeds over 150fps, there is no motion blur whatsoever. Measured input lag is also very lo,w so you won’t have a problem dominating opponents in your favorite virtual battles.

Physically, the PD49 is nothing less than industrial art. The stand is a substantial piece of cast aluminum that weighs more than some complete monitors. The back of the panel is adorned with vertical lines and logos that glow with soft LED lighting. There are plenty of inputs, all the latest versions, DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and a USB-C for video. KVM is supported by one upstream and four downstream USBs. A pair of eight-watt internal speakers deliver quality audio with DTS tuning and user tweakability.

The PD49 sells for $1,200 at this writing, which is on par with other monitors in its class. The small upcharge for elegant design is appropriate. You can save a few bucks if you just want a competent 49-inch OLED gaming monitor but none I’ve seen look as good when the power is off.

Assembly and Accessories

The PD49 comes in a coffin-like enclosure with its contents protected by flexible foam rather than the crumbly stuff. The stand is already assembled and bolts onto the back of the panel with four included fasteners. A nice Phillips-head screwdriver is included for that purpose. If you’d rather use an arm, a 100mm VESA mount is provided. The cable bundle includes IEC power, two USBs, DisplayPort and HDMI. A USB thumb drive, by Porsche Design of course, contains manuals, drivers and an app to make the OSD accessible from the Windows desktop.

Product 360

It’s hard for today’s thin bezel monitors to set themselves apart from the front view, but the PD49 has a stand that can only be described as monolithic. It’s made from six heavy aluminum castings fused into a super solid mass that is a pleasure to look at. It offers full ergonomics with 3/13 degrees tilt, 20 degrees swivel and a 5.1-inch height adjustment. Movements are firm and smooth with the feel of a finely tuned machine. The PD49 is incredibly overbuilt and should endure many years of use.

The screen sports a thin flush bezel that’s a half-inch wide around the top and sides and one inch at the bottom. The front logo says Porsche Design, while AOC and Agon get their visibility in the back, where those logos include LED backlighting. That can be set to flash, breathe or remain steady in a variety of colors. Or you can turn them off for a stealth look. Another LED adds a soft glow to the desktop. The vertical line theme carries over with shiny molded in bits set off against a matte background. The stand includes a small cable management clip.

The 1800R curvature strikes a good balance between immersion and practicality. There are curvier screens out there, but the PD49 avoids any possibility of image distortion. It is extremely useful for productivity as well as entertainment. It is just like having two 27-inch QHD monitors, except there’s no dividing line.

The input panel is well stocked with one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 and a USB-C for video sources. HDMI supports 2560x1440 resolution at 120 Hz for consoles. PCs can enjoy the full 5120x1440 at 240 Hz through DisplayPort or USB-C. There is also a KVM hub with one upstream and four downstream USB ports. A 3.5mm jack supports headphones and there are two internal speakers driven by eight watts of clean power. DTS tuning raises the audio quality to a high level, and you can tweak eq settings in the OSD.

OSD Features

All Agon Pro monitors, like the PD49, get AOC’s cascading menu rather than the bottom of the screen ribbon. A small joystick in the center of the panel’s bottom edge controls everything. Or you can use the app included on the thumb drive to change settings from the Windows desktop.

The OSD is divided into eight sections, starting from the bottom with Game Setting. It has a selection of Game Modes, shadow control and boost for lighter blacks and a color slider to increase saturation. Game aids include a sniper mode and two aiming points that can be toggled by clicking the joystick towards you. One is always red and the other changes between red and black to maintain contrast with the background. You can also engage a frame counter.

The Luminance menu has picture modes (Standard is the only one you’ll need), three gamma presets and the Uniform Brightness option. Turn this off to see the PD49’s maximum light output. I did all my tests and gaming with it off. When it’s on, the picture is darker in tone and somewhat dull unless you turn all the room lights off and play at night.

The HDR options are found in Image Setup, where four additional HDR picture modes provide subtly different luminance curves to suit different content. Hint: stick with HDR TrueBlack for the best picture in all situations. HDR emulation is possible in SDR mode with the other three HDR modes. This menu also has PIP and PBP options to view two video sources at once.

In Color Setup, you can choose between three fixed color temps and a user mode with RGB controls. There are 10 gamut options that cover all standards currently in use from sRGB to BT.2020. Panel Native is the best choice there because it uses the PD49’s full capability which covers over 115% of DCI-P3.

The Audio menu offers five DTS sound modes plus TruVolume HD which enhances sound dynamically. If you want to tweak, there’s also a five-band equalizer. Light FX is the LED lighting feature, and it can be set to a variety of effects and colors. It employs the two backlit logos on the back plus a soft pool of light for the desktop.

The final menu, Extra, has several panel care options including a pixel orbiter and refresh tool. You can also set an off timer, change the image aspect ratio and return all settings to their factory defaults.

AOC Agon Pro PD49 Calibration Settings

The PD49 measured well out of the box in my tests and doesn’t strictly need calibration, but I found the image to be a tad warm in tone. A few tweaks of the RGB sliders took care of that and tightened up color saturation tracking as well. The improvement is subtle but worth the effort. My recommended settings are below. For HDR content, stick with TrueBlack as it is the most accurate choice with correct luminance tracking and near-perfect color. I also recommend leaving Uniform Brightness off for maximum image impact.

Gaming and Hands-on

Though OLED gaming monitors represent a premium (expensive) category, one thing about them is undeniable, all examples at a particular refresh rate perform the same. Where LCDs can differ in the quality of their overdrives and strobe features, OLEDs will always provide perfect motion resolution above 200fps. The PD49 showed no motion blur, no frame tears, and no artifacts at any time during my gameplay sessions. And its input lag is among the lowest of any monitor. A professional player might want the super low lag of a 500Hz screen but for most of us, the 21ms delivered by the PD49 will be plenty quick.

In my experience, this means precise aim and movement. I always play Doom Eternal because it’s familiar so comparisons are easy and accurate. Every 240 Hz OLED I’ve reviewed gives me the same feel. Run and gun maneuvers are easy because I can turn and shoot without overcompensating, even when the action is frantic. The aim point stops precisely on target, so I don’t waste ammo. And difficult jumps are nearly always successful. There’s nothing worse than erasing game progress with a fall off a cliff. The PD49 keeps that from happening.

The picture is a stunner as well. HDR is an addictive experience both for its bright highlights and rich color. The PD49 lets you play SDR games with that same wide color gamut but it’s more effective in HDR titles because that’s the way they’re encoded. Black levels are incredibly deep but never lacking in shadow detail. Though the PD49 includes two shadow enhancer controls, they are completely unnecessary because low-end gamma is on the mark. I noted gamma issues in the brighter areas though where a few highlight areas seemed disproportionately bright. This is a small problem that is more obvious to someone who plays on a lot of different gaming monitors, but it is worth noting.

For daily tasks, the PD49’s 1800R curve is perfect for keeping multiple documents and windows open. If you are a fan of multiple screens, a 49-inch 32:9 monitor delivers that same functionality without the dividing line. And at current prices, it’s less expensive than buying two 27-inch QHD OLEDs.

Things unique to the PD49 are, of course, its high style and build quality. I am not blessed with the means to own a Porsche automobile, but this monitor delivers the same feel as a luxury sports car. It’s gorgeous to look at and it drips with premium style. Moving the panel through its adjustments is an uplevel experience from most of the monitors I encounter.

I also noted the PD49’s excellent sound quality. Large monitors make it possible to include better speakers and AOC has delivered here. While there isn’t a ton of bass, the sound is rich and full, with excellent clarity. At half volume, I more than filled my personal space with game music and effects. The DTS modes are useful too with distinct differences heard between them.

Takeaway: The PD49 performs on par with the other 49-inch 240 Hz QD-OLED monitors I’ve tested. It’s extremely colorful and accurate. It delivers the contrast all OLEDs are known for. It’s the perfect gamer’s tool with no motion blur and super quick response. And it’s equally well suited for work and play. Plus, it rises above the rest with premium styling and build quality.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

I filled out the PD49’s comparison group with 49 (and one 45) -inch OLEDs running at either 144 or 240 Hz. They are Philips’ 49M2C8900, Samsung’s OLED G9, AOC’s AG456UCZD, Aorus’ CO49DQ and Asus’ PG49WCD.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

240 Hz typically means a 4ms draw time for a full white field pattern. The PD49 meets this standard. Like all OLEDs, it has no motion blur above 150fps. There is no strobe option here, but none is needed. I saw no flickering or artifacts whatsoever.

The PD49 takes the input lag contest by 1ms over the other AOC and Philips displays. If control response is your priority, 240 Hz should be a minimum requirement. The two 144 Hz screens won’t hold up a casual gamer like me, but if your skills are high, so should your frame rates. It’s worth the price premium to have a monitor and PC that can keep the action over 200fps.

Test Takeaway: The PD49 is fully qualified for competition with super low input lag and perfect motion resolution. Though most gamers won’t be toting a 49-inch monitor to LAN parties, it is the perfect display for those who battle from their basements. To get the most from it, I recommend a well-equipped PC that can keep the fun at 200fps or higher.

Viewing Angles

The PD49 shows a slight red shift when you move to 45 degrees off-center. This is typical of the QD-OLEDs I’ve photographed. The extra screen layer that delivers more color also has a slight polarizing effect. But there is no loss of light output, nor is gamma changed. The PD49 is completely shareable. The top view also retains its brightness and gamma with no apparent change in color.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

With a 1.86% deviation from the center zone, you’d think the PD49 would have set a record for my test database which as of this review, contains 407 monitors. But that title still belongs to the Asus PA32UCG I tested in 2021 which scored 1.05%. No matter, this is still an incredible result. There is no doubt that the PD49 is all about quality, inside and out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

OLED tech hasn’t come up to the brightness level of Mini LED yet, but the PD49 and its competition deliver more than enough output for any indoor space. With any OLED, I always recommend leaving Uniform Brightness off so the panel will modulate brightness dynamically. It allocates power to the brighter elements and ultimately gives the image more pop. For this reason, I measure a 25% window pattern for all OLED reviews. The PD49 peaks at the same 449 nits as the PG49WCD, excellent performance. Black levels are too dark to be measured by currently available instruments so contrast cannot be determined.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Adjusting the 25% window to 200 nits lowers the peak brightness just enough to be comfortable in a dim-to-dark room scenario. Black levels and contrast are unchanged. The ANSI test shows the same results. I can’t measure the black squares of the checkerboard pattern so intra-image contrast is theoretically infinite.

Test Takeaway: OLED isn’t the brightest tech out there but with its perfect black levels, it provides the most realistic and textured image possible in a display. The PD49 is on par with all OLEDs in all size and resolution categories. It looks stunning, but no more so than any other OLED.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

The PD49 can be enjoyed right out of the box without adjustment. But I found the picture a tad warm in tone when using the default Standard picture mode. You can tweak to taste or calibrate the user color temp as I did.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The first chart shows the PD49’s slight red errors that can be seen in areas above 70% brightness. They are small enough to be forgivable and won’t significantly impact most content. The gamma tracking chart shows a dip at 90% which means some bright bits will be too bright. In most cases, this isn’t a big deal, but some content might show a little less clarity of detail in highlight areas.

After adjusting the precise RGB controls, there is no visible grayscale error, but gamma is unchanged. The other presets are further off the mark, so I stuck with Gamma 1. This isn’t a huge issue, but I would prefer to see closer adherence to the 2.2 reference.

If you choose the sRGB gamut option, there is no visible effect on grayscale which is a good thing. The color temp options are grayed out in this mode. This chart shows that the PD49 is qualified for color grading or photo editing.

Comparisons

The PD49 has grayscale performance similar to that of its competition. All the screens here are good, and there are no significant issues to report. In the gamma tests, the PD49 is close to the others in average value, but its range of values is a little larger than the rest thanks to the dip at 90% brightness which cannot be adjusted away. This is a minor issue that is far from a deal-breaker.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The PD49 excels in all its color gamut measurements. I checked out Panel Native and sRGB which closely match DCI-P3 and sRGB standards, respectively. The other modes also adhere to industry specs. You can have Adobe RGB if you want, which is something rarely found outside the professional realm.

The initial run shows a hue error in magenta and slight over-saturation of all colors. If you want to get closer to DCI-P3, that option is available and delivers an average error of just 1.82dE. However, a few users will complain about more color. Panel Native was my choice for gaming and general use. Calibration reduces saturation slightly and brings magenta closer to its targets.

sRGB is spot-on apart from the red primary, which is a tad over-saturated. However, with an average error of 1.75dE, it is close enough for critical applications.

Comparisons

OLED monitors constitute a tough crowd when it comes to color accuracy comparisons. The PD49 finished fifth, but with a 2.29dE score, it is free of any visual errors and more than accurate enough for its intended purpose. The big win comes in the gamut volume test where it cracks the 115% mark. It is the most colorful OLED monitor I’ve tested to date. And with 105% coverage of sRGB, it is nearly ideal when that gamut is needed.

Test Takeaway: The PD49 isn’t quite perfect out of the box, but it’s close enough that calibration isn’t required. But with a few tweaks, the picture hits the reference level for grayscale and nearly so for gamut accuracy. A slight gamma anomaly keeps it from attaining perfection, but this is a minor complaint. The PD49 delivers a gorgeous image dripping with saturated color to the naked eye.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The PD49 accepts HDR10 signals and switches modes to reveal four additional presets. TrueBlack is the default and best choice because it’s color-accurate and follows the correct luminance curve so that detail remains clear in all parts of the image. The other modes have slightly different looks and can be used as emulators with SDR content if you wish.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

In my travels thus far, only the AG456UCZD has exceeded the 600-nit barrier for ultra-wide monitors. And it’s 21:9 versus the others’ 32:9 so it’s something of an outlier. All the 49-inch models look the same in a side-by-side comparison with nearly the same output levels. The only difference will be in color saturation, where the QD models stand apart. The PD49 is one of those so its HDR image is a sight to behold. I measured the other modes and found no differences in peak output or contrast. There is no brightness penalty for sticking with TrueBlack.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The PD49’s HDR grayscale tracking has the same slight warm tone that I saw in the SDR tests. This is a minor issue that will be hard to spot in content. There is no calibration option, but that’s not a problem. The EOTF chart shows tight tracking with slightly dark levels from zero to 40%, then a tad above the line until the tone-map transition at 65%. This is excellent performance.

In the color tests, the PD49 is a bit over-saturated across the board which is typical of the HDR monitors I’ve tested. This gives the image more impact and sets it further apart from SDR content. Detail rendering remains sharp and clear with no loss of detail. In the BT.2020 test, the PD49 covers 90% red, 80% green and 95% blue. This is more than any non-QD monitor can boast. You won’t find more color anywhere.

Test Takeaway: The PD49 delivers a stunning HDR image with bright highlights, sharp detail and beautifully saturated color. Accuracy is high and there are no visible issues to report. If you want the best possible HDR, get an OLED like this and you’ll never go back to LCD.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

In the world of large gaming monitors, the 49-inch 32:9 category is the most extreme. It’s ideal for first-person gaming, whether you play shooters or racing sims. And if you can afford an OLED, the experience is truly up-level.

For those able to spend a little more money, there’s AOC’s Agon Pro Porsche Design PD49. It offers the same superb video processing and stunning image of other QD-OLEDs, but it adds high style and unsurpassed build quality for a little more money.

Performance-wise, the PD49 is on par with its competition. Motion resolution at high frame rates is entirely free of blur. Input lag is very low, 21ms in my test. This makes it the quickest 49-inch 240 Hz OLED I’ve tested. Gaming on it is an addictive experience.

The image is stunning, like every OLED, and further enhanced by Quantum Dot tech. The PD49 is currently the most colorful OLED I’ve reviewed, with over 115% coverage of DCI-P3. Though I noted a slight gamma anomaly, it can be enjoyed without calibration. The picture is very accurate, and my adjustments made only a small improvement.

Sound quality is definitely above average. With eight-watt internal speakers, excellent clarity and volume, and DTS tuning with multiple modes, you can enjoy an immersive experience without headphones.

The PD49 is a premium gaming monitor in every respect. From its superb build quality and styling to its high performance and stunning image, it is a purchase that no one will regret. And since it isn’t priced significantly higher than its competition, you’re essentially getting that Porsche Design cachet for only a small upcharge. At this writing, it’s selling for around $1,200, so if that is within your budget, the PD49 should be on your short list.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

Are you tired of your IPS monitor's dull colors and backlight bleed? This Black Friday, look at the most affordable OLED monitor—the AOC Agon PRO 27-inch, which is available for a historic low of just $399. Long gone are the days when you'd have to spend $1000 or even more to get a decent viewing experience.

The AOC Agon PRO lineup has many flavors, but we're looking at the 27-inch OLED QHD version. The monitor offers a 2.5K resolution (2560x1440) running at 240 Hz, supporting HDR10 while promising 101% DCI-P3 and 136.7% sRGB coverage. It is FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, so you won't have to deal with screen tearing.

The viewing angles hold up pretty well at 170 degrees, though they fall slightly short of other, more expensive offerings. Likewise, its OLED design offers a near-infinite contrast ratio and an impressive 0.03ms GTG response time. However, per our extensive testing, it does underperform in the HDR brightness department, which we suggest you go over if you plan on purchasing this monitor.

Regarding connectivity, the AOC Agon Pro 27-inch features two HDMI 1.4 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, two USB Type-A 3.2 ports, one USB Type-B port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. As of this writing, the AOC Agon Pro is the most inexpensive OLED monitor at Amazon, making it an absolute steal if you're in the market for an upgrade.

Head to the official Amazon page to snag this monitor before inventory runs out.

We are working hard to find the best deals for you this Black Friday. If you're looking for other products, check out our Black Friday Computer Hardware Deals Live blog for a range of products, or dive deeper into our specialized SSD and Storage Deals Live blog, Monitor Deals Live, Graphics Card Deals, or CPU Deals pages.

If you've got a powerful gaming rig, you've got to pair it with a capable gaming display to get the most out of your investment. High-performance gaming monitors can cost a pretty penny, but today, we've got a deal on the AOC Agon Pro Tournament AG274QZM gaming monitor that's too exciting to pass up. This gaming monitor has been going for around $550 lately, but it is now discounted to just $419. Moreover, it is purportedly 60% off its MSRP.

It's safe to say this isn't your grandma's gaming monitor. It's got plenty of juicy specs, including a QHD resolution and Mini LED-backlit IPS panel. That said, if you want to see how it compares to other displays on the market, you should check out our list of the best gaming monitors for 2024.

The AOC Agon Pro Tournament AG274QZM gaming monitor features a 27-inch IPS Panel with a QHD resolution that packs in 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. It is Mini LED backlit, featuring 576 local dimming zones, and can reach a maximum brightness of 750 nits. A contrast ratio of 1000:1 is typical for an IPS panel, but the Mini LED local dimming tech here should boost this visual quality considerably.

AOC's monitor is DisplayHDR 1000 VESA certified, pushing up to 1,000 nits in this mode. It covers 97% of both the DCI-P3 and Adobe RGB color gamuts. The refresh rate can get as high as 240 Hz, with G-Sync variable refresh rate support, while the response time can get as low as 1 ms.

AOC has integrated a hub in the AG274QZM, featuring six USB Ports total, including four downstream USB Type-A ports, one Type-B port, and one USB Type-C. It has two integrated 5W speakers and a 3.5mm jack for connecting external audio peripherals. For video input, it has one DisplayPort 1.4 input and two HDMI 2.1 ports. The purchase is supported by Amazon's 30-day return policy and a 3-year manufacturer's warranty from AOC.

Visit the AOC Agon Pro Tournament AG274QZM gaming monitor product page at Amazon for more details and purchase options.

AOC's Agon gaming line has been busy this week, announcing a host of new monitors across various sizes and specs. Today, AOC is announcing a quartet of 27-inch high-refresh-rate monitors in the G4 series, starting with 180 Hz.

AOC's C27G4H and C27G4ZH monitors are a pair of 27-inch 1920x1080 displays, running at 180 Hz and 280 Hz, respectively, for $169 and $189. The CQ27G4H and CQ27G4ZH likewise are QHD (2160x1440) screens at 180 Hz and 280 Hz, costing the pair $209 and $399 each. Based on current Amazon prices, the most exciting monitors within this family seem to be the 280 Hz panels, with $189 and $399 offering competitive value for their segments. The 180 Hz panels, while still solid options for consumers, are caught in the middle of a more competitive pack of options and can be solidly beaten on value.

The four monitors have nearly identical specs besides their different resolutions and refresh rates. All four offer a 1500R curve—meaning the monitor's arc fits in a circle with a radius of 1.5 meters—a middle-ground option for curved monitors today. The 180 Hz monitors advertise response times of 0.5ms, while the 280 Hz screens reportedly offer a razor-quick 0.3ms. AOC also advertises a Low Input Lag mode for the two 180Hz panels, a mysterious mode that "rewires the monitor in favour of raw response time". This nebulous marketing speak may refer to an overclock to their big brothers' 0.3ms speeds, the base-advertised 0.5ms times, or something else entirely.

All four monitors are VA panels, typical for curved displays, with AOC claiming a 3000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The quartet also comes with AOC's AdaptiveSync technology to prevent screen tearing, VESA mounting compatibility, and AOC's Re-Spawned 4-year warranty. The warranty includes a 4-year zero dead pixel guarantee and 1-year accidental damage coverage, a boon to accident-prone gamers.

Each monitor has two HDMI 2.0 ports, a single DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a headphone-out jack. It also sits on an identical stand with height and tilt adjustment abilities. Of course, for the RGB-inclined, a colored ring emits light from the back, ready for syncing with other AOC components with the bespoke AOC G-Menu program.

The C27G4H, C27G4ZH, and CQ27G4H monitors are all available now from Amazon, with the 280 Hz, 1440p CQ27G4ZH expected to be released in November of this year. Whether AOC's latest releases will make a dent in a crowded gaming monitor market remains to be seen, but the big numbers on these spec sheets may prove tempting.

The best gaming monitors come in so many shapes and sizes that buying a monitor for specific game types has become easy. First-person titles benefit from curved screens in 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios. By stretching the view out to the edge of the player's peripheral vision, something akin to VR goggles can be created. Except, of course, a monitor is less expensive and doesn’t sit on your head. It can also be used for other things like watching movies or productivity.

If you have the space for a wide display, there is either 21:9 or 32:9. The latter typically comes in a 49-inch size and is very wide but not very tall. It’s great for driving sims but less ideal for shooters requiring more vertical space in the viewpoint. 21:9 takes care of that but most of those products are 34 inches, which is not really encompassing. For a genuine surround feel, check out the 45-inch AOC OLED I will review. Part of the Agon Pro line, the AG456UCZD is incredibly immersive with an 800R curve, WQHD 3440x1440 resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color. Let’s take a look.

AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD Specs

When you see a curve radius of 800R, take notice: it means a very tight curve. A circle of AG456UCZDs would make the user claustrophobic with an enclosure just 1.6 meters across, 63 inches, or just over five feet. When you sit in front of this monitor, two or three feet away, the sides aren’t far from your ears.

The resolution is WQHD or 3440x1440 and screen is 45 inches diagonal in a 21:9 aspect ratio, which makes pixel density 83ppi. That’s about the same as a 27-inch FHD monitor, so the AG456UCZD won’t match the clarity of a smaller screen. But that’s not the point. The OLED panel provides a stable 240 Hz, so motion resolution is perfect at speeds over 200 fps. It also has the infinite contrast and rich color I’ve come to be spoiled by in the OLED genre. With over 98% coverage of DCI-P3, it’s extremely colorful. It achieves this without a Quantum Dot layer, so it delivers high brightness, around 400 nits for SDR and 635 measured for HDR.

Out-of-the-box color accuracy is solid, with no need for calibration. For my sample, I made only a change in gamma to achieve a superb image for both SDR and HDR content. There are plenty of picture modes and tweaks if you prefer a different look. AOC has included the choice of constant or variable brightness, which is something only a few OLEDs offer.

Video processing is exemplary thanks to the 240 Hz refresh rate and also flawless Adaptive-Sync operation. The AG456UCZD delivers G-Sync and FreeSync over a 48 to 240 Hz range. It has been certified by Nvidia and also for FreeSync Premium. There’s no strobe option to address slower frame rates, so operating it below 144 Hz will produce a little motion blur.

As part of the Agon Pro line, the AG456UCZD is a premium build from top to bottom. You get a solid stand, LED lighting, decent internal speakers, plenty of USB options, and even a handheld remote. It’s premium priced, too, at around $1,400 at this writing. But this is typical for the category, and there aren’t any other monitors like it. Most ultra-wides are smaller at 34 or 35 inches with gentler curves. A 45-inch OLED screen with 800R is definitely unusual.

Assembly and Accessories

The AG456UCZD’s three parts come out of a suitably large carton filled with crumbly foam. The stand is substantial and assembles with a captive bolt. To attach the panel, find the two large screws in the package, and the included Phillips-head screwdriver. The fulcrum looks small for a panel this large, but it is more solid than it appears. Once completed, it’s very solid and stable. A small box has the cable bundle, which includes USB-C, DisplayPort, and HDMI,, a power cord, and a remote with two AAA batteries.

Product 360

The AG456UCZD has a large footprint but isn’t quite as wide as a 49-inch 32:9 model. What you notice most is its significant height and tight curve. The screen fills your viewpoint both vertically and horizontally. When you sit three feet back, sound reflects into your ears from the screen. It’s a unique experience you can’t get from any other monitor.

The stand is very wide and deep, more than up to the task of supporting the panel’s weight. It offers full ergonomics with four-inch height adjustment, 5/15 degrees tilt, and 17 degrees swivel to either side. Movements are firm and free of play. The AG456UCZD exudes premium quality all the way.

The LED lighting is arrayed around the attachment point in the back with colorful effects that play from an asymmetrical hexagon. This shape integrates chiseled features and the word Agon to create a unique look. The panel is finished in black with a brushed texture, while the stand is a matte gray. The base is solid metal with a plastic-covered, metal-cored upright. The single control is a joystick protruding from the component bulge. Also on the bulge, on the left side, are four convenient USB ports, one of which supports fast charging.

Underneath are two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4, plus a USB-C with DP capability and 90 watts of power. A USB-B upstream port supports KVM functions for your favorite peripherals. The HDMI ports are limited to 120 Hz and 2560x1440 for gaming consoles. You also get a 3.5mm headphone jack. The internal speakers play with eight watts of power and sound better than most, with decent volume, low distortion, and good frequency range.

OSD Features

AOC uses a unique menu style for its Agon products, arranged like the traditional ribbon layout but in a vertical format. It follows the same configuration, so it will be familiar to AOC users. You can operate it with the joystick, but the remote is far more convenient.

Pressing the remote’s menu button summons the main screen with eight sub-menus, six of which appear at any one time. Game Setting has an array of game modes that alter the image to suit different game types. I recommend leaving this off. You can make shadow detail more visible with Shadow Control and Shadow Boost. While this is effective, it spoils the OLED look of deep blacks. If you’re having trouble seeing dark areas of the image, turn off your room lights. You can also tweak color saturation with the Game Color control. There’s a sniper mode that magnifies the center of the screen and a frame rate indicator. The aiming points are activated by clicking the joystick down or pressing the big red button on the remote.

The Luminance menu is where you’ll find three gamma presets. I preferred the look of Gamma 2 over the default Gamma 1 setting, but that involves a compromise I’ll tell you about later. You can also turn on Uniform Brightness for SDR and HDR content. Leaving it off makes the image brighter, but introduces some visible shift in luminance when content changes. If you find the image bright enough when turned on, that’s the preferred setting. HDR Mode includes three HDR emulations for SDR content. They are a matter of user preference; try them and see if you like them. When HDR10 content is displayed, you get five HDR modes. DisplayHDR is the most accurate and best choice.

The AG456UCZD has extensive PIP and PBP options appropriate for any jumbo monitor. You can view two sources at once in either windowed or side-by-side layouts. The window can be positioned to your liking, and you can swap audio between sources.

Color Setup has three color temp presets plus a user mode with RGB sliders. I found the best results in the Warm color temp. You can choose between Native, DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts too.

Light FX refers to the LEDs arrayed around the asymmetrical hexagon in the back. You can choose colors and effects here or create a show using AOC’s G-Menu app from the Windows desktop. The Extra menu has an input selector, USB port control, and pixel orbiting for OLED care. You can also set a refresh routine to run every four hours if you wish. I have yet to see burn-in on any OLED screen in my possession, including a three-year-old LG OLED TV and an Alienware desktop monitor.

AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD Calibration Settings

The AG456UCZD includes the same calibration controls as all AOC monitors, which means selectable color gamuts, three gamma presets, and a user color temp. All is well out of the box, and calibration is unnecessary, but I found the gamma looked a tad dark. Measurements confirmed that it was running around 2.36. Grayscale calibration did not positively impact, so I left the color temp set to Warm and changed gamma to the 2 preset. This brightened the image noticeably and tightened up color saturation tracking. This is a compromise, so you should try Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 to see which you prefer. For the full color gamut, leave that option on Panel Native. If you need sRGB, it’s there and accurate enough for critical work. My SDR settings are below. Brightness settings are with Uniform Brightness turned off.

For HDR content, there are four additional modes available. DisplayHDR is the best one with accurate color and luminance tracking.

Gaming and Hands-on

Gaming with the AG456UCZD is nearly a case of sensory overload. It’s wide, tall, and wraps around you. The game environment is literally in your face. Even the sound is reflected within the screen’s vision cone, creating a surround effect. This monitor is tactile in every way.

The image is stunning whether you play in HDR or SDR mode. SDR games like Tomb Raider look a bit too colorful when using the full gamut. This is a product of the AG456UCZD’s near-100% coverage of DCI-P3 and OLED contrast, which amplifies all aspects of picture quality. I could tone it down by simply selecting the sRGB gamut from the OSD. The monitor looks its best when showing HDR content, though. Doom Eternal was rich with detail and saturated color.

If you’re concerned about pixel density, don’t be. 83ppi seems low, but in practice, on this screen, you will not notice the dot structure, even when sitting close. I was two feet away, and the picture was nothing but razor-sharp and three-dimensional. Remember that OLED panels don’t have the aggressive polarization of LCDs, and the pixel gaps are very small.

Video processing was flawless in every respect. I have yet to find a 240 Hz OLED that didn’t deliver perfect motion resolution. You’ll need a reasonably fast video card to realize the AG456UCZD’s full potential. The fun starts at 200fps, for sure. Between 144 and 200 Hz, there is a little blur, and below 144 Hz there is a little more, but not as much as an LCD at the same refresh rate. It would be nice if AOC had included a strobe option because console users would surely benefit. Adaptive-Sync worked perfectly though so you won’t have to worry about frame tears.

Using an 800R monitor for work presents a few challenges but nothing that can be adapted. Documents should be kept in the center of the screen, especially spreadsheets. You can’t avoid the distortion of straight lines with such a tight radius. OLED clarity takes care of small fonts and icons, but it’s harder to focus on the task if you’ve turned your head to one side while typing. The AG456UCZD also isn’t ideal for photo editing. Small graphics are fine if you can keep them within the center third of the screen.

The AG456UCZD exudes quality from its premium build and rugged feel. The styling is game-focused but not overly distracting. Thanks to its unique shape and large size, it makes itself a conversation piece. The LED lighting creates a pleasing glow without drawing too much attention. I barely noticed its reflection from the wall behind.

The internal speakers are much better than average. They’re among the best I’ve experienced. At half volume, they are very loud and full. Remember that the screen’s curve acts as a sonic reflector. It’s almost like wearing headphones. I could turn them down quite far and still hear everything clearly. AOC has made an excellent effort here.

Takeaway: The AG456UCZD delivers a true multi-sensory experience with its tight curve, stunning image, superb video processing, and excellent sound. It puts games in your face and around your head. It’s great for anything: first-person, shooters, driving, flying, or just exploring virtual worlds. It’s fine for work if you keep your focus at the center of the screen. Gamers who try an AG456UCZD will want it, for sure.

The AG456UCZD is unique at this time, so I’ve brought in 34 and 49-inch OLED monitors for comparison. The group includes Asus’ PG34WCDM and PG49WCD, Samsung’s OLED G8 and G9, and Aorus’ CO49DQ.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

240 Hz usually means a 4ms panel draw time but the AG456UCZD takes 5ms. When comparing Blur Busters’ motion patterns running at 240fps, there is no visible difference. Smoothness is assured at speeds above 200 Hz with perfect motion resolution for moving objects and panning backgrounds.

The AG456UCZD wins the total lag contest with a 22ms result. It doesn’t get much faster. Only a few 27-inch 16:9 flat OLEDs have gone quicker. I wouldn’t give up this giant curved screen for 3ms. This monitor is competition ready.

Test Takeaway: The AG456UCZD exhibits the perfect motion resolution and super low input lag I’ve come to expect from 240 Hz OLED monitors. It performs at the highest level and since its shape and size are unique, has no real competition. If you’re comparing it to smaller screens, they will have more pixel density but not the immersion factor of the AOC.

Viewing Angles

The AG456UCZD benefits in this test from its non-Quantum Dot panel. While that feature would expand the color gamut, it also introduces a subtle color shift off-axis. With its extreme 800R curve, AOC was right to select this panel. At 45 degrees, there is no visible change in brightness and only a slight blue tone. The vertical view also retains full luminance and gamma. This is excellent performance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

I’ve seen excellent screen uniformity from all the OLEDs I’ve reviewed. This technology is less prone to hotspots, bleed, or glow than LCD variants. The AG456UCZD has no visible issues when measuring a 10% gray field pattern. Brighter steps are also free of visible problems. There are no color uniformity anomalies either.

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The AG456UCZD's variable brightness feature is turned on by default. That means the brightness of a 25% window is greater than that of a full-field white pattern. Should you prefer constant brightness, that option is available and results in a peak white reading of 256 nits. Either mode is bright enough for an indoor environment. Turning Constant Brightness on only limits the peak number, not contrast. That is still unmeasurable due to the completely black screen displayed under zero brightness conditions.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration does not affect contrast or black levels in any way. Since the AG456UCZD is bright enough with Constant Brightness turned on, that’s the way I would use it for SDR. Turn it off for HDR to enjoy brighter highlights. There is no difference between any of these screens in the static or ANSI (intra-image) tests. Once brightness is equalized, they deliver the same dynamic range and unmeasurable black levels.

Test Takeaway: The AG456UCZD’s variable brightness feature is a bit more aggressive than average which is the reason for its high peak white level. This is great for a bright image but can be fatiguing in the long term. AOC provides a choice with its Constant Brightness option, something many OLEDs don’t offer. Either way, it delivers tremendous contrast and a stunning image.

The AG456UCZD is ready to rock out of the box with grayscale and color that is well within specification. Each example is calibrated before shipment, so consistency is assured. My only observation concerns gamma which I’ll explain below.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

By default, the AG456UCZD’s grayscale errors are all below the visible threshold. However, gamma is a bit dark. While this results in slightly over-saturated color, which many users will prefer, it makes the picture a bit murky. I’m picking nits here, but it motivates me to try a few things.

The User color temp starts out very blue and ultimately does not improve grayscale accuracy. It doesn’t affect gamma either, so I returned to the Warm color temp preset and changed gamma from 1 to 2. That lightened the image in a good way, even though the trace is a bit below the reference. It is closer to spec by the numbers, though, and as you’ll see in the gamut test, saturation points are closer to the mark. Though I took a slight hit in grayscale accuracy, it’s a worthwhile compromise. You can try both gamma settings to see which you prefer.

When I set the color gamut to sRGB, it grayed out all other image controls except for brightness. The result is visually perfect grayscale tracking and slightly dark gamma, which is good enough for color-critical applications.

Comparisons

You’ll notice that I took a small step backward in the AG456UCZD’s grayscale tracking accuracy, but visually, it is an improvement due to the lighter gamma tracking. As I said, you may feel differently, so all that’s required is to change gamma between preset 1 and preset 2. It looks great either way. The gamma result shown above is on the Gamma 2 setting.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

I had a similar experience measuring the AG456UCZD’s color gamut. The default error of 1.49dE is professional grade, but it is slightly oversaturated in red. Visually, this isn’t an issue. When I changed the gamma preset, targets tightened considerably, but the average increased to 1.73dE. This is a tiny difference. Both numbers are superb by any standard. sRGB mode also hits the mark with a 1.51dE result.

Comparisons

Even though I went slightly backward with the AG456UCZD’s color result, I prefer the image on the Gamma 2 preset. Both choices are accurate enough for pro-level work. It is a personal preference issue. I preferred the lighter look; you may not. Room lighting will also affect perception, so I urge you to try both settings.

Though the AG456UCZD doesn’t have a Quantum Dot layer, it covers over 98% of DCI-P3. A few monitors have gone over 100%, and they look a little more colorful. But I suspect buyers will be looking at size and shape here. There is plenty of color to satisfy gamers and graphics pros alike.

Test Takeaway: Compromises and nit-picks aside, the AG456UCZD delivers superb accuracy regardless of which gamma setting you choose. It doesn’t need or benefit from calibration. That is always a plus. It’s also qualified for color-critical work in DCI-P3 or sRGB gamuts.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

Applying an HDR10 signal to the AG456UCZD switches it over automatically and opens up four additional picture modes. DisplayHDR is the default and best choice. I ran all HDR color tests in this mode as it was the only accurate choice. The other three present a different look but ultimately have flaws that hide detail and exaggerate color unattractively. They also introduce resolution-reducing edge enhancement.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

With Constant Brightness turned off, the AG456UCZD tops 635 nits when measuring a 25% window pattern in HDR mode. AOC claims 1,000 nits, which is indeed possible if you measure a small enough area of the image, 3% or less. Brightness? Yes, there is plenty. HDR has a lot of punch, deep contrast, and a true three-dimensional look. Black levels are unmeasurable as usual so I can’t post a contrast ratio.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

HDR grayscale charts don’t get much better than this. The AG456UCZD’s tracking is visually perfect, with no errors greater than 2dE. The EOTF is a bit dark until it meets the reference line at 40% brightness. The tone-map transition is on-spec at 65% brightness.

The HDR gamut charts show the same level of over-saturation that I see in nearly all HDR monitors, OLED and LCD. This provides a lot of verve to the presentation, and the AG456UCZD manages to track its saturation points linearly. That preserves detail, so you’ll see every nuance contained in the original material. DCI-P3 is fully covered and Rec.2020 runs out at around 85% for red, 75% for green and 95% for blue. This is also typical of the wide gamut displays I’ve tested.

Test Takeaway: The AG456UCZD provides the same stunning HDR image as all the OLEDs I’ve reviewed. In this regard, they are nearly equal. The AOC has a bit more brightness than average, which manifests as stronger highlights. It also has full DCI-P3 gamut coverage, so you’ll see lots of vivid hues in all HDR content. In this regard, it gives nothing away to other similar screens.

I’ve been saying for a while that there are no bad OLED monitors. I’ve been reviewing them almost without letup for months now and have yet to find one that wasn’t excellent in every respect. Yes, there are minor issues here and there, but when taken as a whole, the genre guarantees success. The only question is, what size and shape best fits your needs?

If first-person shooters and sims are your thing, ultra and mega-wide screens create the best version of virtual reality short of a set of goggles. You can have aspect ratios of either 21:9 or 32:9, but 21:9 is where the height is. If you’ve found 34-inch screens a bit underwhelming, the AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD at 45 inches creates its own category. And it doesn’t cost significantly more either.

With WQHD 3440x1440 resolution, the AG456UCZD has only 83ppi pixel density. But in my experience, that made no difference whatsoever. OLED contrast and color more than compensate. The SDR picture was extremely colorful and the HDR picture is on another level from anything possible in the LCD camp. It has the same infinite blacks and contrast as any OLED, but its size and shape are unique.

Also equal to the very best is the AG456UCZD’s video processing. Though it needs to run over 200fps to be at its best, that means perfect motion resolution with no motion blur. Moving objects retain every scrap of detail and are equal in sharpness to static parts of the image. Fast camera pans come with no artifacts or breakups. It’s one aspect of display performance where OLED can be said to be perfect.

My only nitpick here is the compromise I had to make with gamma. There isn’t an option that tracks 2.2 perfectly but by changing one setting, I was able to make an improvement. And the default image was fine to begin with so take these comments for what they are, nitpicks.

The AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD is yet another superb OLED gaming monitor. It’s unique in size and shape. There isn’t another display like it. And it doesn’t cost much more than a 34-inch 21:9 screen while offering a lot more immersion and superior sound. If you have the desire for VR glasses but don’t want to spend even more money, the AG456UCZD is clearly worth checking out.

Popular PC monitor maker AOC has showcased its first monitors tailored to the professional market. The new AOC Graphic Pro monitors are also referred to as the ‘U3 Graphic Pro Line’ on the official AOC site, where you can see they are tuned for professional content creators. Common claimed features of the first three AOC Graphic Pro monitors include: great color accuracy, wide color gamuts, and flexible connectivity including USB Type-C.

While all three new U3 monitors share the above qualities and the same distraction-free flat-screen ‘frameless’ design language, there are of course some important differences. There is just one 32-inch model in the new lineup, the AOC U3 Graphic Pro U32U3CV. It uses a Nano IPS panel with 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.

The other two models have 27-inch diagonals with different screen resolutions and LCD technology. AOC’s U3 Graphic Pro U32U3CV sticks with the Nano IPS tech, and delivers ‘4K’ visuals with its 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. Meanwhile, the AOC U3 Graphic Pro Q27U3CV features an IPS QD panel with 2,560 x 1,440 pixels.

Have a deeper dive into the specs and observe clear comparisons in the table we made, above. We should also mention that these monitors are all Calman-ready for precise, consistent calibrated output.

So, we have a good measure of the capabilities of these new and upcoming professional monitors from AOC, but there is one more important aspect left to cover – pricing. We only have Euro prices for now, probably because the launch event was in Spain.

• AOC U3 Graphic Pro U32U3CV: €589 ($630)
• AOC U3 Graphic Pro U27U3CV: €469 ($500)
• AOC U3 Graphic Pro Q27U3CV: €349 ($372)

We have directly converted the above Euro prices to USD using today's exchange rate. However, U.S. customers should understand that the touted Spanish prices will probably include the country’s standard rate of VAT at 21%.

We have reviewed quite a few AOC monitors over the past year. As this article indicates, the firm’s output has been quite gaming-orientated previously, but several have won Editor’s Choice awards for the great balance of price, performance, and quality. Hopefully, its  U3 Graphic Pro screens will be similarly attractive.

AOC joins the limited selection of high-end ultrawide OLED monitors, making a splash with its latest Agon Pro AG456UCZD ultrawide monitor. The OLED display runs at 240 Hz, beating out other 165 Hz OLED ultrawide options. As a premium display, it's not surprise that it also supports AMD FreeSync Premium and is G-Sync Compatible.

The combination of refresh rate and display technologies should result in a hyper-smooth gaming experience, with the only potential caveats being higher input lag at sub-native resolutions.

The AOC Agon Pro AG456UCZD lands firmly in the upper echelon of monitors, providing a 3440x1440 resolution on a 44.5-inch panel. Combined with the OLED technology and a reported 98.5% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, this should provide a clean and vivid image — though there are also competing 120 Hz displays for a similar price that have an even wider 5120x1440 resolution.

Either way, that's a lot of pixels to push, and you'll want one of the best graphics cards to drive this sort of display. And let's be honest: You'll really need to leverage FSR 3 or DLSS 3 frame generation in most games to get anywhere near the 240 fps mark that the monitor supports.

One unfortunate caveat is the usage of an "HDR10" grading instead of a proper "DisplayHDR" grading. This somewhat obfuscates the actual HDR performance you can actually expect from the monitor, though OLEDs support per-pixel dimming and this monitor was rated for 1000 nits last time we covered it, so HDR should still be acceptable.

Overall, this monitor still looks like a strong addition to AOC's lineup, and a compelling choice for PC gamers with upper-end hardware looking to branch into OLED displays. It has a fairly strong 800R curve to its design, which isn't that common in OLED ultrawides and some prefer flat displays over curved options.

We haven't reviewed this monitor yet, but we have a separate collection of the best ultrawide gaming monitors. This could be joining that list in the future, pending testing. The AOC Agon Pro seems like a competitive option, similar to Corsair's Xeneon Flex that offers an adjustable curvature for $300 more — both OLED ultrawides have a 3-year warranty.

Two expansive new ultra-wide monitors from AOC have surfaced ahead of their official announcement, after winning plaudits from the Red Dot Design Awards. The AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD49 49-inch curved monitor is very likely to be the premium flagship for hardcore gamers, while the AOC 34U3 34-inch ultrawide flat monitor is possibly aimed toward content creators and productivity users. Both monitors are expected to be officially unwrapped at CES 2024.

The design of the PD49 monitor is inspired by the Porsche 911, which is evident from the rear. Its ridged design takes visual inspiration from the car's distinctive front grill. It is marketed as a professional monitor for hardcore gamers. 

Conflicting information about the PD49's panel

The available information about the Agon Pro PD49 49-inch ultra-widescreen curved monitor is limited: Red Dot indicates that it is a monitor with a 240Hz refresh rate, a protruding 5 megapixel web camera, and 8-watt stereo audio with DTS. It is also speculated to be an 1800R curved monitor with a 5120 x 1440 pixel resolution, according to another source. An NRAA certification lists it to be using an OLED panel. 

Based on our AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M review from a few months ago, you can expect excellent build quality from this AOC and Porsche collaboration, with a premium quality panel. Last month, Tom's Hardware reported on the specs of the AOC AG456 45" monitor and reviewed the AOC Agon Pro AG276QZD, both of which are OLED panels and also won Red Dot Design 2023 awards. 

 The AOC 34U3 Ultra Wide Flat Screen Monitor

The other new monitor that has appeared out of the blue (red) is the AOC 34U3 mini LED panel, a 34-inch ultrawide flat display with a height and swivel adjustment stand. Details are even thinner on the ground regarding this product. It is very likely this is either intended for professional use, perhaps content creation or maybe as a mainstream choice. Some will find its expansive flat-screen minimalism appealing. 

We should get some more information about both the above monitors before or during CES 2024, held from January 9th to 12th at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

2024 - the year of ultrawide OLED panel monitors

As we observed with the previous reports of MSI's upcoming monitors, it's safe to say we will see more OLED-based monitors - either as curved or as flat screens - in the wake of CES 2024. We hope the ramping up of OLED production means pricing can come down, to make this type of display panel more accessible to all PC users.

AOC is preparing a stunning new 44.5-inch OLED gaming monitor for launch. Earlier today the website Display Specifications caught a whiff of the AOC Agon AG456UCZD and its specs, with highlights such as a 240 Hz refresh rate, a wide color gamut, an immersive 800R curve, and a 0.03 ms response time - in addition to the usual OLED goodness.

It is unusual to see such a large and wide monitor with a tight curvature like this. AOC’s Agon AG456UCZD offers a 44.5-inch diagonal and if you sit quite close, like a typical desktop PC user with a chair and desk, its 800R curve will comfortably fill your field of vision. If you kick back a little, you might also appreciate the Agon’s rear spilling out ambient lighting via a LightFX module which supports “up to 100,000 colors and 14 light shows,” according to the source.

For those who like what they hear so far, there are plenty more goodies. The OLED panel, for example, offers 10-bit color with 98.5% DCI-P3 gamut coverage and a Delta E<2. Peak brightness is up to 1,000 nits, and peak contrast is up to 1.5M:1, according to the specs we have seen. Also, the monitor is TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Hardware Solution Platinum Certified, boasts a flicker-free and Eyesafe Display 2.0 certification, and has an anti-glare low-reflection coating.

Performance looks top-notch too. Evidence of great gaming credentials comes via the aforementioned 240 Hz refresh rate and 0.03 ms response time. That won’t be all though, we expect a full complement of Agon gaming features built into this monitor too, like FreeSync Premium, low input lag, motion blur reduction, shadow control, hardware crosshair, frame counter, gaming genre presets, and configuration / customization via AOC’s G-Menu.

Pixel Density Doesn’t Impress

One weakness of this new AOC monitor might be its pixel density. Across its expansive 44.5-inches it only offers 3440 x 1440 pixels. According to our calculations that is 83.80 PPI. For some perspective, that is only a little better than a 27-inch FHD monitor (81.59 PPI).

We think this monitor might be using the same panel as the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE and the Acer Predator X45 OLED due to all of the specs they have in common.

Connectivity Aplenty

Beyond the display panel, the supporting specs of the AOC Agon AG456UCZD look solid. This model sports a KVM Switch (for multi-system users) which includes a uniform brightness feature. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PiP) modes are supported for busy multitaskers.

Because this monitor has a KVM, you won’t be surprised by the plethora of connectivity options. Users have access to two HDMI 2.0 ports, a DP 1.4 port, a USB Type-C port that supports 90W power delivery and DP-Alt, four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B port, and a headphone jack. On the topic of audio, this Agon also has built-in stereo 8W speakers.

AOC has fitted a fully adjustable stand to the Agon AG456UCZD. It affords adjustments to three parameters: +/-15 degrees of swivel, -5 to 15 degrees tilt, and up to 100 mm of height adjustment. If you don’t like it, rest assured the AG456UCZD can be fitted to a 100 x 100 VESA mount of your choice.

At the time of writing, we don’t have information about the availability or pricing of the new Agon AG456UCZD. AOC should send out an official news release about this gaming monitor shortly. A reasonable price would be around the $1,600 mark, like the Acer on offer a few weeks ago. An official Agon AG456UCZD product page isn’t yet available on AOC’s website.

AOC launched a new monitor addressing what it considers the gaming sweet spot in 2023. The 27-inch AOC Gaming CQ27G2S/BK has a 1500R curved VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution (QHD), a max refresh rate of 165 Hz, and a response time of 4ms GtG. Also key to its appeal is its MSRP, which is set at £219.99 in the UK (£184 before VAT, which is equivalent to $226).

As a gaming monitor, the AOC Gaming CQ27G2S features the firm’s signature G-Menu settings. Within the G-Menu software UI, you can easily switch modes between RTS, FPS, Racing, Gamer 1, Gamer 2, and Off. AOC reckons its profiles are great for Shooters, MMORPG, Action, eSports, RTS, Beat 'em up, and Racing genres.

Technologies supporting more enjoyable gaming experiences, like Low input lag, Game color, Shadow control, Motion blur reduction, crosshairs, and frame counters are all also available.

We mentioned some of the key specs in the intro, but some other things we’d like to highlight are the support for Adaptive Sync, with ranges between 48 and 165 Hz supported. Color gamut is also respectable at 90% DCI-P3; however, the max brightness of the monitor at 250 nits is pretty low. Standard visual ergonomic features like low blue light and flicker-free modes are present, and the screen has an anti-glare coating.

On the topic of ergonomics, it is good to see that the stand supplied with the CQ27G2S offers adjustments for tilt ­4° ±1° ~ 21.5° ±1.5°, height 130mm, and swivel ­30° ±2° ~ 30° ±2°.

No speakers are integrated into the display, but it has audio out, as well as two HDMI 2.0 and one DP 1.4 connector. AOC has kept the price down by not including any USB hub connectivity, but at least it puts both HDMI and DP cables in the box.

We reviewed the predecessor of this monitor, the AOC CQ27G2, in December 2020. Comparing the two, not much seems to have changed since our 4/5 star review, but the differences certainly add up. The most significant differences are the new faster max refresh rate (increased to 165 Hz from 144 Hz), improved contrast, an extended color gamut (from 83% to 90% DCI-P3), and HDR10 compatibility. It is also good to see the launch price significantly lower than its 2020-released predecessor.

Only time will tell if the AOC Gaming CQ27G2S will make it into the ranks of our Best Curved Gaming Monitors.

You can find the AOC C27G2Z 27-inch gaming display for one of its best prices yet. This monitor has been going for around $199 lately but today it’s discounted to $179. This is a notable deal given both its price history and specifications that set it apart from other displays in its class.

We reviewed the AOC C27G2Z and appreciated its value which makes today’s discount that much more beneficial. This gaming monitor is AMD FreeSync Premium certified which gives it a little bit of a leg up over other monitors with specs like a minimum FHD resolution and high refresh rate. In this case, the AOC C27G2Z can reach up to 240Hz. It also features low latency as well as support for low framerate compensation (LFC). 

The AOC C27G2Z features a 27-inch curved VA panel with a curvature of 1500R. It has an FHD resolution which measures up to 1920 x 1080px. The refresh rate is notoriously high, reaching up to 240Hz and is accompanies by an MPRT of .5ms.

Users have a couple of input options to take advantage of including one DisplayPort input and two HDMI ports. A 3.5mm jack is included for external audio peripherals. The purchase is supported by a limited 3-year manufacturer’s warranty from AOC alongside Amazon’s 30-day return policy.

Visit the AOC C27G2Z 27-inch curved gaming monitor product page at Amazon for more details and purchase options.

Gaming monitors are an ever-expanding and exciting category when it comes to computer hardware. Not only are promising panel technologies like Mini-LED and OLED coming to even lower price points, but we’re seeing refresh rates shoot through the roof for the most dedicated enthusiasts. Now, AOC is throwing down the gauntlet with its new Agon Pro AG276QZD, which features a 26.5-inch OLED panel that is certain to be a stunner among the best gaming monitors.

The AG276QZD has a QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution (110.8 pixels per inch) and a heady 240Hz refresh rate. As you might expect from a gaming-centric monitor, that 240Hz refresh rate is backed by Adaptive-Sync and Nvidia G-Sync compatibility. The use of OLED technology ensures incomparable contrast with inky blacks and improved color accuracy versus competing panel technologies (IPS, VA, etc.). AOC says that the AG276QZD can hit 98.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color space and 100 percent of sRGB.

AOC also boasts a 0.03ms GtG response time for the 10-bit panel (1.07 billion colors). For those wondering, the AG276QZD uses an anti-glare coating on the display rather than the glossy finish seen on some OLED monitors.

Regarding connectivity, the AG276QZD features two HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.4 ports. There’s also an integrated two-port USB 3.2 (Gen 1) hub and a 3.5mm headphone jack. For those who don’t want to be bothered with adding an external speaker setup, the AG276QZD features two built-in 5-watt speakers. Other features include a Kensington lock and a 100x100 VESA wall mount pattern.

Given that this is a gaming monitor, you won’t be surprised to learn that AOC has integrated Light FX RGB lighting in the AG276QZD. You can sync lighting with other AOC peripherals such as gaming keyboards and mice using AOC's G-Menu software.

The AOC Pro AG276QZD is currently available, priced at $999 from Amazon. That price gets you a 4-year advance replacement and zero dead pixel warranty.

Enthusiasts know that three of the most important criteria for choosing the best gaming monitors are speed, contrast and resolution. All will affect price, so how can one find the best bang for the buck? Where’s the sweet spot where performance and price are most advantageous?

Of the three major panel technologies, IPS, VA and OLED; VA offers the most contrast for the least money. IPS can provide stunning contrast when paired with a Mini LED backlight, but it is expensive. OLED has the greatest dynamic range of all with its infinite black, but it is also expensive. A VA panel can deliver a great picture for relatively little money.

AOC offers a few VA monitors in its budget line and one of the latest examples is the CQ27G3Z. It’s a 27-inch curved monitor with QHD resolution, 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR, wide gamut color and retails for less than $400.

AOC CQ27G3Z Specs

The CQ27G3Z doesn’t have much in the bells and whistles department, but like any good budget screen, it delivers it where it counts. The picture is excellent thanks to a VA panel with around 4,000:1 native contrast. It’s curved tightly at 1000R to create a more immersive effect. I put that in the realm of individual preference when talking about any 16:9 aspect curved monitor. There is some slight image distortion with a tight curve in this screen size. But for games, it delivers an enhanced experience.

Color is wide-gamut, with over 86% coverage of DCI-P3. You can find larger gamuts for a little more money, but the extra color is also an enhancement. Accuracy is decent with calibration and there is a usable sRGB mode.

The most significant value-add is the CQ27G3Z’s 240 Hz refresh rate. There aren’t a plethora of 240 Hz QHD screens out there, and most of them are premium displays. AOC is undercutting the competition with a price of $375 at this writing. You also get Adaptive-Sync with FreeSync from 48 to 240 Hz and G-Sync compatibility, as confirmed by my tests. The CQ27G3Z has not been certified by Nvidia.

Additional features are sparse. You get a frame counter and an aiming point. In addition. blur reduction via backlight strobe can be used in lieu of Adaptive-Sync. The full 240 Hz can be enjoyed over the two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs with HDR at QHD resolution, while two HDMI 2.0 ports support 120 Hz operation with VRR for consoles. There are no USB ports or speakers, nor is there LED lighting. But you get a solid package with everything needed for high-performance gaming for less than $400.

Assembly and Accessories

The CQ27G3Z comes from its crumbly foam in three parts. The panel snaps on after attaching the upright to the base with a captive bolt. The panel mount has a 100mm VESA pattern with fasteners included. The power supply is internal, so you get an IEC cord plus DisplayPort and HDMI cables.

Product 360

The CQ27G3Z is attractively styled with simple molded shapes and a smooth curve across the back. Red trim signals its gaming intent, but no additional LED lighting exists. The front bezel is nearly frameless on three sides, with 7mm borders on the top and sides and 23mm on the bottom. The red trim is also visible from the front, with accent strips and a hole in the upright for cabling.

The stand is lightweight and solid with a 5.1-inch (130mm) height adjustment, 40 degrees swivel to either side and 5/23 degrees of tilt. There is no portrait mode. Movements are firmer than the CQ27G3Z’s light weight suggests. Build quality is definitely above the price point here.

The input panel is well stocked with two HDMI 2.0 and two DisplayPort 1.4. You’ll need the latter for full 240 Hz operation with HDR and Adaptive-Sync. The HDMI ports support 120 Hz with HDR and VRR for consoles like the PS5 and Xbox One. There are no internal speakers, but you can plug headphones or powered speakers into the 3.5mm audio jack.

OSD Features

The CQ27G3Z’s OSD is controlled by four keys which you’ll find across the bottom right part of the panel. They are a bit clunky compared to the joysticks found in many of the latest displays. The ribbon-style menu is the same one I’ve used in AOC monitors for the past ten years. It’s intuitive and divided into seven sub-menus.

The Luminance menu controls brightness and contrast, offers seven picture modes, three gamma presets, a dynamic contrast option and HDR modes that appear when an HDR signal is present. I don’t recommend the dynamic contrast as it clips highlight and shadow detail. The CQ27G3Z has plenty of contrast already. The HDR modes are Display, Game, Movie and Picture. The default and best option is Display. It has the best color accuracy but also presents one downside, edge enhancement. I’ll discuss that more in the hands-on section below and in the HDR tests on page five.

In Color Setup, you can adjust the white point with presets or RGB sliders. Also here is the sRGB mode, which has a fixed grayscale. It correctly renders the sRGB gamut if you want to use it for SDR content or color-critical tasks.

Picture Boost is something unique to AOC monitors. You can create a window on the screen, size and move it, and adjust its brightness and contrast independently of the rest of the image. It’s handy for highlighting areas of the picture.

OSD Setup has the expected options but also includes the DisplayPort version and a break reminder. This is a timer that pops up on the screen when it’s time to stop fragging and get a drink or snack.

The CQ27G3Z adds a PIP option; not all AOC monitors have one. You can size and move the window and swap between two video sources.

In Game Setting, you’ll find additional game modes, which are picture presets. Hint, leave this off lest you become lost in the many possible combinations of picture and game modes. The Standard mode from the Luminance menu is all you need. Also here is a three-level overdrive, FreeSync toggle and the frame rate counter. If you’d rather use a backlight strobe for blur reduction, that’s also here with 20 intensity settings. As you increase the value, the screen gets darker, and motion becomes smoother as the pulse width changes. It works well with almost none of the phasing artifacts common to backlight strobes. It is a viable alternative to Adaptive-Sync and overdrive, especially when speeds exceed 200fps.

In the Extra menu, there is an off timer, factory reset and basic signal information. You can also change inputs here or by pressing the leftmost control key.

AOC CQ27G3Z Calibration Settings 

In the CQ27G3Z’s default Standard picture mode, grayscale is a bit green in tone, with visible errors in the brighter parts of the image. Gamma is slightly dark on its number 1 setting, which is fine for a high-contrast panel like this. I achieved much better grayscale with a few tweaks of the RGB sliders in the Color Setup menu. More importantly, color accuracy and contrast are improved as well. My recommended settings are below.

In HDR mode, the default mode, Display, offers the best color accuracy but also adds visible edge enhancement. You can avoid this by selecting the Game mode, which introduces some clipping in the red primary. I’ll explain this with charts on page five. Ultimately, I preferred the look of the Display HDR mode.

Gaming and Hands-on

When considering the CQ27G3Z for daily productivity, I had expected some image distortion given its 1000mm radius, which is tighter than most curved screens. I was pleasantly surprised that I could barely notice a difference. It helps that the screen is 16:9, so you won’t be moving document windows out to the edge of your peripheral vision. After a few hours of use, I concluded that the CQ27G3Z is as useful for work tasks as any other 27-inch flat screen. So, don’t let the curve dissuade you.

The curve is undoubtedly welcome for gaming. Though I would choose a 21:9 monitor over a 16:9 one for play, the CQ27G3Z’s curve clearly enhances the experience. I had no trouble finding a good position for the screen since the stand has plenty of height. I could keep it vertical and have my eyepoint in the center, the optimal setup for curved display gaming.

Once I had spent a few hours playing Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII, I found the CQ27G3Z to have excellent feel and response. 240 Hz is clearly smoother than 165 or 144. And with reasonably low input lag, I could keep my aim true and consistent. Stopping on target was easy, and I had no trouble making out fine detail in distant objects thanks to the 109ppi pixel density.

The HDR experience was average compared to all the monitors I’ve experienced, meaning that contrast and color were very good but not at the level of a premium screen. That’s no surprise given the CQ27G3Z’s $375 price tag. When that is considered, it’s a champ. The HDR image popped nicely with clear detail at all brightness levels and nicely saturated color.

During the SDR tests, I noted that calibration is required for best results. The default image is a bit flat, thanks to grayscale errors. But if you plug in the settings above, you’ll see a much better picture.

Video processing delivered an average experience with one positive exception that I’ll note in a moment. Adaptive-Sync worked perfectly on both FreeSync and G-Sync systems. The overdrive is a bit weak because it doesn’t completely remove black trail artifacts from moving objects. But in most cases, this issue did not distract from gameplay. I also noted a better-than-average use of backlight strobing when I tried the blur reduction. Like most monitors, it requires you to turn off Adaptive-Sync but at 240 Hz, but this isn’t a big deal. The CQ27G3Z’s backlight strobe is much better than average because the phasing artifact common to this feature is almost entirely invisible. AOC’s MBR option is one of the best examples of blur reduction I’ve seen.

Test Takeaway: The CQ27G3Z delivers high frame rates with solid video processing and low input lag. Its HDR image is of average quality for the price, but it’s nice that the support is there. Aside from a weak overdrive, it is a good gaming monitor and well-suited for daily tasks. 

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The QHD 240 Hz category isn’t large, so to compare the CQ27G3Z’s performance, I’ve included 165 and 170 Hz monitors. All are 27-inch QHD panels with IPS technology. The AOC is the only VA monitor here. The group is BenQ’s EX270QM, AOC’s AG274QG, HP’s HyperX Armada 27, Cooler Master’s GP27Q and Gigabyte’s M27QP. 

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

I was slightly disappointed to see the CQ27G3Z draw a full white screen in 5ms versus 4ms, but in practice, this is a minor point. The top three screens cost more and will be a touch smoother, but their advantage is small. 5ms is still a guarantee of high motion resolution. The CQ27G3Z’s only flaw here is its overdrive which doesn’t quite clean up the black trail artifacts behind moving objects.

The CQ27G3Z’s overall control lag is mid-pack and trails the 170 Hz Gigabyte by 2ms. That difference is also quite small and as you can see, the other 240 Hz screens aren’t much quicker. All the displays are speedy and will deliver a solid gaming experience, but the CQ27G3Z will do it for a lower cost.

Test Takeaway: Input lag is about average for the class, but the CQ27G3Z suffers from an overdrive with undershoot. Luckily, its backlight strobe feature is better than most, so it can help compensate for losses in motion resolution.

Viewing Angles

If off-axis image quality is crucial to you, VA is rarely the best choice. IPS will always have an advantage when viewed from off-center. The CQ27G3Z shows typical performance in this area. At 45 degrees horizontal, light output is reduced by 40% and the screen has a slight green/red tint. Gamma remains constant, so there is no loss of detail. This behavior is amplified in the vertical plane, where the picture is quite dark with the same green/red tint.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My CQ27G3Z sample had slight hotspots in its corner zones that I could see in an all-black field displayed with room lighting off. The artifacts were invisible when the lights were on or there was content on the screen. This is slightly below-average performance but is also sample specific. Other CQ27G3Zs may do better in this test.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The CQ27G3Z falls into the “not super bright, but bright enough” category. It’s rated for 300 nits and easily surpasses that with 323. In a super bright environment, it might not excel but for a typical office or media room, there is more than enough light.

In the black level test, it is far darker than any of the IPS screens. Only OLED has more contrast than a VA monitor. Within that category, the CQ27G3Z renders higher than average contrast with nearly 3,900:1 out of the box. That is measured in the Standard mode at default settings.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration manages to increase the CQ27G3Z’s dynamic range by a nice amount. The contrast ratio rises to 4,129.2:1 after adjustments to the RGB sliders. That’s exceptional performance, even among VA panels which rarely crack 4,000:1 in my tests. Good quality control is also demonstrated in the ANSI test with a solid 3,496.2:1 score. Compared to any IPS display, the CQ27G3Z’s image has truer blacks, greater depth and realism. It also has more perceptual clarity. In other words, it looks sharper than an IPS screen of the same size and resolution.

Test Takeaway: The CQ27G3Z delivers a ton of contrast, even compared to other VA monitors. This all-important metric is the key to superior image depth and color saturation, and AOC excels for the price. 

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

I tested the CQ27G3Z’s color accuracy in its default Standard picture mode. I left Game mode off as it did not improve performance in any of its presets. 

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The CQ27G3Z’s default grayscale tracking is disappointing with visible errors from 20% and higher. A purple tint can be seen in areas of gray and white which aren’t truly neutral. This makes the image somewhat flat despite solid gamma tracking and high contrast. This monitor’s full potential can only be unlocked with calibration.

Luckily, the RGB sliders offer some relief. Grayscale errors are now reduced to invisible levels and gamma rides closer to the 2.2 reference line. I had to reduce the contrast slider one click, which raised the luminance of the 90% step. This is a minor error but one that should not be there. Though calibration makes an improvement, the CQ27G3Z has some upward potential.

The sRGB preset is slightly warm in tone with red errors in the 30 to 100% steps. Gamma tracks well except for an elevated level at the 10% step. This translates to slightly grayer shadow areas in some content.

Comparisons

The CQ27G3Z is well behind the top three screens for grayscale accuracy, but the other AOC and the Cooler Master aren’t much better when out-of-box performance is compared. All three of the bottom monitors require calibration for the best possible image.

Though the CQ27G3Z is still in last place, calibration has removed any visible grayscale errors from the equation.

The gamma test is a little better. The CQ27G3Z is in the mix for a range of values that are very tight and only spoiled by the 90% error I noted earlier. And its near-perfect average value is a definite plus. I am talking about very fine differences here. Once calibrated, the CQ27G3Z holds its own with the other monitors. This speaks well to the value quotient since it’s the least expensive screen here.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The CQ27G3Z’s color gamut performance starts at a decent point with only minor errors in the out-of-box test. The grayscale errors noted above contribute to color points that are slightly off their hue targets. But saturation points are close to the mark, which is a good thing.

With the grayscale calibration complete, color errors become invisible. In fact, only green is a tad under-saturated, typical of all wide-gamut monitors, especially those at lower price points like the CQ27G3Z. This is excellent performance.

AOC usually provides a usable sRGB mode, and that statement includes the CQ27G3Z. The red primary is slightly over-saturated but well within the realm of qualification for color-critical use.

Comparisons

The CQ27G3Z’s 1.96dE color error puts it in the middle of the group. All the screens have invisible gamut errors, but the CQ27G3Z is the least expensive option. It delivers superb results for the price.

In the gamut volume test, the CQ27G3Z falls short of the others only in its green saturation. The Cooler Master is an over-achiever here with its Rec.2020 gamut but the other screens just have a bit more green. The difference is small, and users will find the CQ27G3Z very colorful for both SDR and HDR content. And its near-perfect coverage of sRGB is a nice bonus.

Test Takeaway: The CQ27G3Z is a bit disappointing out of the box, with an image that isn’t up to its full potential. A green push contributes to a flat image and off-hue color. With calibration, these issues are resolved with a significant improvement in picture quality. 

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The CQ27G3Z fully supports HDR10 signals with an automatic switchover to the appropriate mode. There, you’ll find four settings called Display, Game, Movie and Picture. Display is the most color accurate so that is what I used for testing. The caveat is that it has visible edge enhancement, which reduces motion resolution slightly for gaming. You can eliminate this artifact in the Game HDR mode, but then there is significant clipping of red detail. I’ll show you this issue in the color charts below.

HDR Brightness and Contrast 

The CQ27G3Z’s HDR luminance performance is solid. It won’t show you searingly bright highlights like the Mini LED-based GP27Q, but it beats the HyperX and Gigabyte screens for HDR contrast. At 330 nits, it’s the least bright screen of the bunch, but with deep blacks and excellent dynamic range, the HDR image is clear and vivid. You won’t find much better than this for less than $400. The only bummer is there is no dynamic field dimming in HDR mode which would broaden the dynamic range even more.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The CQ27G3Z’s Display HDR mode has no grayscale or EOTF tracking issues. The tone is a tad warm but does not negatively impact picture quality. Luminance tracks the reference almost perfectly with a soft transition to tone-mapping at 65%. This is solid performance.

Looking at the color charts, you can see why Display HDR is the preferred mode. Color points are close to targets except for a bit of over-saturation in red. Looking at the DCI-P3 chart in HDR Game reveals a problem. The red points are so over-saturated that 60, 80 and 100% targets are all the same level. This means any red areas past a mid-tone will be lacking in detail. I highly recommend avoiding this mode even though it is the only one free of edge enhancement. For some reason, the Rec.2020 charts are a bit better, so AOC could possibly fix the color issues with DCI-P3 content in the HDR Game mode.

Test Takeaway: The CQ27G3Z doesn’t use a field dimming feature in HDR mode, so there is no more dynamic range. But its VA technology still delivers a decent HDR image that is superior to budget-oriented IPS displays. HDR color is accurate only in the Display HDR mode. The other presets should be avoided. Overall, HDR impact is just OK with an image that looks slightly different than its SDR counterpart.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Achieving high frame rates at a low price requires some sacrifices. But leaving out the right options means you can get a great gaming monitor for little money. Do you need USB ports or speakers? Do you need perfectly accurate color? Do you need super high brightness or a ginormous color gamut? If the answer to these questions is no, AOC provides a great solution for just $375 at this writing.

The CQ27G3Z doesn’t have any of those things, but it does have a reliable 240 Hz refresh rate, perfect FreeSync and G-Sync operation, decent HDR, color accuracy with calibration, a superb backlight strobe and solid build quality. And its curved screen enhances gameplay. I noted a weak overdrive feature during testing, but in practice, it turned out to be only a minor distraction. Many hours later, after many frags, I was impressed by the performance AOC offers for less than $400.

I noted some visible grayscale errors out of the box. But with calibration, they were eliminated with an improvement in contrast, gamut accuracy and gamma tracking. If you pick up a CQ27G3Z, I recommend using the settings I posted back on page one.

Pixel density is certainly a high point with the ideal 109ppi that every 27-inch QHD panel delivers. That’s a sweet spot for both clarity and frame rates. You can hit 240fps without an expensive video card and the picture is razor-sharp with strong detail and a true three-dimensional look in HDR mode. Though you won’t get the 1000-nit highlights of a Mini LED panel, the CQ27G3Z still makes the image pop.

If you’re in the market for a solid gaming monitor that’s kind to the wallet, the AOC CQ27G3Z is hard to beat for less than $400. Fans of high frame rates and sharp pictures should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

When shopping for a gaming monitor, it’s easy to get caught up in the many specs and features used to market them. If you have the budget for a premium display, you can get everything – high resolution, high speed, high contrast, high performance, lots of color and the latest bleeding-edge tech. But if you are looking for value, it’s best to prioritize the features you desire.

The gaming experience hinges mainly on panel speed and response, so spending money on a fast refresh rate is wise before considering screen size or resolution. AOC has just the ticket with its C27G2Z. This 27-inch VA monitor has a curved screen with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio along with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync and wide-gamut color. And it sells for $200 at this writing.

AOC C27G2Z Specs

While high pixel density adds to the sharpness and clarity of an image, you won’t be disappointed in a 27-inch FHD panel. It sports 82ppi, just enough to produce a picture without visible pixel gaps when viewed at a three-foot distance. The C27G2Z also has a 1500R curvature which is a nice value-add. The subtle curve adds a slight immersive effect without any noticeable distortion.

240 Hz and Adaptive-Sync are the specs of greatest interest. High frame rates are the surest ticket to smooth motion resolution and fast response. Now that 360 and 500 Hz monitors are available, 240 Hz should be considered a starting point for competitive gaming. The C27G2Z achieves this rate without overclocking. It also supports FreeSync and G-Sync from 48 to 240 Hz. It hasn’t been certified by Nvidia, but I can confirm that it runs G-Sync just fine.

Image quality is enhanced by a VA panel that met its claimed 3,000:1 contrast ratio in my tests. The C27G2Z does not process HDR10 signals, but it does include three HDR emulation modes that tweak gamma to produce a little more punch to the image. Either way, the deep blacks and saturated color promised by VA technology are fully present here.

The feature set is pared down, as expected at this price point. There are no integrated speakers or USB ports. And there is no LED lighting. You get an aiming point and a frame counter in the OSD, fairly accurate color, and good results from calibration. The performance needed for both gaming and image fidelity is there. The C27G2Z seems like a decent value, so let’s take a look.

Assembly and Accessories

The C27G2Z arrives packed in crumbly foam in its three components: base, upright and panel. They assemble without tools into a reasonably solid and lightweight package. The power supply is internal, so you get an IEC cord along with HDMI and DisplayPort cables.

Product 360

The C27G2Z has a bit of red trim, reminiscent of AOC’s Agon line, to offset the black panel and silver base. There isn’t any LED lighting, but the trim is bright and creates a good effect. The monitor’s design intent is clearly game-focused.

The stand features good ergonomics with 5/23 degrees tilt, 30 degrees swivel and a 130mm height adjustment. You can just get the screen to a center eyepoint in the vertical position. This is my preference for all monitors, especially curved models. Setting the panel this way gives you the full potential of the curve’s immersive effect.

The input panel has two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2. All will run at FHD resolution at 240 Hz, but you’ll need to use DisplayPort for G-Sync. FreeSync works through all three inputs. If you’d like to use headphones or powered speakers, a 3.5mm audio jack is provided. There are no built-in speakers, nor are there any USB ports.

If you look closely at the tiny white power LED at the lower right, you’ll see molded-in symbols for the five control keys. One toggles power, and I accidentally turned the monitor off a few times when reaching for the key that activates the OSD. The first three buttons provide quick access to input selection, game mode and the aiming point.

OSD Features

The C27G2Z’s fourth control key opens the ribbon-like OSD on the bottom of the screen. It is the same menu I’ve seen from AOC for the past decade, and it is relatively intuitive though a little clunky to navigate with buttons. I would rather have a joystick.

The Luminance menu includes seven picture modes that correspond to different activities. Standard is the default and best mode as it gives users access to all other picture and gaming options. Also here are three gamma presets, dynamic contrast and the HDR emulation modes. There are three options that look similar but add different levels of edge enhancement. Their approximation of HDR is just OK, but since the C27G2Z already has excellent contrast, I didn’t find that they improved the image, only made it look different. There is no actual HDR support here.

In Color Setup, you’ll find four color temp presets plus a user mode with RGB sliders. The C27G2Z doesn’t need calibration, but a small improvement is possible with a few tweaks. This is a wide-gamut display so if you want sRGB, it’s one of the color temp options and is quite accurate.

Picture Boost is something unique to AOC monitors. It lets you create a bright section on the screen that can be sized and moved about. Within it, you can adjust brightness and contrast to set it off from the surrounding area. It’s a great way to highlight something like a graphic or part of a gaming environment.

The OSD can be moved around the screen if you don’t like its default position at the bottom center. This menu also has the DP version toggle and volume control.

In Game Setting, there are six additional picture modes for different game types. My advice, leave that off to avoid confusion. If you start combining Eco and Game modes, it’s easy to become lost in the options. Also here is a three-level overdrive which I found too coarse in operation. I couldn’t find a setting free of either black or white ghosting artifacts. This menu also has the Adaptive-Sync toggle and a frame rate counter. If you turn off Adaptive-Sync, a motion blur reduction slider becomes visible. This is a backlight strobe with 20 brightness levels. Darker settings reduce blur further, but past level 10, the phasing artifact common to this feature becomes too distracting. I recommend leaving this off and sticking with Adaptive-Sync. 

AOC C27G2Z Calibration Settings

The C27G2Z delivers decent accuracy out of the box. It benefits from calibration, but it’s not strictly necessary. The grayscale errors are barely visible in content and gamma tracks very well. The color gamut is wide, covering over 88% of DCI-P3. If you want the smaller sRGB space, that option is available in the color temp menu. For my tests, I calibrated the user color temp using the RGB sliders. Gamma was fine on its default setting of 1. If you want a lighter look, choose 2; darker, choose 3. You can also experiment with the three HDR emulation modes; the C27G2Z doesn’t support HDR10 processing. Below are the settings I used for all content.

Gaming and Hands-on

I’ll get the question of resolution answered first. 27 inches is the largest FHD monitor I would care to use, but the C27G2Z’s 82ppi is enough to get the job done for both work and play. Unless you plan to sit less than two feet away from the screen, you won’t see the pixel structure, even in finely detailed images. Clarity is aided here by the panel’s prodigious contrast which is around 3,200:1.

I spent time using the C27G2Z before and after calibration and found the small adjustments required are worth doing. Yes, the picture looks fine out of the box. But the calibrated image is a little better.

The only issue I noted with productivity is that at 100% font scaling, you’ll have to scroll a bit more to see websites or to edit long documents. But this is a minor point that only someone accustomed to large high-res screens will experience. There is enough resolution here for whatever one wishes to do.

When taken in the context of a budget gaming monitor, the C27G2Z excels. It’s snappy and responsive with the reasonably smooth motion one would expect from a 240 Hz panel. Input lag was imperceptible to me and my average skills. A more talented player might benefit from a 360 Hz display or a 240 Hz QHD model. But with the FHD resolution in use here, frame rates are easy to maintain. You won’t need a premium video card to hit 240fps.

Picture quality is top-notch thanks to the C27G2Z’s excellent contrast and wide-gamut color. Accuracy is apparent with or without calibration, as everything looked natural and correct. Shadow detail is rich with deep blacks, and I saw bright highlights that added to the sense of dimension. Doom Eternal was well-detailed with good clarity. The overdrive artifacts I observed in test patterns were less evident during actual gameplay. I recommend avoiding the HDR emulation modes. They add a distracting level of edge enhancement that only reduces clarity.

Overall, the C27G2Z is a solid value among gaming monitors and affords a bit more speed and performance than a 165 Hz display of the same resolution. Since it is priced below 27-inch QHD monitors, it will certainly fill the bill for gamers seeking value.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To compare the C27G2Z’s performance, I’ve selected monitors ranging in speed from 165 to 360 Hz. We have Dell’s S2422HG, ViewSonic’s XG2431, the HyperX Armada from HP, NZXT’s Canvas 27F and Alienware’s AW2523HF. 

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

As you can see, 240 Hz monitors are not created equal. The C27G2Z lags a bit in panel response with a 6ms result. This means motion is a tad less smooth than the others. It is visibly better than the 165 Hz Dell though. When testing the overdrive options, I noted that no setting was free of artifacts. I could either choose black or white trails behind moving objects. The MBR option is a little better but then you have to give up Adaptive-Sync.

Overall lag is only 1ms quicker than the Dell. The takeaway here is that the C27G2Z only performs slightly better than a typical 165 Hz monitor. So, it is qualified for competitive gaming but there are faster screens available. Of the 240 Hz monitors in the group, the AOC costs the least.

Viewing Angles

The C27G2Z’s off-axis image quality is just fair. An IPS screen would fare better though these photos show typical VA performance at this price point. At 45 degrees to the side, the image loses around 30% brightness and takes on a red tint. Gamma stays consistent, so you’ll still see full detail. The monitor is almost completely dark from the top. For this reason, you’ll want to be precise in how you place it relative to your eyepoint. A perfectly vertical position is best. 

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Even value screens show good uniformity when measuring the latest models. The C27G2Z acquits itself well, with no visible bleed or glow in my sample. The meter shows slight elevations down the center of the screen, but I could not see this with the naked eye in either test patterns or content. There are no panel quality issues here.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The C27G2Z is bright enough for any indoor environment or intended use. Only the most sunlit room will need a peak level of over 350 nits. I noted a slightly higher level when using the HDR emulation of 373 nits. That is a tiny, almost imperceptible difference.

With super low black levels, the C27G2Z cracks the 3,000:1 contrast barrier with a 3,205.6:1 score. In this group, only the Dell boasts better and only by an infinitesimal amount. You can see that the IPS screens are strong performers relative to that technology but don’t even come close to VA in contrast. This is a difference that can easily be seen in actual content.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration has little effect on the C27G2Z’s contrast, which is good. I had to lower the contrast slider three clicks to correct the 100% grayscale step, which bodes well. It is well ahead of even the very best premium IPS monitors in this test.

Again, the IPS panels here do well in the ANSI test, but the Dell and AOC are far superior. Contrast is king and unless you put an OLED on your desktop, VA is the best way to achieve maximum image depth with true black levels and saturated color.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

I tested the C27G2Z in its default Standard picture mode, which provides access to all image controls. Other modes lockout different options.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The C27G2Z shows only slight grayscale errors in the 70 to 100% brightness range. The chart indicates a purple tint, but it is tough to spot in both test patterns and actual content. The C27G2Z does not need to be calibrated. Gamma tracking is spot on with values that measure a tad light but look great in practice.

Calibration tightens up grayscale tracking to professional levels with all errors under 1dE. Gamma measures a tad lighter than before. The overall look is slightly better, so the adjustment is worth doing if you have the means or would like to try my settings from page one.

Choosing the sRGB mode from the color temp options renders that gamut but creates a light gamma value at 10% brightness. This translates to fully detailed shadow areas but a bit lighter in tone than before. This minor issue is offset by the C27G2Z’s extremely accurate sRGB color gamut.

Comparisons

The C27G2Z’s default grayscale error of 3.01dE is completely acceptable for any gaming monitor, and certainly for one at this price point. It finishes mid-pack behind three more-expensive screens. After calibration, it takes the crown in a group of very accurate displays. Once adjusted, there are no visible errors from any of them.

Gamma tracking is very tight with a small 0.11 range of values, good enough for second-best, and a 2.73% deviation from 2.2. The actual gamma average is 2.14. If you choose the gamma 3 preset, it gets darker, with an average of 2.31. You can get away with this when the panel has high contrast, like the C27G2Z. Some users will prefer this, so I suggest trying all three gamma settings to find your preference.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The C27G2Z’s color gamut accuracy eliminates any real need for calibration. With an out-of-box average of 2.16dE, color is visually flawless. Like most wide-gamut screens, green is a tad under-saturated, but all other colors are fully covered. This is impressive performance for a $200 monitor.

Calibration tightens up the cyan and yellow secondaries a bit, but visually, there is no difference. Overall, calibration has a greater impact on grayscale tracking than color. We’re talking about minute changes here. The C27G2Z looks great whether you tweak it or not.

If you need an accurate sRGB gamut for photo grading, the C27G2Z delivers with a tiny 1.47dE average error. That’s pro monitor territory. This makes it fully qualified for color-critical applications.

Comparisons

The C27G2Z finishes fifth in the color comparison, meaning this is one impressive group of monitors. None of them have visible color errors. Again, the AOC costs less than all the rest except the Dell, which is around $170 but has a smaller screen.

When you consider color volume, the C27G2Z comes out on top with just a tad more coverage than the S2422HG. Can you see the difference between 88.76% and 88.49%? Unlikely. But it’s easy to see the top two screen’s advantages over the rest. These VA screens are defeating all comers here, and they cost the least. The C27G2Z is a tad undersaturated in green but fully covers the rest of the DCI-P3 gamut.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

If one prioritizes their needs for a gaming monitor, a lot of performance can be found for relatively little money. The gaming experience is most affected by speed and response so a high refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync are a must. Even players of average skill will benefit when a game runs consistently at 240fps.

To achieve this without putting an expensive video card in your PC, FHD resolution is the smart choice. Up to 27 inches, there is enough pixel density to render a detailed image. A refresh rate of at least 240 Hz ensures smooth motion resolution and low input lag.

By using a VA panel, AOC’s C27G2Z achieves solid picture quality thanks to high contrast and saturated color. Among budget screens, it boasts one of the largest color gamuts I’ve measured. With over 3,200:1 contrast, it delivers deep blacks and bright highlights. And its 240 Hz refresh rate maintains clarity when gaming action heats up. The overdrive has room for improvement because it doesn’t have an ideal artifact-free setting. But that is a minor point when the asking price is $200. The value-adds are a 27-inch panel with a 1500R curvature. Add a flexible stand and solid build quality and you won’t miss the USB ports or internal speakers as much. Though there is no HDR support, the emulation modes exist for those who like to experiment.

If you’re on a budget but want something bigger than a 22 or 24-inch screen, AOC’s C27G2Z is a great choice. It prioritizes speed over other factors and delivers a solid gaming experience for the price. Value-conscious users should keep this monitor on their shortlist.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Undoubtedly, style is a consideration when shopping for a gaming monitor. Though I focus on performance and image quality, styling and design often affect how the user interacts with a display. Most gaming screens have some cues that signal their intent, along with LED lighting to go with the plethora of PC hardware that glows, flashes and shines in every color of the spectrum.

AOC is a significant player in this area, having partnered with the legendary design house Porsche Design. Its influence can be seen in many products like sportswear, sunglasses, golf bags and other lifestyle products. I’ve reviewed two other AOC Porsche Design monitors: the PDS271 and another, more recently, the PD27.

The latest offering is the Agon PD32M which boasts an impressive spec list packed into a very sexy 32-inch IPS Mini LED panel with DisplayHDR 1400, 144 Hz, Adaptive-Sync and a huge color gamut. It is premium in every way, including the price, delivering performance and image quality on par with the best. Let’s take a look.

AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M Specs

If you’re looking for the brightest and most colorful monitor technology, Mini LED is the current holder of the crown. The PD32M is VESA certified for DisplayHDR 1400, and in testing, I exceeded 1,600 nits when measuring a full white field. That’s seriously bright, especially for such a large monitor. In addition, thanks to 1,152 dimming zones, contrast is tremendous, with nearly unmeasurable black levels in both SDR and HDR modes.

Color is beyond what most screens are capable of producing. The gamut covers over 110% of DCI-P3 and makes a solid attempt at Rec.2020. This is thanks to a Quantum Dot layer that extends the color space. Accuracy also proved high in my tests, with only tiny adjustments needed to achieve a high-fidelity picture.

Gaming performance has not been overlooked here. The PD32M is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible with certifications from AMD and Nvidia. The max refresh rate is 144 Hz like most 4K screens. With Samsung’s G8 hitting 240 Hz and a few others running at 160 Hz, that might be a stumbling block. But consider that to even achieve 144fps in a game running max detail, you’ll need a GeForce RTX 4090. Consoles can run VRR at 120 Hz through the two HDMI 2.1 ports and the DisplayPort 1.4 input includes Display Stream Compression (DSC) to accommodate 10-bit signals.

To put things in perspective, you can get similar performance from a few other displays, which I’ll discuss in the comparison tests. But you won’t get the PD32M’s high style. The Porsche Design influence is clear, with lots of heavy metal parts and a clean look that sets it apart from other gaming monitors. Even the LED lighting is special, with large panels on either side of the back. Little touches like dual headphone hooks and a wireless remote that feels machined from billet round out a package that costs around $1,800 at this writing.

Assembly and Accessories

The base and upright are a single piece, so all you need to do is snap it onto the panel, and you’re ready to rock. The remote gets two AAA batteries (included) and a tiny dongle goes into one of the USB ports. It pairs automatically the first time you use it. High-quality cables are bundled for HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C/A and audio. The external power brick is enormous, one of the largest I’ve seen yet and plugs in with a heavy-duty IEC cord. The packaging is spongy foam, not crumbly; so you won’t be vacuuming up those little white bits after installation.

Product 360

The PD32M truly looks good from any angle. No surface or feature has been left unattended. The panel is relatively plain in front with a narrow flush bezel and only the words Porsche Design molded in with a polished finish. The anti-glare layer is effective at its task and free of grain. The image is super sharp and clean.

The stand is aluminum with a matte gray finish. It looks thin from some angles, but it could support many times the weight of the PD32M. An integrated projector shines down on the center point with a Porsche Design logo or the word Agon accessed from a small dial. You can change the color of the projection if you wish. Ergonomics include a 130mm height adjustment, 15 degrees left or right swivel, 5/23 degrees tilt and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are firm and sure, the quality one expects in a premium display.

In the back, you’ll find large LED arrays across the top and down the side. The side panels are unique, in my experience. You can create a light show of any color with multiple effects and control the intensity, all from the OSD. A headphone hook pops out from either side. If you unsnap the stand, there’s a 100m VESA mount with fasteners included. Audio has also been given the premium treatment with two eight-watt speakers and DTS tuning. There are multiple sound modes and a multi-band equalizer.

A small wireless remote comes with the PD32M made from a substantial chunk of aluminum finished in matte black. It pairs automatically once you install the included batteries. It can control the OSD without a line of sight and is beautifully constructed.

There are two input panels up and underneath either side of center. One has two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a microphone input. The other features a USB-C, which can act as a DisplayPort and support peripherals. There are also traditional USB ports, one upstream and four down. There is no KVM switch, unfortunately. A tiny dongle plugs into one of the USB ports to support the wireless remote. This panel also has a headphone output and a second mic input.

OSD Features

The PD32M has a tiny joystick on its back right side which toggles power and navigates the OSD. But it’s much easier to use the remote.

The PD32M’s OSD is laid out much like any AOC monitor, but instead of a band across the bottom of the screen, the sub-menus are arranged like cascading windows on the right side.

Game Setting offers six game modes which are picture modes that include different combinations of video processing options. Hint: leave this off and make your own tweaks for the best picture. Shadow Control can be adjusted to bring out shadow detail. You can also change color saturation. Again, leave these settings alone for the best image. There are three overdrive settings; Weak is the only one that doesn’t cause ghosting. You can turn on a frame rate indicator and set the HDMI ports to 120 Hz for consoles or 144 Hz for PCs.

The Luminance menu has contrast and brightness plus more picture modes. Leave that on Standard for the best picture. There are three gamma presets, of which 3 is the most accurate. DCR is a dynamic contrast feature that should be left off in favor of local dimming, which I’ll discuss in a moment.

In Image Setup, you can choose between five HDR picture modes. Luminous Max sets HDR brightness to one of three levels. You may find the full 1,600 nits too bright (I did), and since the brightness control is unavailable, this is the only way to take the edge off. You can also toggle local dimming for both SDR and HDR signals. It should definitely be engaged for HDR. This menu also has PBP, which lets you view two video sources side by side.

Color Setup includes a low blue light function, four color temp presets and a dynamic color feature that emphasizes shades like blue sky or green grass. Leave that one off if you want an accurate and natural image. A user color temp option includes precise RGB controls to dial in grayscale tracking.

The Audio menu includes five DTS sound modes that change the phase and frequency response coming from the two eight-watt internal speakers. As a result, they sound better than most with good bass presence and clarity. If you like to tweak, a five-band equalizer is there as well.

The light show has lots of options for effect, color and intensity. You can call up a predetermined routine or create your own. This menu controls the LED strip across the back and the two large side panels. The Extra menu is where you’ll find the color and intensity settings for the logo projector. It also includes an input selector, a factory reset option, and signal information.

AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M Calibration Settings

The PD32M is close to the mark out of the box, but a few minor tweaks will take it to a higher standard of accuracy. Whether you calibrate or not, stick with the Standard picture mode, Game Mode off. In the color temp menu, you’ll find a user mode unlocking the RGB controls I used to dial in a more precise white point. I also changed the gamma preset from 1 to 3 for better luminance tracking. The color gamut is large at over 110% of DCI-P3 and is used for all content, including SDR and HDR. If you want sRGB, that option is one of the color temp choices. It grays out the luminance controls but is at the right brightness for a well-lit indoor space and has good gamma and grayscale accuracy. My recommended SDR settings are below.

There are five presets in HDR mode, of which DisplayHDR is the best. There are three brightness presets too. By default, the HDR image is extremely bright and might be too much for darker environments. The HDR Color+ mode should be avoided as it makes the picture look very cartoonish with some detail clipping. I’ll show you more about that on page five.

Gaming and Hands-on

The PD32M looks good no matter what it’s doing: playing games, writing copy, editing photos, or just sitting there with the power off. If you like a well-appointed work-and-play space, it is a perfect example of the modern aesthetic with its clean lines and premium finish.

A 32-inch 16:9 screen is my preference for all-around use because it’s big enough to put two documents side by side, or to have app and video windows up simultaneously. Though there is a PBP function, I didn’t find much use for it. That feature is better suited for 21:9 monitors.

For photo work, one must be aware of the color space in use. The PD32M uses its full gamut for all content which covers over 110% of DCI-P3. That means the graphics you create on it won’t look the same when shown on an sRGB monitor. I reached for the sRGB setting in the color temp menu more than once to verify color for use on the web. It would be better to have an sRGB with SDR setting so you could switch automatically.

HDR is useful in Windows if you want to watch a movie or other video content shot in HDR. The PD32M rivals premium televisions in every way but size. This is a great monitor for those who enjoy the desktop theater experience. Its HDR image is stunning. I liked having three brightness level choices; most monitors don’t have that. But just leaving the brightness slider operational would be even better.

Gaming was fun in every respect. Though I’m a bit spoiled by faster refresh screens – 240 Hz has become my starting point – the PD32M is on par with the best 4K monitors I’ve used. My current test system is equipped with a GeForce RTX 4090, and it had no problem keeping frame rates at 144 with max detail in Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII. But, of course, this is what the PD32M is built for. It offers comparable response and input lag to any other premium 4K screen, so the extra money you’re paying for it won’t buy you extra performance. But it doesn’t lag behind in any way.

If I were to nitpick, a more precise overdrive would be a good addition. I couldn’t go past the Weak setting to avoid ghosting. But a bit more overshoot would create a better balance between blur reduction and artifacts. And there is no backlight strobe available. That’s rarely an issue, but some users may prefer the option for monitors with refresh rates under 200 Hz.

The picture, in every instance, is stunning. Using the local dimming for SDR effectively increases dynamic range with no visible downside. In addition, the brightness control remains available, so you can always tweak the output comfortably. Color is the star attraction of the PD32M. Not only is it one of the most colorful monitors I’ve reviewed, but its accuracy is also very high.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The PD32M’s gaming performance is on par with the better 4K screens I’ve tested. To compare it, I’ve lined up the Gigabyte M32UC and Philips 279M1RV, which refreshes at 144 Hz like the AOC. At 160 Hz is Acer’s X32 and Cooler Master’s GP27U. Sitting alone on the throne is Samsung’s Neo G8 which still has no speed equal at this resolution.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Panel response goes hand in hand with refresh rate as the PD32M, and the other two 144 Hz screens all draw a full white field in 7ms. These three panels will all deliver the same motion resolution and the same level of blur, which is minimal but less smooth than the 160 and 240 Hz models. The AOC’s overdrive is good but not great. On its Weak setting, there is a tiny bit of ghosting, which is hard to spot in game content.

The PD32M is at the back of the pack in the input lag test. This is not a negative, 29ms is pretty quick for all but the most skilled players. Gamers of average ability will have no complaints about control response. If you’re looking for a competition monitor in 4K resolution, the Acer X32 is the fastest I’ve tested, beating even the Samsung G8 for overall responsiveness.

Viewing Angles

The PD32M is an average IPS panel in the viewing angle test where you’ll see a slight red/green shift at 45 degrees off axis. Light falloff is minimal though and there is no significant change in gamma or detail visibility. The top view is good too with clear detail, almost no change in color, and a slight brightness reduction.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The PD32M slayed my uniformity test, scoring one of the lowest results I’ve ever recorded. 3.62% is way below the visible threshold. Though a uniform compensation feature is hiding in the OSD, it’s completely unnecessary.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

Luckily, the PD32M doesn’t bring its full 1,600-nit capability to bear in SDR mode. But you still get a lot of headroom with 537 nits peak. That is more than enough output for any indoor or outdoor scenario. In addition, you can dial it down to a minimum of 52 nits for dark room play, so there’s plenty of range there.

Though the black level puts the AOC last, it has solid native contrast, 1,041.5:1 which is on par with most IPS monitors. However, the VA panels are on another level and the Samsung employs local dimming, which can’t be defeated to achieve a super high contrast ratio.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration makes little difference to the PD32M’s SDR contrast, which is good. It’s only a bit behind the X32, which looks the same in a side-by-side comparison when showing real-world content. If you want higher native contrast, a VA or OLED panel are your only options.

The PD32M shows its high level of quality control in the ANSI test where contrast is still over 1,000:1. That tracks with the Acer X32, the closest competitor. Considering the dynamic range, the Acer is around $600 cheaper but has fewer dimming zones, 576, versus the AOC’s 1,152. When showing actual content, the PD32M has a slightly deeper and more three-dimensional picture.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The PD32M has multiple game and picture modes. Combining them can get confusing if you’re not careful. My suggestion: leave the Eco mode on Standard and turn the Game Mode off. Then calibrate from there.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Most users will have no complaints about the PD32M’s default image. Grayscale is a tad warm, but that is an excusable error. Gamma is a little skewed with light shadows and slightly muted highlights. This disappears if you turn on the local dimming for SDR content. Though it’s on the edge, the PD32M doesn’t need to be calibrated.

But adjusting the RGB controls in the User color temp, and changing the gamma preset from 1 to 3, will make a visible improvement, albeit a small one. Perceived contrast is greater with gamma skewed in the other direction, darker shadows and brighter highlights. And grayscale is now visually perfect.

If you choose the smaller sRGB color gamut, it tracks well with a slight purple tint in the brighter steps. Gamma is right on the 2.2 reference line except for the 10 and 20% steps, which are too light. This makes shadow detail easier to see but makes blacks less dramatic.

Comparisons

The PD32M is mid-pack both before and after calibration. This is not a slight when the calibrated grayscale error is only 0.96dE. However, that’s well below the visible threshold, so when showing actual content, all the monitors look the same.

Gamma tracking could use some improvement but by changing the preset from 1 to 3, I’ve flipped the error to make shadows deeper and highlights brighter. It’s a compromise, but one that improves picture quality. As always, I would prefer to see straight gamma tracking that rides the 2.2 line from bottom to top. Unfortunately, the PD32M is slightly off the mark.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The PD32M has a tremendously large color gamut, and after a few initial tests, I determined that it is going for the Rec.2020 specification. You can see this by looking at the green primary. A DCI-P3 monitor will track green towards yellow, as illustrated in the second chart above. The PD32M does not do that.

Calibration barely makes a difference in color; the improvement comes mainly in grayscale and gamma tracking. But the color error is now a tad lower, which is always good. The takeaway is that the PD32M is a little under-saturated when measured against Rec.2020 and a little over-saturated when compared to DCI-P3.

The PD32M tracks the sRGB gamut very well, with only a tiny error and nearly full coverage. All measurement points are on their targets. There are no calibration options in this mode.

Comparisons

All the monitors here are premium displays, so it’s no wonder that the PD32M’s excellent color accuracy puts it in the middle. A 2.35dE average color error is excellent in any category. And the sRGB error is even lower at 1.72dE. 

The PD32M is in an elite group of monitors that cover more than 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While the top two screens cover even more, the visual difference is small. You will see a difference when viewing the smaller-gamut screens. The PD32M covers nearly 80% of Rec.2020 which is a lot of color. It only comes up a tad short in the red and green primaries and is one of the most colorful monitors I’ve yet tested.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

Mini LED displays like the PD32M deliver superb HDR. Not only do they offer tremendous dynamic range, but their full-array local-dimming backlights also allow far greater control of picture depth than backlights with only edge or field dimming. It doesn’t get better than this unless you’re an OLED.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The Samsung Neo G8 is still the output king at over 2,000 nits, but the PD32M is a close second at over 1,650. It’s a good thing there’s a way to dial it down in HDR mode because that is seriously bright. It more than delivers on its promise. Black levels are barely measurable and only when displaying a small info bug at the bottom of the screen. When the screen is fully black, the backlight is turned off. I recorded 216,784.8:1, which is tremendous contrast. Though an OLED panel has the deepest HDR contrast possible from current display technologies, the PD32M and its Mini LED counterparts are very close behind. There is almost no visual difference in a room with some ambient light. And the pictures are stunning in every respect.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The PD32M has five HDR picture modes, but the best one is the default, DisplayHDR. It conforms more closely to HDR10 standards than the others. Grayscale tracking is a tad purple, but the error is slight. Light output is so high that the tone-map transition point references to 80%. That means more of the content metadata will conform to the PD32M’s capability, allowing for better HDR. The measurement run makes a soft transition but is still within the realm of visual accuracy. Shadow detail is a tad dark but remains visible.

Color tracking is on-point for both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020. Saturation points are very close to target, meaning you’ll see maximum detail in all parts of the image. I included a chart for the HDR Color+ mode to show that it is not a good choice. It is extremely over-saturated at all the inner points, where most content lies. This gives the picture a cartoonish appearance and is very unrealistic. Bright areas devolve into featureless blobs that are not attractive. Stick with DisplayHDR and you’ll be happy. The PD32M delivers some of the best HDR quality I’ve seen.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

4K gaming monitors are still something of an enigma. They offer the highest pixel density and sharpest images but simultaneously deliver the lowest frame rates of any resolution category. If you can drive one to 144fps, it’s a great experience. And everything else you do with your computer or gaming console will be enhanced by a super sharp picture. Mini LED technology delivers the highest contrast short of an OLED and tremendous light output.

The AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M is a premium among premiums. Image quality and performance are on par with other high-end 4K monitors, but the PD32M has a look and feel that puts it on a different level. Not only is it built like a tank, it’s beautiful to look at whether there’s a picture on the screen or not. And a remote that feels like it's carved from billet aluminum is just icing on the cake.

Any concern that the PD32M places style over substance is unfounded. Performance is as good as it gets for a 144 Hz 4K gaming monitor. Though I would have liked a more precise overdrive, that is a minor point. Gaming is a pleasure, especially when the connected PC can keep the action flowing at 144fps.

The PD32M’s real strengths are revealed when the action is a little slower. It ultimately delivers on its promise of 1,600 nits in HDR mode and the 1,152-zone Mini LED backlight provides dramatically deep black levels. Flat panel imagery doesn’t get much better than this. Even an OLED will only be a tiny bit better.

$1,800 is a big ask for a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor. But if you want the high style that comes with the Porsche Design moniker, it’s the only game in town. At least there is no compromise in image quality or gaming performance. As a result, the PD32M is genuinely one of the very best.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

I’ve been reviewing monitors long enough that occasionally, I have a “remember when” moment. Remember when all monitors refreshed at a fixed 60 Hz? Remember when the 144 Hz Asus VG248QE was the bleeding edge with its TN panel and fixed refresh rate? You could also buy a $200 board to add G-Sync to it.

We’ve come a long way since then, and I now have the privilege of testing the world’s first 500 Hz monitor, Alienware’s AW2524H. It uses an IPS panel running at FHD resolution with G-Sync, Nvidia Latency Analyzer, HDR400 and something most super-fast monitors lack, high contrast and an extended color gamut.

Alienware AW2524H Specs

One thing that hasn’t changed since the VG248QE is the FHD resolution. The fastest monitors still employ a smaller pixel count to keep frame rates high. In a 25-inch panel (24.5-inch viewable), that means a density of 90ppi. That’s not bad, but you will see the pixel structure if you sit closer than three feet away. The extra motion resolution afforded by these high frame rates means the picture always stays sharp, no matter how fast one pans the camera. Motion blur is simply not an issue over 200fps.

How much will you gain with the AW2524H’s 500 Hz over a 360 Hz display? It’s enough to see a difference, but the the main draw is almost non-existent control lag. Alienware has produced the fastest monitor I’ve yet tested, and in practice, it delivers an advantage. In fact, the panel response is so quick that I wish I could turn off the overdrive; it just isn’t necessary. It includes the latest G-Sync module and the Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer, but these enhancements are also unnecessary. At frame rates over 400fps, you will never see a frame tear or motion blur. And yes, you’ll need a serious gaming rig to achieve those numbers.

Picture-wise, the AW2524H doesn’t cut corners. Unlike other panels in this category, it has a bit of extra color. There’s not enough to call it a DCI-P3 display, but it’s certainly more than a 360 Hz monitor. HDR has been given good attention as well. The backlight is an edge array that employs zone dimming to increase contrast. You can use the dimming in both SDR and HDR modes; in the latter, it produces dynamic range of over 82,000:1. That is also a huge advantage over any 360 Hz screen currently available. Color proved accurate in my tests with no need for calibration in the monitor’s default picture mode.

The AW2524H will sell initially for $830, which is nearly double the price of the AW2523HF that I reviewed in October 2022. The AW2524H is better in every way, but is it twice as good? Let’s take a look.

Product 360

Alienware’s familiar shapes and accents adorn the AW2524H without drawing too much attention. The front view is all business with a super thin 5mm bezel and “500Hz” displayed on the bottom strip. A soft glowing light rings the power toggle at the right. In the center, underneath, is a joystick that controls all monitor functions.

You’ll find the lighting feature in the back: an Alienware head logo and the number 25. You can choose from multiple colors and effects or turn the whole thing off. It’s not too bright and shouldn’t distract you even in a darkened room.

The stand is a solid piece that snaps in place. Underneath is a 100mm VESA mount with fasteners included. Adjustments include 4.3 inches (110mm) of height, 5/21 degrees tilt, 20 degrees swivel and a portrait mode where you can rotate the panel in either direction. Movements feel firm and of the high quality that befits a monitor at this price point.

Inputs include a single DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 and USB ports on the main jack panel and underneath the bezel. You get one upstream and four down. One is labeled for the Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer, where you would plug in a compatible mouse. A headphone jack is also found under the bezel. The HDMI ports are limited to 240 Hz but include VRR for consoles.

Speaking of headphones, a hook pops out from the upper left side and is beautifully damped in its movement. This is a small feature, but the attention to detail here is impressive.

OSD Features

Pressing the AW2524H’s joystick brings up a quick menu at the bottom of the screen and a status window at the top. A click up opens the full OSD, which includes many options for picture control and video processing.

We begin our journey in the Game menu, where you can choose from 12 picture modes. Standard is the default and is accurate enough to be used without calibration. G-Sync Esports engages the G-Sync Processor, which I’ll discuss in a moment. The three Game modes allow six-color adjustments and custom setting of the overdrive and dark stabilizer. Custom Color has RGB sliders for precise grayscale calibration and is the mode I used for testing.

Game Enhance is where you’ll find timers, a frame rate counter, and display alignment marks for multi-screen setups. There are no aiming points included.

To run at the full 500 Hz, turn on the overclock. The panel’s native rate is 480 Hz, which delivers the same performance to my eyes. Response Time is the overdrive, and I quickly found that it is completely unnecessary when frame rates exceed 400fps. In fact, it caused slight ghosting on its lowest setting, and I was sad that I could not simply turn it off. Here also is the variable backlight with three levels that effectively increases contrast. In SDR mode, it went from around 1,000:1 to over 8,000:1. HDR contrast is over 82,000:1 in Mode 1, which is impressive.

AlienFX lighting can be used to control the behavior of the power button and the two graphics on the back of the panel. Each can have a different color and you can change the effects to your liking.

The G-Sync Processor offers Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer. When paired with the correct mouse, it shows real-time input lag on the screen. You can also engage ULMB, a blur-reducing backlight strobe, at refresh rates of 360 Hz and below. You must first turn off G-Sync to make the controls available. Then, you can vary the pulse width to find a balance between blur reduction and brightness. Less blur means lower brightness. As I said earlier, this is unnecessary at frame rates over 400fps. Even 300fps is so smooth you wouldn’t be motivated to turn on ULMB.

There are five shortcuts in the quick menu to set to user preference. This makes jumping right to things like brightness or picture modes easy. Though there is a volume control, there are no integrated speakers. That slider controls only the headphone output.

Alienware AW2524H Calibration Settings

You can enjoy the AW2524H right out of the box without adjustment in its Standard picture mode. If you want a slight improvement, reach for Custom Color as I did and tweak the RGB sliders. There are no gamma options though I measured excellent tracking there. It would be nice to have options, but you can change the dark stabilizer if you have difficulty seeing fine shadow detail. Below are the settings I used for SDR. HDR locks out all picture controls except for contrast, but I recommend leaving that alone. The AW2524H is very accurate in HDR mode as well.

Gaming and Hands-on

We used an Alienware Aurora R15 Gaming PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 4090 to test the AW2524H. I also have an RTX 3090 system on hand, so I started with a few comparisons. Obviously, you’ll need a lot of power to run this monitor to its full potential. The RTX 3090 is very capable, but with Doom Eternal set on full detail in HDR mode, the best I could do was around 200fps. This is super smooth and incredibly responsive, but 200fps is so yesterday.

Once the R15 was up and running, I could play Doom Eternal between 450 and 500fps with detail maxed, which is a superlative experience. First off, you will not notice that the resolution is only FHD. Motion is perfectly smooth. There is no blur, and the ghosting I saw in test patterns did not appear in the game. Though I would still like the option to turn off the overdrive, it isn’t a problem in its current state.

I spent several hours mowing through monsters in Doom’s horde mode and enjoyed instant control response. It’s not a huge jump from a 360 Hz screen, but I perceived a more precise connection between my mouse hand and the screen. Not only are inputs instantly translated, but you can also stop your movement exactly where you want. This means greater efficiency as you’ll spend less time overcorrecting when action gets intense. Changing direction is also a more natural and fluid process.

The image quality matches the best HDR monitors I’ve played on. The AW2524H ups the ante among its 360 Hz competition with more saturated color and better contrast, especially for HDR content. It offers more color volume than anything else at this speed and resolution.

As an everyday screen, FHD resolution is tolerable in the 25-inch size. I’m a bit spoiled by 4K monitors, but I had little trouble reading the fine text in Microsoft Edge or distinguishing between stylish fonts in Word. Spreadsheets take a bit more scrolling than I’m used to, and I would prefer a larger and more pixel-dense monitor for Photoshop. But the AW2524H can get you through work tasks.

I briefly tried out ULMB but quickly found no improvement at any of its pulse width settings. You’ll want to set that value no lower than 30%, or the picture will be too dark. And when frame rates are over 300, it makes no difference in motion resolution.

My final takeaway from the AW2524H’s video processing is that it works best when you can take advantage of its high frame rates. Once you cross 400fps, there is no need for overdrive, ULMB, or even Adaptive-Sync.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

I found a group of 360 Hz monitors in my database to compare with the AW2524H’s performance. They are Alienware’s AW2523HF, AOC’s AG254FG, Asus’ PG259QN, MSI’s NXG253R and Acer’s X25. All are IPS panels with HDR capability. 

Pixel Response and Input Lag 

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

A 500 Hz panel does not draw the screen any quicker than a 360 Hz one. When viewing Blur Busters test patterns, the level of smoothness is about the same at 360 and 500 fps. I noticed slight ghosting in the UFO pattern on the AW2524H’s lowest overdrive setting. I would prefer to turn this off, but that option is unavailable.

The advantage comes in control lag, where the AW2524H has a 2ms advantage over the next fastest monitor from MSI. If you’re looking for every possible edge in competition, 500 Hz is unmatched. The difference is subtle for casual gamers like me, but I did notice it during play. Alienware’s claim that this is the world’s fastest monitor is confirmed.

Viewing Angles

The AW2524H has superb off-axis image quality with no more than a 10% reduction in brightness and only a slight purple color shift. Shadow detail remains clear, and there is no significant change in gamma. The vertical plane shows a red/green tint with a 40% reduction in light output but only a small change to detail rendering. This is one of the better-performing IPS panels I’ve seen in this test.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

There were no visible uniformity issues with my AW2524H sample. An 8.41% deviation means you won’t see hotspots, bleed or glow. I would expect this from any high-end screen, and clearly, Alienware and Acer don’t disappoint. Only the AOC had any visible issues in this group, and it was slight.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The AW2524H is an HDR400 monitor, but it saves a bit of output in SDR mode with a peak of 378 nits. Though it is last in the comparison, there is more than enough light for any environment or application. Anything over 300 nits is quite bright, even in a sunlit office like mine.

Black levels are respectable in the AW2524H’s native configuration with the dimming turned off. The contrast is just over 1,000:1, which is average among IPS panels. The others, save the Acer, are a bit higher. With dimming engaged, I measured 8,273:1 with no loss of highlight or shadow detail.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration doesn’t affect the black level or contrast scores visibly. That scores the AW2524H points for consistency. Again, you’ll want to check out the image with dimming engaged, which I did after testing was complete. I used Mode 0, which delivered the highest contrast.

The ANSI score is the same whether dimming is on or off. It’s only a tad lower than the static score, another point for consistency. The AW2524H is built from solid components and is subject to good quality control, which is appropriate when spending $830 on a 25-inch FHD display.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The AW2524H comes out of the box with pro-level color accuracy in the sRGB realm. You can use it without adjustment in its Standard mode. Tweakers can adjust a six-color control in the three Game modes or dial in grayscale using the Custom Color mode, as I did.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

For an initial measurement, it doesn’t get much better than this. There are no visible grayscale errors and RGB tracking is nearly identical at every brightness step. My only nitpick is the slight gamma variations. Shadow detail is a tad light and highlights are a bit dark. These errors are hard to spot but perfection is always a good thing and the AW2524H comes a little short of that.

After calibration, which only required slight changes to the RGB sliders, grayscale tracking is reference level, but gamma remains the same.

Comparisons

Going from a grayscale error of 1.55dE to 0.47dE just means that the AW2524H goes from great to greater. Visibly, there is no difference in the actual image. That is true of all the displays here except the Asus. In the world of high-end monitors, this is how it should be.

Though the AW2524H’s gamma tracks with an average value of 2.2 (0% deviation), there is a 0.30 range of values. This is not a grievous error, but there is a little room for improvement.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

In the spec table on page one, I termed the AW2524H an “sRGB+” monitor. It doesn’t quite qualify as a DCI-P3 display, but it delivers more saturated color than the 360 Hz monitors I’ve tested. Extended color hasn’t yet come to this category, but Alienware is trying the hardest. You can see some bonus red that remains inside the realm of visual accuracy but gives the image a bit more verve in the warmer shades. All other colors stick close to their targets.

With calibration, the AW2524H looks the same but measures a little better. However, you don’t need to calibrate this monitor unless you really want to. And there are no gamut options here. What you see above is what’s used for all content.

Comparisons

Calibration takes the AW2524H’s color error from 1.5dE to 1.2dE. You won’t see a difference in practice, but it looks good on a CIE chart. The price may be high, but you are getting a professional grade monitor.

In terms of color volume, the AW2524H is the clear class leader. If you are considering upgrading from any 360 Hz screen, you’ll get more color. There is a visible difference in both SDR and HDR content, so it is worth considering. Most DCI-P3 monitors cover 85-90% of that gamut so the Alienware’s 81.08% coverage represents progress at the bleeding edge of gaming performance. Also notice the significant jump up from the AW2523HF.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The AW2524H delivers the best HDR I’ve yet seen from any monitor of 360 Hz or faster. This is a major point in its favor because you aren’t sacrificing image quality for frame rate.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

In HDR mode, the AW2524H retains access to all its picture modes and most settings. You can tweak the grayscale in the Custom Color mode and adjust the dark stabilizer. The only slider grayed out is brightness, which is locked to its maximum delivering over 462 nits peak. That’s comfortably over its 400-nit claim.

Dimming defaults to Mode 1, which is the one that offers the lowest black level. It’s quite a bit deeper than the others, resulting in a stunning 82,623.5:1 HDR contrast ratio. This is far better than any 360 Hz monitor, and it’s a difference easily seen. This is the best reason to consider buying one of these, even though it’s nearly double the price of its main competition.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color 

The RGB settings I settled on in Custom Color mode carried over to HDR and gave me visually perfect grayscale and near-perfect EOTF tracking. There are no visible white point errors, and only the deepest blacks are slightly dark. You can increase the dark stabilizer in-game if you’re having trouble seeing in the dark. The tone-map transition is at 65%, and the AW2524H hits that closely.

In both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 reference tests, the AW2524H excelled. Color is slightly over-saturated, which gives HDR more impact. Even Rec.2020 content benefits until the monitor runs out of red, just past 80%. This is the best HDR color performance I’ve seen from a monitor that doesn’t have an extended color gamut. Imagine one of these things with a quantum dot layer! HDR is clearly the star here.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Will we ever see the limit to how fast a monitor can refresh? Alienware’s promotional video talks about the limits of human perception, and after spending time with a 500 Hz monitor, I’m starting to see what that means. While it’s easy to say, “you can’t have too many frames per second,” there will be a point where higher rates won’t make a visual difference. I thought that might be true when 360 Hz monitors first appeared on my desk. However, I can now say that 500 Hz does make a visual improvement.

The AW2524H is clearly better than the 360 Hz screens I’ve reviewed. It’s not a huge difference, but when you’re going for every possible ounce/milligram of performance, this monitor delivers it. I didn’t see a big jump in motion clarity since 360 Hz is already fast enough to eliminate any need for blur reduction, overdrive or Adaptive-Sync. But with sustained frame rates over 450, the control response is quicker and better. Movement is more natural and efficient. It absolutely provide a competitive edge.

It would be easy to finish this review with, “The Alienware AW2524H runs at 500 Hz, what more do you need to know?” But it is much more than just a fast monitor. With greater color saturation and tremendous HDR contrast, it delivers a better image in all scenarios than any 360 Hz display I’ve reviewed. Since you’re looking at nearly double the price for that 500 Hz, I’m glad Alienware has made an effort to improve image quality. You’re getting a better picture all around.

The final consideration for purchasing an AW2524H are its system requirements. To explore its full potential, a PC with an RTX 4090 and a fast CPU is an absolute must. I only managed around 200fps with an RTX 3090 running Doom Eternal at full detail. With that system, a 500 Hz monitor is wasted. But if you’ve already spent the money on a bleeding-edge PC, the AW2524H is the way to maximize its potential. You can buy a high-end 4K screen and pack in the pixels, but the fastest you’ll go is 240 Hz if you buy Samsung’s Neo G8.

The Alienware AW2524H is a next-level gaming experience when paired with the proper hardware. Gamers seeking the highest possible frame rates should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

If you’re looking for a high-contrast computer monitor, there are two technologies that deliver maximum dynamic range: OLED and Mini LED. I’ve covered OLED screens before, and while they have the deepest blacks of any flat panel, they can’t get as bright as some LCDs. For peak ratings over 1,000 nits, only full-array local dimming (FALD) models can compete. And OLED burn-in is still a concern for many users looking for the best gaming monitors.

ViewSonic already impressed me with the XG321UG 32-inch flat screen, and now, I have a curved example of its Mini LED Elite line, the XG341C-2K. This 34-inch VA panel with WQHD (3440x1440) resolution and 1500R curvature promises peaks of 1,400 nits in HDR mode along with 200 Hz operation, Adaptive-Sync and a wide color gamut. Let’s take a look. 

ViewSonic Elite XG341C-2K Specs

It’s easy to surmise that high brightness ranks as Mini LED’s chief advantage, but the more important aspect is its greater number of dimming zones. A traditional 21:9 aspect FALD display might have 384 zones, but the XG341C-2K has 1,152. When it comes to high contrast and HDR, the more addressable zones, the better. Self-emitting panels like OLED can dim every pixel, creating millions of zones, but Mini LED is the next best thing. And don’t think it’s a distant second. In my experience so far, the gap in image quality is small. The XG341C-2K also ups the ante with a VA panel, starting with 3,000:1 native contrast before applying dynamic dimming.

In addition to high brightness, the color gamut is extensive. In my tests, I measured only a hair under 100% coverage of DCI-P3. That puts the XG341C-2K in a small group of more colorful monitors than most wide-gamut screens, which cover around 90%. The only thing missing on that front is an sRGB mode. Though most users won’t have an issue, you’ll be using the full gamut for all content, SDR and HDR alike.

The XG341C-2K also delivers gaming performance with a 200 Hz overclock mode, significantly improving from the native rate of 165 Hz. You also get Adaptive-Sync and blur reduction, which ViewSonic calls Pure XP. It’s a backlight strobe with multiple settings, so you can find the right balance between smoothness and brightness. A five-level overdrive also works with AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync to reduce blur. The monitor carries FreeSync Premium Pro certification and I verified G-Sync operation in my tests. The XG341C-2K has not been certified by Nvidia.

Contrast is the XG341C-2K’s forte, and with dimming disengaged, it hit nearly 4,000:1 in testing. With dimming turned on, the dynamic range is infinite for both SDR and HDR content. The dimming has five levels of aggressiveness to find just the right setting for your environment. This feature really ups every image's depth and pop, whether moving or static, SDR or HDR.

The XG341C-2K is a premium product, but it isn’t quite as expensive as its predecessors. The closest example is Acer’s Predator X35 which sells for over $2,000. The ViewSonic comes in at around $1,500. Interestingly, that’s the same price as Samsung’s Neo G8, which offers similar brightness and contrast with 240 Hz operation. The choice will come down to resolution and size. The ViewSonic’s ultra-wide screen is hard to ignore.

Assembly and Accessories

The Elite XG341C-2K ships in a large clamshell carton with lots of protective material inside. Unfortunately, it’s the crumbly stuff, so keep a vacuum handy when unpacking. The upright and large base are solid metal and mated with a captive bolt. The panel then snaps in place. If you’d rather use a monitor arm, there’s a 100mm VESA mount with fasteners included. The power supply is internal, so you’ll find an IEC power cord in the box. You also get USB-A/B, USB-C, DisplayPort and HDMI cables.

Product 360

The XG341C-2K sports a slim flush bezel of 8mm around the top and sides. At the bottom is a wider trim strip with Elite silk-screened in the center. On the right is a tiny power LED that glows blue when the power is on and orange in standby mode. ViewSonic is printed on the base in small letters, and there are no other graphics or physical features to distract from the gameplay experience.

You’ll find a single joystick control that covers all monitor functions in the back. It works a little differently than others I’ve used. Pressing it toggles the power, but once on, pressing it again turns it off rather than displaying the OSD (you click up or down to access the OSD). Once in the menu, don’t press the joystick since it will power off. I made that mistake a few times before adapting to these peculiarities. Also in the back is the Elite RGB lighting feature with its four diffused strips that glow in all colors of the spectrum with four different effects available.

The stand is beautifully styled and finished in a matte black powder coat. The base and upright are slender but rock solid. The base is quite deep, with the panel set well forward. On a typical desk, you’ll find yourself about two feet from the screen if you push the base all the way back. The panel sits high enough that I could make it perfectly vertical and center my eyepoint. That is my preferred way to play on a curved monitor because it keeps more of the image focused at any given time.

In the last photo above, you can see the XG341C-2K’s curve of 1500R. This is a good balance between immersion and image distortion. You can expect a normal computer monitor experience when working on spreadsheets or writing tasks. And it’s fine for photo editing and web browsing too.

The input panel is fully stocked with two HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C, which can support peripherals or emulate DisplayPort. Additionally, there are three downstream USB-A and a single upstream USB-B port. A 3.5mm headphone jack supports audio from either DisplayPort or HDMI streams and there are two internal speakers that play with reasonable volume before sounding distorted.

OSD Features

The XG341C-2K’s OSD has a business-like appearance that is free of graphics. An almost retro-styled font delivers all the information necessary for use. To open it, click the joystick up or down. Don’t press it, or the power will turn off. Ask me how I know.

There are six sub-menus that are well organized, though a lot of convenience features have been grouped into the setup menu at the end.

We start with Game Modes, of which there are 10. I only needed the default, Custom 1, to run my tests and use the XG341C-2K for both work and entertainment. What you won’t find is an sRGB mode. All picture modes use the full native gamut, which covers nearly 100% of DCI-P3. That’s colorful to be sure, but not entirely accurate for SDR content. Custom 1 makes all other picture controls available.

The Display menu has gaming options like a FreeSync (Adaptive-Sync) toggle, HDR modes, local dimming, Pure XP (blur reduction) overclocking to 200 Hz, overdrive, and color controls. There are a few caveats to note here. If you want to run at 200 Hz, you can’t have Adaptive-Sync or Pure XP. To use these, 165 Hz is the limit. And Pure XP works instead of Adaptive-Sync. In practice, the XG341C-2K is a 165 Hz monitor, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. 200 Hz doesn’t provide a huge bump in speed, but I’ll cover that in the response and lag tests. Further details on video processing options can be found in the Gaming & Hands-on section below.

You can choose from four color temp presets or adjust the RGB values for picture tweaks. Six gamma options range from 1.8 (light) to 2.8 (dark). Color saturation is also adjustable, and you can raise the black level if shadow detail is obscured. Image Adjust is where the brightness and contrast controls are, and there’s a sharpness option that should be reduced, as the default setting creates noticeable edge enhancement.

Three HDR modes engage automatically when an HDR10 signal is present. DisplayHDR is the best choice, providing a superb image with deep blacks and bright punchy highlights. HDR is clearly the XG341C-2K’s forte.

The next menu, ViewMode, alters the picture further depending on the Game Mode selected. I recommend leaving that one alone because if you start tweaking it, there are hundreds of possible combinations, most of them poor. Custom 1 and Standard are the best options.

The Setup Menu has four screens of options like aiming points (three shapes in three colors), RGB lighting, USB power, and OSD settings. The joystick can have its left and right clicks set to several functions for quick access. Here, you’ll find a PIP and PBP option that lets you view two video sources simultaneously. On the last screen, the Memory Recall option resets the XG341C-2K to its factory defaults.

ViewSonic Elite XG341C-2K Calibration Settings

The XG341C-2K showed me a cool grayscale and dark gamma during initial testing, indicating that it needs calibration for the best image. This is easily accomplished by tweaking the RGB values and changing the gamma preset to 2.0. The color gamut is not adjustable, so you’ll always see around 100% of DCI-P3 (over 140% of sRGB), even in SDR mode. There is no sRGB setting. In HDR mode, there are no picture options save the three preset picture modes that look very similar. I recommend the default, DisplayHDR. The only other nitpick is that you’ll need to switch the local dimming on and off manually. You’ll want it for HDR but not always for SDR as it makes the picture very bright. My recommended SDR settings are below.

Gaming and Hands-on

With its 1500R curvature, the XG341C-2K is well suited for work and productivity. There is no visible image distortion, even when sitting closer than three feet away. And the 109ppi pixel density is perfect for detail and fine lines. I never saw any jaggies or pixelation in graphics or when rendering small fonts. In practice, a 34-inch 21:9 monitor is nearly the size of two 27-inch 16:9 screens, and you don’t have a line down the middle.

Though the color gamut is larger than SDR’s sRGB standard, the extra saturation isn’t a problem unless you need accuracy for photo work. The picture has a nice glow with deep blacks and plenty of depth for typical tasks. The text is easy to read against white backgrounds, and if you turn on the local dimming in SDR mode, the picture becomes very bright. It might be too much for long work sessions, but your experience may vary from mine.

Switching back and forth between HDR and SDR revealed a few quirks. The XG341C-2K goes to HDR without an issue. But returning to SDR, the monitor remained stuck in HDR mode, which distorted the color palette significantly. I had to manually turn off HDR, meaning the next time I wanted to view HDR content, I had to re-engage it in the OSD. So, in its current form, it does not switch back and forth automatically.

The same is true of the local dimming. If you want to use it for SDR, you’re good. It will remain engaged for SDR and HDR all the time. But if you’d rather switch it off for SDR, you must turn it on after switching to HDR mode and back off when returning to SDR.

Another thing I noticed is that turning on Adaptive-Sync grays out the brightness control, which is unusual. The set white level is higher than 200 nits, settling in around 275. If you work in a dark room, the XG341C-2K will be quite bright with Adaptive-Sync engaged.

Those experiments took me to gaming, where I tried a few different video processing options. My experience has shown that below 200fps, you need Adaptive-Sync. That isn’t a problem since the XG341C-2K runs it up to 165 Hz. However, at 200 Hz, Adaptive-Sync is off the table. In practice, if you can keep frame rates close to 200, it isn’t essential. But you’ll need a fast video card to run 200fps at 3440x1440. I was able to do this with a GeForce RTX 3090. I chose to forego Adaptive-Sync since motion is a bit smoother at 200 Hz vs 165 Hz. In either case, the overdrive did a decent job keeping artifacts at bay. Though I saw some black ghosting in test patterns, it didn’t come up during gameplay.

If you’re tempted to try Pure XP, you’ll find that its phasing artifact is prominent enough to be a distraction. In fairness, very few monitors have a good backlight strobe. Nearly all show extra lines behind moving objects. I didn’t use it after my initial trial.

Playing Doom Eternal, I looked for accuracy in aiming and response when clicking the mouse. I got ample quantities of both. I had no trouble working through familiar maps quickly and dispatching enemies in large numbers. The XG341C-2K is a very accurate monitor for moving and shooting. It also presented a superb HDR image with rich, bold color and super-low black levels. The Mini LED and its 1152 dimming zones help this monitor impressively impersonate an OLED panel. HDR contrast here is among the best I’ve seen.

I also observed better-than-average audio. The internal speakers are distortion-free up to a reasonably loud volume and clearly present ambient sound and dialog. Though I prefer headphones for the best experience, these would do well in a pinch.

Despite a few extra steps in switching between HDR and SDR, the XG341C-2K proved to be an excellent gaming tool that will suit gamers of all skill levels up to competing professionals. Here are my recommended settings for SDR and HDR gaming.

• FreeSync Premium Pro – on for 165 Hz, off for 200 Hz (dependent on video card speed)
• Local Dimming – off for SDR, level 2 for HDR
• HDR mode – DisplayHDR
• Overdrive – Fast (setting 3 of 5)

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

I’ve lined the XG341C-2K up against similar screens, 34-inch ultra-wide 165 Hz refresh rate monitors with WQHD resolution. The Acer X35 Mini LED, AOC CU34G3S, MSI MPG343CQR and ASRock PG34WQ are VA panels, while the Alienware AW3423DWF is an OLED.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

I tested the XG341C-2K at 165 and 200 Hz. Remember that overclocking means you can’t run Adaptive-Sync or the backlight strobe; however, you get overdrive in all cases.

The Acer is a costly monitor, but it’s worth including here for its excellent performance. It doesn’t have the limitations of the XG341C-2K; you can run it at 200 Hz with Adaptive-Sync for a $1,000 premium.

The difference between 165 and 200 Hz is clearly small, too small to give up Adaptive-Sync. In both tests, the XG341C-2K came out on top for total input lag, which is good. This a very responsive monitor, and overdrive quality is about average for the category. On its Fast setting, it showed slight black ghosting, but in practice, gaming was smooth and free of tearing or stutter. Motion resolution clarity was also average for the category.

Viewing Angles

The XG341C-2K has better off-axis image quality than most of the VA panels I’ve reviewed. It isn’t entirely up to the best IPS panels in this test, but it comes close. You’ll see a 20% light reduction and a slight green shift at 45 degrees to the sides. Gamma remains constant, so no detail is obscured in highlight or shadow areas. The vertical plane shows a washed-out picture with a shift to red and green.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My XG341C-2K review sample showed uniformity befitting a premium monitor with just a 3.83% variation in brightness from the center, which is well below the visible threshold. No glow or bleed could be seen. The image is free of grain or variation, and all patterns I checked were perfectly toned from edge to edge.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The XG341C-2K boasts a very bright 656 nits peak at its default settings, which is too bright for any indoor setting. Fatigue will set in quickly at this level. The downside is that the minimum level is 72 nits which is a little hot for a darkened room. It also means each click of the brightness control changes the level by 4-6 nits, making it harder to find a precise setting.

With local dimming turned off, the black level is respectable and results in a native contrast ratio of 3,742.1:1, above average for a VA panel. If you engage the dimming, the black level can’t be measured, and contrast is infinite.

After Calibration to 200 nits

With peak white set to 200 nits, the XG341C-2K displays the deepest blacks of the VA panels in the group. A native contrast ratio of over 4,000:1 means you can see a very high-quality image without resorting to local dimming. If you engage it, the black level can’t be measured. And you’ll definitely want it on for HDR content.

ANSI contrast is much the same at almost 3,900:1. This is one of the better VA monitors I’ve tested. Even without a dimming feature, it would look better than most of its competition. With dimming on, ANSI contrast is infinite. The XG341C-2K is well-engineered and built with excellent quality control. Only the Alienware OLED monitor can claim picture quality this good.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The XG341C-2K doesn’t ship with a factory-certified calibration. In its default mode, I found it needed some tweaking to achieve the best possible image.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

This is the XG341C-2K’s Custom 1 gaming mode and Standard view mode, the default settings. Grayscale tracks visibly blue and gamma is quite dark. This gives the image a murky appearance and negates much of the monitor’s contrast advantage.

After adjusting the RGB values and changing the gamma preset from 2.2 to 2.0, the measurements and image quality are greatly improved. This is what’s expected from a premium monitor sporting the latest Mini LED technology. Aside from a slight dip at 90% brightness, this is perfect grayscale and gamma tracking.

Comparisons

The XG341C-2K is firmly in the “needs-calibration” category. While you can turn up the brightness or engage local dimming to make the picture less murky, the blue grayscale still makes it look flat. Once adjusted, it looks much better.

The gamma presets are off by one click, as the default 2.2 option yields 2.4. This is too dark, and it robs the XG341C-2K of some of its contrast advantage. Luckily, changing the setting to 2.0 solves the issue neatly. With a 0.14 range of values and just 1.36% deviation, it ranks among the best in the gamma test.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The default color gamut run shows hue errors consistent with the blue grayscale I noted earlier. Red and cyan are off hue. Red and magenta are also a bit over-saturated though most users won’t mind the extra punch of color that affords.

Calibration mostly takes care of the hue errors, but red is still a bit off. Again, this won’t bother most users as it makes the picture extremely vivid. It isn’t entirely accurate, but it will pump up the look of all content, SDR and HDR. My only complaint is that there’s no sRGB mode. You have to use the full gamut for all content.

Comparisons

Calibration brings the XG341C-2K’s color gamut error from 4.35dE to 2.38dE, a visible gain in quality. Though reds are a bit over-saturated, the picture is not unnaturally vivid. When compared to other extended color monitors, it delivers just a little bit more vibrance.

That is explained by its near 100% coverage of DCI-P3. Most currently available wide-gamut monitors have less color volume than the XG341C-2K. The over-saturated red primary means you’ll need a software profile for color-critical work, but this monitor can be used as a professional tool. An sRGB mode would be welcome, but that omission can also be solved with software.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The XG341C-2K, like other Mini LED monitors, can display very bright highlights in HDR mode. When an HDR10 signal is applied, it switches automatically and opens up three HDR-specific picture presets. I found them very similar in look and measurement, so I did my tests in the default DisplayHDR mode.

HDR Brightness and Contrast 

The XG341C-2K is certified DisplayHDR 1400, and it manages that feat when measuring a 25% window pattern. This shows that it has more than enough power to deliver super-bright highlights in HDR mode. Most LCD panels with traditional LED backlights struggle to provide this much light from any onscreen object bigger than a few pixels. To achieve this, I had to engage local dimming. Any level from 1 to 5 will engage the full dynamic range. That means when a 0% black pattern is displayed, the backlight is turned off, rendering contrast infinite. Even displaying a small white object like an info bug won’t turn on the LEDs in the surrounding zones. ViewSonic has implemented its Mini LED technology extremely well here.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color 

The XG341C-2K’s HDR grayscale tracking runs a bit warm in brightness steps above 55%. This is a more excusable error than blue or green because red is less visible in practice. All three HDR modes exhibit the same behavior. The EOTF runs slightly dark but not enough so that detail is obscured. The tone-map transition point is 75% which means more of the content meta-data can be used to determine luminance levels. This always bodes well for picture quality, which is excellent.

The XG341C-2K shows some over-saturation in HDR mode in the red, magenta and blue areas of the gamut. This warms up the image in a good way. Though not completely accurate, the picture is pleasing and natural, with vivid color and depth. With such low black levels, well-mastered content looks three-dimensional. You can see in the Rec.2020 chart that the XG341C-2K covers a good portion of that large gamut, coming up short only in green and cyan.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

There is no doubt that Mini LED is fast becoming the go-to tech for high-contrast monitors. Though OLED will always have the advantage with its self-emissive pixel structure, LCD, in the minds of most users, is the more practical screen type. Add in wide color gamuts and high brightness, and the fact that a good Mini LED screen isn’t vastly different from an OLED in quality, and you have something truly compelling.

Following in the footsteps of the stunning XG321UG Ultra HD monitor, the XG341C-2K brings the goods to the curved ultra-wide category. Gamers like curved screens, and this is one of the best. The picture is stunning in both SDR and HDR modes. With 1,400 nits available, highlights always pop and black levels are deep thanks to 1,152 dimming zones and well-implemented local dimming.

Large color gamuts are a must in the premium gaming monitor genre and the XG341C-2K delivers there too. It covers nearly 100% of DCI-P3, putting it in an elite group. Appropriate then that ViewSonic calls it “Elite.” Though I noted a few initial inaccuracies and a missing sRGB mode, color is rich and vibrant, and I doubt anyone will complain about the picture.

The XG341C-2K is a gamer’s tool as well. With low input lag and smooth operation, I found it very accurate for moving and shooting. Its generous width and 1500R curve deliver immersive play with a picture that wraps around the user’s eyepoint. The only flaws here are the inability to run Adaptive-Sync at 200 Hz and the lack of brightness control when Adaptive-Sync is turned on. These are unusual quirks but not deal-breakers. I enjoyed every minute of gaming on this monitor.

Premium ultra-wide screens like the XG341C-2K are still expensive, but progress is being made. At $1,500, it costs the same as a Samsung Neo G8 and undercuts the Acer X35. And it offers almost as much contrast as the Alienware AW3423DWF with higher brightness than that OLED monitor. Operational quirks aside, this is an excellent gaming monitor with a stunning picture. Users seeking a high-performance 21:9 screen should definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The large-format ultra-wide gaming monitor is starting to explode in popularity, and AOC is fielding a new entry with the Agon AG455UCX. AOC uses a large 44.5-inch VA panel with a 5120x1440 (DQHD) resolution, which is slightly smaller than its existing 49-inch DQHD monitors. This resolution has also been adopted by the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 and 49-inch MSI 491C, although those monitors use Quantum Dot OLED panels.

With a monitor this large, AOC employs a 1500R curvature to increase immersion, while viewing angles are the typical 178 degrees (horizontal and vertical). However, gamers will likely be seated front and center with this display and won’t be sharing it, where light/color fall-off can occur towards extreme angles with VA panels.

Designed to compete with the best gaming monitors, the Agon AG455UCX has a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time. The monitor is listed as supporting AMD FreeSync, although we’d imagine it is also Nvidia G-Sync compatible. The typical contrast ratio is 2,400:1, while the maximum is 3,000:1. Brightness tops out at 400 nits, which is about average for a VA panel of this size.

On the connectivity front, AOC outfits the Agon AG455UCX with three HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB-C connector (DisplayPort Alt-Mode compatible). There’s also a four-port USB 3.2 Gen 1 hub onboard for connecting all your peripherals. Rounding things out are an integrated KVM switch and dual 5-watt speakers.

The Agon AG455UCX also features a broad base to support its 22-pound heft. The stand is also adjustable for height, tilt, and swivel. There’s even a stand sprouting from the left side of the monitor to hold your headphones.

AOC hasn’t announced pricing or availability for the Agon AG455UCX at this time. However, we imagine it will come in a little below the 49-inch Agon AG493UCX2, which has a street price of around $1,000.

When new technologies saturate the marketplace, prices inevitably go down. It took a few years, but some of the best gaming monitors feature curved ultra-wide panels at reasonable prices. 34-inch WQHD (3440x1440) gaming screens run fast and deliver solid gaming performance for less than $500.

Known mainly for its PC hardware, ASRock introduced a line of monitors branded Phantom Gaming in 2022. The curved entry, and my review subject, is the PG34WQ15R2B, hereafter known as the PG34WQ. It’s a WQHD VA panel with a 1500R curve, 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR 400, and extended color.

Specifications

The PG34WQ gets off to a great start with a VA panel boasting a native contrast ratio of 3,000:1. The LED backlight has a field dimming feature that extends dynamic range for SDR and HDR content. In HDR mode, it’s always active and, in my tests, delivered nearly 17,000:1. There’s plenty of light output, with just shy of 500 nits peak. SDR mode tops out at just over 300 nits.

A wide color gamut covers about 85% of DCI-P3, which is average for the category. ASRock engineered the gamut to strike a good compromise between sRGB and P3. This makes it well suited for SDR content mastered in the smaller color space. You can see the extra color without going too far past the mark.

The PG32WQ is a great value at $430 with just about everything a gamer could want without added bells and whistles. You get Adaptive-Sync which works equally well on Nvidia and AMD platforms. The 165 Hz refresh rate is achieved without overclocking. And tweakers will appreciate the inclusion of MPRT, also known as a backlight strobe, to reduce motion blur.

You won’t find things like aiming points, timers or frame counters. And there’s no LED lighting, so you’ll have to relegate any pyrotechnics to your PC and other peripherals. But there are a few interesting and unique things here that set the PG34WQ apart.

Assembly and Accessories

The first thing that caught my attention when unpacking the PG34WQ were two slim coax cables. After turning to the quick start guide, I discovered that ASRock integrated Wi-Fi antennae into the stand. The cables run between the monitor and the coax connections on your PC. That’s a first, in my experience. You also get HDMI and DisplayPort cables with an IEC cord for the internal power supply. The stand and base couple with a captive bolt, and the panel snaps in place for a solid fit. 

Product 360

The PG34WQ’s 1500R curve is neither subtle nor overt. It hits the balance point between immersion and image distortion, with a good deal of the former and none of the latter. The anti-glare layer is aggressive but not grainy, and the image is sharp without any edge enhancement to reduce resolution. Pixel density is 109ppi, the same as a 27-inch 16:9 flat panel. The bezel is thin at 8mm and flush; you’ll barely notice it when viewing content.

The bottom trim strip features a Phantom Gaming logo and little else save a tiny blue LED to indicate power status. You’ll find an OSD joystick in the back, two control keys and a power toggle. ASRock announces itself in polished lettering set under a thin grill that vents heat near the top of the panel.

The two Wi-Fi antenna ports are at the bottom of the upright so that the cables won’t intrude once connected. The stand is solid with firm movements that include -7/20 degrees tilt, 20 degrees swivel and a 100mm height adjustment. The Phantom Gaming logo is featured in the front and in the back. A small hole helps tidy any wiring. Under the panel mount is a 100mm VESA pattern with fasteners included.

Inputs are sparse, with just two HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.4. For 165 Hz operation, you must use DisplayPort. The HDMI inputs only go up to 100 Hz. If you’d like to use headphones instead of listening to the tiny two-watt internal speakers, a 3.5mm jack is provided.

OSD Features

The PG34WQ’s OSD is one of the most efficient I’ve ever seen, with just four sub-menus and only the most necessary features needed for high-performance gaming. Pressing the joystick brings it up. The keys take the user straight to the brightness slider or picture modes. Click the joystick left to change inputs or right to adjust the audio volume.

The PG34WQ has six picture modes, all of which are fixed except the default Standard preset. That one allows adjustment of luminance and color temperature. The only thing missing from the calibration suite is gamma, which is unfortunate because this monitor looks and measures too light. Gamma is off by almost 10%, which makes the picture a bit washed out and lacking in saturation. DCR is an effective dynamic contrast option that enhances picture quality and has no apparent downside. I recommend using it for SDR content. It’s locked on for HDR. MPRT delivers a backlight strobe that reduces blur but causes a very visible phasing artifact.

The Image Setup menu lets you change aspect ratios, toggle the overdrive & Adaptive-Sync, and set HDR to Auto mode. The overdrive has just one setting, which didn’t make a difference. I saw slight black ghosting in test patterns, but most gaming content ran smoothly with minimal blur.

The Color Temp menu has four fixed options plus an adjustable user mode with RGB sliders. They can be used to dial in the PG34WQ precisely with accurate grayscale tracking. You can improve the image by selecting the sRGB setting if you don't calibrate. I’ll explain why below.

The final menu has an auto setting for the input selector, DDC/CI toggle, and a factory reset option. At the bottom is input signal information.

ASRock PG34WQ15R2B Calibration Settings

I discovered a few interesting things when calibrating the PG34WQ. In the default mode, the picture is cool, and gamma is light, reducing depth and color saturation. I calibrated the user color temp and saw a significant improvement without gamma presets. However, turning down the contrast slider from 50 to 35 increased static contrast, which shouldn’t happen, but my test results don’t lie. ASRock should add gamma options in a future firmware update for sure; this monitor sorely needs them. Here are the settings I used.

If you don’t calibrate, I recommend setting the color temp to sRGB. This fixes the grayscale errors and improves gamma slightly. You can improve the image further by turning on DCR. Unlike most monitors, the PG34WQ makes good use of its field-dimming feature in SDR mode. The only downside to this approach is that the brightness slider is grayed out. Without DCR, peak brightness is around 150 nits. With DCR, it’s 210 nits.

HDR mode comes up automatically when an HDR10 signal is applied. Color accuracy is excellent there, with dynamic contrast of nearly 17,000:1. HDR content looks excellent here, better than most sub-$500 screens I’ve tested.

Gaming and Hands-on 

Right off the bat, I enjoyed the PG34WQ’s ideal curvature. I’ve tried monitors ranging from 2300R to 1300R and in the 34-inch 21:9 size, 1500R is my favorite. There was no image distortion in apps like spreadsheets or word processors, but I felt a sense of immersion in games because I didn’t have to turn my head quite as far to keep peripheral objects in view.

I tried out a few different configurations to get the best possible SDR picture from the PG34WQ. The Standard picture mode out of the box is not the best choice. The light gamma and cool color temp put a damper on any sense of dimension. The detail was less sharp, and the color was less saturated.

My tests revealed a couple of fixes. The easy one is to set sRGB in the color temp menu and turn on DCR. That makes a huge difference with better detail and more color. The only downside is that brightness is fixed. You’ll see around 150 nits with DCR off and 210 nits with it on. I went for the latter in games but turned it off in Windows to quell the extra brightness when browsing the web.

The best choice is calibration, and if you don’t have the means, try my settings shown above. That allows you to dial in brightness to taste and delivers the best color of all. The gamut compromises between sRGB and DCI-P3 for all content, and ASRock did a good job here.

The PG34WQ’s strongest attribute is its HDR image quality. The DCR option is locked, which ups the contrast ratio to almost 17,000:1. Highlights are much brighter, almost 500 nits, which in turn pumps up color saturation and depth. In the sub-$500 category, this is one of the best HDR monitors I’ve seen.

Video processing options are basic, which is fine because they work. Overdrive can be on or off, but I didn’t see a difference either way. Blur is minimal, and on par with most other 165 Hz monitors I’ve tested. I saw some slight phasing in vertical lines, not frame tears since Adaptive-Sync works just fine. But there was an occasional doubling of thin lines as I panned quickly from side to side. It wasn’t a distraction, and my success in familiar games like Doom Eternal and Tomb Raider was equal to monitors with better overdrives. 

MPRT, or backlight strobing, does not work well here. It cancels out Adaptive-Sync, which at 165 Hz is a questionable choice. It also causes phasing, like most monitors with the feature. I found it distracting, though it doesn’t reduce brightness too much. I still preferred to stick with AS and overdrive. And I had equal success with both FreeSync and G-Sync platforms.

Over my time with the PG34WQ, I found it capable in all areas, work and play. It performed comfortably above its price class with excellent HDR and a solid gaming experience.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To compare the PG34WQ’s performance, I’ve created a group that includes Monoprice’s 42772, AOC’s CU34G3S and MSI’s MPG343CQR to represent 165 Hz. BenQ’s EX3415R and EX3410R are here to cover 144 Hz, but you’ll soon see that 144 Hz isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures. 

The BenQ EX3415R manages to draw a full white field in 6ms despite running at 144 Hz instead of 165 Hz. And it takes first place in the overall lag contest with 27ms. But the PG34WQ is close behind at 7 and 30ms. For all but a world-class player, that’s an imperceptible difference. The ASRock is quick to be sure. Its overdrive isn’t the best I’ve seen, but it delivers smoothness that’s on par with the competition. Gamers of average skill will see little difference in video processing performance between any of the six screens.

Viewing Angles

The PG34WQ looks better than most VA panels I’ve photographed at 45 degrees off-center. The image is dimmer and more washed out, but the color shift is only slightly to red. The vertical plane shows much of the same behavior with slightly less light output. Few people would want to share a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor, but if you do, an IPS model will serve better.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

In general, VA panels have slightly weaker uniformity than IPS. You’ll see the occasional glow in one corner or a center hotspot. My PG34WQ sample had the former with a bit of extra light in the upper right. I could only see it in a full black field, not in actual content. There were no aberrations in color field patterns or neutral patterns of higher intensity.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The PG34WQ hits about 305 nits in SDR mode, which is plenty of light for any work or gaming application in an indoor environment. There’s more output available for HDR content, nearly 500 nits, so the headroom is there.

The default black level is great compared to an IPS monitor but a bit below average among VA panels. That limits contrast to 2,219.3:1.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibrating the RGB sliders and turning down the contrast slider from 50 to 35 makes a huge difference in image quality. I still wished for darker gamma, but the contrast increases to almost 3,100:1, which helps with depth and color saturation.

ANSI contrast stays consistent at 2,886.4:1, a solid result. Though the other VA monitors score higher in the contrast tests, the PG34WQ delivers decent quality. A darker gamma would move it up the rankings.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The PG34WQ comes from the box in its Standard mode, which looks too cool and is a bit washed out overall. Luckily, it only takes a few tweaks to make things better.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking 

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The PG34WQ’s white point is cool with visible blue errors from 30% and higher. It isn’t a huge problem, but there is room for improvement. Some adjustment is needed. Gamma is light at around 2.00, making the image a bit hazy.

Changing the color temp to sRGB makes a big difference. Now, there are no visible errors, while gamma remains the same. You can enjoy the PG34WQ this way, with the only limitation being that the brightness slider is grayed out. Peak output is around 150 nits, or 210 if you turn on DCR, which I recommend doing.

If you’d rather have finer control of brightness, calibrate the user color temp as I did. Then, you can set any output level you want and have the best possible grayscale tracking. There’s still no help for gamma, though. Regardless of your path, turn on DCR; you’ll be glad you did.

Comparisons

The PG34WQ starts a bit down the order, but with calibration, it takes second place for grayscale accuracy. If you just select sRGB from the color temp options, it would finish fourth, still respectable.

In the gamma test, it tracks straight with a very narrow value range which is a good thing. But with an actual value of 1.99, it’s off the spec by almost 10%. ASRock, please add gamma presets to the OSD. It would make such a difference.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

When testing a monitor, I usually know going in its intended color gamut. Most of the latest screens use DCI-P3 and often advertise their coverage of that gamut on the box. The PG34WQ makes no such claims, but I can see that it is a DCI-P3 monitor. It takes a different approach than most to provide balanced color that works well for SDR content while still adding saturation.

The first chart above shows the default gamut when graphed against DCI-P3. Notice that inner points (20-80%) are under-saturated while the 100% target almost gets there. There’s a broader gap between 80 and 100% than the other points.

The second chart shows the same test graphed against sRGB. The inner points are closer to the targets now and indeed, the Delta E error is lower.

The third chart shows what happens when you select the sRGB color temp. The PG34WQ still hits most of DCI-P3, but the inner points are right on the sRGB spec (and the error is lower). This is the right choice for most users, as further calibration isn’t required.

The last chart shows the result of a grayscale calibration. It’s nearly identical to the sRGB-only chart. So, you get the same accuracy level but with adjustable brightness if you change the RGB sliders. Use my settings if you want to do this without instruments.

Comparisons

The PG34WQ compares well in either sRGB mode or with calibration. With only the AOC showing slightly better numbers, this is excellent performance. I can’t fault the color accuracy here. And I like the concept of balance between sRGB and DCI-P3. It looks great with all types of content. The light gamma is a bummer but other than that, ASRock has done well.

The PG34WQ is about average for the category in the gamut volume calculation. For less than $500, you won’t find much more color than this. You’ll need a software profile to use any of these screens for color-critical applications. But for gaming, they all provide plenty of color.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

HDR is where the PG34WQ truly shines. It has effective dynamic contrast and accurate color that hits most targets in the DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 gamuts. Switching between SDR and HDR signals is automatic. You won’t find any adjustments for HDR content but as I discovered, they aren’t necessary.

HDR Brightness and Contrast 

ASRock’s website claims 550 nits peak, but the PG34WQ is rated for VESA DisplayHDR 400, and it comfortably exceeds that metric. At just under 500 nits, it’s plenty bright. With a best-in-group black level, it goes well beyond the HDR contrast capabilities of most budget screens with nearly 17,000:1. Only the MSI shows better. The Monoprice, BenQ and AOC monitors have no dynamic option, and it shows. ASRock has put its efforts into HDR here and it clearly pays off.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The PG34WQ’s excellent HDR performance extends to color too. Grayscale tracking is without visual error. That’s a good thing since there are no adjustments available. The field dimming feature is a little too aggressive at the dark end of the scale, as you can see in the EOTF chart. Though shadow detail is still visible, it’s hard to see in the heat of battle. Users should tweak their in-game settings to compensate for this. In most areas of the picture, detail is solid and pops well. The tone-map transition point is spot-on at 65%.

In the color tests, the PG34WQ is reasonably close to the targets for DCI-P3 and Rec.2020. Saturation is very good and better than SDR, with no visible hue errors. This is an HDR monitor for sure and looks its best when showing that material.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Now that curved ultra-wide monitors have become a de facto standard for gaming, there are many product choices and that has translated to lower prices. What used to be a $1,000 purchase is now easy to find for less than $500, and that’s progress.

Another thing that is commonplace among budget screens is high refresh rates. While I am spoiled enough to consider 240 Hz a starting point, there is a lot of fun gaming to be had at 144 and 165 Hz. A wide variety of affordable hardware is available to power a monitor to 165fps at QHD and WQHD resolutions.

In this crowded market, the PG34WQ15R2B is an excellent first effort from ASRock. It delivers on its promises with solid performance, low input lag and accurate color. There is the light gamma issue which is something that could be fixed with a firmware update. But if you engage the sRGB color temp, or calibrate, and turn on DCR (dynamic contrast), the SDR image is pretty good. And its 1500R curve is ideal for any application.

HDR is the star with bright highlights approaching 500 nits and well-saturated color. HDR black levels are low, meaning almost 17,000:1 contrast, one of the best in class. The PG34WQ looks better in HDR mode than most of its budget-friendly competition.

Video processing is solid as well. Though the overdrive is a bit weak, it reduces blur enough for decent motion resolution. Adaptive-Sync works perfectly with either Nvidia or AMD hardware. And input lag is lower than average, making the PG34WQ a very capable gaming display.

At less than $500, it’s hard to find fault. I enjoyed my time playing and working with the PG34WQ. If you have a mid-tier gaming PC or console, it’s a great choice. Definitely check it out.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

When OLED panels first arrived, bendability was one of their promised features. Theoretically, one could have a TV or monitor that could bend or roll up. LG demoed a rollable television at CES in 2020 that rises from a cabinet. It’s available today in a 65-inch size for an eye-watering $100,000. And, of course, we have foldable phones available for sale.

However, Corsair is the first company to introduce a bendable computer monitor. It eliminates the issue of choosing between a flat or curved panel. With the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240, you can have both. At 45 inches wide, 21:9 aspect ratio, it’s the largest ultra-wide I’ve seen yet among the best gaming monitors. The bend goes to 800R, which is a very small radius. It also has serious gaming cred with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and wide gamut color. Let’s take a look. 

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 Specs

In the world of unique computer monitors, the Xeneon Flex is a standout. As an OLED, it joins a small and elite group of displays with fantastic contrast and rich color. The Flex has the same infinite dynamic range as other OLEDs I’ve reviewed and covers slightly under 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. With a few tweaks, it delivers reference-level accuracy and also offers a usable sRGB mode.

Though OLEDs aren’t known for high brightness, the Flex can hit 1,000 nits in HDR mode when showing small highlights. SDR brightness is lower, as is appropriate. In my tests, a 25% window measured around 437 nits, which is respectable.

Gaming cred comes courtesy of a 240 Hz refresh rate with Adaptive Sync. The Flex is certified by Nvidia and AMD for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium operating over a 48-240 Hz range. It also has extremely low input lag. In my tests, it proved to be quicker than other 240 Hz monitors by a comfortable margin.

The big story is the bend, of course. The Flex is the first, and for the moment only, bendable computer monitor available. You can leave it flat and enjoy a vast screen perfect for productivity. Or you can bend it as tightly as 800R for immersive gaming. You can leave it anywhere between those extremes or just bend one side. It is, effectively, several monitors in one. The bend is accomplished manually with two handles that extend from the sides.

According to Corsair, the life cycle of the Flex is at least 10,000 bends, which in theory, would take many years to achieve. The warranty is three years for both zero dead pixels and zero burn-in. Pixel orbiting and refresh features are included to maintain the panel’s health while in standby mode.

There’s a lot to see here, so let’s get unpacking.

Assembly and Accessories

The Flex is a one-unit display with an integrated stand. There’s no assembly required, nor can you remove the stand since it incorporates both inputs and controls. The box is a lift-off style, like a TV, that protects the contents with blocks of crumbly foam. A beefy 240-watt power supply and DisplayPort, HDMI, USB A-C and USB C-C are included.

Product 360

The Flex is an impressive sight once you find a spot big enough for it. Some room on the sides is required to fit the handles that slide out when you want to bend or unbend. My initial reaction was a bit fearful because it’s hard to wrap one’s mind around bending a computer monitor. The panel is only 6mm thick, but it has a prominent component bulge in the back and two stabilizing arms that manage the bending action. To bend, simply pull the handles. You can bend only one side if you wish. An audible click sounds when you’ve reached the limit of 800R. The Flex is so large that its maximum bend is just about right for gaming from a three- to four-foot viewing distance.

The build quality is certainly premium, with a solid metal base over a foot deep. Stability is not an issue. A bit of texturing adorns the back of the upright, which is quite wide. A metal handle sits at the bottom center, which is handy for tilting the screen. It comes forward seven degrees or back 15. There is no swivel or height adjustment.

WQHD resolution, or 3440x1440, is more commonly seen in 34-inch screens. At 45 inches diagonal, the Flex gives up some pixel density. The 83ppi is less than the more familiar 109ppi one sees in a 34-inch ultra-wide or a 27-inch 16:9 QHD panel. This means you don’t want to sit too close lest you see the pixel structure. The screen surface is also unusual for an OLED because it’s matte. Most are very shiny and easily show reflections, but the Flex bucks this trend.

The Flex’s panel and stand are a single unit that cannot be disassembled. The controls are on the front beneath the screen and include an input selector, power toggle with LED, and a joystick for menu control. Two USB ports and a headphone jack are also provided, which is very convenient. There are no built-in speakers. In the back, there are two HDMI 2.1 inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, a USB-C video and a second USB-C for peripherals. The screen sits a little low for me to get it perfectly vertical without a small stand underneath.

OSD Features

The OSD is completely text-based, with just a small Corsair graphic in the upper left corner. Pressing the joystick summons the menu. You can also go right to the input selector with a press of the Input key or a right click. Up selects brightness, Left adjusts volume, Down is image mode and Right is input.

The Flex has six image presets, including Standard, which can be calibrated using the DCI-P3 gamut and sRGB, which employs the smaller color space. Unlike most monitors, the Flex’s sRGB mode can be independently calibrated, which is great for professionals who need reference quality for both color standards. You also get three color temperature presets, a custom mode, and three gamma options. Refresh Overlay is a frame counter, and you can create your own aiming point with different shape combinations shown in the second photo above.

A monitor this large is perfect for PIP and PBP functions, which allow viewing two sources at once. The Flex can easily replace two monitors with its vast screen area.

System Setting lets you toggle Adaptive-Sync on and off and manage the panel maintenance options. A pixel orbiter shifts the image up and down to prevent burn-in. You’ll never notice it in action. I stared at the screen for quite a while and could barely see anything happening. The Refresh option works while the Flex is in standby mode. Corsair warrants the Flex for three years against burn-in, so it is confident in these features. In my own experience, I have seen no burn-in on my two-year-old LG OLED TV.

Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 Calibration Settings

The Flex has a factory-certified calibration, but I found some improvement with adjustments. The RGB sliders work precisely and allowed me to calibrate the Standard and sRGB modes separately. I could then switch back and forth between them at will. Gamma and color tracking were very good out of the box. I’ve provided my settings below.

There are no adjustments in HDR mode, but I found solid grayscale tracking there with good color saturation.

Gaming and Hands-on 

It’s hard to experience a monitor like the Flex and not lapse into an adjective stream where I spend hours coming up with ways to describe it in as many words as possible. Rather than bore you with that, I’ll just say that there’s absolutely nothing like it.

First is the size. I’ve reviewed lots of ultra-wide monitors. Most are 34 inches diagonal and provide a decent wrap around the viewpoint. 49-inch mega wides wrap more but lack height which can take the user a bit out of the experience. The Flex, with its 45-inch screen and 800R curve at full bend, takes immersion to another level. Nothing else can compare, nothing.

As far as bend versus flat, I found myself going back and forth a few times, then settling on bent. Most of my work happens in the center of the screen, so the bend isn’t distracting when editing a Word document. For spreadsheet tasks, it’s nice to see all the numbers without too much scrolling. Graphics editing is best with a flat screen. Then you can properly judge proportion and perspective. The Windows desktop was bright and vivid in the Standard picture mode with true blacks and bright but not harsh highlights. I turned down the brightness to 75% at night, but l left it at 100% during the day.

The Flex’s gaming prowess is tremendous. Input lag is low enough to be imperceptible. Screen response is free of any visible blur. Precision movement is this monitor’s forte. Wading through monsters in Doom Eternal’s horde mode was an addictive experience. I literally could not stop playing until my chihuahua finally demanded her dinner. The Flex drew me in completely. You will need to keep a timer or alarm clock handy to remind you when it’s time to eat.

And like other OLED panels, it plays more smoothly at lesser frame rates. I saw around 160fps in Call of Duty WWII, but it was as good or better than an LCD running over 200fps. Of course, the image was stunning with its rich color, true blacks and deep contrast. Though pixel density is relatively low, the picture’s dynamic range erases any perception of pixel structure.

The Flex is one of the very best gaming monitors I’ve experienced. It fits my skill level and style of play which is casual at best. It will appeal to a wide variety of players of all abilities right up to competition professionals.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To compare the Flex’s performance, I’ve included two OLEDs, the Alienware AW3423DWF and Aorus FO48U. The remaining screens are VA panels, AOC CU34G3S, Samsung G8 and Monoprice 42772. 

Pixel Response and Input Lag 

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures. 

I included the G8 because it is one of the few speedy VA panels available, and it has contrast and performance on par with the Flex. It and the Corsair can draw a full white field in 4ms thanks to their 240 Hz refresh rates. Observing BlurBusters test patterns show equal smoothness in horizontal movement. The Flex doesn’t need an overdrive to accomplish this and the G8 has a perfectly implemented one. The gaming feel will be equivalent between these two monitors.

In the input lag test, the Alienware sneaks into second place thanks to its snappy OLED screen. The Flex, however, is one of the fastest monitors I’ve tested. Only a 360 Hz screen will be quicker. In practice, it is incredibly responsive and smooth. No matter how rapidly I moved the mouse, the picture never blurred, nor were there any artifacts. The Flex is easily qualified for esports or competitive gameplay.

Viewing Angles

OLEDs have a considerable advantage over LCDs because their polarizing layer is much thinner when viewed off-axis. The Flex looks the same at 45 degrees horizontal as it does head-on. This is a very shareable monitor, especially if you employ the PBP function. It is almost equal to two 32-inch 16:9 panels in total area. From the top, the image looks a bit green and washed out.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

I have no complaints about the Flex’s screen uniformity. I had to display a 10% brightness pattern to measure it properly. Black field patterns are too dark to be detected by my instruments. The Flex’s uniformity is visually and measurably perfect in every way.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

The Flex varies its brightness depending on the average luminance of the image. That means a full white field will measure around 180 nits. As the window gets smaller, the brightness goes up. I measured a 25% window to get 437 nits. At 3%, the Flex tops 1,000 nits.

Since the black level can’t be measured, OLED contrast is theoretically infinite. The G8 has a zone-dimming backlight that can’t be turned off, hence its high contrast score.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Deciding on a peak output level for the Flex required some trial and error. On the maximum setting, a full field was only 180 nits, as I stated earlier. Setting a 25% window to 200 nits made the image too dark. My room is sunlit, so I can run high brightness without visual fatigue. I eventually settled on the maximum brightness setting as my preference. Your mileage will vary depending on your viewing environment.

With unmeasurable black levels still in play, the Flex’s static and ANSI contrast ratios cannot be determined.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The Flex ships with a calibration data sheet for each sample. I noticed that mine was calibrated to 8500K, which is cooler than the typical standard of 6500K. It is simple to adjust the Standard and sRGB picture modes to the correct specs. 

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking 

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here. 

Standard is the mode to pick if you want the Flex’s full-color capability. It covers almost 100% of DCI-P3, so I expect most users will go that route. The default grayscale is visibly cool with blue errors from 40 to 100% brightness. Gamma tracks almost perfectly except for a tiny rise at 90%, which only the meter can see. Calibration sets the white point to the correct 6500K with all errors below 1dE.

In sRGB mode, the white point is warm in tone with visible errors between 40 and 100% brightness. Gamma tracks well except for the 10% step, which is slightly light in tone. Calibration gets the error below 1dE and lightens gamma a bit across the range. In practice, shadow areas occasionally look a tad light, but this is a minor issue.

Overall grayscale and gamma performance in both Standard and sRGB modes is excellent.

The Flex’s default grayscale error of 4.62dE is due to its factory calibration to 8500K rather than 6500K. The other monitors can be used without calibration, but the Flex should be adjusted for the best possible picture. Once completed, it rises to second place here and is equal in quality to any professional screen.

In all cases, gamma tracking is nearly perfect, with a miniscule 0.07 range of values and average tracking just 0.45% off the 2.2 standard. The actual value was 2.19. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here. 

The Flex has superb color coverage in Standard mode and out of the box; it just needs some tweaking to its secondary hues. This is accomplished by grayscale calibration, which takes color gamut accuracy to the reference level. Unlike most wide-gamut LCDs, the Flex has a fully saturated green primary.

sRGB mode exhibits similar behavior but is closer to the mark before calibration. After grayscale calibration, it’s even better, with one of the lowest error levels I’ve recorded for any monitor’s sRGB mode. This is excellent performance.

Comparisons

Clearly, the OLEDs here have a color accuracy advantage. This is partly due to their superior gamut volume, which covers the entire green primary in all three cases. That the Flex is in third place with a volume score of almost 100% speaks volumes about the technology. The bit of extra volume in the sRGB test is from some bonus green. The Flex can easily be used for color-critical applications without a software profile.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors. 

The Flex supports HDR10 signals with an automatic switchover into HDR mode. There are no picture adjustments available, but I found decent grayscale accuracy.

HDR Brightness and Contrast 

I had to measure a 3% window to see a peak number over 1,000 nits that Corsair promises. I had to do the same thing when measuring the Samsung. The other two OLEDs don’t vary brightness with picture level and therefore top out at around 400 nits. The Flex has superb HDR contrast with the expected unmeasurable black level and infinite contrast ratio. 

Grayscale, EOTF and Color 

In the HDR grayscale test, I observed no visible errors with all values under 2dE. This is well above average performance for HDR monitors as a whole. The EOTF tracks too light until its tone-map transition point at 55%. I measured both window and field patterns and got the same result.

In the color tests, red measured a bit over-saturated but hit the 100% mark for DCI-P3 color, which many wide gamut monitors cannot do. Green and blue also filled their volume targets with linear saturation tracking. Hues are slightly off the mark for some colors. Red looks slightly orange, as does yellow. Cyan drifts toward green, while magenta is a bit too red. In practice, this makes colors look somewhat muted. There’s plenty of vibrance, but warm tones look slightly unnatural. The Rec.2020 chart shows similar behavior, but since saturation targets track evenly, you’ll see more vivid hues until the display runs out of color at around 80%.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

OLED technology has come a long way since it was first introduced. Early panels suffered from various teething problems and were very expensive. But today, there are some truly compelling choices available at more affordable prices.

A bendable screen could be considered the answer to an unasked question, but many thought the same thing when curved displays first appeared. Now, curved monitors are everywhere and are a top choice for gaming enthusiasts and professionals. Corsair has combined the best parts of flat and curved panels into a single monitor.

The Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240 represents multiple displays in a single chassis. For graphics work and productivity, it’s a huge flat panel with nearly the same area as two 32-inch 16:9 screens. High color accuracy and contrast make it ideal for creatives and number-crunchers alike.

Gamers can grab the handles and bend the screen to an ideal 800R curvature. With so much width and height available, the image truly envelopes the user. Video processing is equal to the very best screens with 240 Hz, perfect Adaptive-Sync and smoother motion than an equivalent LCD monitor. It also has lower input lag than nearly every 240 Hz display I’ve reviewed. The Flex is equally well-suited for casual gamers or esports pros. The only flaw here is HDR color which was a little off-hue mark in both real-world content and in testing.

The Corsair Xeneon Flex is one of the very best gaming monitors I’ve ever reviewed. At an initial price of $1,999, it’s a premium purchase, but once you’ve tried it, you won’t care about that. Its addictive gameplay and gorgeous screen are simply unmatched by anything else.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

If you’ve budgeted around $750 for the best gaming monitor for you, you have several categories to choose from. For maximum resolution, there are plenty of 4K 144 Hz screens available. However, that option will give you the lowest motion resolution. Why? Frame rates, pure and simple. You can put a lot of pixels on the screen, but if the best you can do is 120 fps, that fine detail will be lost when you move the mouse in a first-person game.

To satisfy the need for speed, you can go with an FHD 360 Hz screen, as this option will deliver the smoothest performance of all. However, sitting in the middle is QHD at 240 Hz. It’s a great option because it puts 109 pixels per inch onto a 27-inch panel and, with a fast enough video card, delivers frame rates over 200 fps. That’s a performance sweet spot and one I’ll be exploring in this review of AOC’s Agon Pro AG274QG. It’s a 27-inch IPS panel with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR 600 and a wide color gamut. It also includes Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer and a whole raft of gaming features.

AOC Agon Pro AG274QG Specs

The AG274QG starts with a fast IPS panel that has a claimed response time of 1 ms. In my test, the draw time from full black to full white was 4 ms which is only 1ms slower than a 360 Hz monitor. I also measured very low input lag, which puts this display in contention with the professional competition. While a 360 Hz screen will be the ultimate gaming tool, this Agon Pro is only slightly behind in speed. Adaptive-Sync comes in G-Sync Ultimate form with an Nvidia certification. You can also run AMD FreeSync, 48-144 Hz over HDMI, and 48-240 Hz through DisplayPort. Consoles are supported up to 120 Hz over HDMI with Adaptive-Sync.

AOC also didn’t skimp on image quality. The AG274QG is rated for 600 nits in HDR mode and met this spec while testing. It’ll also get close to 450 nits for SDR content, so it works in the brightest environments with plenty of punch and clarity. The color gamut is larger than most, with a measured 95% coverage of DCI-P3. A near-perfect sRGB mode can automatically engage for SDR if you want even more precision.

Amping up the contrast quotient is an edge-dimming backlight with 32 zones. This action increases contrast to 5,000:1 in SDR mode and over 33,000:1 for HDR, putting the AG274QG ahead of many HDR monitors I’ve tested. You can improve the image further with the included rigid light hood that snaps in place. It provides a real advantage in all but the darkest rooms by preventing any light from hitting the screen from the sides or above.

Other features include a very nice LED lighting system that has effects on the back of the panel and a projector built into the stand that displays two different Agon logos on the desktop. There are many choices for color and effect available in the extensive OSD. Premium build quality abounds with a rock-solid stand, full ergonomics and a decent pair of built-in speakers. All your peripherals are supported by USB 3.2 with four downstream ports, one of which is colored green for the Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer feature.

Assembly and Accessories

The light hood comes in its own carton, which sits at the top of the AG174QG’s box. Another small box contains the external power brick and a nice collection of cables. You get USB, HDMI and DisplayPort, along with a pair of stand clips to keep your wiring tidy. Also in the box is the Quick Switch control puck that provides fast access to the OSD. It plugs into its own dedicated port underneath.

Product 360

With the light hood installed, the AG274QG has an impressive presence. The hood is lined with light-absorbing material and once snapped on becomes part of a very solid unit. The stand is super solid with a very wide and deep base. You won’t be tipping one of these over, no matter how intense the gameplay gets. Styling is very angular, with nary a curve in sight. Corners are just rounded enough to keep them from being sharp, but flat surfaces are the order of the day. The front bezel is thin at just 5 mm around the top and sides and 10 mm at the bottom. There’s just enough room for a tiny Agon logo in the center.

If you doubt the AG274QG’s origin, a projector built into the stand puts either a graphic or the word “AGON” on the desktop. A little slider on the barrel switches between images. You can change the color and intensity or turn it off in the OSD. Additional lighting is located in the back on six geometric shapes arrayed to the sides. They can be any color and be left static, flashing or breathing. A slick metal headphone hook that slides out is also found on the back. An Agon logo tops the panel, and you can see red trim on the stand.

Ergonomics include -3/21 degrees tilt, 20 degrees swivel and 120 mm height. The upright has soft click stops to make it easier to repeat an adjustment, and there’s a 90-degree portrait mode. The OSD can be controlled by a tiny joystick around the back right or by a large puck called Quick Switch, which plugs into its own dedicated port. The puck adds some quick access buttons configured by the user. If you prefer using an aftermarket arm or bracket, a 100 mm VESA mount is provided with included fasteners.

The input panel features a single DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0 ports. DisplayPort supports G-Sync Ultimate from 1 to 240 Hz, while the HDMI ports work from 48 to 144 Hz with either G-Sync or FreeSync. USB comes in version 3.2 with one upstream and four downstream ports. The photo doesn’t show it, but one of the ports is meant for Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer and is color-coded green. To use this feature, you’ll need a supported mouse. Read more about it in our overview here.

OSD Features

The AG274QG uses the same style menu as other Agon Pro displays, with eight sections arranged in a grid that appears at the lower right when you press the joystick or the center button on the Quick Switch puck.

Game Setting is where you’ll find the picture modes, called Game Mode. There are seven presets, but the default and best option is Off. You can still adjust all image and video processing parameters so there’s no real need for the other modes except the three user memories, which the numbered buttons can call up on the Quick Switch puck. Dial Point is an aiming reticle that appears as a tiny red cross at the center of the screen. You get a three-level overdrive which I found unnecessary. The AG274QG has superb video processing without it. Even the Weak setting caused ghosting artifacts. Surprisingly, there is no backlight strobe option, but this monitor doesn’t need it. When frame rates are high, motion resolution is nearly perfect.

In the Luminance menu, you can adjust brightness in nit values. They measure relatively close to the mark. There are five gamma presets, with the default one being slightly light in tone. Adding +.2 fixed that issue neatly. The SDR Colors sRGB option, when turned on, automatically selects the sRGB gamut for SDR content which is the correct way to do it. If you prefer the larger gamut for everything, just turn it off. You can also engage the zone dimming feature for SDR, and it does increase contrast visibly. The Auto Brightness and Auto Black Level options use a sensor to adjust those parameters according to your room’s lighting conditions.

The Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer has several options for monitoring sensitivity (how often the timing is sampled) plus the size and position of the measuring rectangle. The numbers appear in small font in the upper right corner of the screen. You can monitor your input lag in real-time while playing.

Color Setup has a 6-axis color adjustment plus three color temp presets. The user mode has precise RGB sliders that help achieve pro-level grayscale accuracy for both SDR and HDR. The Audio menu includes a toggle for DTS sound processing. Turning this on improves the audio by expanding the soundstage. It also sounds a little less tinny though you won’t hear any serious bass from the internal speakers.

The Light FX menu has lots of options for the color and effect of the LEDs in back. You can create any color you wish with RGB values and choose from multiple patterns and effects like breathing or flashing. The Logo Projector refers to the light built into the stand. It can be any color and there are three intensity levels, or you can turn it off.

AOC AG274QG Calibration Settings

If you leave Game Mode off, there are no picture modes to contend with, which is a good thing. The brightness slider is ticked in nit values fairly close to the actual light level. To improve gamma, I set the option at +.2 and adjusted the RGB sliders in the user color temp. The result was pro-level accuracy for color, grayscale and gamma. My instrument-derived settings are below.

In HDR mode, you can use the same RGB settings which worked well for me. There are three modes for the backlight dimming feature. Gaming is the default and best choice. It follows the correct luminance curve and keeps color from becoming over-saturated. With little effort, the AG274QG can be a very accurate monitor with premium image quality and fidelity.

Gaming and Hands-on

27-inch QHD monitors are very versatile in that they will fit on nearly any desk while providing enough screen area for just about any task or form of entertainment. Resolution is fine enough to sit at a comfortable distance, around three feet, and experience sharp detail and clarity. Though other form factors are more suitable for gaming, like 21:9 ultra-wides or 43-inch jumbo panels, the 27-inch QHD display is a staple.

The AG274QG is a premium example in this category. It delivers a bright picture with saturated color and best of all, quick response and some of the smoothest video processing I’ve seen. It’s one of the few monitors that doesn’t need overdrive or any kind of blur reduction to maintain high resolution during fast camera pans and movements. The picture remains razor sharp no matter what kind of game you’re engaged in, and that comes down to the frame rate. Granted, I’m testing with a GeForce RTX 3090, which keeps the action around 200 fps in full detail. But this is the key to the best gaming experience, and this monitor provides that.

It also delivers superb HDR. With a 32-zone edge dimming backlight, it is well above screens that only offer full-field dimming or no dimming. I would put the AG274QG against a full-array local-dimming FALD monitor and defy most users to tell the difference. Its HDR is that good. Doom Eternal played with a very bright and colorful image that revealed every texture and nuance. There was no apparent hit to performance either, as I saw around 200fps playing the same scenes in SDR and HDR. The AG274QG is a great choice if you want to upgrade to an HDR-capable display.

Call of Duty WWII was a similar experience. Its natural color was the star of the show, with bright sunlight during daytime battles and deep shadows at night. Detail was always visible, and I never needed the shadow enhancer option.

For workday tasks, the AG274QG is a great tool. Its 109 ppi pixel density is well suited for text or graphical documents. Whether running Photoshop or Word, you’ll see your work clearly with excellent contrast and vivid color where appropriate.

I also noted the built-in speakers with DTS mode. They put out decent volume without distortion and the DTS option expands the sound field a bit beyond the edges of the screen. There isn’t much bass, but the midrange and high frequencies are well-balanced.

Ergonomically, the AG274QG is a solidly built piece that easily earns its place in the premium category. My only nitpick is the extra-large base. While it provides a lot of stability, its nearly 14-inch depth is a bit intrusive. The wide legs are skinny enough to allow objects to live below the screen, but a smaller base would likely work just as well.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To compare the AG274QG, I’ve mined my database for three more 240 Hz QHD screens – Gigabyte’s M27QX, AOC’s PD27 and Asus’ PG279QM. To see how 165 Hz QHD screens stack up, I’ve included the HyperX Armada 27 and Cooler Master’s GM27-FQS.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

A 1 ms difference in response time translates to a visible improvement. A 240 Hz monitor is clearer and quicker than a 165 Hz one. While 2 ms may not seem like much, but it truly is better at higher frame rates. Of course, running over 200f ps in QHD resolution will require a decent video card.

Overall input lag scores are visually closer between the six displays. The AG274QG is one of the quickest monitors I’ve tested, eclipsed only by the PD27 by just 1 ms. I was impressed to see this result with the overdrive turned off. Since any of its options result in ghosting, I don’t recommend using it. But it’s not needed because all the motion patterns I viewed were crystal clear, making it a seriously smooth gaming monitor.

Viewing Angles

The green color shift seen above is typical of IPS panels, but the AG274QG retains brightness at 45 degrees off-center better than most screens. The gamma is unchanged, which means detail won’t be harder to see if you’re not sitting on-center. The top view is quite blue, with some image washout observed.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The AG274QG’s screen uniformity is generally good except for a slight hotspot I saw in my sample’s lower right corner. It wasn’t an issue in actual content, nor could I see it in brighter field patterns. Color uniformity was visually perfect, with no variation in hue.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

AOC specs 450 nits for the AG274QG’s SDR brightness, but my sample only got to 390 nits. This isn’t a deal-breaker because that’s a lot more light than one would need indoors. Even at 390 nits, you could play in a sunlit space, especially with the light hood installed.

Black levels are about average for the category, with the AG274QG finishing mid-pack. You can see the advantage held by the PD27’s VA screens, as its blacks are much deeper. With over 3,000:1 contrast, it has an impressive image, but the other screens are nearly identical in their dynamic range. The AG274QG has a usable dimming feature that ups SDR contrast to around 5,000:1 with no visible downside.

After Calibration to 200 nits

After calibration, the AG274QG gained a second-place finish in the black level contest losing only to the PD27’s VA screen. Contrast is about the same as before but is slightly ahead of the other IPS displays. This is solid performance that can be enhanced by turning on the dimming feature.

ANSI contrast remains strong at 1,043.5:1, very close to the static number. The AG274QG is an excellent monitor with premium components and quality control. Its price isn’t low, but you are getting a high-end screen for sure.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

The AG274QG comes with its Game Mode turned off. There are seven presets, but none improve accuracy as much as a calibration.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The default color temp setting is Warm, but my tests showed a cool grayscale with blue errors visible from 30% and higher. Gamma is a touch light as well though it tracks straight which is a good thing. The image looks a bit flat but the tools to fix this are provided.

By adding +.2 to the gamma and adjusting the RGB sliders, tracking is now at the professional level and visually perfect. I verified these results with the native color gamut and in sRGB mode. You can switch gamuts without affecting either white point or gamma, which is as it should be.

Comparisons

For a premium monitor, the AG274QG is slightly disappointing out of the box. It has good default color accuracy, which you’ll see on the next page. However, its grayscale and gamma leave room for improvement. A 5.32dE average error is higher than most screens in the category. After calibration, it’s firmly in contention with a low 0.74dE average.

Gamma tracking is tight, with just a 0.24 range of values and a 1.36% deviation from 2.2. The actual average value is 2.23, which is visually perfect.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The AG274QG truly excels in gamut accuracy with a bit of adjustment. The default grayscale error pulls magenta and cyan off their hue targets, but saturation points are close to the mark. The gamut is quite large as well, with only a very slight green under-saturation.

After adjusting gamma and the RGB sliders, the gamut is well into the visually perfect range. Every point is in contact with or inside its target box, representing 1dE. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The sRGB mode is even better, with a tiny average error of 1.06dE. That is equal to any professional screen I’ve tested. And since you can set up the AG274QG to switch color gamuts automatically between SDR and HDR, it’s one of the few gaming monitors that provides perfect color for every kind of content.

Comparisons

As much as I am impressed with the AG274QG’s color accuracy, the other screens are excellent too. This is a premium category so this is how it should be. None of the displays have visual errors. The AOC delivers the bonus of perfect color for both DCI-P3 and sRGB, so that’s something to consider.

There are a handful of monitors that have larger color gamuts than the AG274QG, but most wide gamut screens are closer to 90% coverage or a little less. This is the main disadvantage of the PD27. The Asus and Gigabyte have a bit more green available but for most content, the visual difference will be slight. The AG274QG is qualified for color-critical work in either DCI-P3 or sRGB color spaces.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

When comparing LCD monitors, HDR quality is often determined by peak brightness. The more light you have, the more highlights will pop against darker content. The AG274QG is rated for 600 nits, giving it a little more juice than other screens at this price point.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The AG274QG just crests the 600-nit mark with a 603.1987-nit result. I’m more interested in the black level, which is lower than the VA-based PD27 and within striking distance of the PG279QM. This is thanks to the very effective 32-zone edge dimming backlight, which AOC uses properly here. With a measured static contrast of 33,142.8:1, you can see a clear difference in quality over the remaining four screens. If you want good HDR, this is the way to go. Only a full-array backlight or OLED panel can deliver more dynamic range than this. The difference is easy to see in actual content with deeper blacks, brighter highlights and more saturated color.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

In HDR mode, the AG274QG inherits the RGB settings from SDR mode, which managed to keep grayscale tracking on-point until the tone-mapping range above 70% brightness. I could not reduce the extra blue without affecting the lower levels, which is where most content lies. Real-world picture quality is excellent, with just a hint of blue in the brightest areas but neutral grays everywhere else. The EOTF follows the spec almost perfectly when you select the Gaming option for the HDR Variable Backlight. Shadows are deep, dark and detailed while the brightest bits pop as they should.

The DCI-P3 saturation chart shows slight over-saturation in general but excellent tracking with no points too far off their targets. This means there will be no obscured detail in any kind of content, bright, dark or mid-toned. The Rec.2020 chart is similar. The AG274QG tracks the inner targets correctly until color runs out around 95%. This is how it should be since a lot of HDR content is mastered to the full Rec.2020 gamut. This is excellent performance.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

It’s hard not to be spoiled by super-fast gaming monitors. Though FHD/360 Hz and QHD/240 Hz screens are expensive, they provide an addictive gaming experience with their instant control response and smooth motion processing. If you subscribe to the axiom that higher pixel density is always better, then the QHD category strikes the best balance between detail and frame rate. Consoles and popular opinion have vaulted Ultra HD/120 Hz screens to the top of the must-have list. But when you’re ripping through a battlefield or speeding down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans, their extra pixel count only serves to reduce the fps count, which increases motion blur.

Though a 360 Hz screen is the ultimate in smoothness and response, the AG274QG’s 240 Hz QHD panel is so close in feel as to be equal. I qualify that with “in my experience” because a gamer with superior skill may only be satisfied by a higher frame rate. However, after a lot of frenetic gameplay on my part, I doubt there are many players who would not become instantly addicted to this monitor.

Picture-wise, it ticks all the boxes except for the one next to out-of-box accuracy. There, it could use some improvement. But once calibrated, it is extremely precise. A large color gamut enhances both SDR and HDR content, and the zone-dimming backlight creates superb contrast, especially for HDR, where I measured over 33,000:1. And the 600-nit output doesn’t hurt either.

Video processing is the standout. The AG274QG doesn’t need overdrive or a backlight strobe to deliver motion resolution that’s among the best I’ve experienced. With super-low input lag and fast panel response, it really doesn’t get better. Its gaming feel is that of a fine sports car.

If you have the budget for a high-performance gaming monitor and the need for a usable desktop display, the AOC Agon Pro AG274QG is hard to beat. Speed-hungry players should definitely keep it on their short list.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test PC Monitors

MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor: A 2022 Guide

MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

There are plenty of gently curved monitors available for people who don’t want an extreme wraparound effect. Since radii tighter than about 1300R can produce image distortion, that’s understandable. But for hardcore gamers who want to replicate VR goggles without hanging a bunch of bulky tech on their heads, 1000R ultra-wide screens do an excellent job of filling one’s peripheral vision and surrounding the player with the virtual environment.

The AOC CU34G3S is one such monitor. It features a 34 inches diagonal with a VA panel that delivers over 3,000:1 contrast. It has HDR and wide gamut color for a punchy and realistic image. In addition, gaming performance is enhanced with Adaptive-Sync and a 165 Hz refresh rate. The best part is the price – just $430 at this writing – makes it a great contender to join the ranks of the best gaming monitors.

AOC CU34G3S Specs

With a high contrast VA panel, the CU34G3S brings plenty of dynamic range to the party. Though it doesn’t have a dimming feature for HDR, it still has more image depth than any IPS panel can boast. Vivid color is assured by a wide gamut that covers nearly 87% of DCI-P3. And for purists, there’s an accurate sRGB mode hidden in the color temp options. The color is quite accurate, and I found no need for calibration in either mode.

To keep games running smoothly, AOC includes both flavors of Adaptive-Sync. AMD FreeSync is the native tech, operating over a 48 to 165 Hz range. Nvidia G-Sync works fine, as confirmed by my tests, although the CU34G3S has not been certified by Nvidia. For play aids, you get an aiming point, frame counter and a backlight strobe for blur reduction if you prefer that instead of Adaptive-Sync. Also included is an effective three-level overdrive.

AOC has left out LED lighting, which doesn’t detract from the CU34G3S’s functionality. There are internal speakers and a plethora of USB 3.2 ports, one upstream and four down, to support your peripherals. With a solid and adjustable stand completing the package, this looks like a good deal for users looking to curve their images to the max.

Assembly and Accessories

The CU34G3S comes well-protected in a large carton with its three pieces surrounded by crumbly foam. After mating the base and upright using a captive bolt, the panel snaps in place. Under the attachment point is a 100 mm VESA mount that works with aftermarket arms and brackets. Bundled cables include HDMI and DisplayPort but not USB. The power supply is internal though unusually, the interface is IEC C5-6, commonly seen in power bricks. This is a first for me; I’m more accustomed to seeing IEC C13-14. No matter, with everything hooked up, the CU34G3S worked just fine.

Product 360

A thin flush bezel surrounds the image with an eight-millimeter border around the top and sides and 22 mm across the bottom. Red trim is featured here and on the base’s cable hole. There’s more red on the back where they offset the stand and the small grills on either side. The AOC logo is displayed on the front and back in silver. The base is also silver in color with a matte finish. It looks like solid metal but is actually a plastic shell over a cast metal core.

The stand is a solid piece with -5/22 degrees tilt, 30 degrees swivel and a 130 mm height adjustment. Movements are firm, but there is some wobble where the panel attaches to the stand. The screen may shake a bit if you pound on your desk while playing.

The side view shows how the component bulge is angled upwards so you can easily access the USB ports. They’re on the side opposite the one in the photo above. The inputs are closer to center and include two DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.0. You also get a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The control buttons are also visible here, a power key plus four controls for menu navigation. The internal speakers boast five watts of power and do indeed play loudly. Distortion is minimal, but there isn’t much in the way of bass or lower midrange frequencies. Players who want good sound are better served by headphones plugged into the 3.5 mm audio jack.

OSD Features

The CU34G3S has four buttons to navigate the OSD rather than a joystick. It’s a bit old-school by today’s standards, but it gets the job done. The menu is AOC’s familiar ribbon-style graphic that appears in the bottom center of the screen.