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If you’ve been lusting after the high contrast and saturated color offered by OLED technology, but also want high light output and value, Mini LED is more than happy to satisfy. Once premium tech, it has become a great alternative that delivers 90% of the goodness for a third the cost.
AOC’s Q27G40XMN is selling for a relatively low $270 at this writing. For that, you get a 180 Hz panel with a terrific overdrive that contributes to a nearly blur-free experience with input lag low enough to be competition worthy. It’s brighter than any OLED with over 1,300 nits available in HDR mode and more than 500 for SDR content. Color volume is over 104% of DCI-P3 thanks to Quantum Dot tech, something more often seen on more expensive screens.
My only complaint is about SDR color accuracy. It isn’t strictly to spec, though not too far off, but in practice, the image is pleasing and sharply detailed. And creatives needing sRGB will find a very usable option that nails its parameters with precision.
The only things missing here are USB ports and speakers, not unusual for a budget display. The stand is simple, but AOC includes the usual VESA mount with fasteners if you want to employ an arm. And the price is low enough to make two or three Q27G40XMNs a viable option.
If you’ve been lusting after OLED contrast, color and performance but only have $300 to spend on a 27-inch gaming monitor, the AOC Q27G40XMN is a great choice for budget-minded gamers.
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Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
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Amdlova Mini led is a game changer on LCD display... With the Samsung 90D the Blacks are amazing. I'am waiting to Oled become cheaper and less prone to burn in.Reply
But 270$ on a monitor it's a big no! -
powpowboom Not a single mention of VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) flicker in that article?? I just saw a video on Rtings and all oled and mini led monitors are prone to VRR flicker because it is inherent in the technology. The AOC is a "gaming" monitor so freesync (or gsync) will be enabled for most gamers. VRR flicker is horrid and is what prevents me from going to OLED. More awareness needs to be raised about thisReply