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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
When measuring OLED light output, it’s essential to determine if the panel adjusts brightness according to average picture level. Most OLEDs do this to prevent overdriving in extremely bright content, like a 100% white field pattern, for example. In the AG276QZD’s case, a full field pattern measured around 230 nits, but a 25% window topped 375. This is a fairer comparison and it’s the way I measure all OLEDs so the results here are relevant to one another.
Only the 42M2N89 has a measurable black level, which is a design choice on Philips’ part to not completely shut off the pixel array for a zero-level signal. All other OLEDs do so their blacks are truly black. This, of course, results in theoretically infinite contrast. The Philips 27726.9:1 ratio is still quite high and will easily beat all but the very best Mini LED monitors.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration makes no difference to the AG276QZD’s dynamic range. It just can’t get better than this. The ANSI test shows the same behavior from all monitors with a very high 45,170:1 ratio from the 42M2N89.
Test Takeaway: The AG276QZD has the same stunning picture quality as any properly engineered OLED panel. With true blacks and a vast dynamic range, the picture is as three-dimensional and realistic as a two-dimensional screen can make it.
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