AOC C2783FQ 27-inch Curved VA Monitor Review
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware
Conclusion
So is there still a place for an FHD monitor on the modern desktop? It would seem so given the fact that most users are still looking at that resolution every day at work, and most likely at home. While many gaming, and almost all professional displays are offering at least QHD (2560x1440) or Ultra HD (3840x2160), the C2783FQ has one compelling feature that should attract value-conscious shoppers: that gorgeous VA panel.
While manufacturers of both panel parts and monitors have pursued features like adaptive refresh and higher pixel density, they have largely ignored contrast. If you look over our monitor reviews for the past four years, it’s evident that color accuracy, adjustability, and flexibility have all improved greatly, but contrast has remained pretty close to the 1000:1 level that is our preferred benchmark. Only VA panels can significantly exceed this, but they seem mainly relegated to use in HDTVs rather than computer monitors.
It is true that Ultra HD VA panels are pretty rare on the desktop. The Philips BDM4065UC is the only example we’ve reviewed so far. But we believe (and fervently hope) that more are coming. As much as we like IPS and have made it our go-to technology when choosing monitors, there is nothing like the deep black levels and high contrast of a display that’s rendering almost 3000:1 or more.
If you check out the tech behind the best HDTVs like Samsung’s S-UHD or Sony’s Z-series, you’ll find VA exclusively. Though its viewing angles are not quite as good as IPS, the extra image depth and dynamic range far outweighs any desire for a display that lets you watch it from the side of the room.
To this point, we haven’t talked much about the C2783FQ’s curvature. At 4000R it’s pretty subtle despite how the photos look. Our conclusion is that it neither enhances nor detracts from the user experience. We spent lots of time taking measurements and using the monitor for workaday tasks and honestly, we just didn't notice the curve. So if you are specifically shopping for a curved monitor, you might be better served by an ultra-wide model, though its extra immersiveness will cost you a lot more money.
The C2783FQ offers tremendous accuracy, contrast, and overall performance for the money. Its test results and reasonably low input lag make it well suited for just about any task. Price will make it a top choice for business or perhaps even enterprise use. But it can also provide a decent gaming experience, and it’s qualified for color-critical work. For all these reasons, we’re giving it the Tom’s Hardware Editor Recommended Award.
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
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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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NinjaNerd56 I have a similar flat version of this screen, and love it. $209 on sale at Best Buy last year.Reply
I use it with work laptop and home game tower every day...it's been OFF about 2 minutes since I got it.
Good stuff, Maynard! -
Dantte I want a 34" 21:9 1440p curved AMVA with 120Hz+ and g-sync. Please, someone make this displayReply
UPDATE: I looked into this and apparently AUO (they build the panels for Acer) is working on this exactly panel, @200Hz, and should be available in 2017. FreeSync and G-Sync are unknown at this time. They are also working on a 4K 144Hz panel that should come out around the same time in 2017. -
sillynilly Great price for an ok monitor. Could never go backwards to a large format 1080 panel, but for many people, this could be a decent option. I'm with Dantte - that's the monitor I'm looking for.Reply -
jaber2 Not sure if I want the wires not hanging from the monitor, this design makes my head hurtReply -
TheDane Low rez.... boring! Please - more 3440x1440 and 4K gaming monitor tests. Since I tried gaming on a 3440x1440 (21:9) I simply cannot go back to anything less than 2560x1440.Reply -
nitrium I'd go for something like this instantly if it was 2560x1600 (16:10) 144Hz IPS with FreeSync.Reply -
Eggz CORRECTION:Reply
The opening paragraph says that 34' ultrawides are usually 3440 x 2160, but they are usually 3440 x 1440. The 2160 number is part of 4K, not ultrawide. -
harrkev Can somebody explain the "curved monitor" thing to me with anything besides "because we can?"Reply
Da Vinci pained the Mona Lisa on a completely flat surface. Van Gogh did not have a curved surface when he painted "The Starry Night." OK. I admit that the Michelangelo chose a curved surface when he painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling.