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When shopping for monitors in the budget category, buyers want a lot of bang for the buck. For gaming, performance is king, but a budget implies that you also get a display that can function in the workplace, and serve as a TV & movie machine. Versatility could be considered equal to speed.
If you want a curved screen but don’t want to give up the extra height afforded by the 16:9 aspect ratio, a 32-inch panel like the AOC CQ32G2S is ideal. It has immersive qualities for gaming but doesn’t distract when work needs to get done. And it’s a 32-inch monitor for less than $300. That alone will put it at the top of many buyers’ short lists.
By using a VA panel, AOC ups the image quality tremendously. With over 4,000:1 measured contrast, the CQ32G2S has a picture that pops better than a lot of expensive IPS screens. It also beats many VA panels for dynamic range and color saturation. Though its gamut coverage is average at 87% of DCI-P3, that extra contrast makes it more colorful. It is further enhanced after calibration thanks to improved gamma and grayscale tracking. I wish it supported true HDR operation but if you want a different look, there are three HDR emulation modes available.
For gaming, video processing is adequate for gamers of average skill. The 165 Hz refresh rate takes it out of the hyperactive competition genre; players will be wanting at least 240 Hz there. But since resolution is QHD, it won’t be hard to drive the CQ32G2S to its maximum speed.
Response and input lag are quick enough to provide a solid gaming experience. If AOC were to improve the overdrive by eliminating the undershoot, motion resolution would be higher. As it stands though, it’s a satisfying gaming monitor that I thoroughly enjoyed playing on.
Ultimately, the AOC CQ32G2S delivers balance. It’s excellent for gaming, work or entertainment because it has everything you need and nothing you don’t. You’re getting a 32-inch 165 Hz monitor with high contrast, wide gamut color and Adaptive-Sync for less than $300. What more do you need to know? Budget-conscious shoppers should definitely check it out.
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