AOC I2757Fh And ViewSonic VX2770Smh: Two 27" IPS Monitors

By Christian Eberle
published

With monitor prices creeping lower than ever, even the latest IPS-based models are now affordable. Today, we look at a pair of 27-inch, LED-lit, 1080p displays from AOC and ViewSonic. Both products recently hit the market and are selling for around $300.

Sharp New Screens For 2013

Most of us would be happy with either of these two displays on our desks, but the edge goes to ViewSonic for its superior contrast and black levels. With all other metrics showing the two monitors neck-and-neck, the VX2770Smh has just a little more pop thanks to its roughly 40 percent-higher contrast.

At the end of the day, though, either monitor can super-size your desktop without breaking the bank. And, priced $50 less than the ViewSonic, we'd be crazy not to recommend the solution from AOC as well. So, we're giving both the ViewSonic VX2770Smh and AOC I2757Fh our Smart Buy award.

Both companies are offering absolutely unreal bargains with these screens. The latest AH-IPS technology allows them to achieve high levels of color accuracy and superb contrast. While not ideal for high-end photo and graphics work, they are perfect for the increasing number of users employing their computers to watch TV and movie content. Sporting generous 27-inch screen sizes, HDTV-friendly 16:9 aspect ratios, and an admission price of around 300 bucks, either model lets you enjoy the big-screen experience.

While extreme hardcore gamers may want to stick with a TN-based panel for the quicker response numbers, these new budget IPS panels will do just fine for the less-demanding PC gamer. Heck, at this price point, home and office users looking for a bigger display should consider one of these AH-IPS panels along with comparably-priced TF-based LCDs for their next monitor purchase.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors.

66 Comments Comment from the forums
  • 1920x1080?

    Next.
    Reply
  • kinggremlin
    Unless you're legally blind, why would anyone want a 27" 1920x1080 monitor? I still don't get why one industry thinks we need 1920x1080 on a 5" cell phone, while another thinks 1920x1080 is all the resolution you'll ever need no matter how big your screen.
    Reply
  • Nintendo Maniac 64
    In other news, Micro Center and Monoprice have 27" monitors @ 2560x1440 for just under $400, both of which are based off the inexpensive 27" Korean monitors but come with a US warranty:

    Micro Center - AURIA EQ276W 27" IPS LED Monitor @ $399.99Monoprice - 27" IPS LED CrystalPro Monitor WQHD @ $390.60
    Surely that's the comparison readers really want to see. Get on it Tom's!
    Reply
  • I bought myself Achieva Shimian QH270-Lite on ebay and it is a 2560x1440 monitor with 6ms response time. Its basically a rejected apple monitor with no frills and no warranty (sold in Korea for $200). I doubt monitor manufactures will release 2560x1440 monitors at mainstream prices within the end of this year, as Intel predicted. Or 4k monitors by 2015.

    Here are some links to sites dedicated to these 27" 2560x1440 monitors:

    http://www.overclock.net/t/1215866/reviewed-400-2560x1440-ips-no-ag-90hz-achieva-shimian-qh270-and-catleap-q270
    http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?s=555ec44784c7ce14633a870f574d2b48&t=1675393
    http://www.overclock.net/t/1228062/achieva-shimian-monitor-club

    If you you would like to know more how your graphics card, monitor perform on 1440P and above resolution with certain games, go to to this link:

    http://www.overclock.net/t/1291882/1440p-and-above-gaming-club-1440p/0_100
    Reply
  • grokem
    Thanks for the review. These do look like very good choices for those that don't need a gaming monitor. No offense to this review as I do think it serves a purpose and will be useful to many. However, I think I'm going to quit reading monitor reviews for a couple of years. Maybe by then my 15 year old monitor and my 10 year old ~$500 LCD will be surpassed by something new and better.
    Reply
  • Nintendo Maniac 64
    10448090 said:
    However, I think I'm going to quit reading monitor reviews for a couple of years. Maybe by then my 15 year old monitor and my 10 year old ~$500 LCD will be surpassed by something new and better.
    They already have been surpassed, but the tech is expensive currently:
    Sony PVM2541 25-inch Professional OLED Picture Monitor
    Reply
  • bavman
    Pass. 27'' is way to big for 1080p, needs 1440 at the minimum.

    Manufactures need to stop making 1080p monitors. With 4k around the corner, it should be at least 1440 or 1600 now. Were not gonna get anywhere until someone finally starts to really mass produce higher res monitors
    Reply
  • abbadon_34
    Remember when CRT's supported tons of resolutions and refresh rates, more than most could handle? Then trendiness and HDCP got in the way.
    Reply
  • zander1983
    Nintendo Maniac 64They already have been surpassed, but the tech is expensive currently:Sony PVM2541 25-inch Professional OLED Picture Monitor
    Still 1080p, pass.
    Reply
  • Nintendo Maniac 64
    10448091 said:
    They already have been surpassed, but the tech is expensive currently:
    Sony PVM2541 25-inch Professional OLED Picture Monitor
    10448095 said:
    Still 1080p, pass.

    It's a 24" monitor, what did you expect? (they market it at 25" but it's really 24 5/8")

    If they come out with a 27-30" monitor, surely it'd be 2560px wide since they are professional-level displays.
    Reply