Pros:
- Fantastic Image Quality
- FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
- Responsive
- Very Affordable and Competitively Priced
Cons:
- For the price, none!
The AOC 27G2 is an easy to own 144Hz gaming monitor with a 27-inch IPS panel that offers fantastic image quality despite the lower pricing. This model is comparable to the popular Asus VG279Q, but it’s considerably cheaper with no immediately perceivable disadvantages. The AOC G27G2’s characteristics seem like they are too good to be true, so let’s check out if this model is indeed one of this year’s finest releases.
AOC 27G2 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution:1920 x 1080 FHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 4ms (1ms MPRT)
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 250cd/m²
- Speakers: Yes( 2 x 2 Watts)
- Stand: Height -Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: HDMI 1.4 x 2, DisplayPort 1.2 x 1,USB 3.0 x 4, 3.5mm Jack x 2
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 24.10” x 15.59” x 8.95”
- Weight: 11.24lbs
Design and Features
The AOC 27G2 uses the same sleek aesthetic as its smaller sibling which continues the design trend started by the G1 series. The monitor is finished in matte black with some polished red accents in some spots which do not overpower the stealthiness of the entire look. The display area is bezel-free on three sides so distractions or the divisions between multiple 27G2s in surround vision won’t be a problem.
We also like that the brand slimmed the AOC 27G2 down without sacrificing the necessary heft that will help it stand firm on a desk. The whole device requires around nine inches of depth which means eats up a narrower area compared to its competitors. The cabinet is also modestly thick, so wall or flush mounting is still doable without any issues.
Budget monitors often have weaker materials or construction quality, but that is not the case with the AOC 27G2. The plastics feel thick and robust despite being lightweight, while the mechanism is smooth and quiet. You won’t see cosmetic defects such as uneven seams on the model, indicating that AOC’s quality control measures did a good job.
The biggest downside of the AOC 27G2’s design is its OSD buttons which are less preferable than joysticks when it comes to convenience. Each of the keys is crisp and responsive, but it’s easy to mistakingly press one especially in the dark. The low price makes this limitation forgivable, but how much more would it cost to opt for a joystick anyway?
The AOC 27G2 is compatible with VESA mounts, but you won’t have to spend the extra since the package includes a flexible stand. You can tilt, swivel, pivot, and adjust the height of the monitor, so getting a comfortable view angle is as easy as peas. Spending the extra on aftermarket armatures is only warranted if you are planning on a triple monitor setup, but even the default setup still makes it possible if the desk is wide enough.
Connectivity on the doesn’t fall short either since the video inputs already include DisplayPort 1.2 and two HDMI 1.4 slots. That’s enough to cover your gaming rig plus two 1080p devices such as gaming consoles, making the AOC 27G2 a cheap all-in-one display. There is also four USB 3.0 slots and a pair of 3.5mm jacks for your headset and mic at the rear panel.
The AOC 27G2 does have speakers, but the 2 Watts of power on each channel is not sufficient for gaming purposes. It’s always nice to have built-ins on affordable variants, but their sound quality dictates that they won’t get much use for gaming or entertainment.
Display and Performance
The AOC 27G2 sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms MPRT minimum response time. The panel’s backlight is weaker than most at 250 cd/2, but contrast is still rated at 1000:1. It’s worth noting that 1ms has always been inaccurate, but it denotes that the IPS monitor has some form of blur reduction such as backlight strobing.
The first complaint about 27-inch 1080p monitors like the AOC 27G2 is the lower pixel density which softens graphics and images. However, we don’t think it that degrading to the visual experience, unless you look at your display at a distance less than one foot away. You get less sharpness with this monitor, but visibility is easier on your eyes since you don’t have to squint to see smaller objects.
The AOC 27G2 is capable of excellent color starting with its 100% coverage of the sRGB gamut with a Delta E average of 2.46 by default. You can tweak this to DE 1.7 with a colorimeter, but it isn’t entirely necessary for gaming or regular use. Color temperature only slightly exceeds the 6500K point which is actually good since it lessens the warmth of sRGB screens.
The AOC 27G2 also shows strong contrast despite its low backlight peak of 260 cd/m2. A contrast of around 1300:1 was recorded, giving users a stronger performance when it comes to black luminance. The grayish appearance of IPS screens in dark rooms is lessened thanks to this, but it still isn’t comparable to VA variants.
The IPS screen’s uniformity could do better since there is a backlight bleeding on the lower corners of the screen. A noticeable clouding will appear on the AOC 27G2 if an all-black image is displayed, but it isn’t as visible when playing games. You will notice a slight drop in contrast when games like Modern Warfare with its night scenes are on, but most shouldn’t be disturbed by the flaw.
The AOC 27G2 showed strong capabilities in pixel response times since ghosting was not as noticeable compared to other IPS monitors. Setting the overdrive to its medium setting will give you a cleaner screen, so there is no need to opt for the maximum level since it will induce overshoot. This model shows how far IPS panels have come, changing its reputation as a slowpoke when it comes to transitions and motion handling.
The AOC 27G2 is a FreeSync monitor, but it also works with G-Sync compatibility for Nvidia GPU users. This widens the audience the product covers, so no one is required to be loyal to one GPU brand. Input lag sits at 4.5ms at 144Hz, so you won’t feel any delays or “de-synced” instances while gaming.
Thoughts on the AOC 27G2
The AOC 27G2 is a very capable 144Hz 1080p gaming monitor that provides excellent responsiveness and vibrancy. These two characteristics make it a viable replacement for TN-based models which are generally faster in pixel transitions but are usually handicapped when it comes to color quality. It’s also great that its considerably more affordable than its competitors despite not having limitations such as a tilt-only stand.
Most of the flaws found on the AOC 27G2 are negligible but take note that IPS variants are still prone to differences when it comes to uniformity. The AOC 27G2 provides fantastic value, making it a very competitive and compelling option against more expensive options like the Asus VG279Q.
About the Author:
Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since his junior high years. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews which accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
Francisco Machado says
Do i need displayport for amd freesync, im gonna use it ony xbox one, is that smart, after a couple months i’m gonna buy a pc whit a nvidia graphics, was all of this a good idea
Francisco Machado says
Also, if you see this, do you know the best display configurations for it, i’m new to monitors, i used to use tvs for console and just laptops for pc gaming
Natanael Putra Pratama says
Can it run on 1080p@144hz with hdmi?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Natanael! You need DisplayPort 1.2 for 144Hz operation. The HDMI slots at limited to 120Hz. Cheers!
Dan says
Good review!! Appreciate it.
Paolo Reva says
Were glad to be of service, Dan! Thanks!
Jesper Hakim Lindholm Andreassen says
Thanks for the article Paolo. 1 Question. if you had the choice today, taking into account the release date of this monitor, and if all prices were the same, which would u pick? the Asus VG279Q. the Asus TUF VG279Q1A or the AOC 27G2U? Honestly 🙂
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Jesper! Equal pricing would change the dynamic drastically, but performance-wise, these monitors are comparable. The only aspect that would make the Asus monitors are their better build qualities, but image quality and gaming performance are still within margin of error.
Moreno Antunes says
Anybody found some color calibration profiles for this monitor?
Brian says
jeg har en pc som se sådan ud.
System:….
Windows 10 home.
System Type : 64 bit.
PC.
ACPI x64-based PC
Processor : 4 X – Intel (R) Core(TM) i5-3570K CPU 3.40GHz – 4.00 GHz
Skærmkort : NVDIA Geforce GTX 1060. 6GB Rem.
Indstaleret hukommelse 16.0 GB.
skærm : AOC 27G2. 27, Gaming Monitor 144Hz.
Disk Drev.
C Drev: – Kingston Suv400S37240G ATA Device. – 250 GB. –
Hvad for en Port skal jeg bruge for at få min Pc og skærm til at køre bedst sammen.
HDMI – DisplayPort – USB eller Analog.
Mvh
Brian.
Paolo Reva says
Hej Brian! Vi anbefaler at bruge DisplayPort-slot på både din GPU og skærm for at få den bedste ydelse. Skål!
diego says
do i need the display port to play at 144?
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Diego! Yes since its the only connector that has the necessary bandwidth for 144Hz operation. Cheers!
diego says
i just get it im exited to play rn im in 60hz 22 inches display i hope this ips panel 144hz with good input lag will be good for me
Paolo Reva says
Congrats, Diego! You didn’t go wrong with this excellent model! Enjoy!
diego says
will i have ghosting playing pubg??
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Diego! Ghosting was not an issue when we reviewed the AOC 27G2, so we’re sure ghosting won’t be an issue for you. Cheers!
Miguel Machado says
Hello, this monitor is better than the LG 27GL650F-B
https://monitornerds.com/lg-27gl650f-b-review/ ???
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Miguel! The LG 27GL650F is a 1440p monitor, while the 27G2 is a 1080p monitor so they are not directly comparable.
Miguel Machado says
brother are you out, research tell me, it’s ful hd 1080, https://monitornerds.com/lg-27gl650f-b-review/
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Miguel! Sorry about that, I had another model in mind. Yes, the AOC 27G2 is better, especially since its cheaper. Cheers!
Luciano says
Man I don’t think it’s just better, especially because it’s cheaper. the LG does not leave anything to be desired, only 2 are very stick to stick, LG still has HDR that AOC does not have. Okay, now it can’t be that essential, but it still will be. I was in doubt between these 2 models, the aoc leaving 1512.00, and the LG at 1619.00. I thought a lot about saving those 100 reais. But I ended up taking the LG. Now let’s see, it’s about to arrive.
arsalan says
i just purchased this monitor today. however the monitor i received has a silver stand, and no USB 3.0 ports or 3.5mm jack port. ”
my question is, is there a different version of this monitor for various countries or is this model a general model for all countries?
mind you, this shop only had 1 piece left, so i had no choice but to get this one. i got this in UAE microless > https://uae.microless.com/product/aoc-27g2-27-frameless-gaming-ips-monitor-fhd-1080p-1ms-144hz-freesync-height-adjustable-black-27g2/
anyone can help please? i was kinda disapoiunted that i didnt get the USB version as i have normally tons of stuff to attach on the USB docks and my pcs usb ports sometimes dont work, and my on board has only 2x usb3.0 ports which have 2 externals attached.
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Arsalan! They most probably sent you the wrong model. We’re not familiar if AOC has a specific variant of the 27G2 in your region, but so far most of the known versions look exactly the same. We recommend contacting your retailer regarding this issue.
Paul says
Hi, Arsalan, there are 2 versions depending on country. The version with the USB HUB is the 27G2U available in Europe.
Paolo Reva says
Thanks for clearing that up, Paul!
Roy says
Does g-sync work over hdmi or just displayport
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Roy! You need to use DisplayPort for G-Sync compatibility. Cheers!