AOC CQ27G2 Review – 144Hz QHD VA Gaming Monitor With Great Value – Highly Recommended7 min read

Pros:

• Excellent Price
• Vibrant Colors and Deep Contrast
• FreeSync/G-Sync Compatible
• Attractive and Functional Design

Cons:

• Gamma Failed to Reach 2.2
• Overdrive is Limited
• Dim Backlight

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The AOC CQ27G2 offers tremendous value at its price point with its 144Hz QHD screen that brings enthusiast-level gaming at a low cost. This 1440p variant uses VA technology, unlike its 1080p brethren which are based on IPS instead. Let’s check out if we can crown the AOC CQ27G2 as the new 1440p value king like the AOC 27G2 which rules the 1080p realm.

AOC CQ27G2 Specifications

• Screen Size: 27 Inches
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
• Refresh Rate: 144Hz
• Response Time: 1ms (MPRT)
• Contrast Ratio: 3000:1 (Static)
• Brightness: 250 cd/m²
• Built-in Speakers: No
• Stand: Height – Yes
• Stand: Tilt – Yes
• Stand: Swivel – Yes
• Stand: Pivot – No
• VESA Compatibility: Yes(100 x 100)
• Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
• Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 24.11” x 15.69” x 8.95”
• Weight: 11.9 lbs

Design and Features

The AOC CQ27G2 utilizes the same branding and aesthetic as the rest of the G2 monitors which have sleek lines and a clean look. The monitor has a matte black finish that’s easy to maintain and streaks of red accents at the back and the pillar. The display is almost bezel-free on three sides, but panel borders are still visible when the monitor is in use.

The G2 series has noticeably slimmed down compared to the G1 predecessors, so don’t let the AOC CQ27G2’s 1500r curve fool you. The product’s proportions are reasonable even if it isn’t flat, so most users won’t have difficulty when setting it up. The device only takes up nine inches of depth, giving you enough room for a full-sized keyboard with a wrist rest plus more.

The AOC CQ27G2 can be considered a budget monitor since most comparable options are more expensive, but it doesn’t sacrifice its build quality for that. The plastics used feel sturdy and thick enough to withstand a few hits, while the mechanism on the stand is firm yet smooth. You won’t see any uneven edges or uncut seams on the display as well.

The AOC CQ27G2 still doesn’t have an OSD joystick like its competitors, so you have to live with a bottom-mounted button layout to access the monitor’s functions. Each key is tactile and responsive, but we still dislike the fact that it’s easy to miss-press the wrong one if you are not looking directly at them. Most users won’t be bothered when their favored settings are keyed in, but those who often calibrate for different purposes will want something that’s easier to use.

The AOC CQ27G2 includes an ergonomic stand that lets you tilt, swivel, and adjust the height of the display. You can’t pivot it, however, but that is unnecessary since the monitor is curved and not ideal for portrait viewing. You can also swap this part out with a VESA mount, but we don’t think its necessary unless you want to clear your desktop space or if you are building a multi-head setup.

Connectivity on the AOC CQ27G2 includes just the right amount of connectors for your daily needs. The I/O panel includes DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI 2.0 inputs for secondaries, along with a 3.5mm jack for your audio equipment. There are no USB slots, but the provided receptacles can already handle a PC plus two gaming consoles.

The AOC CQ27G2 doesn’t have speakers, so you need to rely on a separate set to complete the entertainment experience. Not that it matters since built-ins are usually underpowered, but some are looking for a product with the total package. However, we think its fair to not have them installed in the device since its already cheap and it might affect the slim design.

Display and Performance

The AOC CQ27G2 sports a 27-inch VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 144Hz refresh rate, and a boosted 1ms MPRT response time. The backlight is rated at 250 cd/m2, while the contrast’s typical ratio is at 3000:1. The screen has a 1500r radius for an immersive experience, but it doesn’t stick out too much since the chassis is quite slim.

The QHD resolution is perfect for 27-inch screens due to the increase in pixel density without making the images too sharp for regular viewing. Monitors like the AOC CQ27G2 offer a noticeable upgrade over the usual 1080p offerings with better detail and legibility. Games can also benefit from it despite the increase in GPU power requirements since you don’t need to apply maximum levels of enhancements to make jagged edges or unwanted micro lines disappear.

The AOC CQ27G2 renders more than 100% of the sRGB gamut and around 90% of the DCI-P3 standard for extra vibrant images. Out of the box accuracy averages at Delta E 2.52, so you don’t have to calibrate the monitor unless its natural warmth bothers you. Gamma sits at 2.1 which combines with the extra saturation to produce the minor deviances on the screen’s output.

You can improve these scores with minor adjustments to the well-equipped OSD if you require a better image quality setting. Doing so will improve the color accuracy to around DeltaE 2.12 and a 2.18 gamma setting.

The contrast from the AOC CQ27G2 is quite strong at 2980:1, but what bothers us the most is the backlight’s limits which only reached 225 cd/m2. That output is close to the specification, but many gamers will find the screen to be too dim for some usage scenarios. We found ourselves leaving the backlight at around 80-90% to compensate for this limitation.

The AOC CQ27G2 did make up for that by having an excellent panel uniformity result despite its curvature. The backlight and color variances are only noticeable with a colorimeter, so gaming and watching movies will be undisturbed. The corners also do not have clouding or backlight issues but take note that each unit will vary in this regard.

The AOC CQ27G2 is still prone to blurring, so maximizing its overdrive capabilities is a must especially if you play competitive titles. It has four settings, but we recommend setting it to the Strong setting at 144Hz to avoid smudges and trailing. Its great that you don’t get overshoot with this boost level, but we think the monitor could use a stronger implementation.

The AOC CQ27G2 is a FreeSync gaming monitor, but its also 100% compatible with Nvidia’s G-Sync for their GPU users. The monitor functions flawlessly for both platforms, unlike some models where you need to force G-Sync compatibility and then face issues like flickering. Input lag sits at 5ms at 144Hz, so you don’t need to worry about delays while playing your favorite title.

Thoughts on the AOC CQ27G2

The AOC CQ27G2 is a fantastic option if you are looking for a strong performer that does great in both immersive and competitive titles. The VA panel is capable of good pixel response times, while its color rendering is nothing short of superb for the price point. We love AOC’s G2 designs which bridge the gap between gamer-centric tastes with those who want something more understated.

The AOC CQ27G2 isn’t perfect especially in the default calibration department where the Samsung C27RG50 slightly edges it out. However, this option has better vibrancy which, when tuned, can compete with the best the market has to offer. Overall, its an excellent buy since it won’t break the bank and disappoint when it comes to gaming performance.

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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 that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.