The AOC CQ27G4ZH doubles up on wallet-friendly value by bringing 300Hz to the masses. The $300 price point used to be reserved for lesser displays, but AOC has an excellent history of breaking price barriers. Let’s take a closer look at this value model to know what it offers for your hard-earned cash.
AOC CQ27G4ZH Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 300Hz
- Response Time: .3ms
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 24.1″ x 20.3″ x 9.4″
- Weight: 12lbs
Design and Features
The AOC CQ27G4ZH doesn’t look too distant from the brand’s budget lineup, but that isn’t a bad thing. The monitor has a matte black finish with discrete red accents, so it doesn’t look to gamer-centric as some models. It has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most monitors.
It’s larger than your average office display, but 27-inch models are not considered gigantic nowadays. The unit requires 9.4 inches of depth, so it’s not as deep as other curved displays on the market. The whole thing only weighs 12 pounds when assembled, so it is not too difficult to move around when needed.
It’s very nice that the AOC CQ27G4ZH’s build quality is fantastic despite its budget-oriented nature. The plastics are solid and sturdy, and there were no signs of cosmetic defects on any of their parts. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen doesn’t wobble too much even if you nudge it with enough force.
However, the monitor got downgraded to buttons instead of a joystick found on the older models. The 4 keys aren’t as confusing thanks to the new OSD layout, but it still takes more time and effort for simple things. We don’t think this is a dealbreaker, but AOC did offer better options before, even if they are priced lower.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It is easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with the default setup, so you don’t have to buy a VESA mount. It is still compatible for the latter, but that only becomes necessary in select instances.
The connectivity layout took the brunt of the cost-cutting with this model. It only has DisplayPort 1.4, but at least it has two HDMI 2.1 slots, unlike other models. What you don’t get is USB-C or USB-A slots, which are very handy to have, but that’s acceptable if we’re saving money with the purchase.
Built-in speakers were also omitted with this model, but that’s understandable since they are often unused or ignored by gamers. It works best with immersive headsets anyway, allowing the user to focus more on the action rather than distorted bass.
Display and Performance
The AOC CQ27G4ZH sports a 27-inch VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 300Hz refresh rate, and a 0.3ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 3000:1. This model doesn’t have HDR certification, but that’s okay since it is not a huge factor at this price range.
27-inch models are still in since they present the best balance between sharpness and legibility. It’s also easy to run games at high framerates, with more GPU variants, allowing you to maximize your budget for the gaming rig as a whole. 1080p isn’t passe yet, but we think 1440p will replace it.
The AOC CQ27G4ZH covers 99% of sRGB and 89% DCI-P3, so it is not the most vibrant out there. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.23, so it’s decently accurate out of the box. Most users won’t need to do anything apart from finding a comfortable brightness level.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.76, which is slightly better, but the difference will be unnoticeable to the naked eye. You will also need a colorimeter to tweak every ounce of accuracy from it, but it is not worth the extra cost. You should prioritize a properly tuned variant before buying a colorimeter if color fidelity is your top priority.
The AOC CQ27G4ZH’s backlight reached 349 cd/m2 at 100%, exceeding its manufacturer’s rating. Its contrast peaked at 4377:1 at 40% brightness, enabling it to produce deep blacks. This is its main advantage over IPS and what makes it a cheaper alternative to OLED.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have major issues, although there was a bit of backlight bleeding on the top edge of the screen. This showed up as a clouding in dark scenes, but is mostly unnoticeable otherwise. Note that this can vary with every monitor made, so there are better and worse units out there.
The AOC CQ27G4ZH’s main weakness is the VA panel’s slower pixel response time. The 300Hz output and overdrive alleviate it, but in some instances, like high-contrasting sequences, can reveal trailing. It is still great for competitive gaming, but this wouldn’t be on the top of the list if smudging and blurring bother you.
The AOC CQ27G4ZH is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for stutter-free gaming. Dual compatibility extends the value of your money further since you don’t have to ditch the monitor if you want VRR but have upgraded to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 3ms, making it one of the fastest budget monitors around.
Thoughts on the AOC CQ27G4ZH
The AOC CQ27G4ZH is a fantastic choice for gamers who want the most performance out of their money. You get a 300Hz 1440p monitor for the price, enabling high-end performance for budget builders. It is built quite well despite the omissions, so you are not getting a cheap-feeling product that most will replace too soon.
It won’t be perfect for many simply because budget monitors often have limitations. VA technology is really showing its age at a time when OLEDs and IPS Black panels are producing better black luminance with fewer pixel response time issues. However, you can’t beat this monitor for the price, especially if you manage your expectations.
Pros:
- Very Affordable
- Fast 300Hz
- Excellent Build Quality
Cons:
- Lower Gamut
- Prone to Blurring
- No USB-C
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Overall
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