The AOC Q24G2A offers an uncommon display format that combines sharpness with compact dimensions. 24-inch 1440p monitors have a cult following since they are basically cleaner and sharper-looking alternatives to the more common 1440p displays. The monitor is also surprisingly very affordable, so it deserves a deeper look to know if it’s a worthy upgrade.
AOC Q24G2A Specifications
- Screen Size: 24 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 WQHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m2
- Built-in 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: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 21.2” x 19.9” x 8.95”
- Weight: 10.54 lbs
Design and Features
The AOC Q24G2A closely resembles the 24G2, but that’s obvious since they have comparable dimensions and are from the same series. The monitor has a matte black finish with distinctive red accents, which indicate its gamer-centric nature. The display isn’t bezel-free, but the inner borders are thin enough and less distracting.
One of the main draws of this model is its compact size which enables it to fit in limited spaces like study corners in a dorm. The device only needs 8.95 inches of depth, leaving plenty of room for your other peripherals. It’s also very light at 10.54 pounds, allowing you to pack it easily and bring it to gaming events like LAN parties.
Its build quality is quite solid, especially considering its affordable price tag. The plastics used are thick and sturdy, plus we didn’t see any cosmetic defects on any of its parts. The included stand is firm and stable, so you don’t have to worry about wobbling and sagging.
However, the AOC Q24G2A must make do with buttons instead of a joystick for the OSD. It’s a minor inconvenience, but it can become a hassle if you want to calibrate regularly. The buttons are located under the bottom bezel, so they are easy to reach even if you are sitting back and relaxing.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. AOC doesn’t skimp on this part, even if their monitors are more affordable so that you can game for hours with strain. You can use VESA mounts, but it’s unnecessary in most instances.
Another aspect that got its corner cut is the AOC Q24G2A’s connectivity layout which only offers the basics. The monitor has a DisplayPort 1.2 and an HDMI 2.0 port, along with a 3.5mm jack for headphones. There are no USB ports, but that’s completely understandable if the product’s goal is to be as affordable as possible.
We like that it still has built-in speakers despite its budget-oriented nature. However, you can’t get much out of them since they only have 2 watts of power. They sound tinny and weak for gaming, so most users will probably reserve them as a backup set.
Display and Performance
The AOC Q24G2A has a 24-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 165Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. The monitor isn’t advertised for HDR performance, but it does have an emulation made.
The main draw of this monitor is its sharper yet smaller IPS panel. Squeezing a higher resolution into a smaller screen makes it look sharper, so it’s going to be great for games and movies. It will need a bit more GPU horsepower to reach the 165Hz output or use scaling for reading and browsing.
The AOC Q24G2A covers 100% sRGB and 82% of DCI-P3, which is decent for a gaming monitor. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.64, so most users won’t need to calibrate it. It is not the most vibrant gaming IPS display out there, but it’s decently accurate out of the box.
Using a colorimeter on it reduced the dE average to 0.88, making it more suitable for editing work and content creation. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results since every panel is different. However, we don’t think it’s worth it for gaming or daily use, especially since the gadget itself is more expensive than the display itself.
The AOC Q24G2A’s backlight reached 377 cd/m2 at 100%, so it has a lot of room for adjustments. However, its contrast was rather unimpressive since it peaked at 955:1 at 30% brightness. It is incapable of deep blacks like its VA alternatives, but that’s a well-documented limitation of IPS panels.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some backlight leaks, which affected its black uniformity. It’s not as visible on white or lighter-colored backgrounds, but dark scenes will reveal some clouding. Note that this can change between every monitor out there since there are tolerances that affect every panel.
It’s not exactly blur-free, but reaching the maximum refresh rate and setting its overdrive to its Weak level helped. You can use it up to the Medium level, but we don’t recommend going any higher since it will add a noticeable overshoot. It is not the fastest IPS monitor out there, but it is still suitable for competitive games like Valorant.
The AOC Q24G2A is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for tear-free gaming. We always recommend dual-compatible monitors, so you won’t have to buy another one if you switch to the other GPU brand. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 165Hz, so it is great for any level of gaming.
Thoughts on the AOC Q24G2A
The AOC Q24G2A is an excellent choice since it offers performance that punches above its price point and a unique panel. There aren’t a lot of 24-inch 1440p monitors out there, especially ones that were made for gaming. It’s built well for a budget monitor, so it should last quite a while.
However, it has some compromises that you might want to consider before buying. There are better performers out there, although most of them will either be a 24-inch 1080p variant or a 27-inch 1440p one. It’s an excellent buy if the smaller size and QHD resolution are important for you, but there are more practical picks if imaging performance is a priority.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Compact 1440p
- Great Build Quality
- Accurate out of the Box
Cons:
- No USB
- Limited Contrast
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that 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.
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