- Overall
The AOC Q2778VQE is a budget-oriented QHD monitor with excellent performance and sufficient features for thrifty consumers. High resolution displays still cost more than the usual, but this model opens ownership opportunities for those who have limited budgets but want the extra crisp images. Like all the cheap monitors we reviewed, the AOC Q2778VQE is sure to have some cut corners which hopefully, does not compromise its visual capabilities.
AOC Q2778VQE Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 2K QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Twisted Nematic (TN)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 250 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: No
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-4°/+21°)
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 75 x 75
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, DVI x 1, D-Sub x 1
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 25.21” x 18.53” x 11.78”
- Weight: 10.41 lbs
Design and Features
The AOC Q2778VQE is a perfect example of a stripped all-essentials monitor designed to provide excellent value for its owners. This model does not use fancy aesthetics. Instead, it uses a glossy black cabinet with thick bezels to match. We don’t recommend this texture because it is susceptible to dust, fingerprints, and scratches making it hard to maintain its like new look.
The rear cabinet uses a matte black exterior which appears clean and organized, with all of the I/O ports neatly tucked under the bulge. The AOC Q2778VQE features a single connector each for DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI, DVI, and VGA. While these receptacles are more than enough for everyday use, there are no USB ports and built-in speakers. As expected with cheaper models, you don’t get the extras that often aren’t missed, but nice to have.
The AOC Q2778VQE’s champagne-shaped stand will look outdated to users who are used to modern features. On a positive note, the base and neck are well-built and they provide excellent footing and stability to the 27-inch screen. Ergonomics is limited to 25 degrees of tilt, so users who value the correct posture might require a monitor stand or an aftermarket mount.
You can use any armature or wall mount available depending on budget, but you have to make sure it is compatible with a 75 x 75 bolt pattern. The AOC Q2778VQE doesn’t use the more standard 100 x 100, but the difference is minimal and it will still be durable.
Display and Performance
The AOC Q2778VQE sports a 27-inch TN panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time. Despite the limitations of the screen tech utilized, this monitor can provide 99% sRGB coverage with a minimal Delta E of 1.9. Even if that score is slightly above the accepted range, there is noticeable skewing in some bright reds. This flaw doesn’t affect imaging or video performance, and most users would have to be extra sensitive to see the minute differences.
The contrast ratio is where the AOC Q2778VQE excels at since it sits at 1050:1 which exceeds our expectations for a budget TN panel. The wide brightness range of 320cd/m2 can help users to easily achieve a perfect setting for inky blacks and excellent grayscale performance which is easy for any model with such a high-contrast ratio.
We did not notice any motion blur or ghosting in our Battlefield 1 test thanks to the 1ms response time of the TN panel. Combining this result with the superb colors and contrast rendered the experience the game is portraying enjoyable for our eyes. Too bad the AOC Q2778VQE can only go up to 60Hz, whereas most users nowadays are more used to a minimum of 100Hz for gaming.
However, the AOC Q2778VQE dropped the ball with input lag since the measured response clocks in at 38ms. This score isn’t ideal for competitive gaming, but this model is still serviceable for casual after-hours enjoyment. Most wouldn’t be able to tell the difference from the few frames of delay anyways, so for a budget gaming rig, this offering still is viable.
Finally, due to the budget-oriented nature of the AOC Q2778VQE, it does not include FreeSync for extra smooth gaming. The tech would have provided substantial assistance at this resolution, since most AMD cards max out at 2K. There are FreeSync equipped products for a few more bucks, but that will still incur an additional cost which could offset a tight budget.
Thoughts
For the price and what it offers, the AOC Q2778VQE presents an excellent value which most competitors wouldn’t be able to match. The color and contrast performance exceeds what we have come to expect from TN panels. Although there were no interlacing or ghosting issues, the input lag sat at 38ms. This fact alone can thwart customers who might want a budget 1440p screen for gaming.
But if you want a no-frills, essentials only monitor without spending a fortune, the AOC Q2778VQE is worthy of at least, joining your shortlist when you shop. Looking past its ho-hum appearance and limitations in speed, you get a vibrant screen without the woes of IPS or VA panels for everyday tasks.
Joe says
I’m shocked at 38ms input lag. My television has lower input lag than that (22ms), and I always thought computer monitors had less input lag than tvs.
Paolo Reva says
Hey Joe! Unfortunately, some older models do suffer from high input lag. Thankfully, we have newer and faster models now! Even 4K TVs have improved drastically!