AOC AGON AG273QX 27in 165Hz Gaming Monitor Review

Rating: 8.5.

If we needed any more evidence that 2,560 x 1,440 is fast becoming the new sweet spot for gaming monitors, the fact that we've been sent two models with this resolution in the space of a few weeks merely confirms it. Hot on the heels of the ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ we see the AOC AGON AG273QX, which has a broadly similar specification, but with a few significant differences.

Let's start with the similarities. The AOC AGON AG273QX has the same resolution, as we've already commented, and the same 27in screen diagonal. It also has another key characteristic for gamers in common – it supports 165Hz refresh. AOC quotes the same 1ms MPRT pixel response as well.

However, where ASUS has used IPS panel technology, AOC has opted for VA, which tends to be not quite so good for colour accuracy but has higher contrast and is usually brighter too. AOC quotes 3,000:1 contrast and 400cd/m2 brightness, both of which beat the ASUS monitor's specification. Although both monitors are FreeSync 2-capable, AOC doesn't mention G-sync compatibility, and a quick check of the official NVIDIA list shows that this monitor isn't yet accredited. But this is a brand-new screen, so it may gain G-sync compatibility at a later date (and may work anyway, it's just not guaranteed).

Both screens support HDR, although ASUS just quotes “HDR-10”, which is the overall standard, whereas AOC specifies DisplayHDR 400 within that, which is the lowest level within HDR-10 but still worth having. However, AOC also boasts 122 per cent of sRGB and 99 per cent of AdobeRGB, which are higher than ASUS claims for the TUF Gaming VG27AQ, so the gamut could be better.

One thing that the AG273QX has over the ASUS comparison is a USB hub. This has four USB 3.0 ports. You also get a slightly higher number of inputs, with two DisplayPort connections alongside two HDMI. The range of adjustments is the same, but by smaller angles or distances. You also get more powerful 5W built-in speakers, and a handy little puck for controlling the OSD.

So it's swings and roundabouts comparing the two on paper. With a recommended price of just £439, the AG273QX is also cheaper than the ASUS, with a couple more features, and one missing (G-sync accreditation). So let's see how it shapes up in performance terms.

Specification:

• Screen size: 27-inch, 16:9 aspect
• Native resolution: 2,560 x 1,440
• Refresh rate: 165Hz, FreeSync 2
• Panel type: VA
• Contrast ratio: 3,000:1 (typical)
• Brightness: 400cd/m2
• Response time: 4ms grey-to-grey, 1ms MPRT
• Display inputs: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 2 x DisplayPort 1.4
• USB hub: Yes, 4 x USB 3.0
• Tilt: 3.5 degrees forward, 21.5 degrees backward
• Raise: 110mm
• Swivel: 30 degrees left and right
• Portrait: Yes
• Other: Audio output, 2 x 5W speakers

Retail Price: £439 (inc. VAT)

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