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Having never used a 32:9 screen before now, I really wasn't sure whether or not I'd enjoy using the AOC AGON AG493UCX. After a couple of weeks of use however, I can safely say it offers an excellent all-round experience.
For starters, the panel quality is very good. It offers 100% sRGB coverage, and also 87% AdobeRGB and even 93% DCI-P3. Factor in colour accuracy, which averaged below 1.0 when calibrated, and this screen could easily be used for a bit of colour-sensitive work when you're not gaming.
It is a gaming panel first and foremost, though, and thanks to the 32:9 aspect ratio, you get an experience unlike any other. I actually found it was most noticeable after switching back to a 16:9 display – it felt so square, and small, in comparison. You really do get used to the AG49UCX filling up almost all of your peripheral version, which makes it very hard to use anything else.
The one thing I would say about gaming on this screen, is that the response times aren't the best I have ever seen. It's absolutely fine for a VA panel, but even on the fastest overdrive setting, some ghosting is visible. If you are a competitive gamer who mainly plays twitch shooters, you may want to look elsewhere, but in my use – mostly playing slow-paced open world RPGs like Horizon Zero Dawn, it was absolutely fine and a joy to use.
My main gripe about this screen is it's weak HDR implementation. With just DisplayHDR 400 certification, the AG493UCX does not have any sort of local dimming, so it doesn't offer what I would call a ‘proper' HDR experience that would certainly elevate the gaming experience to the next level. That's where AOC's competitors do better, with Samsung's CRG9 and Odyssey G9 both offering HDR1000.
That does mean both of those screens are more expensive than the AG493UCX however, with the CRG9 currently retailing for £1100 while the Odyssey G9 is closer to £1300. AOC is able to charge £899.99, so while it certainly isn't cheap, it is a less expensive way to experience a 5120×1440, 120Hz display.
The AOC AGON AG493UCX is available for £899.99 from Overclockers UK HERE.
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Pros
- Strong image quality.
- Up to 530 nits brightness.
- 32:9 gaming is quite an experience.
- One of the cheaper 5120×1440 screens going.
- Plenty of display inputs.
Cons
- DisplayHDR 400 is disappointing.
- Some panel uniformity issues.
KitGuru says: Gaming on the AG493UCX is really quite special, and while this screen isn't perfect, it is going to be hard to switch back to a 16:9, or even 21:9, monitor.
