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It is difficult to overestimate the performance The best OLED gaming monitors Operates at a frequency of 240 Hz. Not only will you get a stunning picture with saturated colors and deep contrast, but it also delivers perfect motion resolution with smooth playback motion and low input lag.
Although this category is still at the higher end of the price spectrum, it is possible to purchase a 27-inch QHD OLED display for under $600 as long as it comes from AOC’s Agon Pro line. Last year I did a review AG276QZD Now, I have its successor, the AG276QZD2, to evaluate. It adds a Quantum Dot coating for more color, and in my tests, it proved to be a bit faster. Let’s take a look.
Panel type/backlight | Quantum dot organic light-emitting diode (QD-OLED) |
Screen size/aspect ratio | 27 inch / 16:9 |
Maximum resolution and refresh rate | 2560×1440 @ 240 Hz |
Row 3 – Cell 0 | Compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync |
Original color depth and color gamut | 10 bit/Adobe RGB |
Row 5 – cell 0 | HDR10, Display HDR400 |
Response time (GTG) | 0.03 ms |
brightness(mvr) | 250 lumens |
interview | Not measurable |
Speakers | 2x 5w |
Video input | 1 x DisplayPort 1.4 |
Row 11 – cell 0 | 2x HDMI 2.0 |
My voice | – 3.5 mm headphone output |
USB 3.2 | 1x up, 2x down |
Energy consumption | 33.6 W, brightness @ 200 lumens |
Plate dimensions WxHxD with base | 24 x 15.6-20.7 x 9 inches (609 x 396-526 x 229 mm) |
Plate thickness | 2.9 inches (74 mm) |
Edge width | Top: 0.4 inch (9 mm) |
Row 18 – cell 0 | Sides: 0.5 inch (12 mm) |
Row 19 – cell 0 | Bottom: 0.8 inch (21 mm) |
weight | 14.7 lbs (6.7 kg) |
a guarantee | 3 years |
With most 27-inch 240Hz OLED displays costing around $800, the AG276QZD2 represents a price bump. It’s not a revolution, but we are making progress. The decision is QHD2560 x 1440 pixels, which reaches 109 pixels per inch, an ideal density for sharp images and high frame rates. In the OLED world, you’ll need to reach at least 150fps to get rid of motion blur. Above 200fps, there’s no blurring, and QHD means you can achieve this with a wide range of video cards.
The AG276QZD2’s major upgrade over the AG276QZD is the addition of Quantum Dot color. In fact, the chain is now 14% larger than before. This is a difference you can easily see in a side-by-side comparison. This also means greater impact for HDR and SDR content if you choose to turn on native range all the time. The AG276QZD2 promises and delivers accuracy through individual factory calibration of each unit. The included datasheet has confirmed my tests. Calibration is not required, although I achieved a slight improvement with some adjustments to the color temperature. You also get a precise sRGB mode if you need it for photo and graphics work.
Gaming is everything I expect from a fast OLED display. At the full 240fps, action is incredibly smooth, and there’s no noticeable input lag. The AG276QZD2 holds FreeSync and G-Sync certifications from AMD and Nvidia. There’s no extra powerful feature, but it’s certainly not needed here.
So, is there a “but” here? After all, there is no free lunch. Something must be sacrificed on the altar of value. Yes, there is one thing missing, which is high brightness. The AG276QZD2 operates at constant brightness, which means the peak output is lower. It’s rated as DisplayHDR 400, but that level only occurs in small highlights. The SDR peaks brightness at 251 nits. This does not affect contrast. You still get the deep blacks that all OLED displays are known for. But if you need a really bright screen, this isn’t the one for you. I’ll talk more about that in my test notes later.
The AG276QZD2 doesn’t skimp on other features. You get a pair of internal speakers, USB ports, LED lighting, gaming aids, and solid build quality with a sleek design. Ultimately, the value quotient is very high and once you start playing it, you will get addicted.
The colorfully decorated clamshell box opens to reveal the AG276QZD2’s three main components packed in molded dough rather than crumbly foam. They pair with a captive screw and clip to form a solid package that exudes the high quality one has come to expect from AOC’s Agon Pro line. A separate box houses the external power supply, and you get USB, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables. A stamped steel adapter with mounts is provided for use with arms that comply with the 100mm VESA mounting standard.
The Agon Pro line of monitors is recognized by the signature shape, which the AG276QZD2 uses at the base, OSD button and back panel. It is an angular shape where each side has a different length. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else and it’s so cool. The all-metal base is slim with a matte dark silver finish that stands upright and decorative. The attachment point is surrounded by LED lights that glow indirectly with different colors and effects. The back has the same dark silver Agon logo.
The stand features a handle on the top and a cable management clip on the bottom. It features full ergonomics with 5/25 degree tilt, 28 degree swivel, 5.1 inch (130 mm) height, and 90 degree portrait mode. The movements have an excellent sense of fit, smooth and confident.
The AG276QZD2’s profile takes advantage of OLED’s thinness to create a dramatic taper all the way to the top edge. The screen has reflectance management similar to other glossy OLED displays, so you’ll need to be a little careful when positioning it. The bezel is narrow and flush with a 21mm trim strip across the bottom and an LED that glows white when powered on and orange in standby mode.
The input panel is centered up and down and features DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0 ports. USB is version 3.2 and includes one upstream port and two downstream ports. The internal speakers run cleanly at 5W each and you get a 3.5mm headphone jack with OSD volume control.
The AG276QZD2’s OSD appears when you press the hexagonal joystick around the back right. I’ve found a small nit to pick like this because it makes the clicks less positive if you press the stick accidentally. Sometimes, I either miss a control input or double-click by mistake.
AOC committed to a unique menu design for the Agon Pro line with a vertical format that advertises “Agon” at the top. It is surrounded by red drawings and divided into eight sections.
The game setup has six gameplay modes as well as the seven environmental picture modes. This can be confusing because there are so many possible combinations. My advice is to leave Game Mode off and set Eco Mode to Standard. It allows full calibration and offers a choice of color gamut with three gamma presets and three color temperatures. You can also turn on the RGB sliders to get an accurate result free of visual errors. HDR content adds four more modes, and you can use one of three HDR emulations with SDR content.
The game’s aids include two aiming points, one of which is dynamic in that it changes between black and red to remain in contrast. There’s also a sniper mode, frame counter, and shadow control, which improve dark scene visibility.
To view two sources simultaneously, you can run PIP or PBP with full control over window size and position. You can also switch sides and select which source is playing it My voice flow.
In the color menu there’s a low blue reading mode as well as a color gamut selector (DCI-P3, sRGB, or Native) and color temperature presets. The RGB sliders start from the center band so it’s easy to dial in grayscale tracking.
Light FX refers to the LED ring on the back and can be programmed to different colors and effects. You can control the lighting level or turn it off completely if you want.
The AG276QZD2 has several panel care options that include pixel orbit, refresh routine, corner logo dimming, border dimming, and taskbar dimming. I left it on for testing, but when it is turned on, it has little effect on the image.
The AG276QZD2 can be enjoyed without calibration at its default settings. I recommend turning off Game Mode as it does not improve image quality. Standard Eco mode meets industry specifications for D65 white point, DCI-P3 color gamut, and 2.2 gamma. I’ve achieved a slight improvement in grayscale tracking by using RGB sliders with a user color temperature option. My SDR settings are below.
In HDR mode, there are four options available. Two of them, film and photo, have significant edge enhancement, which detracts from the already sharp image. Width is the most accurate choice. 1000 Max is not much brighter and crushes shadow detail noticeably.
Picture mode | standard |
Brightness 200 nits | 83 |
Brightness 120 nits | 47 |
Brightness 100 nits | 38 |
Brightness 80 nits | 29 |
Brightness 50 nits | 15 (minimum 17 candles) |
interview | 50 |
Gamma | 1 |
Color temperature user | Red 46, green 48, blue 50 |
Later, you’ll read my comments about the AG276QZD2’s screen brightness and HDR color saturation, but during my gaming sessions and hands-on tests, I had nothing but love. It offers everything you buy for OLED: perfect blacks, bright color, stunning depth and unparalleled contrast.
Gaming is also a revelation unless you’ve already played on a fast OLED screen. In this case, everything will be as good as you remember it. The AG276QZD2’s QHD resolution is a great balance point for frame rates, and it managed to maintain 240fps Eternal death With levels of detail they are maxed out. The image is very sharp and loaded with subtle textures and highlights. It doesn’t have the brightest displays I’ve reviewed like the ViewSonic XG272-2K, but it’s not. I would keep it away from sunny windows but other than that, it’s lovely to look at.
Video processing is on par with every 240Hz OLED I’ve reviewed. There’s no motion blur at all, and input lag isn’t a factor. Accurate aiming and movement are easier to achieve compared to LCD displays that operate at the same frame rates. I verified flawless playback of both FreeSync and G-Sync with no frame tearing to report.
The wide color gamut enhances everyday work tasks with deep reds, rich greens, and bright blues. Working on images is always a pleasure on an OLED screen because the color is so vibrant. It’s like displaying a beautiful printed image with textures and elements that pop off the screen to give it a 3D feel. With a pixel density of 109 ppi, there are no jagged lines or broad lines to contend with. Small items are displayed sharply and smoothly. The size, shape and configuration of the AG276QZD2 is ideal for anything a person does with a computer, from work to play.
Takeaway: The AG276QZD2 delivers gaming performance that matches all the 240Hz and faster OLED displays I’ve reviewed. It’s on par with much more expensive monitors, so it tops the pack in terms of value. Although I did notice a decrease in light output compared to competitors, it didn’t make my gaming or work sessions any less enjoyable. The wider color gamut is worth the upgrade from last year’s AG276QZD.
more: Best gaming monitors