AOC U28G2XU 4K gaming monitor review
4K screens with excessive refresh charges do not come low cost… or do they? AOC’s U28G2XU gaming monitor brings a finances choice to the desk for anybody who’s managed to bag a high-end GPU that may deal with UHD, however maybe spent slightly over the chances and now has to chop corners with their budgeting. It is a commendable possibility for anybody seeking to experience excessive decision gaming, however has a number of small shortcomings which might be certain to stump console gamers.
Out of the field, the AOC U28G2XU gaming monitor is a sight for science fiction writers—like a spacecraft panel proper there in your desk. It is 28 inches of antiglare, IPS panel housed in sharp, trendy design, full with go-faster purple flashes. The go-faster sentiment is slightly on the wishful pondering aspect, significantly for console avid gamers—however we’ll get to that in a second.
Many of the monitor’s weight is ready near the font, so simply make certain the footprint will match if you happen to’re rocking a small monitor stand. I attempted popping it on a field lid I discovered which was too small, with the toes sticking off the entrance, and the factor was so precariously weighted {that a} small jolt would have despatched it crashing into my lap.
Examine it to one thing just like the LG UltraGear 27GN950, proper now sat on the high of our greatest 4K gaming screens record, the AOC would not match up by way of brightness, and solely comes rocking normal IPS panel tech (versus Nano IPS). Nevertheless it is available in at a way more cheap value level.
AOC U28G2XU specs
Display screen measurement – 28-inch
Panel expertise – IPS
Native decision – 4K
Refresh fee – 144Hz
VRR – FreeSync
Response time – 1ms
Distinction – 1,000:1
Brightness – 370 nits
Inputs – 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x DisplayPort 1.4
Different – 2x 3W audio system, 4x USB 3.2 hub, 3.5mm audio
MSRP – £569 (unavailable in US as but)
For £569 you get the identical decision, response time, and double the USB passthrough ports.
The panel comes with Vesa’s DisplayHDR 400 certification—the decrease finish of the spectrum with much less of a large color gamut than others, and devoid of native dimming. Primarily this helps preserve the value down, however means the AOC U28G2XU is not the best for HDR. AOC’s option to go for dynamic distinction does imply it will attempt to adapt because it darkens to make up for the low distinction ratio IPS screens like this have a tendency towards, and does an alright job at it.
A little bit warning pops up asking if you happen to thoughts consuming additional energy for the privilege, however the distinction ratio assessments proved acceptable, and the final distinction left every band of the Lagom distinction check properly outlined. The AOC U28G2XU’s gamma testing got here again fairly spot on, and no complaints on the aspect of vibrance, both. The viewing angle is ever so spectacular, too. All of which places this monitor in a implausible stance for the value, picture high quality clever.
However the console customers are going to be the toughest to please right here.
This monitor solely presents HDMI 2.0 ports, which cap its refresh fee to 60Hz in 4K. DisplayPort 1.4 caps at 120Hz on the identical decision. Whereas that is not a problem for us PC avid gamers, as DisplayPort DSC (show stream compression) can push that as much as 144Hz, console customers will likely be caught at 60Hz at UHD.
AMD customers who wish to cut back any display tearing they may expertise can use FreeSync with the AOC U28G2XU, however these packing an Nvidia GeForce GPU will likely be sorry to listen to G-Sync is off the desk, regardless of some retailers itemizing it as G-Sync appropriate.
The Movement Blur Discount (MBR) mode comes on the expense of adaptive sync, and it will additionally lock your brightness relying on the extent used. MBR will help you eliminate some movement blur, however is not tremendous efficient at its job. It is one function that is price leaving off so you may benefit from adaptive sync. Get your low enter lag mode on together with that, and you will be laughing. Whereas it is not an absolute top-tier response time grey-to-grey, it is greater than acceptable for many in aggressive gaming.
I discovered inverse ghosting occurred more and more as I moved up by the upper overdrive settings.
There have been some points with overdrive mode price noting. I discovered inverse ghosting occurred more and more as I moved up by the upper overdrive settings.
Overdrive increase mode was the worst perpetrator, however with medium settings enabled I discovered it to be completely playable.
Regardless of all these little trip-ups, you are still getting a 4K monitor that covers all of the aggressive gaming fundamentals for top-of-the-line costs available on the market right now. The shortage of G-Sync compatibility does let it down for Nvidia GeForce customers, however the AOC U28G2XU continues to be properly well worth the cash. Every tiny gripe, resembling HDR efficiency and overdrive ghosting are simply neglected when you think about the velocity, decision, and picture high quality of this panel.
Sadly, it solely seems to be to be out there within the UK and Europe proper now, nevertheless.