AOC isn’t a stranger when it comes to gaming monitors. Recently, they released two new gaming monitors with rather similar names and similar looks, but don’t be mistaken, there certainly are important differences. In this new tech review, we take a look at both monitors and tell you why you might want to upgrade to one of these new powerhouses.
Similar look and contents
When both monitors got delivered for the sake of this review, I was rather surprised by how similar both monitors looked. From the packaging to the contents of the box, it all looks rather the same so if you’re picking one of these up in (online) stores, be sure to select the monitor that fits your needs. Both monitors have the same accessories and cables, including a DisplayPort, HDMI cable, and USB-B to connect other devices. Both screens have a total of 4 USB ports, two HDMI and DisplayPort, and a 3,5mm jack. Both monitors are extremely easy to set up since the stand easily ‘clicks’ on the monitor. You don’t need to grab your toolbox for these monitors since everything can easily be attached and tightened with your hands. I love the simplicity of setting the monitors up, in just seconds you’re ready to go which makes it extremely satisfying and easy to disassemble and set up during gaming nights or competitions too. Although both monitors are very similar there are some important differences. Let’s take a look at the specs.
The specs
Although both monitors look very similar, there are some important differences, take a look at some of the important specs.
AOC AG275QZ/EU
SCREEN SIZE (INCH): 27
PANEL RESOLUTION: 2560×1440
PANEL TYPE: IPS
SYNC TECHNOLOGY (VRR): FreeSync Premium and G-SYNC Compatible
REFRESH RATE: 270 Hz
RESPONSE TIME GTG: 1 ms
DISPLAY COLORS: 1.07 Billion
HDR (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE): Vesa Certified DisplayHDR™ 400
BRIGHTNESS IN NITS: 400
AG275QZN/EU
SCREEN SIZE (INCH): 27
PANEL RESOLUTION: 2560×1440
PANEL TYPE: VA
SYNC TECHNOLOGY (VRR): FreeSync Premium
REFRESH RATE: 240 Hz
RESPONSE TIME GTG: 1 ms
DISPLAY COLORS: 16.7 Million
HDR (HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE): Vesa Certified DisplayHDR™ 400
BRIGHTNESS IN NITS: 400
The main and most important difference between both monitors is the panel type and how it affects the other specs.
AG275QZ
The AG275QZ was the first monitor I tested and absolutely had a blast checking it out. The first thing I noticed was its insanely smooth 270Hz refresh rate which could keep track of the fastest movements without a doubt. Movements looked and felt extremely smooth without a single issue of input lag. If you’re using the monitor for your gaming pc, keep in mind that you’ll need a strong and modern graphics card to keep up with this refresh rate. If you’re hooking it up to your console, you’ll be able to enjoy your games using your favorite console’s highest settings without any issue. The big difference in this monitor however is its IPS panel and amount of colors. This is the main difference between both screens and it’s noticeable when you’re using them side by side. The IPS panel really pops and makes all of your bright colors come to life while your blacks remain as dark as they should. Some might say it’s a bit too dark but the screen has all the needed options to turn on the brightness and find that sweet spot that works best for you. I loved playing on this screen since it made my games look even better than ever before.
Besides that, the screen also has HDR400 but I don’t really recommend using that. It’s not the highest HDR rating and it doesn’t really benefit the experience while using this. Not everything looked as good as it should so I switched off the HDR options rather quickly. Nothing to really worry about since my game’s never looked this good before, even without the HDR mode.
The IPS panel also helps the viewing angle drastically, there’s no loss of colors when you’re looking at this screen from different angles, it really keeps things as fresh and colorful as possible, even if you’re looking at it from an angle. But that’s not all, if you’re using an NVIDIA graphic card, you can use the G-Sync to get the most out of the performance, AMD users can do the same using FreeSync. A nice touch that ensures gamers the best possible quality no matter what hardware you’re using. It’s clearly designed for pro gamers and it doesn’t disappoint at all. The monitor comes packed with customizable options ranging from shadow control to features limiting the motion blur on your screen. All in all, it’s an impressive piece of hardware that really benefits the way you’ll play your games. It doesn’t really matter how you’re using this monitor, even for console gamers, this is a valid choice. An impressive piece of hardware if you’re on the lookout for a professional gaming monitor!
AG275QZN
Let’s move over to the AG275QZN which looks extremely similar to the AG275QZ when it comes to the overall look and input/output ports. The main difference is the panel type and refresh rate.
This screen comes with a VA panel and 240Hz refresh rate, which is a bit lower than the other model but still high for gaming. Movements still happen fluently and smoothly and the difference is only noticeable when you’re using them side by side. If you’re using the AG275QZN without testing its bigger brother, this still is one impressive monitor for all your gaming needs. The big difference is of course the VA panel which doesn’t offer the same viewing angle and doesn’t have such rich colors as the IPS panel. When using them side by side, the difference is clearly noticeable although I have to say the colors on the AG275QZN still were pretty impressive. In all honesty, although this monitor has the lower specs, I was surprised with the quality of the colors, it’s still very bright and dark where it has to be and it truly brings your games to that next level.
The HDR400 suffers from the same lack of quality and the monitor only comes with FreeSync so there certainly are downsides to this piece of hardware but for its lower price, it’s certainly worth buying.
Conclusion:
Both screens really deliver and offer an incredible level of quality. They come with some smaller flaws but if you’re gaming pc is capable of reaching those high refresh rates, these monitors really impress. Just don’t buy them if you’re looking for stellar HDR monitors, this is clearly not their strong side. Aside from that, the colors really pop and the refresh rate is a dream come true for the professional gamer. If you’re in the market for a new and professional gaming monitor, be sure to look into these beauties and decide which version suits your wishes best.
