Having claimed a dominant position in the world of PC gaming monitors, AOC is making a play for the prosumer segment with a line of U3 Graphic Pro displays.
Unveiled at an exclusive event in Valencia, Spain, the new lineup initially comprises three IPS variants; the 27in Q27U3CV with QHD resolution, 27in U27U3CV with 4K UHD resolution, and at the top of the stack, the 31.5in U32U3CV also with 4K UHD resolution.
With the display specialist shifting focus from break-neck speed to professional productivity, U3 Series panels arrive with a unique set of characteristics. First and foremost, every panel in the lineup will ship with an out-the-box colour accuracy Delta E of less than two, ensuring faithful reproduction from the get-go. Helping deliver true-to-life visuals, each of the three displays also boasts an impressive 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage as standard.
The bare minimum for a pro-grade display, you would think, but AOC does have an extra trick up its sleeve in the form of a partnership with Portrait Displays. The result is each U3 Series monitor ties in with Calman AutoCal calibration at a scalar level, allowing for 1D/3D-LUT profiling and custom ICC profiles.
A required Calman software license isn’t included, and neither is a colorimeter, with AOC targeting lower panel costs for offices and creative studios already immersed in the Calman ecosystem. Affordable pro-grade functionality is the order of the day, meaning premium features such as OLED technology and Thunderbolt connectivity remain the remit of sister brand Philips.
Prices start at £289.99 for the Q27U3CV, £399.99 for the U27U3CV and £499.99 for the U32U3CV. Key specifications for each model are listed as follows:
- Q27U3CV: 27in IPS panel with a QHD (2560×1440) resolution, 60/75Hz refresh rate. 1x HDMI 1.4, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 input, 1x DisplayPort 1.4 output, 1x RJ-45, 2x USB-C (1 up, 1 downstream), and 4x USB-A ports improves versatility. Features two 3W speakers.
- U27U3CV: 27in Nano-IPS panel with a crisp 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution, 60Hz refresh rate. Features a 4-sided frameless design for increased focus with multi-monitor setups. 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x RJ-45, 3x USB-C (1 up, 2 downstream) and 4x USB-A ports, and a KVM switch improves versatility. Features two 3W speakers.
- U32U3CV: 31.5in Nano-IPS panel with a crisp 4K UHD (3840×2160) resolution, 60Hz refresh rate. 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x RJ-45, 3x USB-C (1 up, 2 downstream) and 4x USB-A ports, and a KVM switch improves versatility. Features two 3W speakers.
All three offer basic VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, as well as up to 96W power delivery via USB-C for charging a docked laptop. The Q27U3CV also boasts DisplayPort output for streamlined daisy-chaining of multiple monitors, and AOC tells us detachable monitor hoods will be made available as optional extras for those who need to minimise glare.
Sleek three-sided frameless design bodes well for multi-monitor setups, and AOC’s standard VESA-compliant stand offers generous flexibility, including tilt, swivel, 150mm height adjustment, and the ability to rotate 90° into portrait mode.
“At AOC, we understand that creative professionals demand the very best tools to bring their visions to life,” says Artem Khomenko, head of product management at AOC. “We are beginning a new chapter in AOC’s legacy. Our new Graphic Pro U3 Series is the result of our expertise in display technologies and our commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performance monitors that empower creators to push the boundaries of their craft.”
Availability is slated for June 2024, and full specifications are now available on the official U3 Graphic Pro product page.
