AOC has announced the most affordable 280Hz display for competitive and esports players. This gaming monitor combines a high refresh rate and contrast to deliver a smooth and impactful experience.
The 27G2ZN3 is a 27in gaming monitor powered by a 1920×1080 VA panel. However, unlike what we are used to from this type of LCD screen, the 27G2ZN3 pushes its VA panel up to 280Hz to deliver the smooth experience enjoyed by the other technologies. And the best part is that this display manages that while also offering a 4000:1 contrast ratio, which is on the high side even for VA.
Needless to say that if the pixel response is slow, the in-game movements will show up as a smeary mess. In this regard, AOC announces a 1ms GtG (grey-to-grey) and 0.5ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) for colour transitions. VA panels have historically fallen short in pixel reponse, so this marks a welcome change. The remaining specs are acceptable though not groundbreaking, with 300nits of brightness, 123.3% sRGB gamut coverage, and HDR10 compliance. Lastly, as a respectable gaming display, the 27G2ZN3 supports Adaptive-Sync for a tear-free experience.
27G2ZN3 is a bit of a Swiss Army Knife. On one hand, it’s perfect for competitive games with blaringly fast refresh rates and response times. On the other, it pairs well with story-driven games thanks to its higher-than-average contrast and comfortable size. Just keep in mind its 81ppi pixel density which may be a limiting factor if you like to put your monitor up close. For its target audience, AOC also announces backlight strobing without going into the details. If properly implemented this would make this monitor even more worthwhile.
For connectivity, the 27G2ZN3 offers two HDMI 2.0 plus one DisplayPort 1.4, so you can hook up your consoles too for some Apex Legends or COD Warzone at 120Hz. The ergonomics are nice, too, with tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustability.
The 27G2ZN3 gaming monitor will be available at £189.99 backed by a three-year warranty. This makes it the cheapest 280Hz display on the market and one of the best gaming monitors in its class. For reference, the cheapest equivalent I found asks for £233. So, an excellent choice for any gamer wanting a fast monitor to debut an esports career, or simply who likes competitive titles.
