AOC have announced the new AGON AG273QZ 2560×1440 monitor. As well as an extremely high 240Hz refresh rate, AOC’s AG273QZ features AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology. According to AMD this means at least twice the perceived color volume as SDR.
An interesting feature of the AGON AG273QZ is that AOC are quoting a 0.5ms “MPRT” response time. MPRT, or Moving Picture Response Time, represents how long an unchanged pixel is visible for and according to Blur Busters is actually more important than the typically quoted GtG or “Grey-to-Grey” response time. MPRT is normally equal to the time between frames which for 240Hz would still be 4.17ms. AOC must be doing something fancy to make sure pixels disappear faster, such as backlight strobing. If this is all it claims to be this isn’t just an extremely high refresh rate, but it should also have less blur than even competing 240Hz displays.
AOC AGON AG273QZ Specs and Features
| Panel Size | 27” (68.6cm) |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 2560×1440 “Quad HD” (16:9) |
| Refresh Rate | 240Hz |
| Variable Refresh Rate | Yes, AMD Freesync Premium Pro |
| Response Time | 0.5ms MPRT |
| Panel Type | TN |
| Brightness | 400 nits |
| Viewing Angle | 170º/160º |
| Contrast (typical) | 1000:1 |
| Contrast (dynamic) | 80,000,000:1 |
| Backlight | WLED (White LED) |
| Colour Gamut | >100% sRGB, 93.7% AdobeRGB |
| Dynamic Range | HDR400 |
| Inputs | HDMI 2.0 (x2), DisplayPort 1.4 (x2) |
| Audio | 2x5W Speakers, 3.5mm headphone out, microphone |
| USB Hub | USB 3.2 (5Gbps gen1x1), 4 ports |
| Power | 52W on (energy class C), 0.5W off/standby |
| VESA Mount (FDMI) | Yes, 75mmx75mm (MIS-D 75mm) |
In addition to the standard specs AOC’s AGON AG273QZ features, with a certain inevitability, a ring of RGB LEDs on the back. The RGB is AOC’s Light FX and is controlled through the monitor’s own menu, featuring a variety of prebaked patterns or precise colour control.
In more practical features there’s extensive adjustment with the stock stand, headset holders on both sides and a carry handle on top of the stand. On top of this there’s a low blue light mode and AOC’s “Flicker-Free technology” to support long gaming sessions. AOC tell us these features are based on what gamers want, and influenced by their sponsorship of the G2 Esports team. AOC’s “Shadow Control” feature provides another aid, intelligently adjusting lighting levels to make sure detail is visible even in darker areas.
Availability
The AOC AGON AG273QZ is available from Amazon UK. AOC have given us an RRP of £659 for the UK market, though at time of writing the list price on Amazon is £589.99 with a 1-2 month wait. Proper stock and wider availability can be expected soon.
