Monitor manufacturer AOC has unveiled its latest 4K display. While the AOC AG326UD may lack a flashy name, its impressive array of features justifies a serious look, all for an affordable $799 price tag.
The All-in-One Computers (AOC) claim two coveted spots among the best gaming monitors, thanks to their unbeatable combination of affordability and exceptional performance. The AOC AGON Professional monitor appears to be a game-changer, undercutting both QD-OLED and standard OLED displays significantly in terms of price for a 4K resolution.
Our tests have revealed that Samsung’s QD-OLED technology generally outperforms LG’s WOLED equivalent when displaying text on a Windows desktop, exhibiting clearer and more legible results. Additionally, AOC’s new monitor enables TrueBlack HDR400, allowing for rich, immersive visuals with deep, velvety blacks in video game playback.
The monitor seems poised to continue AOC’s streak of excellent high-refresh rate displays, a feature that has become synonymous with their brand. While it may not boast the speediest refresh rate, the 165Hz capability still offers ample performance for the majority of users, providing a significant advantage for enthusiasts in competitive gaming and demanding applications like Twitch streaming.
The lower refresh rate compared to competitors could be a compelling reason for this monitor’s relatively affordable price point of $799, considering it’s significantly cheaper than many alternatives priced above $1,000. The new AOC display boasts an added bonus: Nvidia G-Sync compatibility, allowing for seamless synchronization between the panel’s refresh rate and the graphics card’s output, eliminating pesky tearing issues.
OLED technology, along with its offshoots, is currently experiencing a minor downturn in valuation. On Amazon, discounts are being offered on previously expensive 1440p and 1080p OLED gaming monitors, with significant price reductions applied to their original tags.
The AOC’s Agon Professional AG276QZD monitor, featuring a 1440p resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, can be found for just under $500, having been discounted from its original price of $600. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM’s price has taken a $300 dip, now standing at an attractive $999.
Until we’ve had a chance to thoroughly review the new 4K QD-OLED from AOC, it’s premature to form an opinion on its quality and performance. Despite being a less well-known brand, it’s still more affordable than its high-profile competitors even after discounts are applied. The AOC AG326UD boasts a generous 32-inch display, significantly larger than the typical OLED monitors found in this price range.
As OLED technology continues to evolve, its affordability seems to be increasing annually, prompting anticipation of a substantial display at CES 2025. These panels deliver sleek color replication and swift response times, implying that any game played on top-tier gaming PCs will consistently appear infinitely more impressive compared to LCD displays. Despite being one of the best gaming handhelds, the Steam Deck’s recent OLED refresh puts it at the pinnacle of our top gaming handheld reviews.
