AOC U28G2XU2: Review of a 4K gaming monitor that exceeds expectations

The now wide panorama of 4K monitors at 144 Hz has several models that make compromises to contain the price and this is precisely the core of the AOC U28G2XU2 monitor review you are reading. In fact, we are talking about a classic IPS panel, inevitably limited to blacks, which certainly does not shine for color coverage but which, as we will see, manages to express a pretty good quality. All with a consumer price that is around € 699 but which is already affected by multiple discounts.

Hardware features

The AOC U28G2XU2 gaming monitor mounts a 28-inch flat IPS panel of diagonal with 4K resolution at 144 Hz and a 1 millisecond of declared response time. Therefore, it does not introduce anything new in a panorama that among other things is already full of Mini LED options, it is populating the first OLED gaming monitors and already dreams of Micro LED screens, probable flagship option of the future. But, despite this not particularly exciting premise, the one created by AOC is a very interesting monitor that expresses an overall quality superior to what one would imagine by briefly reading the characteristics. These, in fact, do not strike the attention.

Let’s start with the classic 1000: 1 native contrast, typical of IPS with W-LED backlighting, which is paired with one typical luminance claimed to be 370 nits, anything but stratospheric. And it is slightly below average, although still a good value, the DCI-P3 color space coverage of 93%. Furthermore, the HDR certification stops at the bare minimum, that is VESA DisplayHDR 400, and the connectivity does not include USB-C ports, contenting itself with the classic USB-A, although one of these is equipped with fast charging. Also, as we will see, the design is not the most inspired.

But when it comes to response time it is good to keep in mind that the single millisecond is valid for both the MRPT and GtG scales. Furthermore, the build quality, despite the not exactly overwhelming design, is there and is also felt in the complete ergonomics, in the low weight and in the presence of two 3 W speakers, slightly more powerful than the typical ones. There is also no lack of Picture in Picture, Picture by Picture modes, various profiles dedicated to the various types of use, options in quantity and full compatibility with any GPU or console thanks to Adaptive Sync, VRR and video connectivity which includes two HDMI 2.1 ports. from 4K to 120 Hz and 2 DisplayPort 1.3 with DSC to get to 4K at 144 Hz.

Philips Momentum 279M1RV data sheet

• Diagonal: 28 inches, flat
• Panel: IPS with W-LED backlight
• Resolution: UHD 16: 9 (3840 x 2160)
• Refresh rate: up to 144 Hz
• Response time: 1 ms MRPT and GtG
• Colors: 8-bit (16.7 million colors)
• Range:
  • DCI-P3 coverage 93%
  • 99% SRGB coverage
• Contrast: 1000: 1 native, 80M: 1 dynamic
• Gaming technologies: Adaptive Sync compatible G-Sync, VRR, gaming quick menu
• Luminance: 370 nits typical
• HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400
• Connectivity:
  • 2x HDMI 2.1 (4K @ 120Hz, console compatible)
  • 1x DisplayPort 1.4 DSC (4K at 144Hz)
  • 3x USB 3.2 Gen 1 (1x with fast charging)
  • 3.5 mm headphone audio jack
• Audio: 2x 3W speakers (DTS support)
• Special Features: Picture in Picture, Picture by Picture
• VESA support: 100 x 100 mm
• Ergonomics:
  • inclination -5˚ + 23˚
  • rotation -30˚ + 30˚
  • height adjustment 130 mm
  • vertical rotation
• Dimensions: 401.9 ~ 531.9 × 636.4 × 227.4 mm (with stand)
• Weight: 6.37 kg (with stand)
• Price: € 699

Design

The AOC U28G2XU2 is certainly not a monitor that focuses on aesthetics to get noticed. The style is that of the gaming peripherals of some time ago between pointed red friezes on a black background and the classic base with two elongated legs on the front that stands out just for the bifurcated heel. Nothing overwhelming, in short, but the build quality it is good and you can already see it from the sturdy ultra-thin frames, the general solidity and the weight that stops at 6.37 kg, support included. Not bad considering theergonomics it is complete with everything with abundant tilt, horizontal rotation of thirty degrees per side and vertical rotation.

The quality, despite the economic nature of the monitor is also evident from the lack of any lighting, is undoubted, but there is also a jarring element. We are talking about the five-button menu which is confusing and difficult to manage and which ends directly between the points against this screen considering that now the convenient control stick is standard even on extremely cheap monitors. But at least it is something you can get used to.

Performance

When it comes to IPS panels, we know it well, we are referring to limited blacks which, not surprisingly, represent the main weakness of the AOC U28G2XU2. But there is more. As for luminance, in fact, we are below the average of panels of this type with about 300 real nits. But, as anticipated, the actual performance of the AOC monitor exceeds expectations. And it’s thanks to the quality of the panel and the uniform backlighting that contribute to a solid, defined image with convincing colors.

The color coverage is close to the declared values, unlike the luminance, and while it is not enough to make this monitor advisable for professional graphics, it guarantees an excellent rendering when it comes to games and movies. But the excellent calibration and color consistency stand out even in the simple Windows desktop. Furthermore, no flare or backlight bleeding is noticed, confirming an overall high quality. Also excellent response times which are actually low, net of a very slight trail evident only in tests. Nothing to complain, therefore, even in high-speed games such as competitive shooters.

That said, it is still an unsuitable screen for those who expect OLED black depth and high-end HDR. Indeed, in this case we are talking about an HDR with minimal effectiveness, but on the other hand we would not have expected anything different considering the limited luminance. On the other hand, the performance of the audio system is pleasant, extremely weak in terms of bass, but capable of expressing a clean audio and reaching a discrete volume. Convenient then, although certainly not essential for a gaming setup.