A new Agon monitor with FreeSync, Display HDR-400 and WQHD resolution. The optics should be aggressive, the display large. We are talking about the new AG322QC4 from AOC. This gem is unmistakably aimed at gamers and was introduced some time ago as the successor to the AG322QCX. The model does not offer much new, but the few changes should have it in itself.
Is it worth investing almost 600 Euro for this screen? We wanted to know, and we tested him.
Design
A sharp-edged stand, the typical stealth design and the bright red LED stripes on the back give a first impression of the purpose for which this monitor was created. Distinctive, eye-catching and somehow different from other screens, the AG322QC4 is clearly a gaming monitor. The display is slightly curved and measures 31.5 inches diagonally. Despite the curved design with 1800R, the screen is kept in 16:9 format.
The LED lights on the back can also be illuminated in blue and green, so that individual accents can be set here.
The height of the device can be adjusted by eleven centimetres. It can also be tilted and turned. A pivot function is not available due to the curved design. There is not much more to be said about the design of the screen. It has the classic Agon design and should appeal to the majority of the gaming community optically and definitely arouses interest – so: everything is wonderful.
Image Quality
However, an appealing design alone does not make a good monitor – this requires at least an equally appealing image quality. For the AG322QC4 a VA-panel should provide this. The test shows both advantages and disadvantages of this choice. With a response time of four milliseconds, the screen – at least in comparison with TN models – is not really very responsive. Instead, it scores with its enormous colour fidelity and superb viewing angle stability.
The frame rate of 144 Hertz as well as the resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels can be described as average. Although many monitors of course still set to 60 Hertz, there are now also some monitors that exceed 144 Hertz. Nevertheless, this frame rate is very popular among many gamers – more is not worth it. In our opinion, the resolution is just enough for a 31.5-inch monitor not to attract negative attention. We recommend this resolution for monitors from 27 inches.
The brightness of only 300 candela per square meter is also average. According to AOC, local dimming can be used to switch up to 400 candelas. We don’t notice the brightness of the display negatively in the test.
This brings us to the two main innovations: The AG322QC4 is equipped with FreeSync-2 technology as well as display HDR-400, which makes it much more attractive on paper at least. In fact, the monitor proves to be very well suited for playing fast games of all kinds. Images do not hang, but fluidly merge, tearing and stuttering do not occur during our test.
The display HDR 400 certification doesn’t really say much about the quality of the monitor. Everything that is necessary for this certification is only just above the market average. Nevertheless, we must state that we are satisfied with the image quality in every respect.
Operation
As a monitor suitable for e-athletes, the AG322QC4 naturally cannot do without extensive customization options. For this purpose, it is supplied with a wired OSD controller. This allows you to switch manually between the various genre-dependent presettings. Individual presettings can also be made and saved. In addition, the controller offers the possibility to influence the black values in order to brighten or darken individual image areas without affecting the quality of the remaining image.
We like the various setting options very much. AOC provides numerous options for influencing the settings and optimizing the image display in this way. The operation is quite simple and requires neither previous knowledge nor detailed training.
Equipment and Extras
The already mentioned “Shadow Control” function is just one of the many extras that the slightly curved monitor offers gamers. The foldable headset holder known from other Agon models is also available. This practical extra may seem trivial, but it is extremely useful in practice.
In addition, there is an integrated cable management solution and a practical carrying handle for uncomplicated transport. All these little extras contribute to the overall positive experience that the AG322QC4 provides.
Sufficient connections are available: In addition to a DisplayPort, there are two USB 3.0 ports, a 3.5 mm input and output as well as an HDMI 2.0 port. In our test this equipment proves to be completely sufficient, so that we have nothing to criticize.
Conclusion of The AOC AG322QC4 Review
Overall, the AOC AG322QC4 knows how to convince as a true gaming monitor. Not only optically, but also technically it leaves nothing to be desired, so that after an in-depth test we rate it very positively overall.
If you want to purchase a really powerful screen that is tailored to the special needs of semi-professional gaming, the AG322QC4 from AOC’s Agon series is a good choice, but you have to accept the high price. The UVP is 600 Euro, currently the price is Price not available *.
AOC AG322QC4
Design
Image Quality
Features
Price-Performance Ratio
An almost ideal gaming monitor.
