The AOC 27G15 is among the few monitors that offer more bang for the buck than most budget-oriented gaming monitors out there. AOC has been gaining popularity lately by delivering strong image quality at low prices, and with the 27G15, they stick to this playbook with some level of success. For under $150, you get a 27-inch VA panel with FHD resolution, 180Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync; performance is also great with decent video processing.
The AOC 27G15’s specifications are typical for any budget gaming monitor like the INNOCN 27G1R, meaning it skimps on some features to achieve that low price. In this case, the monitor has limited connectivity options, and the image doesn’t get as bright as you’d find on high-end gaming monitors. Still, for the price, you’re getting a decent monitor that punches above its weight to deliver good image quality and a few gaming extras.
About the AOC 27G15
- Display size: 27-inch widescreen
- Native resolution: 1920×1080 (1080p)
- Panel type: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Adaptive sync: Yes
- HDR: Yes, HDR10
- Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort
- VESA mount: 100x100mm
- Speakers: None
Design & Features
On the AOC 27G15, design is one area where AOC cut corners to achieve a low price. Despite being a gaming monitor, it’s not part of the company’s AGON gaming sub-brand, which tends to offer a better design. Instead, it sticks to a basic chassis of matte and charcoal plastic. It’s not a standout, no matter how you look at it, but there’s very little to complain about.
The 27-inch display is surrounded by slim bezels, the construction is sturdy for the price, and the look is unobtrusive. What AOC doesn’t offer in design, they make up for in function: the monitor has an excellent ergonomic stand that adjusts for height, tilt, pivot, and even rotates 90 degrees for use in portrait mode.
Most monitors in the sub-$150 range offer tilt-only adjustment, so the AOC’s ergonomics give it an edge. It also supports a 100 x 100 VESA mount, so you can use it with third-party monitor arms and stands. The monitor uses old-school button controls instead of the joystick found on most modern monitors.
Connectivity options are pretty basic, with only two video inputs (one HDMI and one DisplayPort). It also gets an external power brick, which is not common for a monitor this size. The brick is small and light, but it may still consume two outlets on some power strips.
Gaming performance
The AOC 27G15 features a 27-inch (1920 x 1080) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and is both AMD FreeSync and G-Sync compatible. These specs, along with the 180Hz refresh rate, deliver a crisp picture that’s buttery smooth. At 300 nits, the display isn’t exactly bright, but it gets the job done for a budget gaming monitor.
Offering a speedy 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, the AOC 27G15 makes a sensation out of most modern AAA titles, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Red Dead Redemption 2. The 1080p monitor’s two shooter presets both serve a unique purpose when playing a title like Siege, where FPS1 mode offers duller colors to prevent eyestrain, while RTS makes it especially easy to attack enemies.
The AOC 27G15 does an excellent job displaying the lush scenery: Flowing rivers and the colorful fantasy characters of Dota 2 give you ample time to keep up with the action. The monitor’s RTS and FPS modes make the images excessively sharp – though they don’t look especially pretty, these modes create visible outlines around every character that could potentially help pro gamers spot allies and enemies.
With a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz and a fast response rate, this monitor provides good motion fluidity in fast-paced games. As mentioned, the monitor doesn’t officially support AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync, but it does support Adaptive Sync, which both of those are based on (with the exception of Nvidia monitors that have a G-Sync module).
Motion clarity is fine, though perhaps not as good as expected, given the refresh rate. Monitors with a Vertical Alignment panel tend to have an issue with “smear” when dark objects appear on a brighter background. It’s present here and can reduce motion clarity, though we’ve certainly witnessed worse.
AOC 27G15 Review: Verdict
Midrange gaming monitors walk a fine line in balancing image quality with video processing. Both of those are easier to get premium and mid-priced screens, but the challenge is greater when you move into the value category. The gaming experience is pegged on speed and responsiveness most, but you won’t enjoy your games if the image is flat and plain.
The AOC 27G15 certainly delivers on image quality and speed. It’s one of the few value monitors I’ve reviewed with accurate color out of the box. Since the gaming experience is most affected by speed and response, a high refresh rate and adaptive sync become imperative. Even players of average skill will benefit when a game runs consistently at 180fps.
To achieve this without investing in a very expensive video card in your PC, FHD resolution is the smart choice, and up to 27 inches offers enough pixel density to render a detailed image. And the refresh rate of at least 180Hz ensures smooth motion and low input lag. That’s where the AOC 27G15 outshines most peers that offer 144Hz or 165hz refresh rates in the same screen size.
If you’re on a budget but want something bigger than a 22 or 24-inch screen, the AOC 27G15 is good value. It prioritizes speed over other factors and delivers a solid gaming experience for the price. Value-oriented gamers should keep this monitor on their shortlist.
Recommended Configuration
AOC 27G15 27 inch Gaming Monitor, Full HD 1920x1080, 180Hz 1ms, 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x Display Port, AMD FreeSync, HDR10, Pivot & Height Adjustable, Console Gaming Ready, 3-Year Zero-Bright-Dot
The Review
AOC 27G15
The AOC 27G15 is a budget monitor that performs extremely well in image quality, has good contrast, and delivers great ergonomics despite the monitor’s competitive price.
PROS
- Excellent video processing
- Good contrast and color saturation
- Solid build quality
- An ergonomic stand
CONS
- Limited connectivity
- Lackluster sharpness
Review Breakdown
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ARS SCORE
