Review on AOC CQ27G1 DisplayPort Curved Screen Monitor, Zero Brightness Adjustment, 2560x1440 🖥️ Resolution, Blue Light Filter, Swivel and Frameless Design, G1 Series, HD, HDMI by Paul Baker

EDIT: DisplayPort 1.2 now works as advertised. I upgraded my computer, it turned out that the problem was related to how my old setup was working, not the monitor. This monitor is quirky but offers great features for the price. I know the COVID-19 crisis has affected monitor prices, so I'm assuming this monitor costs $230 (which is what I paid for it). The picture quality is excellent. The monitor comes with a slightly shaky factory calibration, but that's easily fixed. Viewing angles are also quite wonky, but that's not a problem if you're sitting in your normal position to use this monitor, as the curve has the added benefit of automatically adjusting viewing angles. However, the curve doesn't suit anyone, and any AutoCAD or Solidworks rendering looks a bit odd. I would NOT recommend this monitor for professional use. Although the image quality is good after calibration, the color reproduction is not good enough for graphic design and the curve makes it look a bit strange as a tool for professional engineering software (mostly). The 144Hz refresh rate works pretty much as advertised, although some overdrive is needed to keep the pixel response time low enough to reduce blur. I use medium overdrive and it works fine. As for GSync, this monitor works well and doesn't have any major issues with GSync. Regarding unstable monitor behavior: Using DisplayPort 1.2 prevented the monitor from waking up when the PC woke up. Using DisplayPort 1.1 (changed in OSD) fixes this issue and allows the monitor to work normally. I'm using an aftermarket cable, so YMMV. I could swap out this cable for another and see if that makes a difference. Overall, this monitor turned out better than expected at $230. WQHD, 144Hz and GSync support with damn good picture quality. If you're on a budget this is a great monitor at a great price.