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In the quest for more color volume, the best OLED gaming monitors have traditionally employed Quantum Dot layers to see increases of 10 to 15% over the average, with some displays cracking 110% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut benchmark. There are no downsides to this other than a slight color tint when viewed at 45 degrees to the sides and perhaps a tiny brightness penalty.
A new technology called Tandem OLED addresses both issues. Put simply, it’s two layers of light-emitting diodes stacked together, bringing multiple positives while making the panel more colorful. Light output increases, power consumption decreases, and burn-in risk is lower because more diodes do less work.
Gigabyte has leveraged this new tech in its MO27Q28G. It’s a 27-inch QHD panel with a 280 Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync, DisplayHDR 500, and a large color gamut. Let’s take a look.
Gigabyte MO27Q28G Specs
|
Panel Type / Backlight |
Tandem Organic Light Emitting Diode (Tandem OLED) |
|
Screen Size / Aspect Ratio |
27 inches / 16:9 |
|
Max Resolution and Refresh Rate |
2560×1440 @ 280 Hz |
| Row 3 – Cell 0 |
FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible |
|
Native Color Depth and Gamut |
10-bit / DCI-P3+ |
|
Response Time (mfr) |
0.03ms |
|
Brightness (mfr) |
335 nits full field |
| Row 7 – Cell 0 |
1,500 nits 1.5% window |
|
Contrast |
Unmeasurable |
|
Speakers |
2x 5w |
|
Video Inputs |
1x DisplayPort 1.4 |
| Row 11 – Cell 0 |
2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C |
|
Audio |
3.5mm headphone output |
|
USB 3.2 |
1x up, 2x down |
|
Power Consumption |
32w, brightness @ 200 nits |
|
Panel Dimensions WxHxD w/base |
23.8 x 15.5-20.6 x 7.4 inches (604 x 394-523 x 188mm) |
|
Panel Thickness |
2.1 inches (54mm) |
|
Bezel Width |
Top: 0.3 inch (8mm) |
| Row 18 – Cell 0 |
Sides: 0.35 inch (9mm) |
| Row 19 – Cell 0 |
Bottom: 0.47 inch (12mm) |
|
Weight |
13.2 pounds (6kg) |
|
Warranty |
3 years |
The MO27Q28G isn’t significantly brighter than its Quantum Dot competitors; however, in SDR mode with variable brightness turned on, I measured nearly 600 nits from a 25% window pattern. HDR highlights are easily in the 1,000-nit range, making for a very impactful picture. You can opt for constant brightness too, and in that case, you’ll see around 330 nits from a full field white pattern. That’s more than others in the category.
There is also abundant color — the measured volume for my sample was just under 110% of DCI-P3, which is in the top tier of all the monitors I’ve reviewed. The MO27Q28G delivers a very colorful image that is also pretty close to industry standards. I only needed a few tweaks to reach professional-level accuracy.
Of course, gaming is what we’re here for, and in that area, the MO27Q28G excels with a 280 Hz refresh rate and the super-quick panel response that OLED is known for. It’s also flexible at low frame rates, with an Ultra Clear feature that uses black-frame insertion to reduce blur below 120 Hz. If you prefer the wonders of Adaptive-Sync, that works perfectly on both Nvidia and AMD platforms at the full 280 Hz.
Like all premium OLEDs, the MO27Q28G supports HDR10 content with five additional picture modes, some of which allow brightness and contrast adjustments. This is handy when you’re playing in a dark room, and those 1,000-nit peaks might be hard on the eyes after hours of battle.
Despite a relatively low price of $600 at this writing, the MO27Q28G doesn’t sacrifice any extra features. Gigabyte includes a full suite of gaming aids, including aiming points, a timer and stopwatch, and the unique dashboard found only on Gigabyte and Aorus screens, where you can monitor CPU and GPU temps and fan speeds in real time. There are many OLED Care options too, like pixel orbiting, refresh, and logo detection. And you get a pair of internal speakers and USB ports for your input devices. Video inputs are aplenty, with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB-C port.
Assembly and Accessories
The MO27Q28G is one of the thinnest and lightest OLEDs I’ve encountered. The box is slim and almost makes you double-take that it’s actually an OLED. The crumbly foam blocks inside reveal a slim panel and a slender solid stand with a metal base. The whole affair bolts and snaps together with no tools required. The cable bundle includes three power cords, an external power brick, and wires for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB.
Product 360
Image 1 of 3
The MO27Q28G’s styling is minimalist, with the screen being the focal point, and about the only thing you see from the front. It’s touted as borderless, but that isn’t quite accurate; there is a flush bezel around the image that’s 8-12mm in width. It’s barely noticeable, and no plastic molding is visible. The panel is set in a thin metal backing to which a small component bulge is attached. It has a few visual features that you can see in the back.
The inputs are clearly labeled and face downwards. You get two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB-C port that provides DP functionality and 18 watts of power. A 3.5mm jack supports headphones, and there are three USB 3.2 ports: one upstream and two downstream.
The stand is slim and minimalist as well, but make no mistake, it’s rock-solid. The base is a thin, rigid metal stamping. It has a small footprint that is more than enough for a stable package. The upright is also metal, with a 5/21-degree tilt, a 15-degree swivel, and a 90-degree portrait mode. The height range is a generous 5.1 inches (130mm). Movements are firm and smooth with no play or wobble.
OSD Features
The MO27Q28G’s OSD is summoned with a joystick in the back right. It’s flanked by a power toggle and a multi-function key that can be programmed in the menu. Gigabyte calls it Tactical Switch, and it is handy for quick access to things you might need in-game.
Image 1 of 10
The main menu starts with Gaming, where you’ll find video processing options. VRR equates to Adaptive-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync, and can be turned on or off. Or you can opt for Ultra Clear, which is black frame insertion. It works instead of VRR at 120 Hz or below. It’s great for slower PCs that can’t maintain high frame rates at QHD resolution. It has three levels, with less blur corresponding to lower brightness, like an LCD’s backlight strobe.
In the Picture menu, there are 10 image modes for specific game types along with presets for sRGB, movies, and reading. Each has its own set of tweaks, but you can do everything in Standard, which is the best option. The MO27Q28G ships in Eco mode, which is brightness-limited. You can calibrate with gamma presets and a set of RGB sliders in the color temp menu. Color space options include Native, Adobe, and Display P3. The native gamut covers just under 110% of DCI-P3.
To view two sources at once, Gigabyte provides PIP and PBP modes. In the System menu, you can program the joystick directionals for easy access to monitor functions.
The MO27Q28G has a variable brightness feature, but it’s not in the Picture menu where you’d expect. A separate OLED Care screen includes it along with pixel orbiter, corner and logo dim and a pixel cleaner (screen refresh). Variable brightness here is called APL Stabilize and it comes in three levels. Low is equal to constant brightness where a full screen and a window pattern measure at the same level. Middle and High vary the light level depending on screen area and image content. The brightest highlights occur when it’s turned to High.
The MO27Q28G includes a full set of Game Assist features, available in its own menu. Click the joystick, then go right to open it. You’ll find a set of crosshairs, Tactical Switch programming, and Gigabyte’s unique dashboard that monitors GPU and CPU fan and temps in real time. The option labeled Flash Dimming does exactly what it says. It reduces the brightness of muzzle flashes and other specular screen elements. It’s handy when playing in the dark, and you don’t want to be dazzled.
Gigabyte MO27Q28G Calibration Settings
The MO27Q28G ships in its Eco mode, which is fine if you don’t mind being brightness-limited. To unlock the full dynamic range, go for Standard. It’s close to the mark for color, but can use some help with grayscale tracking, as neutral tones are a little purple. The RGB sliders in the user color temp take care of that neatly. Gamma runs slightly dark but tracks straight for full detail rendering. I noted that the monitor did not retain brightness levels when switching between the three APL Stabilize options. This means you must reset the slider each time you change to equalize the peak highlights. I recommend using Low for SDR content and productivity, and High for HDR gaming and video. My settings are provided below.
|
Picture Mode |
Standard |
|
APL Stabilize |
Low / High |
|
Brightness 200 nits |
55 / 22 |
|
Brightness 120 nits |
29 / 13 |
|
Brightness 100 nits |
22 / 11 |
|
Brightness 80 nits |
17 / 8 |
|
Brightness 50 nits |
7 / 4 (min. 32 / 33 nits) |
|
Contrast |
50 |
|
Gamma |
2.2 |
|
Color Temp User |
Red 98, Green 100, Blue 97 |
Gaming and Hands-on
The MO27Q28G proved to be exemplary in all areas, from work to hardcore gameplay. I have noted that 27-inch QHD OLEDs provide the best bang-for-the-buck performance and hit a sweet spot where resolution and frame rate can be had in high degrees without expensive system requirements. Though my GeForce RTX 4090 is still at the premium end of the spectrum, it isn’t the fastest card any longer, but I had no trouble playing games set to full detail at 280fps. With this and any other OLED, motion resolution is perfect at any speed over 200fps. By perfect, I mean that there is no difference in detail between static and moving images.
The MO27Q28G also proved to be quick. It has very low input lag and by my testing method it’s one of the fastest monitors you can buy, regardless of refresh rate or resolution. It is very accurate for shooters where I achieved precise aim time and time again. If you want the best equipment to advance your gaming skills and success, the MO27Q28G is an extremely useful tool.
The image is stunning in every respect. Quantum Dot displays have spoiled me in the past, and this one is easily their equal. I measured almost 110% coverage of DCI-P3 during testing and that extra volume shows in both SDR and HDR content. HDR is a superlative experience with deep blacks and extremely bright highlights. I noted a feature in the Game Assistant menu called Flash Dimming. It reduces the effects of muzzle flash, and I found it useful when playing in a darkened room. Without it, the monitor can easily overwhelm one’s eyes to where you retain light spots, like being exposed to a camera flash. Flash Dimming reduces that retention and lowers fatigue in the process. This is the only monitor I’ve seen with this feature and it’s something I would love to see more often. Kudos Gigabyte.
The variable brightness feature is called APL Stabilize and it’s hidden in the OLED care menu which I found confusing. I would put it in the Picture menu as one of the image options. It is effective though, and it has three levels: Low, Medium and High. Low is essentially off, which means constant brightness is in effect. Medium and High settings vary brightness to make highlights pop. It’s great for gaming and video, while Low is appropriate for productivity.
Physically, the MO27Q28G is premium all the way. I appreciated the minimal styling and slender chassis. The stand is plenty solid but has a small footprint and a thin upright. There’s a lot of metal used, which adds to the feeling of quality. The build is as good as it gets. It was good to see USB ports and internal speakers. They’re limited in frequency but will play loudly without distortion. If you want better sound, the headphone jack is there.
Takeaway: The MO27Q28G lowers the OLED price of entry a tad at around $600 but delivers all the performance of the best displays. It has tremendous color volume and looks even better after a quick calibration. It’s a tad brighter than its competitors for both SDR and HDR, if you need that extra output. And it games with the best monitors I’ve reviewed, OLED or otherwise.
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