AOC CQ32G1  Monitor Review

Reviewed Jul 23, 2020 at 08:20am
Retest Jan 20, 2021 at 01:49pm
Tested using Methodology v1.1 
AOC CQ32G1

Track

Track

 1

The AOC CQ32G1 is a fairly well-rounded 32 inch 1440p curved monitor with good gaming performance. It's a 144Hz monitor with native FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support and it's G-SYNC compatible. The input lag is extremely low, but sadly, the response time is slow, resulting in motion blur. Luckily, it has a black frame insertion feature to help improve the appearance of motion. This monitor has a VA panel with a very good contrast ratio and it has surprisingly fairly wide viewing angles, so it's still a good choice if you need to share your screen with a friend, but unfortunately, it has very limited ergonomics. This monitor doesn't support HDR, but on the upside, it has good overall picture quality with great out-of-the-box color accuracy and it has great peak brightness.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The AOC CQ32G1 is a decent overall monitor. It's a good choice for gaming thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate, VRR support, and extremely low input lag. Sadly, it has a slow response time and there's motion blur with fast-moving content. Despite having a VA panel, it's a decent choice for office use as it has fairly wide viewing angles and it gets bright enough to combat glare. This monitor displays deep blacks, but it has poor black uniformity, and it doesn't support HDR if you want to watch HDR movies with it.

Pros
  • Fairly wide viewing angles.
  • FreeSync VRR support.
  • Great peak brightness.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Awful ergonomics.
  • Slow response time.
0.0
Office 

The AOC CQ32G1 is a decent office monitor. The 1440p resolution and 32-inch screen offer enough screen space to open multiple windows at once. It has fairly wide viewing angles and it gets bright enough to combat glare. Sadly, it has awful ergonomics as you can only adjust its tilt range.

Pros
  • Fairly wide viewing angles.
  • Good reflection handling.
  • Great peak brightness.
Cons
  • Awful ergonomics.
0.0
Gaming 

Good for gaming. The AOC CQ32G1 has a native 144Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, and G-SYNC compatibility. Sadly, its response time is slow, so there's a motion blur trail in fast-moving content. It's ideal for dark-room gaming due to its VA panel that displays deep blacks; however, it has poor black uniformity.

Pros
  • Fairly wide viewing angles.
  • Extremely low input lag.
  • FreeSync VRR support.
  • Very good contrast ratio.
Cons
  • Awful ergonomics.
  • Slow response time.
0.0
Multimedia 

The AOC CQ32G1 is okay for multimedia use. The 32 inch, 1440p screen is great for sitting back and watching the latest videos online. It displays deep blacks, but it has poor black uniformity and it doesn't support HDR. The monitor has fairly wide viewing angles, but it doesn't offer much in terms of ergonomics.

Pros
  • Fairly wide viewing angles.
  • Very good contrast ratio.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Awful ergonomics.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
Media Creation 

Okay for content creators. The AOC CQ32G1 has a big enough screen to work with multiple windows opened at once, but the stand has awful ergonomics. It gets bright enough to combat glare if you work in a bright environment and it also has good reflection handling. The monitor also has great coverage of the Adobe RGB color space used in photo editing.

Pros
  • Fairly wide viewing angles.
  • Great coverage of the Adobe RGB color space.
Cons
  • No HDR support.
  • Awful ergonomics.
  • Poor black uniformity.
0.0
HDR Gaming 

The AOC CQ32G1 doesn't support HDR.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Jan 20, 2021: For consistency, we've changed the height adjustment from N/A to 'No'. The score has been adjusted accordingly.
    2.  Updated Jul 23, 2020: Review published.
    3.  Updated Jul 20, 2020: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Jul 15, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Check Price

    32"CQ32G1
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the 32 inch AOC CQ32G1, which is also available in a 27 inch size, the AOC CQ27G1. There are similar 144Hz models available from AOC, which are listed below.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their CQ32G1 doesn't correspond to our review, please let us know and we'll update the review. Note that some tests such as gray uniformity may vary between units.

    Model Size Resolution Curve Europe Availability
    C24G1 24" 1080p 1500R Yes
    C27G1 27" 1080p 1800R Yes
    CQ27G1 27" 1440p 1800R No
    C32G1 32" 1080p 1800R Yes
    CQ32G1 32" 1440p 1800R Yes
    CU34G2X 34" 3440x1440 1500R No

    You can see the label for our unit here.

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    There's not much that stands out about the AOC CQ32G1 in terms of gaming. It has a slower response time than most 144Hz monitors, and it has awful ergonomics. However, it the widest viewing angle we've seen on a VA panel monitor so far, and it maintains a very good contrast ratio, making it an ideal choice for watching movies in the dark with a friend. Also see our recommendations for the best gaming monitors, the best 144Hz monitors, and the best 32-inch monitors.

    AOC CQ27G1

    Track

    The AOC CQ27G1 is a bit better overall than its bigger variant, the AOC CQ32G1. The CQ27G1 has a different stand with much better ergonomics and it has a quicker response time. However, the CQ32G1 gets much brighter, it has wider viewing angles, and it handles reflections in really bright rooms a bit better.

    LG 32GK650F-B

    Track

    The LG 32GK650F-B is a bit better overall than the AOC CQ32G1. The LG has a much quicker response time, it has better ergonomics, and the uniformity is better too. However, the AOC has much better out-of-the-box color accuracy, it displays a wide color gamut, it gets brighter, and it also wider viewing angles.

    Nixeus EDG 34

    Track

    The Nixeus EDG 34 is slightly better than the AOC CQ32G1. The Nixeus has a 34-inch screen, it supports HDR, and it has a much quicker response time, resulting in less motion blur. However, the AOC has a wider VRR range, it displays a wider color gamut and has better out-of-the-box color accuracy, and it also has wider viewing angles.

    Samsung CHG70

    Track

    The Samsung CHG70 is better overall than the AOC CQ32G1. Both are available in a 27 and 32 inch size, but the Samsung has a different stand than the AOC. The Samsung has a much faster response time at its max refresh rate, it has a local dimming feature, it supports HDR, and its ergonomics are better. However, the AOC has wider viewing angles and better out-of-the-box color accuracy.

    Show more 
    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    SizeLocked32"
    CurvedLockedLocked
    Curve RadiusLockedLocked
    Weight (without stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Weight (with stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    Stand
    Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Switch Portrait/LandscapeLockedLocked
    Swivel RangeLockedLocked
    Tilt RangeLockedLocked

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    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

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    Borders
    Borders
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    Thickness
    Thickness (with stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (without stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

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    0.0
    Build Quality

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    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast With Local Dimming
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    AOC CQ32G1 Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR ABL
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
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    AOC CQ32G1 Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Right
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

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    AOC CQ32G1 Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Washout From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Washout From Above
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift From Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    LockedLock°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    LockedLock°

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    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

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    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Gamma Setting
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

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    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB xy
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 xy
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    DCI P3 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR After 0 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 2 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 4 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 6 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 8 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR After 10 Min Recovery
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

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    0.0
    Color Bleed
    Pixel Row Error
    LockedLock%
    Pixel Column Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    LockedLocked
    Total Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Indirect Reflections
    LockedLock%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    LockedVA
    Sub-Pixel Layout
    LockedLocked

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    Motion
    0.0
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked
    Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%
    Dark Rise / Fall Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Total Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Dark Overshoot Error
    LockedLock%

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    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-FreeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    BFI Maximum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedLock Hz

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    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedFreeSync
    Native
    LockedLock Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    Locked144 Hz
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    FreeSync
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedLock Hz
    VRR Minimum
    LockedLocked
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedLocked

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    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate @ 60Hz
    LockedLock ms
    10 Bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLock ms

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    0.0
    Resolution And Size
    Native ResolutionLocked2560 x 1440
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel Density
    LockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

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    Inputs
    Total Inputs
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPortLockedLocked
    HDMILockedLocked
    DVILockedLocked
    VGALockedLocked
    DisplayPort OutLockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    USB CLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Microphone In 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Power SupplyLockedLocked

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    Features
    Additional Features
    RGB Illumination
    LockedLocked
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    HDR10LockedLocked
    Multiple Input Display
    LockedLocked

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    On-Screen Display (OSD)
    Controls

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    In The Box

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