AOC has expanded its G4 line-up with the CQ32G4ZA, a triple-mode gaming monitor capable of reaching up to 500Hz. It lets you select the ideal refresh rate/resolution combo for your current game with a click of a button.
Representing the brand’s first triple-mode offering, the CQ32G4ZA is a 31.5in monitor based on a 1500R curved VA panel. While its general specs are nothing out of the ordinary, with 1ms GtG/0.3ms MPRT rated response times and 95% DCI-P3 colour coverage, it does what only a few displays are capable of, that is, switching between three refresh rates on a whim. Whether you prefer story-driven games or fast-paced shooters, the CQ32G4ZA has you covered.
With a click of a button, you can switch it from its native QHD (2560×1440) resolution at 260Hz to a faster FHD (1920×1080) at 360Hz or an even faster HD (1280×720) at 500Hz. The first is ideal for detail-rich titles where texture quality and draw distance matter more than raw frame rate, such as open-world and adventure games. The second is useful when speed and image sharpness are equally important, such as multiplayer FPS or battle royals. As for the latter, it’s the option for those who want the most competitive setup, where frame rate takes priority over image detail.
To give you an idea about the image sharpness we are speaking of: considering the CQ32G4ZA’s 31.5in size, you would get 93PPI (Pixel Per Inch) at 1440p, 70PPI at 1080p, and just 46PPI at 720p. Needless to say, the latter will be quite blurry, but that’s the price to pay for such speed.
Speed aside, the CQ32G4ZA should offer good performance when it comes to media consumption thanks to its 4,000:1 contrast ratio and 450nits of peak brightness. It’s also VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, but without dedicated local dimming zones, its HDR presentation won’t be as impactful as the AOC Agon Pro AG276QSG2, for example. Compared to other triple-mode LCDs, specifically the Philips Evnia 27M4N3500PT and 27M4N5500PT, the AOC CQ32G4ZA is slightly slower at 1440p and 720p, but better when it comes to contrast.
In terms of connectivity, the CQ32G4ZA comes equipped with a standard set of ports, including two HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. The monitor also has two built-in 5W speakers for those playing on consoles. As for ergonomics, the stand offers 130mm height, 20° swivel, and -3.5° to 21.5° tilt adjustment, on top of support for 100x100mm VESA mounts.
The AOC Gaming CQ32G4ZA will be available from December 2026 at £239.99 MSRP, backed by a three-year warranty. For comparison, even the cheapest 500Hz-ish monitors start around £350, albeit using a 1080p panel; this means that the AOC CQ32G4ZA is not only cheaper if your main concern is speed, but also more versatile.
