The Gigabyte MO27Q28G WOLED monitor has arrived, promising to address the long-standing challenges faced by photographers with OLED technology. Known for its rich contrast and perfect blacks, OLED has often been criticized for issues like brightness, reflections, and longevity. This new model aims to overcome these hurdles with a bright, wide-gamut panel and a sleek, borderless design, making it a compelling choice for photo editors.
Design and Build Quality
The minimalist aesthetic of the MO27Q28G is immediately striking. Featuring a four-sided borderless design and an impressively slim 2mm metal base, the monitor creates a clean, modern working environment while freeing up valuable desk space. The ergonomics are solid, with a stable stand despite its small footprint, making it both functional and stylish.
Color, Contrast, and Brightness
At the heart of the MO27Q28G is Gigabyte’s 4th-gen “Primary RGB Tandem” WOLED technology. This feature delivers a 1500-nit HDR peak brightness, 99.5% DCI-P3, and 84% BT.2020 coverage, offering deep blacks without sacrificing brightness in well-lit studios. However, real-world calibration proved more complex than expected.
Compared to a Retina 5K, 27-inch iMac, which provides a naturally balanced image, the MO27Q28G initially appeared too dark and contrast-heavy, even in SDR mode. After extensive adjustments to brightness, black levels, and color temperature, an acceptable baseline was achieved, but it never quite matched the neutrality and luminosity of high-end IPS displays.
Anti-Reflection and HDR Performance
One of the standout features of the MO27Q28G is its 99% anti-reflection coating. The matte WOLED surface virtually eliminates distracting reflections, making it one of the best OLED panels for use in daylight conditions. This is particularly beneficial for editors working near windows or in bright rooms.
The combination of Perfect Black performance and VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 ensures beautiful tonal separation. Shadow detail remains stable under bright ambient lighting, and high-contrast scenes, such as midday bushland or night street photography, show excellent depth. However, OLED’s inherent contrast can make mid-tones feel denser, requiring additional care in grading decisions.
Burn-In Protection and Additional Features
Gigabyte’s AI OLED Care offers a reassuring approach to burn-in protection, operating quietly in the background and performing pixel maintenance when the monitor is idle. The inclusion of a 3-year warranty with burn-in coverage is particularly appealing for professionals concerned about longevity.
The monitor also includes a KVM switch, a decent port selection, and OSD Sidekick software, enhancing its usability in a multi-device setup. While the 280Hz refresh rate is primarily aimed at gamers, its benefits extend to video shooters, offering a 0.03 ms response time, VRR anti-flicker optimization, and Ultra Clear motion handling for sharp, fast-moving footage.
Conclusion and Value Assessment
The Gigabyte MO27Q28G is an ambitious WOLED monitor that excels in anti-reflection performance, color coverage, and HDR capability. For photographers working in bright studios or mixed lighting, its visibility and glare handling are top-notch. However, the image out-of-the-box can feel too contrasty for precise photographic editing, necessitating user adjustments to achieve a neutral baseline.
Despite these challenges, the MO27Q28G offers excellent OLED benefits at a competitive price. With a solid warranty, a generous feature set, and a price tag of AUD $899, it represents good value, particularly for those seeking OLED contrast without the premium of pro-grade panels. While its strengths lean towards gaming, photographers can still benefit from its features, making it a worthy consideration in the market.
