New article: Review of Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ QD-OLED DQHD monitor: back in action

Gigabyte has been developing its own range of monitors since 2019, and over the past years, the manufacturer has proven that entering a new market for the company and not getting lost in it is difficult, but possible. The company demonstrated an interesting approach by providing prices for its products without a premium premium, which made many consumers think about purchasing a Gigabyte monitor. Successful matrices, coupled with a wide range of functions and technologies, distinguish these solutions from many competitors.

The manufacturer presented new products based on organic OLED panels later than its competitors. But in the end, he also joined the race in early December 2023, introducing his first QD-OLED - AORUS CO49DQ with a 49-inch panel from Samsung Display with a resolution of 5120 x 1440 pixels and a vertical scanning frequency of 144 Hz. Like most of the Gigabyte lineup, the new product uses functions that are well known to us from other brand products and offers a wide selection of interfaces. And the best part is that the model is the most affordable in its class.

⇡#Technical specifications

Sales of the Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ started in the US market in February 2024, the recommended price was $1. Almost six months later, there are only three competitors on the market equipped with an identical panel: one each from ASUS, MSI and Philips. The first two are presented on the Russian market, but their cost is 299-40 thousand rubles. above, and the solution from the now “Chinese Philips” is not yet on sale at all.

The new Gigabyte product is equipped with the only 49-inch QD-OLED panel existing at the time of writing, belonging to the second generation; it is produced by Samsung Display and has a working resolution of DQHD (aka DWQHD) - 5120 × 1440 pixels, as well as an aspect ratio of 32:9. This gives a pixel density of 109-110 ppi and virtually eliminates the need to use a scaling system, especially if you have good eyesight.

The stated maximum brightness when operating in SDR mode is 250 nits (when the screen is filled to 100%). This should not be surprising, because most modern OLED TVs, even with the smallest screen diagonal (41,5 inches), have a maximum brightness of about 120-130 nits when the screen is completely filled with white color. So if the Gigabyte AORUS really provides 250 nits, then this is an excellent result - let's check.

The new product officially complies with only one HDR standard - VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black. Like models on a similar matrix, theoretically (looking ahead, I’ll say that the theory, alas, was not confirmed) it should be able to demonstrate peak performance at the level of ~1000 nits in small areas of the screen (with 1-2% filling, APL - average picture level), but only after activating HDR and making some changes in the display menu options. There is full support for working with HDR10.

There’s not much to say about the contrast ratio: due to the peculiarities of OLED operation and the use of a special light-absorbing substrate, it tends to infinity, although the new product, like some OLEDs on the market, has a value of 1:500.

I have already worked with seven QD-OLED models from different companies, and thanks to this I know that the polarization layer is not used in modern QD-OLED solutions. The surface itself is semi-glossy, with a purple-pink tint in the light, and therefore, in bright external lighting and light hitting the screen, the reproduced black color turns out to be even brighter than the black non-working zone of the matrix, several millimeters on each side. This is surprising, especially if you see this for the first time and initially expected “perfect black” in any working conditions. Alas, this is not quite the case.

The QD-OLED matrix used - model CY-AC490 of an unknown version - is made in accordance with modern safety standards, so the blue peak in the backlight spectrum is shifted to the safe region of 453,5 nm. This is what is commonly called a “hardware blue filter”, Less Blue Light technology, etc. - one way or another, the safety of the new product is confirmed by the Eye Safe Display 2.0 certificate.

Thanks to the use of “quantum dots”, the manufacturer has achieved a noticeable expansion of the color gamut, but only 99% compliance with the DCI-P3 space is officially declared. Although you can be sure of wide AdobeRGB coverage, quite a decent result according to Rec.2020, not to mention standard sRGB.

At the same time, the matrix is ​​declared as 10-bit, that is, it should be capable of reproducing up to 1,07 billion color shades, but some sources indicate that it works according to the 8-bit + FRC scheme, which we readily believe.

In the specifications, the manufacturer indicates a GtG response time of 0,03 ms, which is comparable to the capabilities of other modern OLED gaming displays. In this regard, such displays are indeed easily ahead of the fastest LCD models on sale. But with the overall smoothness of the image, things may be worse, because it is largely responsible for the maximum vertical scanning frequency, which in the Gigabyte model is only 144 Hz - by modern standards, this is only the entry level for a real gaming monitor. On the other hand, if we take into account the operating resolution and the load it creates on the system, this frequency is more than enough.

Among adaptive synchronization systems, only AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is officially supported, but in practice both NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible and Adaptive-Sync work without problems. The standard operating range is 48-144 Hz, but when LFC (Low Framerate Compensation) technology is enabled, it can be significantly expanded beyond the lower limit.

The choice of modern interfaces for connection is wide: two HDMI version 2.1 (though with unknown bandwidth), one DP 1.4 with DSC support and HBR3 stream expansion technology, USB Type-C with DP Alt mode and support for Power Delivery (PD) charging at 18 Tue

There are two additional fast USB Type-A 3.2 connectors for connecting peripherals and a 3,5 mm audio output for headphones. The monitor uses a fairly progressive (by the standards of this class) built-in speaker system with a power of 2 × 5 W with the ability to set the “surround sound” mode and select between several equalizer presets.

Additionally, the monitor is equipped with a function KVM For working with a single mouse and keyboard setup on two connected signal sources (a PC and a laptop, for example). It also supports various PiP (picture-in-picture) and PbP (picture-by-picture) modes.

The appearance of the Gigabyte monitor has been slightly redesigned, but familiar and recognizable features are easy to read. The monitor stand offers quite a wide range of adjustment options, and if necessary, you can use a VESA-compatible 100 × 100 mm mount without the use of adapters. To control the monitor, a 5-position joystick plays the role of a power button.

Among the special technologies of the AORUS CO49DQ, it is worth mentioning the AI ​​algorithm, which minimizes the risk of problems with diode burnout using OLED protection technologies from the OLED Care complex. The OSD menu displays options such as Care+ (screen cleaning count), usage time, pixel cleaning, static control, pixel shift, APL stabilization (screen-wide brightness stabilization) and dimming static logos.

The new product offers many modes for emulating various color spaces, has 6-axis color correction and Black Equalizer technology for influencing the visibility of shadows. The list of functions continues with GameAssist and Gigabyte Control Center (a replacement for the former Sidekick utility): the first serves to display an on-screen crosshair, timer, counter and various grids, and the second allows you to configure the monitor through a special utility for Windows. We can also note support for automatic firmware updates, but the CO49DQ monitor does not have a built-in external RGB lighting system.

⇡#Packaging and appearance

Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ comes in a large and heavy box made of painted cardboard with high-quality printing.

Spectacular photographs of the monitor from different angles are presented, and the main characteristics of the device are indicated in the form of pictograms with captions. There are even detailed instructions for unpacking (this must be done exclusively on one side of the box) and assembling the solution.

Thanks to one of the information stickers, you can find out the batch number, serial number and full name of the monitor, its weight and country of manufacture (China).

The Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ monitor package includes the following:

• power cable (2 pieces of different types);
• DP cable;
• HDMI 2.1 cable;
• USB Type-B 3.0 cable for connecting to a PC;
• report on factory calibration of sRGB emulation mode;
• warranty card;
• brief instructions for installation and configuration.

In the case of the hero of the review, all video interface options are well suited for connection, but if you want to reach the maximum possible (10-bit emulation + 144 Hz + HDR), then the only available option is a DisplayPort connection. For game consoles, one of the two HDMI 2.1 is suitable, but to work with modern laptops, you will have to buy a USB Type-C cable yourself - the manufacturer did not include it in the kit.

The new Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ is made in a “frameless” design on only three sides, with a matte plastic pad at the bottom. The model is presented exclusively in dark (almost black) colors, in a modification with a fairly ergonomic stand and VESA-compatible mount.

The new Gigabyte product received a design that is well known to us from other Gigabyte Gaming solutions, but the AORUS CO49DQ still has some nice improvements and additions.

Thus, glossy black plastic was removed almost to a minimum, matte surfaces acquired greater relief, and some elements received textured horizontal “stitching.”

The shaped stand with an ergonomic central stand has also been pleasantly transformed. Three types of adjustment are available: tilt in the range from -5 to +20 degrees, rotation of the body 30 degrees to the right and left and height change in the range of 0-130 mm.

In the package, the monitor is disassembled - the user will need to attach the base to the stand themselves, but no tools are needed for this - a quick-release connection is used.

Small rubber feet on the base of the stand protect the table surface from scratches and prevent the monitor from sliding on smooth surfaces.

The heavy stand provides the monitor with good stability, and the flat all-metal surface of the base allows you not to worry about the reliability of the finished structure.

There is a cutout in the central column for cable routing; the manufacturer does not offer any additional accessories for cables.

The relationship to the AORUS gaming line is evidenced by two corresponding logos on the front and back of the device.

The monitor itself is made of quite high quality and strictness: the processing of parts is not satisfactory, the painting is without pronounced defects (not perfect, a B), the gaps are uniform along the entire length of the joints. There are practically no elements made of glossy plastic in the monitor - the matte body is non-staining and, accordingly, practical.

The matrix uses a semi-gloss (or in the manufacturer's wording Anti Reflection - “anti-glare”) coating with some kind of anti-reflective filter, but without a polarizing layer. Such a coating definitely does not provoke the appearance of a crystalline effect and will delight the consumer with a clean and visually contrasting picture against the background of “faded” matte and semi-matte displays.

Using two long stickers on the device’s body, you can check all the numbers (serial, ID), once again clarify the model name and re-confirm that the solution was made in China. All received certificates of conformity are also indicated and connection interfaces are signed.

The Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ connectors are on different blocks, but all are directed downwards. Connecting cables is not very convenient, but the ability to raise the monitor high enough makes the task somewhat easier.

The new product features a built-in speaker system with a total power of 10 W (two speakers of 5 W each). The speakers are located behind the ventilation perforations in the rear of the case, on its lower edge. Their maximum volume is sufficient, but the sound is inexpressive, low frequencies are practically absent. After reaching a certain volume level (70-80% - depending on the composition), the playback quality decreases, but hum or resonance does not appear.

Activating the built-in sound enhancement system (“surround sound”) improves the picture somewhat - the stereo effect is enhanced, but, of course, no global changes occur. There are none when switching from one preset equalizer mode to another (there are four in total). Thus, for basic needs, built-in speakers are perfect, but for comfortable listening to music or watching movies, it is better to rely on headphones or an external speaker system.

⇡#Controls and menus

The basis of the monitor control system is a five-position joystick located on the bottom edge of the case, in the middle. Additional physical keys are not provided.

There is also a white power indicator located here. It slightly illuminates the lower working area, but does not create any discomfort even in the absence of external lighting. If you don’t like it, then you can turn it off completely or put it into operating mode only for Standby mode.

When you press the joystick at the bottom of the screen, a familiar block of five navigation buttons appears. Thanks to them, you can go to the main menu, turn off the monitor, or quickly get to the settings for GameAssist functions and the new (very important for CO49DQ) OLED Care unit.

Among the options with quick access (by moving the joystick to one of four positions), the following are available by default: selecting a signal source, black equalizer, going to preset Picture Modes and adjusting the volume of connected headphones or speaker systems. The functions of all four joystick positions can be changed - the choice of options is quite wide.

The appearance of the OSD menu is a design mixture of what we could see in Samsung and BenQ monitors, but made in a different color (orange), without much emphasis on any details. Everything is simple and concise.

The speed of the menu remained high. The system quickly responds to user actions - we did not notice any annoying delays. And thanks to on-screen prompts, controlling the monitor is easy and simple both during the day and at night, in the absence of external lighting.

Before us is an upper block with six items, which the manufacturer considered the main ones, and five sections (we do not take into account the sixth, with the only function of resetting all parameters), the settings of which were divided into three additional sections.

In terms of menu content, the new AORUS CO49DQ is somewhat different from the “G” and “M” series solutions we previously reviewed - the content and location of individual functions has been revised.

The first section, Gaming, provides access to the so-called gaming parameters, including Black Equalizer, Super Resolution, Display Mode (built-in scaler settings) and the ability to activate AMD FreeSync Premium Pro (also necessary for G-Sync to work in Compatible mode).

Adjustments for brightness, contrast, gamma, sharpness, color temperature and color saturation are allocated to the Picture section, where the ECO mode is set by default with the active power saving function. Here you can also select one of the other preset image modes and fine-tune each of them (sometimes with certain restrictions, but with the ability to select emulation from three color spaces for each).

When you enable HDR in the operating system settings, the section is transformed and gives access to completely different parameters that are responsible for the visual appearance of a “wide dynamic range” image, which you can transform to your taste. But, alas, these parameters and preset HDR modes do not greatly affect the maximum brightness of the model.

In the third section, you can find the ability to select an image source, change the tonal range, configure the KVM-switch function and proceed to use it, as well as apply image settings for a specific monitor interface or for all at once.

Wide possibilities for configuring the PiP and PbP functions are presented in the next section, with the appropriate title.

In the System section, you can adjust the volume level of connected headphones or speaker systems, select functions for quick access, and change the appearance of the menu. For acoustics there is also a “surround sound” mode and four equalizer presets.

In the additional settings of the System section, you can disable notifications about the working resolution, change the way the power indicator works, activate automatic shutdown and automatic transition to the connected source. The section has been supplemented with the ability to activate Type-C support, which is important when connecting in DP Alt Mode. Otherwise, it can only be used as a peripheral charging device. You can also select HDMI protocols for better support from older hardware.

Of course, there is also a choice of localization language. The default language is English, but Russian is also present. The quality of the translation leaves much to be desired (and it is also incomplete); there are obvious problems with the fonts, as was the case with the first Gigabyte solutions.

The last “section” is the function of resetting all settings to default values.

Among the default preinstalled functions is OLED Care+, a block with additional OLED panel protection settings. Gigabyte offers two main options for the technology: fully automatic (Standard) and manual with a wide range of settings (Advanced). After selecting the second one, access to six sections immediately opens. They provide information on the operating time of the device, the number of “cleanings” performed, its manual activation with the ability to determine the start delay in a second. There is an adjustment for the pixel shift function and brightness control of static logos to reduce the likelihood of organic LEDs burning out. Among the fairly new ones (for OLED in general) we can note APL Stabilize (three brightness stabilization modes across the screen field) and dimming of static logos, monitored using a built-in AI algorithm.

By the way, during the entire time I worked with the Gigabyte AORUS CO49DQ, I never saw a single warning window about the need to take a break from work or clean it. It seems that the monitor carried out all the necessary actions on its own when entering sleep mode and that was enough.

Source: 3dnews.ru