AOC 22B3HM Monitor Review: 21.5″ FHD VA Display, 75Hz Refresh Rate

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The AOC 22B3HM is a 21.5-inch monitor that aims to offer a balance of affordability and features. It boasts a VA panel with a 75Hz refresh rate, a 4ms response time, and AdaptiveSync technology. This combination suggests a decent experience for everyday tasks, web browsing, and even some casual gaming. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of the 22B3HM, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it lives up to its promises.

Features

The AOC 22B3HM comes equipped with a set of features that are commonly found in its price range, making it a solid contender for everyday use. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

• 21.5-inch FHD VA Panel: The 22B3HM features a 21.5-inch VA panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. This provides a crisp and clear viewing experience for most content. VA panels are known for their deep blacks and high contrast ratios, making them suitable for media consumption and light gaming.
• 75Hz Refresh Rate: The 75Hz refresh rate is a significant improvement over the standard 60Hz, leading to smoother visuals and reduced motion blur. This benefit is noticeable in everyday use and especially during gaming, delivering a more fluid and responsive gameplay experience.
• 4ms Response Time: With a 4ms response time, the 22B3HM aims to minimize ghosting and blur during fast-paced action. This is a decent response time for everyday use and casual gaming, but it might not be ideal for competitive gaming where even smaller response times can make a difference.
• AdaptiveSync Technology: The inclusion of AdaptiveSync technology, also known as FreeSync or G-SYNC, ensures smooth and tear-free visuals by synchronizing the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card’s output. This technology is particularly beneficial for gaming, especially at lower frame rates, eliminating screen tearing and improving the overall visual experience.
• 3-Sided Frameless Design: The 22B3HM features a near-borderless design on three sides, offering a more immersive viewing experience and allowing for a cleaner and more modern aesthetic. This design is particularly appealing for multi-monitor setups, where seamless transitions between displays are crucial.
• Tilt Adjustment: The 22B3HM comes with a tilt-adjustable stand, allowing you to find the optimal viewing angle for comfort and ergonomics. This feature is essential for prolonged use, reducing eye strain and ensuring a comfortable viewing experience.

Performance

Our hands-on experience with the AOC 22B3HM revealed its strengths and areas for improvement. Let’s delve deeper into its performance in different aspects:

• Image Quality: The 22B3HM delivers decent image quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. The VA panel provides good contrast, making black levels appear darker and enhancing the overall visual experience. However, the viewing angles aren’t as wide as those found on IPS panels. This means that color accuracy can be affected when viewed from extreme angles, especially vertically. However, for everyday use and sitting directly in front of the monitor, the image quality is more than adequate.
• Gaming Performance: The 75Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time provide a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz monitors, especially for casual gaming. The AdaptiveSync technology is a welcome addition, effectively eliminating screen tearing and providing a smoother gameplay experience, particularly at lower frame rates. However, competitive gamers may find the 4ms response time to be on the higher end, as faster response times are preferred for quick and accurate reactions.
• Everyday Use: The AOC 22B3HM excels in everyday tasks, such as web browsing, document editing, and general productivity. The crisp FHD resolution and ample screen size provide a comfortable viewing experience, and the 75Hz refresh rate contributes to a smoother and more responsive interaction with the computer.
• Audio: The 22B3HM does not include built-in speakers, which is common in monitors at this price point. You will need to connect external speakers or headphones for any audio output. While the lack of speakers is not a dealbreaker, it’s a consideration for users who prioritize a complete multimedia experience.

Pros & Cons

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of the AOC 22B3HM monitor:

Pros:

• Affordable price point.
• Crisp FHD resolution (1920 x 1080).
• Good contrast ratio for deeper blacks.
• 75Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
• 4ms response time for reduced motion blur.
• AdaptiveSync technology for tear-free gaming.
• 3-Sided frameless design for a more immersive viewing experience.
• Tilt-adjustable stand for ergonomic comfort.

Cons:

• Limited viewing angles compared to IPS panels.
• 4ms response time might not be ideal for competitive gaming.
• No built-in speakers.

Final Verdict

The AOC 22B3HM is a solid monitor that offers good value for its price. It provides a decent image quality, smooth visuals with its 75Hz refresh rate, and AdaptiveSync technology for tear-free gaming. While the response time might not be ideal for hardcore gamers, it’s perfectly suitable for casual gaming and everyday use. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly monitor with a good balance of features and performance, the 22B3HM is worth considering. However, if you prioritize wider viewing angles or faster response times, you may want to explore other options.

Specifications