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Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: two-minute review

Founded in 2009 by a team of engineers in Shenzhen, China, Reolink has grown into a global provider of smart, yet affordable, security cameras. A little while back I tested the Reolink Altas PT Ultra and was really impressed with the 355-degree pan and 90-degree tilt camera, though the design was a little bulky. This recently launched Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is very different though.

While it doesn’t feature a rotating pan-and-tilt camera (instead it features a fixed lens with 150-degree field of view), it does boast two large LED panels capable of delivering up to 1,000 lumens of brightness. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, currently retailing for around £85. Of course, the cheaper price tag does involve some trade-offs, not least the lower video resolution. Whereas the Reolink Altas PT Ultra offers 4K ultra high definition, the Solar Floodlight Cam is restricted to 2K (1440p) resolution. However, for the vast majority of people, 2K video resolution is more than adequate.

The camera's two extra-bright spotlights resemble 'ears' on either side of the main unit (Image credit: Future)

Designed to be placed on the outside of the property with a clear view of the sky at a height of around 2.5 to 3m, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is reasonably easy to install. In the box there’s a mounting bracket with screws and wall plugs, as well as — unusually — a mounting wrench for tightening up the bracket.

Before installation, you will need to charge the unit using the USB-C cable provided and pair the camera with the Reolink app using the QR code on the back of the unit. Helpfully, the camera supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi frequencies and it tells you when it is successfully paired with your home network.

The camera comes with a mounting bracket and screws, plus a mounting wrench to tighten the bracket (Image credit: Future)

Unlike some apps, which can be confusing to navigate, the Reolink app offers everything you need within a reasonably clear interface. You can select the different types of object you want the camera to detect (human, animal, vehicle or other) and set a schedule for when you want recordings to happen (for example, switch off during the day if you know family members are going to be around). You can also exclude certain parts of the frame, which is handy if — like me — you are setting the camera up in a back garden and don’t want to record activity from your next-door neighbour’s property.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to use the Reolink app, the device can be fully integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to view live video feeds on screen-enabled devices such as an Echo Show (though we didn’t test this facility). You can even control the floodlights using your own voice via the Alexa app.

The Reolink app has a refreshingly clear interface (Image credit: Future)

In addition to two powerful spotlights, a very loud 110dB siren is provided to help deter burglars. Alternatively, it’s possible to set your own custom audio tone if the alarm is triggered such as whispering ‘pssst’ to get intruders to look at the camera for better facial recognition.

Not only can the brightness of the LED spotlights be adjusted depending on your preferences, it’s also possible to adjust color temperature depending on whether you want your intruders to be bathed in a cold ‘blue-ish’ light or a much warmer yellow light.

You can adjust the brightness of the camera's twin spotlights, and even their color temperature (Image credit: Future)

Two-way audio is provided for communications with sound coming from a large-ish speaker on the bottom of the unit next to the PIR sensor and waterproof connections for the USB-C cable and Micro SD card.

Footage can be recorded either to the MicroSD card (up to a maximum of 512GB) or you can subscribe to Reolink Cloud to store footage in the cloud – see details below. This facility also includes AI Video Search so you can quickly find footage using natural language. For example, type ‘man wearing a red T-shirt’ and in the UK it will bring up the postman coming to the door and anyone else wearing a red T-shirt!

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: subscription options

Reolink Cloud, Single Device Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, one camera, 16GB cloud storage, AI video search. £2.71 (about $3.50 / AU$5) per month.

Reolink Cloud, Standard Plan. Premier Plan: Up to 30-day cloud video history, up to 5 cameras supported, 30GB cloud storage. £2.87 (about $4 / AU$6) per month.

See https://cloud.reolink.com/cloud-plan for further details

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: price and availability

• How much does it cost? Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam £85 UK, $US99, $AUD169
• When is it available? Since March 2026
• Where is it available? UK/US/Australia

First announced at CES 2026 in early January, the Solar Floodlight Cam is one of a number of devices Reolink is planning to release this year. Others include a 24MP triple lens outdoor camera (the OMVI X16 PoE) and an interesting Reolink AI set-top box designed to add AI functionality to non-AI cameras.

What’s more, the Floodlight Cam is also one of the cheapest outdoor cameras you can buy with local storage (although you will have to fork out for your own Micro SD card). Whereas some companies keep hardware prices relatively low by tying you into a subscription even for basic functionality, the Reolink offers a best of both worlds’ solution - cheap hardware combined with local subscription-free storage.

Nor is just about the money. For those worried about the security of cloud-based storage, local storage is a far safer option (providing the burglar doesn’t steal the camera with the MicroSD card inside, of course). However, there is always the option of taking out a monthly subscription if you so choose.

Whereas some manufacturers will charge you over £10 a month for basic functionality, at least Reolink Cloud is relatively cheap. Subscription prices have even come down since I last reviewed a Reolink product around 18 months ago. You can now get 30-days of recordings stored in the cloud for less than £3 a month. The cloud subscription also includes AI video search for finding recordings using short descriptions.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: design

• Unique triple cube design
• Fixed solar panel
• IP66 waterproofing

Most outdoor security cameras comprise either one or maybe two main elements. There’s usually the camera itself plus a solar panel which is either mounted on the camera or housed in a separate device and connected via a USB-C cable. The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is unusual in that it really comprises four elements of similar size and shape.

First there’s the main cube where the fixed camera lens and PIR are located. Then there are the two flexible LED lights that sit either side like big flappy ears. Finally, there’s the solar panel, which sits on top of the main unit.

The solar panel is in a fixed position, so you need to be careful to mount the camera in a place where it will catch the sun (Image credit: Future)

Usually if the solar panel is integrated it can be moved manually towards the sun (or in the case of the innovative Baseus Security S2 the panel actually rotates with the movement of the sun). But that’s not the case here. Instead, the solar panel is fixed which means you will need to install the camera somewhere that is relatively sunny to ensure additional power.

Initially I had worried that the unusual cube design might make the Solar Floodlight Cam feel a bit more flimsy than some of the more conventional tubular shaped models. However, this white unit feels well-built and comes with IP66 waterproofing.

The camera is equipped with a dome-shaped motion sensor and a large speakerFutureThe camera is equipped with a dome-shaped motion sensor and a large speakerFuture

Underneath the camera are two weatherproof sockets (one for external power from a USB-C cable and one for power on/off and a MicroSD card slot). Also provided are a PIR dome motion sensor and large speaker. Finally at the back of the camera sits a metal ball joint that connects to the mounting bracket to provide ultimate flexibility when it comes to angling the camera.

• Design score: 4/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: performance

• Powerful 1,000-lumen illumination
• 2K resolution
• Color night vision

When it comes to performance it’s fair to say that the Reolink is solid rather than spectacular. Images from the 2K (1440p) camera lens aren’t the sharpest I’ve seen, certainly nowhere near as good as those from its stablemate, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra. However, where it comes into its own is its ability to capture footage in near total darkness. Virtually every night I tested the camera it captured wildlife in my garden, including several foxes and even a hedgehog! Thankfully no human intruders though.

Reolink's app is easy to use, and clips are neatly ordered for quick referenceFutureYou can schedule times when the camera should and shouldn't watch for activityFutureAdjusting the battery mode can extend the time between chargesFutureThe time lapse setting is unusual, but helpful for things like tracking the process of a building projectFuture

Whereas some security cameras have apps that are very difficult to navigate, Reolink’s are generally very easy to use. Underneath the main image there’s a timeline where you can scroll through captured footage — useful if you missed the push notifications on your phone. Each of the clips is categorized for easy reference with an image of a running person for an intruder, pawprint for animal or a circle for other sighting. This makes it much easier to find relevant footage.

As with many security cameras, I found the lens on the Reolink Solar Floodlight camera a little too sensitive at its default setting of 80. For example, sheets hanging on a washing line were routinely triggering alerts. As a result, I found it necessary to reduce the sensitivity to around 50 so it didn’t capture every minor movement.

The Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam doesn't capture the sharpest images in daylight...Future...but it really comes into its own after darkFuture

Alternatively, if you want to use the camera for creative, rather than security purposes, there’s an innovative time lapse setting. This can be set up to capture images at set intervals of between 10 seconds and six hours and also includes different pre-sets including one for construction — handy if you are tracking the progress of a building project.

• Performance score: 4/5

Should you buy the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam?Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Costing around £85, the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is excellent value for money considering it offers two large spotlights and a built-in solar panel.

4.5/5

Design

An unusual cube design, the Reolink is surprisingly sturdy with decent IP66 rating.

4/5

Performance

The Reolink produces solid rather than spectacular images. However, its menus are easy to navigate and it incorporates some useful features such as time lapse.

4/5

Average rating

If you want a decent security camera with powerful spotlights that you don’t have to keep recharging every few months then the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is a good option, especially given the competitive price tag.

4/5

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam: also consider

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Solar)

IMOU Cell 3C

MP

Subscription price

None. Optional Reolink Cloud From £2.71 a month.

From £4.99 a month

None required. optional IMOU Protect from £3.49 a month)

Viewing angle

150° ultra-wide (diagonal)

140° view horizontal, 80° vertical

120° horizontal

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

2K (1440p) video resolution

2K Video, HDR, Live View, Color Night Vision

2K (3MP) video resolution

Power

Battery/Solar

Battery/Solar (mains option also available)

Battery/Solar

Hardware price

£85 (with built in solar panel)

£199 (with separate solar panel)

£49.99 (with built in solar panel)

If you're not sure whether the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is the right device to protect your home, here are two other options you should consider:

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro (Solar)

Available in black or white, this outdoor security camera from Amazon-owned Ring comes in battery, solar and mains versions. Great functionality but relatively expensive, especially with monthly subs.

Read our full review of the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro

IMOU Cell 3C

A decent outdoor security camera with integrated solar panel. What it lacks in image quality the IMOU more than make up for in functionality and the price is extremely competitive.

Read our full review of the IMOU Cell 3C

Should you buy the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam?Buy it if

You want to flood your property with light

One of the main benefits of the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam are the two powerful spotlights providing up to 1,000 lumens of illumination.

You don’t want to have to recharge the device’s battery

The Reolink features a built-in solar panel so you don’t have to recharge the built-in lithium ion battery so often.

How I tested the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

• * I used the camera outdoors for 10 days
• * I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer
• * The security camera was installed on the outside of my summer house

I installed the Reolink camera on the front of my summer house which also serves as a small gym and an office during the summer. Because the building is made of wood it makes it simple to install cameras using the screws provided, whereas if it was on a brick wall I would have to use a drill and the wall plugs provided for installation.

As the solar panel is fixed and the ideal location for the camera is under the eaves of the summer house I had worried that the solar panel would be ineffective. But, remarkably, after 10 days of testing (admittedly many of them actually sunny for a change), the camera’s battery is still at 100% charge. Part of the reason is that I turned the sensitivity of the camera down to reduce the number of false alerts. I also reduced the brightness of the spotlights so as not to annoy the neighbours with too much light pollution every time an alert is triggered.

With a solar panel for extra power and a MicroSD card slot for local storage, it's a supremely practical way to protect your home.

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QLVR ENDVR: Two minute review

Most running shoes feel familiar for a reason: the formula has barely changed in millennia. We have archaeological evidence of shoes being fastened with “shoelaces” as far back as around 3,500 BC, yet the basic lace-up running trainer remains the default.

QLVR (pronounced “clever”) set out to challenge that. Its debut shoe, the ENDVR, is a laceless “running slipper” built around a women-specific mechanical structure, with a slip-on Wing Fit system inspired by the way a bird’s wing opens and closes around movement.

The brand’s core argument is blunt: most athletic shoes are designed on men’s lasts (the mechanical devise used by manufacturers to create the foot shape) and scaled down for women, even though women’s feet tend to have different shapes and pressure points. So, they decided to literally break the mould and design something specifically for women’s feet.

It sounds like a noble ambition, although it didn’t necessarily start out as one. Originally the company was focused on doing away with laces. But co-founder and footwear designer Martin Dean soon realised this would be impossible with a unisex shoe.

“We were tweaking the design but we couldn't get it to work. The unisex fit system means it would just be too loose on the back of a woman's foot,” said Dean.

“That's when we realised that the majority of footwear is made to fit a man's foot. So we thought ‘let's launch this for women’.”

As a runner who often struggles with shoe fit, I could immediately relate to Dean’s explanation. I spend an inordinate amount of time fiddling with laces trying to get the fit around my ankle just right. I don’t want the laces to dig in, but I also don’t want my ankles rocking around. I also struggle with the width of running shoes finding that the toe box shape is never quite right. Typically, a lot of running technology, not just shoes but also some of the best running watches, are male by default.

When I heard about the QLVR ENDVR I was keen to try them out. Maybe, finally, this shoe would fit! Over the past couple of months, I’ve been testing the shoe on a range of activities. Treadmill intervals, 10k easy road runs, gym sessions and as an everyday trainer for trips around the shops.

As soon as I slipped the pair on they immediately felt different. But were they the shoe I was ultimately looking for?

(Image credit: Lily Canter)What makes it different?

The 'women-first’ part is not just a marketing line. QLVR is designed around a more 'triangular' female foot shape, with a narrower heel, wider toe area, and higher arches, rather than shrinking a men’s shoe and relying on laces to make up the slack.

The laceless part is the standout: the Wing Fit system is designed to sit in a closed, ‘laced-up’ position, flexing as you step in and then holding the rearfoot securely once your heel drops. In practice, it’s the first slip-on I’ve tried that feels like it’s meant to be run in. There is an immediate locked-in feel, and the foot is held snugly inside with minimal slippage. Being able to slip on a shoe and have the perfect heel fit straight away is a revelation.

Then there’s sustainability. QLVR leans hard into bio-based materials: a dandelion-derived foam it calls Dandelite, a Pebax Rnew polymer (from castor beans) for the Wing Fit system and propulsion plate, and a Tencel yarn upper made from eucalyptus fibres.

What it’s like to run in

The fit is the first shock. I used QLVR’s sizing guidance and went down to a UK 6.5 (I usually size up to a 7 in running shoes). Straight out of the box, they felt very snug: secure around the ankle and heel, with noticeably more arch presence than I’m used to.

But that sense of the arch’s prominence faded fast. Once I started moving, the shoe relaxed into something closer to a slipper-like comfort, without the wobbly, overly soft feeling some max-cushioned shoes can have. For easy treadmill miles, it’s been especially pleasant: quiet, stable, and easy to forget about.

The laceless convenience is not a gimmick, either. If you’re popping out for a short run, going from work to gym, or fitting training into the cracks of a day, sliding in and heading off is genuinely freeing. No lace bite across the midfoot, no fiddling to get heel lockdown just right. The rearfoot hold is simply “there” every time.

QLVR positions the ENDVR as a shoe that can handle everything from intervals to cross-training. Based on my testing, that checks out. It feels comfortable and controlled for steady running, and supportive enough for gym sessions where you’re moving laterally or lifting lightly.

But that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. For me, the snugness may be a limiter. On longer distances, feet swell and I like a little more room up front. With my toes close to the end of the shoe and a hint of heel rub developing, I’d be cautious about taking these beyond half marathon territory. But then again, they are designed as an all-round training shoe rather than a long distance running pair.

Grip has been mostly fine on roads, but on icy patches I felt less confident than in some of my regular winter-friendly trainers. And, subjectively, the look will be divisive: the Wing Fit silhouette is unapologetically bold, and personally I think they’re pretty ugly.

One extra practical win: QLVR says you can machine-wash the shoes cold after removing the insoles and using a laundry bag.

(Image credit: Lily Canter)Price and availability

The QLVR ENDVR costs £165 ($233, AUS $311) and is sold direct from the QLVR website. QLVR says it ships worldwide, although its FAQ notes US shipping is temporarily on hold while it assesses the impact of new import tariffs. The pricing is pretty much on-par with mid-range running and gym shoes.

QLVR ENDVR: Specifications

Type

Neutral multi-training

Drop

9mm drop with 35mm rear / 26mm forefoot stack height

Weight

270g (women’s size 6)

Sizing note

QLVR’s current guidance is worth considering carefully, as it is a little contradictory. The product page and FAQ suggest the shoe can size up a bit small, recommending going up half or a full size if you’re between sizes. But the size chart says if you follow its guide you don’t need to go up in size, as toe wiggle-room is built in. This is why I opted for a 6.5 after measuring my feet according to their metrics. If I wanted to run longer distances in these shoes, I would definitely size up to 7.

QLVR: Scorecard

Category

Comment

Score

Value

Appropriate for mid-range shoes

4/5

Design

Innovative and interesting

4/5

Performance

Great for mid-distance

4/5

QLVR ENDVR: Should I buy?Buy it if...

You're interested in new running tech

Been running in the same kind of shoes all your life? The QLVR is for runners interested in the experimental.

You care about the environment

The bio-based materials mean the shoe manufacturing process is eco-conscious.

Don't buy it if...

You're male

The QLVR ENDVR is specifically biomechanically designed for women's feet

You're a marathoner

If you’re a long-run purist or ultra runner who needs toe-box space when your feet puff up and a little more slack at the heel, then this might not be the solution you are seeking.

First reviewed: March 2026

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I'm a running coach — I've just tested shoes actually designed for women's feet, and they're a total game changer.

InnoCN GA27S1Q: 30-second review

On paper, the GA27S1Q is a remarkably well-specified monitor at a price that seriously undercuts the established names. Whether InnoCN can deliver on those specifications in the real world is what I set out to establish in this review, and spoiler alert, it largely hits its marks.

This design was originally pitched as a gaming platform, but it’s impossible for businesses to ignore a 27-inch QD-OLED panel running at 280Hz with an ergonomically adjustable chassis and a $400 price tag.

Especially as that cost puts it some distance below the usual asking price for this class of display from the likes of LG, Samsung, and Asus.

The headline numbers are certainly striking. A 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 0.03ms GtG response time, dual HDMI 2.1 ports, dual DisplayPort 1.4, a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, and coverage claimed at 98% DCI-P3 all look very good on paper. The panel supports a 48 to 280Hz adaptive sync range, covers AMD FreeSync and is G-Sync compatible, and includes VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification.

Where OLED always gives with one hand and takes with the other is brightness. The GA27S1Q is rated at 250 nits typical in SDR, which is a long way south of the figures that premium IPS and Mini-LED panels advertise. Therefore, this isn’t the screen for a brightly lit office, but it would work fine in a darker environment.

The design carries over the approach seen on other recent InnoCN monitors, with a flat panel, a three-sided frameless bezel, and a stand that offers height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and 90-degree pivot. RGB lighting sits on the rear cover, which can be switched off for those who would rather not have a light show behind their desk.

What the GA27S1Q offers for the business user is a highly affordable 27-inch panel with decent colour accuracy, low power consumption and sufficient input flexibility, all at a significant price reduction over branded options.

It might not be 4K or have enough nits of brightness for a premium HDR experience, but it ticks enough other boxes that it’s worthy of consideration for our best business monitors on value alone.

InnoCN GA27S1Q: Price and availability

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• How much does it cost? $449.99
• When is it out? It available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from InnoCN

The GA27S1Q launched in late January 2026 with a price of $549.99. At that level, it sits in very interesting territory, undercutting well-known 27-inch QD-OLED competitors by a meaningful margin.

It's listed on the official website here - although at the time of review, it's sold out. However, it is available for $400 at Amazon.com.

InnoCN ships to the US, the UK, Canada, and EU countries directly, with free shipping included and a 30-day return window. A 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects, with lifetime technical support promised beyond that.

UK and European pricing in local currencies had not been formally confirmed at the time of writing. The direct site prices in USD and the company's existing shipping infrastructure to this region suggest the GA27S1Q should be accessible to UK buyers, though it may need to be ordered directly from the InnoCN website rather than through a local retailer.

• Value: 5 / 5

InnoCN GA27S1Q: Specs

Specification

Detail

Model

GA27S1Q (also known as 2780s)

Panel size

27 inches (flat)

Panel type

QD-OLED

Resolution

2560 × 1440 (QHD / 1440p)

Aspect ratio

16:9

Pixel density

108.8 PPI

Refresh rate

280Hz (adaptive sync range 48–280Hz)

Response time

0.03ms GtG

Brightness (typical)

250 nits (SDR) / 200 nits minimum

Contrast ratio

1,500,000:1

Colour depth

10-bit (1.07 billion colours)

Colour coverage

98% DCI-P3, 99% sRGB, 94% Adobe RGB, 78% BT.2020

Colour accuracy

Delta E < 2 (factory claimed)

Viewing angles

178° horizontal / 178° vertical

HDR

VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400

Surface treatment

Non-glare (matte)

Bezel

Three-sided frameless

Connectivity

2× HDMI 2.1, 2× DisplayPort 1.4, 1× 3.5mm audio out

Adaptive sync

AMD FreeSync, G-Sync compatible

Speakers

2W × 2

Stand adjustment

Tilt -5° to +20°, swivel ±22.5°, pivot 90°, height 120mm

VESA mount

100 × 100mm

RGB lighting

Yes (rear cover)

Power supply

External adapter (DC 19V, 4.74A)

Power consumption

65W typical / 100W max

Dimensions (with stand)

611.1 × 513.5 × 221mm

Weight

5.7kg

Scaler

MT9802QDQTBX

Special features

Low blue light, flicker-free, PIP/PBP, anti-burn-in, Game Plus

InnoCN GA27S1Q: Design

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Thin and elegant
• Power brick
• Lacks a USB hub

The GA27S1Q follows a design language that InnoCN has been refining across its recent monitor range. The flat panel sits behind a three-sided frameless bezel, with only a thin chin visible at the bottom of the screen. The overall silhouette is clean and modern, without chasing the aggressive gamer aesthetic that dominates the other side of this market.

The stand is a genuine highlight at this price point. It offers 120mm of height adjustment, plus or minus 22.5 degrees of swivel, a tilt range from minus 5 to plus 20 degrees, and a full 90-degree pivot for portrait mode. There isn’t an orientation sensor, so if you switch, you will need to make some changes on the computer to output in portrait mode.

While hardly a business requirement, RGB lighting is present on the rear panel, but this can be switched off entirely via the OSD for those who prefer a calmer desk. VESA mounting is supported at the standard 100 x 100mm pattern, which means swapping to an arm is straightforward.

Connectivity is two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 inputs, and a single 3.5mm audio out. The dual HDMI 2.1 ports are useful for anyone running both a high-end PC and a console, with both capable of supporting 1440p at high refresh rates without an adapter.

The omission of a USB hub is notable at this price level, and the external power brick, rather than an integrated PSU, adds a small amount of cable-management friction, though this is common across OLED-class panels to better manage heat.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The OSD is navigated via a rear-mounted joystick, a far superior experience to the guess-the-button game that some monitors still embrace. However, you don’t need to use this at all, since a downloadable app is available which provides all the functionality of the OSD from the desktop.

Overall, this is a well-considered design that shows off how thin the QLED panel can make a monitor. It’s lightweight, enabling it to be easily moved around, and the OSD provides a wide range of configuration options for those who like to calibrate their screens.

There are some caveats to do with HDR and how that locks many features down, which I’ll talk about later, but there isn’t much about the GA27S1Q that makes it immediately identifiable as a low-cost option.

• Design: 4 / 5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)InnoCN GA27S1Q: Performance

• Under 250 nits
• 100% sRGB
• 99% AdobeRGB

Colour Gamut

Percentage

sRGB

100%

AdobeRGB

99%

P3

98%

NTSC

96%

Rec2020

85%

Gamma

2.2

Brightness/Contrast

Maximum Brightness

232.6

Maximum Contrast

N/A

These numbers show what OLED can offer, and it’s jolly impressive for anyone who works with colour on a regular basis. Those who get one of these and want to show off can send it into HDR mode and run some YouTube HDR demonstrations, and the colours are zinging.

However, it's not perfect, and the brightness limitations of this panel keep it from being ideal for HDR video work, as under 250 nits just isn’t enough to surpass HDR 400 ratings.

For HDR video work, at least HDR 1000 is needed, and this display can’t hit those notes.

But it’s evidence from the AdobeRGB 99% score that for less demanding colour work and photo editing, the GA27S1Q is more than up to the task.

One issue I need to make readers aware of is that this monitor doesn’t come with an excess of documentation. And, when I initially tried to test it using my Datacolor Spyder Pro calibrator, I found that all the optional modes were locked from modification.

While InnoCN didn’t mention this in the paperwork, I eventually discovered that when HDR mode is active on this display, you cannot adjust brightness, contrast, or select any other specific mode. Once HDR is deactivated, it's fully customisable again.

What’s important to understand is that the primary limitation of OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology in terms of lifespan is the gradual and uneven degradation of the organic materials used to output light.

Unlike LCDs, which use a separate backlight, OLED pixels are self-emissive; each pixel generates its own light and wears out individually based on how much it is used. In OLED, this eventually causes pixels to wear out, which can cause retained images to burn into the panel and uneven wear, with blue pixels displaying more than red and green.

On paper, an OLED panel could last 10-20 years, but realistically, "real-world" usable life often ranges between 3 to 6 years for high-intensity use cases like computer monitors.

In an attempt to mitigate these issues and give this design the best chance of valuable use, the OSD contains a full spectrum of tricks and options to extend the lifespan of the panel.

These include pixel shifting, the dimming of static icons and the taskbar, boundary detection, and even a care mode. This level of detail is often missing on laptops with OLED displays, so it’s good to see that InnoCN included them here. Though some documentation to explain what all these features do would also be helpful.

The only other issue I have to report is that, for whatever reason, I couldn’t test the contrast ratio, which might have been due to the extreme nature of the contrast ramp on this display.

The quoted contrast is 1.5M:1, which is insane.

Overall, the performance of this OLED panel is the same level as I would expect from a branded monitor, and its only noticeable weakness is brightness. But, using typically around 65W, that lower brightness level does translate into a reduced power consumption.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Performance: 5 / 5

InnoCN GA27S1Q: Final verdict

On specifications alone, the GA27S1Q makes a highly persuasive case. InnoCN has packaged a QD-OLED panel, a proper ergonomic stand, dual HDMI 2.1, and a 280Hz refresh rate at a price that sits noticeably below comparable offerings from established display brands. The 98% DCI-P3 colour coverage and factory Delta E less than 2 calibration suggest this should look excellent out of the box.

The practical caveats apply to the technology rather than to this specific panel. SDR brightness is modest by LCD standards, HDR True Black 400 is a step below the True Black 500 rating seen on some rivals, and there is no USB hub for peripherals. Those are known trade-offs with QD-OLED gaming monitors at this price level, and buyers who are aware of them going in will almost certainly find that the visual quality compensates for some of these issues.

For those looking at this display on the site and seeing the word ‘gaming’ and thinking this isn’t for business are missing the bigger picture, quite literally. This is almost the perfect display for creatives working with colour, as well as for anyone working in animation or game development.

I’m sure you can get exactly the same panel repackaged in black with a business brand logo on it, and pay at least twice the price for that. This is easily the best monitor I’ve experienced from InnoCN, and I’m excited to see what they do next.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)InnoCN GA27S1Q: Report card

Value

Cheap for this spec

5 / 5

Design

Nothing radical, but its missing a USB hub

4 / 5

Performance

Stunning colour gamut, contrast and refresh rate

5 / 5

Total

Easily worth what the maker is asking

4.5 / 5

Should you buy a InnoCN GA27S1Q?

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)Buy it if...

You work in a controlled light environment
QD-OLED panels deliver stunning contrast and colour in dim or dark rooms. If your workspace has controlled lighting, the visual payoff versus an IPS or VA panel is immediately apparent.

You need colour accuracy
With 99% AdobeRGB and 98% P3, this screen can show you a gamut that is good enough for most uses where colour is critical.View Deal

Don’t buy if...

You work in a very bright room
At 250 nits typical, the SDR brightness is modest by LCD standards. In a sunlit home office or a room with overhead fluorescent lighting, a bright IPS or Mini-LED panel will be considerably more comfortable.

For more options, we've tested the best business monitors.

The InnoCN GA27S1Q OLED is a low-cost but high-specification OLED monitor that has a foot in both the gaming and business sectors.

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