In a major leap forward in display technology, Asus has unveiled the world’s fastest OLED monitor, pushing refresh rates to a staggering 720Hz. While the refresh rate is undeniably record-breaking, the resolution that comes with it is a more modest 720p (1280×720 pixels).
This announcement has sparked intense debate among gamers, tech enthusiasts, and display purists. Is a 720Hz refresh rate worth it if the resolution is stuck at 720p? Let’s dive deep into the specifications, target audience, and implications of this next-generation gaming display.
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Quick Overview: Asus 720Hz OLED Monitor
- Model: Asus ROG Swift OLED (tentative name)
- Panel Type: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 720Hz (world’s fastest to date)
- Resolution: 1280×720 (HD)
- Size: Not officially announced, rumored to be 24 to 27 inches
- Target Market: Esports professionals and ultra-competitive gamers
- Expected Release Date: TBD (prototype stage as of announcement)
What is a 720Hz Refresh Rate — and Why Does It Matter?
The refresh rate of a monitor, measured in hertz (Hz), indicates how many times per second the display updates its image. Standard monitors typically offer 60Hz, with gaming monitors commonly pushing to 120Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz, or even 360Hz.
So what does 720Hz mean?
- The screen updates 720 times every second
- Offers significantly reduced input latency
- Enhances motion clarity, making fast-paced movements smoother and more fluid
- Designed specifically for high-speed, reaction-based games like CS2, Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, etc.
While going from 60Hz to 144Hz is visibly noticeable, the improvements from 360Hz to 720Hz are more subtle, mainly appreciated by esports athletes and competitive gamers looking for any possible advantage.
OLED Technology Meets Ultra-High Refresh Rates
OLED displays are known for their:
- True blacks and infinite contrast ratios
- Ultra-fast pixel response times
- Wide viewing angles
- Vibrant color reproduction
Historically, OLED panels have been slower in achieving ultra-high refresh rates compared to LCDs due to technical limitations and thermal constraints. Asus, however, seems to have overcome those hurdles, combining the blazing-fast responsiveness of OLED with a refresh rate that redefines industry standards.
The result is a display that not only refreshes 720 times a second but also does so with virtually zero ghosting, no motion blur, and instantaneous pixel transitions — a dream come true for competitive gamers.
But Why 720p Resolution?
This is the elephant in the room. The resolution of 1280×720 pixels, or HD, feels outdated in an era where 1440p (Quad HD) and 4K are rapidly becoming the norm — even in gaming. So, why would Asus pair a groundbreaking 720Hz refresh rate with such a low resolution?
Reasons for Choosing 720p:
- Performance Trade-offs:
Higher refresh rates require more bandwidth and data processing. Rendering 720 frames per second at 1080p or higher would put enormous stress on both the display and the GPU. 720p is a necessary trade-off to hit those ultra-high frame rates. - Target Audience:
- The monitor is clearly aimed at esports pros and competitive players, many of whom already lower their in-game resolution for better frame rates and reduced input lag.
- For games like Counter-Strike, Valorant, and Overwatch, clarity and responsiveness matter more than resolution.
- Proof of Concept:
- This 720Hz OLED monitor is likely a prototype or concept model to showcase Asus’s technological capabilities.
- Future versions may aim to balance resolution and refresh rate as display controllers and GPUs evolve.
- Thermal Constraints in OLEDs:
- Higher resolutions generate more heat, which OLED panels are sensitive to.
- Sticking to 720p may help maintain thermal efficiency and panel longevity at ultra-high refresh rates.
Is 720Hz Noticeable Over 360Hz or 480Hz?
Here’s the truth: For the average user, probably not. The human eye has limitations, and most gamers will struggle to perceive a dramatic difference between 360Hz and 720Hz. However, in the esports world:
- Milliseconds can mean victory or defeat
- Higher frame delivery reduces input lag
- Motion appears smoother, even when it’s not consciously perceived
This monitor is less about what you can see, and more about what you can react to. It’s not for Netflix or casual RPG gaming — it’s for shaving off milliseconds in headshot duels.
Use Cases for a 720Hz OLED Monitor
1. Esports Training Facilities
- Training centers may use this monitor to help athletes react faster, track movements more accurately, and refine twitch reflexes.
2. Input Latency Research and Benchmarking
- Hardware reviewers and engineers might use such monitors to test latency, refresh delay, and frame delivery under extreme conditions.
3. High-FPS Gaming Titles
- Games that can push beyond 500 FPS (like CS2 or Valorant) can benefit directly from the 720Hz refresh rate.
4. Competitive Streamers
- Streamers who play at the top 1% of competitive ladders may use this monitor to maintain an edge, even if the resolution isn’t a priority.
Is This Monitor Practical for Everyday Use?
In a word: no.
- For most users, 720p is too low for daily computing or entertainment.
- Even competitive gamers often prefer at least 1080p for clarity.
- No current GPU setup is optimized for delivering 720fps at 720Hz in modern AAA titles.
This display is highly niche and purpose-driven, not meant for casual browsing, editing, or immersive storytelling.
How Does This Compare to Existing High-Refresh Monitors?
| Monitor | Refresh Rate | Resolution | Panel Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asus ROG Swift OLED (New) | 720Hz | 720p | OLED |
| Alienware AW2524H | 500Hz | 1080p | IPS |
| Asus ROG Swift PG259QNR | 360Hz | 1080p | IPS |
| BenQ Zowie XL2566K | 360Hz | 1080p | TN |
| LG UltraGear OLED 27GR95QE | 240Hz | 1440p | OLED |
Asus’s 720Hz monitor is in a league of its own — nearly 50% faster than the current fastest consumer monitor, but at a cost to resolution.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Display Technology?
Asus’s move to create a 720Hz OLED monitor is a glimpse into the future of ultra-high-refresh-rate displays. While this product may not make it to mass market in its current form, it sets the stage for:
- Increased Innovation in OLED Panels
Pushing OLEDs to higher refresh rates can lead to better performance for all OLED displays — even those designed for general use. - New Standards for Esports Hardware
Esports equipment will likely evolve to match — with better input devices, GPUs, and game engines optimized for ultra-low latency. - Advancement in Display Controllers
Achieving 720Hz requires next-gen timing controllers and processing pipelines, which will eventually benefit consumer-grade monitors. - Shift in Priorities
Manufacturers may begin offering customizable performance modes — allowing users to choose between resolution and refresh rate, depending on their gaming goals.
Should You Buy It (If It Launches)?
Only if you are:
✅ A professional esports player
✅ A hardcore competitive gamer who lives for every millisecond
✅ A display enthusiast or tech reviewer
✅ Someone with a top-tier PC capable of 720+ FPS
If you fall outside that narrow demographic, you’re better off with a 240Hz or 360Hz 1080p monitor, or even a 1440p OLED at 240Hz for more visual fidelity and versatility.
Frequently Asked Question
What makes Asus’s 720Hz OLED monitor special?
This monitor features the world’s fastest refresh rate at 720Hz, combined with OLED technology, which offers superior response times and vibrant visuals. It’s designed for extreme motion clarity and minimal input lag — ideal for competitive gaming.
Why does the monitor only support 720p resolution?
The 720p resolution is a trade-off to achieve the 720Hz refresh rate. Rendering that many frames per second at higher resolutions would be extremely demanding on both the display hardware and the connected GPU. It prioritizes speed over detail.
Who is this monitor designed for?
It’s aimed primarily at esports professionals and hardcore competitive gamers who value input responsiveness and minimal motion blur over graphical fidelity.
Can any PC run games at 720Hz?
Not easily. Only lightweight esports titles (like CS2, Valorant, or Quake) with powerful hardware can come close to reaching 720 FPS to fully utilize the refresh rate. Most games and systems won’t hit those numbers consistently.
Is 720Hz visually better than 360Hz or 240Hz?
The visual difference is very subtle, especially beyond 360Hz. However, the reduced input delay and smoother motion may benefit elite players, even if it’s not noticeable to the average gamer.
Will Asus release a 1080p or 1440p version with 720Hz?
As of now, no such version has been announced. Due to current hardware and thermal limitations, higher resolutions at 720Hz are not yet feasible. Future iterations may strike a better balance.
When will the Asus 720Hz OLED monitor be available for purchase?
There’s no official release date yet. The monitor is currently a prototype or concept, showcased to demonstrate what’s possible in display technology. Availability will likely depend on demand and manufacturing readiness.
Conclusion
Asus’s 720Hz OLED monitor is a bold step that pushes the envelope in both refresh rate performance and OLED capabilities. Yes, the 720p resolution limits its mainstream appeal, but it was never meant to be a general-use product. It’s a proof of concept, a statement piece, and a tool for elite gamers. While it may not replace your daily driver monitor, it represents a key moment in display innovation — and paves the way for future breakthroughs where ultra-high refresh rates and high resolutions can finally coexist.
