Recently, most of the best-curved monitors have transitioned from rare to commonplace. Initially popular among gamers and professionals engaged in design and content creation, curved designs have made their way into general home and business monitors. Their aesthetic appeal is undeniable, but the allure goes beyond visual aesthetics.
Users often describe the experience of using a curved monitor as engaging, pulling them into the content and providing a sense of dimensionality that flat panels lack. Notably, many of the latest ultrawide monitors, including those designed for gaming and business applications, feature a curved design. This curvature enhances the user’s field of view, offering a broader perspective with minimal distortion at the screen edges.
The following discussion will delve into the essentials of purchasing the best-curved monitors. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this evolving technology.
What will you see here?
LG 49WL95C-W
We opted for the LG 49WL95C-W due to its expansive screen real estate and impressive resolution, making it an excellent choice for professionals juggling multiple application windows simultaneously. The display delivers commendable image quality across text, photos, and video. Connectivity is robust, featuring two HDMI 2.0 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a versatile USB-C port. The USB-C port not only supports DisplayPort Over USB-C but also facilitates USB Power Delivery, allowing you to charge your laptop or other devices effortlessly. Adding to its allure is the potent speaker system, eliminating the need for headphones or external speakers when enjoying video content or music.
Designed with productivity in mind, the LG 49WL95C-W is a multitasking marvel with a dash of entertainment prowess. Whether you're navigating extensive spreadsheets, monitoring market feeds, or simply managing your email, main work window, and social media activity simultaneously, this oversized monitor proves its worth. While it may come with a higher price tag, the LG 49WL95C-W offers a substantial return on investment, boasting an array of features and an expansive screen that justifies its cost.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 stands as a marvel in the realm of gaming monitors, boasting a slim and sophisticated design coupled with a breathtaking 32:9 aspect ratio on its curved 49-inch display. This monitor is a visual feast, especially for those deeply entrenched in the world of PC gaming. Its sleek frame houses an impressive OLED panel, delivering unparalleled color accuracy and coverage, characteristics synonymous with OLED screens.
Beyond its visual prowess, the Odyssey G9 is not just a monitor; it's a smart companion for gamers. Access to Samsung’s online gaming hub and an array of media features akin to Samsung TVs, including various streaming apps, adds a layer of versatility to its allure. However, such sophistication comes at a premium, placing it beyond the reach of the average gamer. The Odyssey G9 caters to enthusiasts seeking an extraordinary gaming experience, whether immersed in a flight simulation or engaged in high-speed racing. Its extraordinary features, from near-perfect color-gamut coverage to an impressive contrast ratio, make it a top-tier choice for those willing to make a substantial investment in their gaming setup. In essence, the Odyssey OLED G9 is a rare gem for those who demand excellence and are willing to pay the price for it.
Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 QD OLED Gaming Monitor
The Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 emerges as the epitome of sophistication and performance, seamlessly marrying style and function to satiate the cravings of discerning gamers. Crafted with an aesthetically pleasing cabinet design and featuring an expansive ultrawide OLED panel, this monitor transcends the ordinary, creating a visual spectacle that caters to the desires of gamers who seek top-tier displays.
In the realm of image quality, the Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 stands as a towering presence, excelling in both SDR and HDR content. Its remarkable color precision and wide color gamut lend a profound richness to every pixel on the 34-inch screen. The gracefully curved display, subtly illuminated, offers a mesmerizing visual journey that enchants users with its breathtaking color spectrum.
While the premium price tag aligns with its high-end components, the Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 stands out as a stellar choice for gaming enthusiasts in pursuit of a grand, curved OLED display. Despite minor imperfections like slightly extended input lag, this monitor establishes itself as a rare find in the ultrawide gaming landscape, promising an unparalleled fusion of style and substance.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9
The colossal 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is a gaming display that's nothing short of spectacular. Boasting an impressive 7,680-by-2,160-pixel resolution, it propels you halfway into the realm of true 8K visuals. The monitor stands as a productivity behemoth with its plethora of ports, including the cutting-edge DisplayPort 2.1 jack, making it an ideal choice for both work and play. However, its true calling lies in elevating your gaming experience to unparalleled heights.
The immersive curved screen is a visual feast, delivering remarkable brightness and out-of-the-box color coverage. Yet, there's a caveat – to unlock the full potential of this bleeding-edge marvel, your GPU must harness the prowess of the new DisplayPort 2.1 version.
While coveted by multitaskers, flight-sim enthusiasts, and those seeking a cinematic gaming experience, the Odyssey Neo G9 comes with a hefty price tag. It's a treasure for well-heeled gaming enthusiasts equipped with the cutting-edge tech necessary to fully harness the monitor's formidable power. It's a display that goes beyond the ordinary, inviting you to immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of high-end gaming.
Samsung 24-Inch CF396 Curved LED Monitor
The Samsung CF396 Curved LED Monitor, with its modest 24-inch size, manages to strike a balance between compactness and affordability. While it may be on the smaller side for a curved display, this characteristic contributes to its cost-effectiveness. Sporting a full HD (1080p) resolution, it doesn't overwhelm with an abundance of ports but compensates with its impressive brightness and outstanding sRGB color coverage within the constraints of a budget-friendly monitor.
What sets the CF396 apart is its gently curved screen and unique mini-joystick controller, features not commonly found in monitors within its price range. This monitor proves to be a suitable choice for those seeking a bright and adaptable display without breaking the bank. Its versatility makes it a practical addition to various settings, including home offices, studies, living rooms, or game rooms.
Beyond its economic appeal, the CF396 offers convenience features typically associated with more expensive models. It is well-suited for a range of tasks, from general office work to video viewing and even light photo editing. In essence, the Samsung CF396 emerges as a compelling option for users who value a cost-effective yet capable monitor without compromising on essential features.
Asus ProArt PA34VC Professional Curved Monitor
In Asus ProArt PA348CGV, you can have a display size of 34 inches in an IPS panel with a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440. This type of monitor is rarely seen in the market. Yes, it has a higher price to consume, but you can have too many things in this one monitor, which is well worth its price. And also, if you want a multi-professional monitor, this monitor is recommendable.
This monitor also includes a 120Hz frame rate, 2ms G2G response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility. For those curious, this is not an 8-bit Plus FRC model but an actual 10-bit panel. It also supports HDR10 decoding and holds a DisplayHDR 400 certification.
What Port and Resolution Should You Get in Curved Monitors?
The 21:9 curved displays usually offer a WQHD native resolution of 3,440 by 1,440 pixels, while the 32:9 monitors, including the 49-inch ones, have native resolutions of either 5,120 by 1,440 pixels or 3,840 by 1,080 pixels.
In terms of connectivity, the ports on these monitors are usually located downward in the back, which may not be ideal given their size and weight. It’s advisable to connect all necessary cables during the initial setup. Whether used for gaming, productivity, or professional purposes, curved displays typically include at least one DisplayPort and HDMI connector, an upstream USB port (often USB-C in newer models), and several downstream USB ports for peripherals. Additionally, most have an audio-out jack for headsets or external speakers, with some featuring built-in speakers, albeit varying in quality.
Monitors use four-way mini-joystick controllers or small buttons to navigate the onscreen display (OSD) and adjust settings like brightness and contrast. Button controls are more common on general-purpose curved monitors, while gaming and professional displays usually opt for mini joysticks, which are considered easier to use.
Conclusion
The evolution of the best-curved monitors from niche to commonplace has brought diverse options catering to different needs and preferences. Their immersive experience, particularly with ultrawide displays, has transcended the gaming and professional realms, making its mark in homes and businesses.
The market, highlighted by standouts like the LG 49WL95C-W, Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, Philips Evnia 34M2C8600, Samsung Odyssey Neo G9, and the more budget-friendly Samsung 24-Inch CF396, provides choices for various applications and budgets. These monitors boast impressive features, from expansive screen real estate and powerful speakers to OLED displays with exceptional color accuracy.
Each curved monitor brings a unique blend of style and functionality, whether for productivity, gaming, or creative tasks. The Asus ProArt PA34VC, for instance, stands as a top-tier choice for creative professionals, offering excellent color accuracy and versatile usage. Ultimately, deciding the right curved monitor boils down to individual preferences, balancing factors like screen size, resolution, connectivity, and budget to create a personalized and engaging viewing experience. As technology advances, the curved monitor world promises further innovations, captivating users with enhanced visuals and immersive displays.
