Samsung Monitor - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
Samsung has been a fierce competitor in the line of computer monitors for years. Many users find their models to be fast, vivid, and versatile enough for general use or heavy gaming.
To navigate the Samsung lineup, it helps to have an idea of your budget and how your computer will be used. Consider whether you need a monitor that can offer high resolution, a fast refresh rate, and dynamic colors. If not, or if your budget is tight, you can find an entry-level Samsung monitor on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
To start your search, read our handy guide to the best Samsung monitors for your desktop setup. There is a lot of useful information about the different features, as well as some of our favorites.
Key Considerations
- Size
Monitors are getting bigger every year, and Samsung monitors are no exception. In most cases, the screen size of a monitor is measured diagonally. The size of the screen influences the layout and volume of the rest of the monitors, which means that everything gets bigger as the size of the screen increases.
- Purpose
Even though all computer monitors do the same job, many manufacturers like Samsung make specialized monitors designed for different tasks. This has given rise to different subcategories such as games and media. Finding the best type of monitor for your desktop setup depends on how the computer is used.
Basic : In general, everyday monitors, for example, tend to be basic in design and size. Since they don't have to handle the high demands of gaming or video editing, they aren't as powerful in terms of specs. While this makes them more limited in overall performance, these monitors are also more affordable for desktop setups that don't need the extra power.
Specialized : Heavy gaming or multimedia use (such as graphic design or video editing) demands more from the monitor. To offer higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, accurate colors, and other high-quality specifications, the monitor is more specialized and expensive. Despite the extra cost, Samsung has a wide range of high-end gaming monitors in different sizes, so you'll likely be able to find something affordable if you don't need the latest and greatest.
- Performance
One way to compare the different monitoring options is to break down their specifications. In addition to screen size, monitors have various specifications that give you an idea of what you can expect from the monitor's performance.
Refresh Rate : After screen size and resolution, refresh rate is one of the most common specifications. Measured in Hertz (Hz), the refresh rate is how often the image is updated. The standard frequency for modern monitors is 60 Hz, but you can find Samsung models with faster frequencies, such as 120 Hz. Faster refresh rates are better for gaming or multimedia tasks that have a lot to do with the screen.
Response Time : Similar to the refresh rate, the response time of a monitor measures the transition time between images. Measured in milliseconds (ms), when it comes to response time, lower numbers are better. The best Samsung monitors offer response times in the single digits, creating a smooth, seamless look on the screen.
Samsung Monitor Features
- Screen Type
Today's computer monitors use different screen and panel technologies to display an image. The choice of panel depends on the desired performance and your budget.
TN: The most common type of panel, the twisted nematic (TN), is a good example of an inexpensive option that sacrifices some image quality. However, one area where TN panels shine is in response time, making them ideal for gaming.
Vertical Alignment (VA) panels are a step up from TN panels. These offer more accurate colors and decent response times for a slightly higher cost. Unfortunately, performance can be less reliable. For example, response time under heavy usage conditions may not be up to specification.
IPS: At the high end, In-Plane Switching (IPS) panels are the preferred panel type when it comes to image quality. Colors are richer, with better contrast and brightness capabilities. Despite the increase in image quality, some hobby gamers steer clear of IPS panels due to monitors' limited response times.
- Resolution
The resolution of a monitor is a measure of the number of pixels the screen has to produce the colors that are combined to make images, often using LED lights. That number affects the clarity of the screen, especially when it comes to small details. Higher resolution uses more pixels, which means details are clearer and sharper. Increased screen quality usually comes at a higher price.
HD : The most common resolution is 1092 x 1080 pixels, or 1080p. Sometimes called HD, this resolution is good enough for everyday use, watching videos, and running games with decent image quality.
- Ports
The computer screen itself is only part of what a monitor can offer. With built-in speakers and accessory ports, you can expand the capabilities of both the monitor and the computer itself.
GPU : The most important port is the visual connection that delivers images from the graphics processing unit (GPU). Most Samsung monitors come with an assortment of ports that a cable can be plugged into for visual output.
HDMI and DisplayPort : Previously new technologies like HDMI and DisplayPort are now standard on virtually all Samsung monitors. These ports offer high resolutions and even audio with the right graphics card and cables. DisplayPort 1.4, in particular, is an excellent port for gaming, as it can handle 4K resolutions up to 200Hz.
VGA and DVI : You may find some basic monitors that have older ports like Video Graphics Array (VGA) and Digital Visual Interface (DVI). For years, VGA was the standard display connection, and it's still common in older laptops and projectors. Older graphics cards may also have a VGA or DVI connection, but that doesn't mean you need an older monitor. Adapters like VGA to HDMI cables can bridge the gap between old and new ports.
Tips
Buy the largest monitor you can afford. It's hard to go wrong here. The workflow is more efficient, and the gaming experience is more immersive.
Match the monitor to the graphics card. Some monitors are paired with certain GPU manufacturers like Nvidia or AMD. Buying a monitor in sync with your graphics card can reduce response time to less than five milliseconds.
Use a screen. Some people find that using one large monitor is preferable to multi-monitor setups since a single screen isn't divided by bezels.
Try external speakers for better sound quality. The built-in audio speakers are a good way to get sound from your computer, but don't expect the best possible sound quality. A dedicated speaker setup is the best way to have great audio.
Other Products We Consider
One area where Samsung has carved a niche for itself is in curved monitors. The preference for curved monitors depends on personal taste, but many people find the design to be more immersive and ergonomic. Samsung's 32-inch curved monitor is a good entry-level curved monitor that won't break the bank even though it offers the same screen as more expensive options. Taking things to the extreme, the Samsung LC49HG90DMUXEN 48.9-inch Ultra Wide Curved Monitor stretches that space up to 49 inches. Better yet, the monitor is designed with gamers in mind, offering a 144Hz refresh rate.
Read More :