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Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED review: A strong highlight among the greatest super ultrawide monitors

3:00 am | November 9, 2025

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: Two-minute review

Resident Evil 4 running on Philips Evnia super ultrawide — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

I was specifically drawn towards the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 in hopes that its Ambilight RGB feature would enhance my gaming experience, and I'm quite happy to report that it did, with color shifts that made my favorite games like Resident Evil 4 remake and Cyberpunk 2077 blossom even more – but not without some downsides. As I mentioned in a previous feature, my love for super-ultrawide monitors hasn't faded, but I've felt I needed a break from them.

Issues with desk space and games not supporting the 32:9 aspect ratio are one thing, but the 49-inch display size made the Auto Brightness Limiter (ABL) far more noticeable than it would be on a smaller display, as I realized when testing on other OLED ultrawide monitors like the Alienware AW3423DWF OLED ultrawide.

In my experience, I couldn't fully enjoy the Ambilight feature as much as I thought I would, considering the length of the display (which can serve as a compliment to how immersive it is), and yes, I tried it without another monitor mounted on top of it, and came to the same conclusion. It's also worth noting that the Ambilight feature can sometimes fail at representing accurate colors.

That doesn't mean it's bad by any means, but it made me realize that I likely would have enjoyed the feature far more on the 34-inch 1440p or 42-inch 4K Philips Evnia models. It just gets to a point where you wonder if the 32:9 aspect ratio is a little bit too much, but ultimately, if those aren't dealbreakers for you, you'll absolutely love this display.

Side image of Philips Evnia monitor — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

On a more positive note, though, gaming in titles like Call of Duty or Battlefield 6 on this display gives you an extra edge and lets you take advantage of a 240Hz refresh rate. If you have the hardware capable of pushing high frame rates, you'll reap the benefits with smooth gameplay and a 0.03ms Grey-to-Grey (GtG) response time, minimizing ghosting and blur as pixels transition.

It's not just multiplayer FPS shooters where this shines, as this is an exceptional display in narrative-driven action games, and truly makes you feel like you're at the center of the action. The increased point of view you get with super ultrawide displays, as such, should not be understated, providing a cinematic experience to get lost in, and I felt that across the numerous single-player games I tested on this display.

The 49M2C8900 is another display that highlights how much better OLED is when compared to regular LED or even mini-LED monitors. Sure, mini-LED displays can provide better, more consistent brightness levels, notably because there's no frustration with ABL. However, OLED is simply undefeated when it comes to deep black levels, and you can see that in my Wallpaper Engine screenshots below – truly fascinating.

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Wallpaper Engine running on desktop screen — Now imagine that deep black level accuracy in a horror game... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

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Showcase of Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED monitor — Now imagine that deep black level accuracy in a horror game... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Just to highlight, if you're a big fan of horror games that take full advantage of dark environments or even those with constant color changes like Cronos The New Dawn, then there's plenty of fun to be had with this display. The images don't do it enough justice, and some might even suggest there's major bloom or over exposure, but that isn't the case at all with this display.

It gets even better when Ambilight is working at its best, blending in perfectly with jumpscares or sequences in games where colors shift rapidly on screen, lending extra ammunition to an immersive visual experience. I can definitely see this being loved by those who aren't particularly enthused by Ambilight when buying this monitor, as opposed to me, who was underwhelmed with its inconsistencies.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: Price & Availability

How much does it cost? $1,500 (retail) / £799 / AU$1,799
When is it available? Available now (first released in 2023)
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 is a pricey super ultrawide monitor, retailing at $1,500 and around £1,649.99 in the UK, which would have been an instant dealbreaker for me and many others. Still, it's been available since 2023, so pricing has inevitably plummeted, meaning you can find it at much lower prices – specifically £799 (around $1,050) – with more active sales seeing it drop even further.

Is it worth the retail price it was at previously? No, and that's no shade on the display's quality, because $1,500 is a tough ask for any gaming monitor. However, at its current pricing, I can easily recommend this for anyone who's adamant to dive into the QD-OLED super ultrawide gaming experience, with the added productivity benefits.

However, it's worth noting that if you do plan on getting this display, it's best to act fast, as it can be quite difficult to find it at various online stores. It doesn't appear to be discontinued yet, but new Philips Evnia monitors are likely on the horizon to take the limelight.

Ambilight LEDs on Philips Evnia monitor — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: Specs

Screen Size	49-inch
Aspect Ratio	32:9
Resolution	5120x1440
Brightness	1000 nits (Max)
Contrast Ratio	1,500,000:1
Refresh Rate	240 Hz
Color Gamut	10-bit / DCI-P3
Speakers	7.5 W x 4, DTS
HDR	DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified
Weight	13.96 kg (with stand) \| 10.82kg (without stand)
Wall Mountable (VESA)	100 x 100 mm
FreeSync Premium technology	Premium Pro
Power Delivery	Up to 90 W
Panel Type	QD-OLED
Connections	HDMI 2.1 x 2 USB-C x 1 (PD) DP 1.4 x 1 USB 3.2 x 5 (incl upstream) Audio Out

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: Performance & Design

Again, on a more consistent basis, I was left happy using the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900, as it gave me what I needed for almost all of my games (excluding those that don't support the 32:9 aspect ratio).

It's simple, really: if immersion is your top priority and you've never used a display like this, I have no doubt this will be right up your alley. I must admit that I'm an ultrawide enthusiast, so I do have an element of bias towards these displays. Still, if anything, that ultimately makes me more critical of them with nitpicks – but aside from the issues with Ambilight and ABL, there are hardly any complaints from me with this display.

When ABL isn't an issue, you really notice just how great high brightness is for gaming, and thanks to the QD-OLED panel, I had no problems with any form of ghosting or smearing, which is something you might find with a VA mini-LED monitor, like the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide monitor I reviewed.

Image of Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

It's also worth noting that while this monitor is FreeSync Premium Pro certified, it supports G-Sync, so both AMD and Nvidia GPU users will be able to enjoy screen-tearing-free gameplay.

Speaking of GPUs, it would be worth investing in a beefy GPU; to give you an idea, I was using the Asus TUF RTX 4080 Super OC GPU (the second GPU behind the RTX 4090), and the 5120x1440 display resolution gives it a run for its money, knocking Cyberpunk 2077's frame rate down to its knees around 50 to 60fps with ray tracing enabled and Frame Generation disabled.

In terms of design, there's a lot to love regarding the Ambilight feature when it's functioning without glitches, and, excusing my personal issues with the width of these super ultrawide monitors, I believe many others will appreciate color shifts and effects even more than I do.

I didn't get to use a monitor mount, and the stand that comes with it is serviceable, but I would recommend buying a desk mount as the stand's base takes up a decent amount of space on the desk – and the screen itself is already wide enough, taking up a majority of the room available.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: Productivity & OSD

Image of Philips Evnia On Screen Display — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

It isn't just gaming where it shines, though, as productivity was a highlight while testing this display. If you thought that the 32:9 aspect ratio would serve as a detriment to your work-from-home duties, think again, because I was left very pleased with what the 49M2C8900 had to offer.

I tend to multitask a lot when working, with multiple browser tabs left open, and perhaps some videos playing in the background, and this is the monitor built just for that. Yes, there are readability issues, as you'll find with a wide variety of OLED displays with fringing around text, but this has never been a major issue for me, and it wasn't the case with this display either.

While my review unit didn't come with a remote control, the addition of one is a godsend, and another aspect I don't see nearly enough monitor manufacturers considering. I haven't got my hands on the remote control at all, but I don't need it, as I know that anything other than constantly reaching for the power button and OSD control behind the display is significantly more convenient.

The OSD itself is serviceable with numerous tabs on settings for Ambilight (in the Ambiglow tab), SmartImage, and other input and audio options. Besides the option of a remote control or the OSD control on the monitor rear, the Philips Evnia Precision Center software works wonders as a replacement, allowing you to change settings via mouse and keyboard.

Should you buy the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED?

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED Scorecard
Value	While the initial retail price would have knocked some points off here, the price drop makes all the features across the board much better.	4 / 5
Design	The Ambilight (or Ambiglow) feature can be frustrating to use sometimes with a some glitches and inconsistencies in color accuracy, but for the most part, it gets the job done and is great for a boost in immersion	4 / 5
Performance	The 49M2C8900 is easily one of the best gaming monitors on the market, providing exceptional quality with its 240Hz refresh rate, 32:9 aspect ratio, and a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, thanks to the QD-OLED panel.	4.5 / 5
Productivity	With a 32:9 aspect ratio at 49 inches, there is so much that can be simultaneously with this monitor, despite any case of text smearing.	4 / 5
Final Score	It's not perfect, specifically due to issues with brightness limitations under certain conditions, and some Ambilight inconsistences, but there's hardly any major issues to be had, and it certainly provides an experience many will love.	4 / 5

Buy the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED if...

Like many similar super ultrawide monitors, the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 fits the bill for a widened, immersive gaming experience, and it excels with its QD-OLED panel.

There aren't many gaming monitors on the market that use this feature, but the Philips Evnia's Ambilight feature takes game entertainment a step up, by syncing RGB LEDs with colors on screen.

Don't buy it if...

If ABL was a reason you moved away from another OLED monitor, you're not going to find it any less frustrating here.

The 49M2C8900 will take up most of your desk space if your desk isn't big enough, so if you're unwilling to upgrade on desk space, you'll have trouble making room for other components alongside the display.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED: also consider

The LG Ultragear GX9 45GX950A-B is a very expensive gaming monitor, but its price is close to the 49M2C8900's retail price, and it is possibly the best gaming monitor you can buy right now. It's a 45-inch display with an 800R curve, running at 5120x2160 resolution, which many would label a '4K ultrawide'.

Read the full LG Ultragear GX9 45GX960A-B review

How I tested the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED

I used the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 QD-OLED for just over a month, for both work and play, testing numerous games and movies to grasp the performance of the screen and the Ambilight color capabilities.

This is a 32:9 display, so multiplayer shooters like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 were tested to take full advantage of the screen estate and enhanced perspective of action on screen. It's incredibly ideal for games that rely on instant reactions and better views of peripherals, and it's one of the highlights that I noticed consistently.

After using a handful of displays now (particularly QD-OLED), I've been able to differentiate the pros and cons of these displays compared to regular LEDs or mini-LED, which is why I'm certain that this is among the best you'll ever find on the market.

I played all the latest games on this stunning 32-inch 4K OLED monitor and now I can’t go back to plain old LCD

6:00 pm | September 14, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, LCD | Comments: Off

Acer Predator X32 X: One-minute review

The Acer Predator X32 X is not the first 32-inch 4K gaming monitor we've seen using Samsung's QD-OLED panel technology, but it does pack a particularly strong feature set at an awfully punchy price.

As ever, the central appeal here is a stunning 32-inch QD-OLED panel with full 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh. That means you not only have a large, cinematic viewing experience. You also get great pixel density, and therefore super-sharp visuals with oodles of detail.

This isn't the very latest OLED technology, so there are some limitations that I'll come to shortly, but Acer has upped the ante over some of the similarly priced competition. Retailing for $1,199.99 (about £885 / AU$1,800), the Predator X32 X has really strong supporting features, including USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery and a KVM switch, the latter allowing you to share this monitor with two PCs or maybe a PC and a console.

Just be sure to note that we're talking here about the Acer Predator X32 X and specifically the model with the Xbmiipphuzx suffix. It's distinct from the mere Acer Predator X32 V2bmiiphx, which is similar, but only runs at 165Hz and doesn't offer the USB-C and KVM switch. Oh, and also don't confuse this with the Acer Predator X32 X3, which seems very similar but is actually based on LG's competing WOLED panel tech.

Yes, it's all a bit confusing, and those alpha-numeric jumbles are a branding disgrace, but none of that prevents this monitor from going toe-to-toe with the best gaming monitors on the market right now.

Acer Predator X32 X: Price & availability

An Aceer Predator X32 X on a desk — (Image credit: Future / Jeremy Laird)

How much does it cost? $1,199 (about £855/AU$1,800)
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US and UK, with Australia availability TBD

While the MSRP on this monitor might be $1,199.99, Acer and other retailers have cut the price of this monitor by 25%, making it an even more attractive value for a 32-inch QD-OLED 4K display. View Deal

At $1,199.99 in the US (about £885/AU$1,800), this isn't the absolute cheapest 32-inch gaming monitor based on Samsung's 4K QD-OLED panel. It's also difficult to find in the UK right now, as some retailers like Amazon and Overclockers will have a listing for the monitor, but list it as unavailable and don't give current pricing. I've reached out to Acer about the stock issues in the UK and will update this review if and when I hear back from the company.

One of the things that makes the UK stock issues frustrating, though, is that the Predator X32 X is one of the most competitive 4K QD-OLED gaming monitors out there.

Few if any comparably priced 32-inch 4K OLEDs include both USB-C with power delivery and full KVM switch capability. If you want to share this monitor across, say, a gaming PC and a laptop, that's just perfect.

Even if you don't, you're paying little to nothing extra for the option to do something like that in the future. That makes this Acer a bit of a no-brainer if you're shopping among the various 32-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor options on the market right now, like the Alienware 32 AW3225QF or MSI MAG 321UPX.

Value: 4.5 / 5

Acer Predator X32 X: Specs

Acer Predator X32 X Specifications
Screen size		31.5-inch diagonal
Resolution		3,840x2,160p
Panel technology		Samsung QD-OLED
Refresh rate		240Hz
Response time		0.03ms
Panel curve		1700R
HDR		HDR Black 400
Brightness		250 nits full screen, 1,000 nits in a 3% window
Features		HDMI 2.1 x2, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C hub with 4x USB-A and 1x USB-C with 65W power delivery, USB-A hub, KVM switch

Acer Predator X32 X: Features

USB-C with power delivery
KVM switch

Though I've seen plenty of best 4K monitors implement Samsung's QD-OLED panel tech, the Acer Predator X32 X is unusual in implementing a curved panel surface. It's fairly gentle at 1700R, but curved monitors aren't to absolutely everyone's taste.

For the record, it also comes with a glossy panel coating for maximum contrast. Again, there's a degree of personal preference in the whole glossy-versus-matte thing, so whether this is a plus or a minus will depend on which side of that divide you land.

More universally welcome is the excellent connectivity. As you'd expect, there's both HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 (two of the former, one of the latter). But the extras start with USB-C with 65W power delivery.

You can get USB-C interfaces with over 90 watts of power. But a high performance gaming laptop needs plenty more still. Few, if any, monitors can keep a true gaming laptop fully juiced. So, this Acer's USB-C interface still delivers on the premise of single-cable connectivity for a thin-and-light portable.

To that you can add a USB-A hub and KVM switch capability. That suits the broader capabilities of this monitor pretty handily. As a 4K 32-inch monitor, it's ideal for getting serious work done. But the 240Hz refresh and OLED panel tech are also fantastic for gaming.

With the KVM switch, you can attach both a gaming rig and, say, a work laptop, and seamlessly share a keyboard and mouse across both PCs. The Acer Predator X32 X isn't unique in this class to offer those features. But it is one of, if not the cheapest, we've seen to do so, and it's something not many of even the best monitors on the market don't offer.

Features: 4.5 / 5

Acer Predator X32 X: Design

Narrow bezels
Good adjustability
Requires a large power adapter

Design considerations are always subjective. But there's no doubting the Acer Predator X32 X is unambiguously aimed at gamers, what with its sharp lines and RGB mood lighting. Minimalist and sleek it ain't.

That said, the most gamery design flourishes including the RGB lighting are at the rear. The front of the monitor is relatively low key with slim bezels on all four sides of the QD-OLED panel.

Likewise, the "Predator" branding on the lower bezel is pretty small. So, it wouldn't actually look that out of place in a work environment.

It's also nicely engineered and has height, tilt and swivel adjustment. Overall, it feels well built and worthy of the relatively elevated price tag. Ergonomically, our only significant complaint is the massive external power brick. Integrated PSUs are just that little bit slicker and neater.

Design: 3.5 / 5

Acer Predator X32 X: Performance

Perfect per-pixel lighting
Incredible fluid and responsive gameplay
Full-screen brightness can be somewhat muted

The Acer Predator X32 X doesn't throw up any huge surprises, performance-wise. For the most part, that's good news. I've seen lots of these 32-inch 4K gaming monitors using Samsung's QD-OLED technology, and they are pretty incredible, and that's just as true here as the rest of them.

The obvious upsides include perfect per-pixel lighting for infinite contrast and the spectacle of both very bright and very dark objects rendered with incredible precision on the screen at the same time. It's a trick that no LCD panel, even with local dimming, can pull off. Once you're used to the stunning HDR sizzle displays like this are capable of, it's hard to go back to even a really good IPS monitor.

To all that, you can add the advantages of full 4K resolution. That brings a fairly high pixel density of over 140DPI and means that the non-standard triangular RGB subpixel arrangement of QD-OLED technology is no longer a problem when it comes to clear text rendering. This thing is crispy.

It's also incredibly detailed in games. Combine the aforementioned HDR thrills with 4K image detail and precision, plus the 240Hz refresh and ridiculously fast pixel response performance of all QD-OLED panels, and, well, it's an incredible experience. But not a perfect experience.

This isn't the very latest OLED panel tech, so full-screen brightness is limited to 250 nits. That's not terrible, but it does mean that brighter outdoor gaming scenes can look a little dull. This monitor only looks at its absolute best when it's showing a mix of brighter and darker image elements. Light up the whole screen, and the panel dimming algorithms kick in and reduce overall brightness.

Of course, that's true of all monitors based on Samsung's QD-OLED technology, as is the slight problem with how the panel performs in bright ambient conditions. Long story short, if you use this monitor in a really bright room, the panel itself can reflect a lot of light, which impacts perceived black levels and contrast.

It won't be a problem for most users. But it is worth bearing in mind, depending on where you're planning to use a monitor like this.

Performance: 4 / 5

Should you buy the Acer Predator X32 X?

Acer Predator X32 X scorecard
Value	This isn't the absolute cheapest 4K 32-inch OLED we've seen. But it does have the best feature set yet at this attractive price point.	4.5 / 5
Design	The Acer Predator X32 X's slightly gamery design vibe won't be to all tastes. The external power brick is clumsy, too. But it's certainly well built.	3.5 / 5
Features	With plenty of ports, downstream USB power delivery, and KVM switching, there are a lot of things to like about this monitor besides the display itself.	4.5 / 5
Performance	This isn't the very latest QD-OLED technology. And some limitations remain. But the combination of HDR sizzle with 4K precision is still very special.	4 / 5
Final score	The very latest OLED tech is slightly superior. But it hasn't hit the 32-inch 4K segment yet and of the currently available options, this Acer might just be the best value.	4.13 / 5

Buy the Acer Predator X32 X if...

You want a 4K OLED experience
Early OLED monitors had disappointing pixel density. But not this 4K beauty. It's sharp and precise with loads of image detail and super crispy font rendering.

You love HDR visuals
When it comes to HDR thrills, you simply cannot beat the perfect per-pixel lighting of OLED technology. No LCD monitor even comes close.

Don't buy it if...

You want maximum full-screen brightness
Full-screen brightness is still a relative OLED weakness, and this Acer is no different, maxing out at a relatively modest 250 nits.

You prefer flat monitor panels
The Acer Predator X32 X is only gently curved with a 1700R radius. But if you prefer absolutely flat, there are lots of alternatives.

Acer Predator X32 X: Also consider

If my Acer Predator X32 X review has you considering other options, here are a few other monitors to consider...

Alienware AW3225QF
This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED is almost identical, right down to its curved panel and USB-C port. But it's just that little bit more expensive.

Read the full Alienware AW3225QF review

MSI MPG 491CQP
If you want to max-out your OLED screen size for similarl money, try this massive 49-inch QD-OLED monster. Just remember the pixel density is much, much lower.

Read the full MSI MPG 491CQP review

How I tested the Acer Predator X32 X

I played all my favourite games on the Acer Predator X32 X. That includes everything from ray-traced graphics fests like Cyberpunk 2077 to online shooters including Counter-Strike 2.

I wanted to get a feel for everything from HDR performance, to pixel speed and responsiveness. Of course, this monitor is also great for getting serious stuff done, so I used it as my daily driver for a week, including work, web browsing and ye olde YouTube.

The QD-OLED panel tech used by Acer is familiar. I've reviewed at least five other 32-inch 4K monitors with the same panel, plus several with LG's competing WOLED tech. The Acer Predator X32 X didn't throw up any surprises. But that's mostly a good thing because it means the competitive pricing is especially appealing when you factor in the excellent connectivity.

Originally reviewed in September 2025

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 review: fantastic 1440p gaming without a lot of frills, but streamers will love it

11:50 am | September 13, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Forza Motorsport | Comments: Off

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Two-minute review

Between various budget and more premium gaming monitor offerings within the 27-inch 1440p market, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 could serve as a fine middle-ground.

Its $499 / UK £429 / AU $999 price point and capabilities are good enough to please anyone on both sides of the spectrum, while image quality looks fantastic thanks to the display's quantum dot technology.

When viewing content or gaming in SDR or HDR, the high 600 nits brightness makes colors pop, especially thanks to the 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. Once you add nice contrast and deep blacks into the mix, the GP2711 has so much going for it.

Gaming performance is more than enough to satisfy enthusiasts and aspiring e-sports gamers as well. Having a max 165Hz refresh rate alongside 1ms response time should be more than enough for intense sessions of Fortnite or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

For its variable refresh rate solution, the GP2711 is compatible with AMD FreeSync to prevent screen tearing. Then there are other features like an on-screen crosshair and other types of overlays.

Though it lacks a few contemporary features of the very best gaming monitors, the GP2711 offers some solid extras. Gamers and streamers will be happy to know that it has KVM capabilities, which allow users to use the same keyboard and mouse to control two different devices without the need for an extra monitor.

While having built-in speakers are always a plus, the ones in the GP2711 offer fairly disappointing audio quality but are good enough for looking at YouTube videos or social content in a quiet room from time to time.

Taken all together, then, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 should be on any gamer's shortlist if they want to pick up one of the best 1440p monitors on the market right now.

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Price & availability

A Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 on a desk — (Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

How much is it? $499 / UK £429 / AU $999
When is it available? It is available now
Where can you buy it? You can buy it in the US, UK, and Australia

The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 is currently available across the U.S., UK, and AU for $499 / UK £429 / AU $999, respectively. Outside of the usual online retailers like Amazon and Newegg, the gaming monitor can be purchased through various links on the Cooler Master website in various territories.

At its price, the GP2711 serves as the best bang-for-buck purchase for anyone on a budget looking for a 27-inch 1440p gaming monitor.

Value: 4.5 / 5

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Specs

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 specifications
Screen size		27-inch
Aspect ratio		16:9
Resolution		2560x1440
Brightness		600 nits (Typical)
Response time		4ms (GtG), 1ms (MPRT)
Viewing angle		178°/178°
Contrast ratio		3000:1 (Typ.), 3,000,000:1 (HDR)
Color support		DCI-P3 95%, Adobe RGB 93.5%, sRGB 99%, 130% Area Ratio
Inputs		2X HDMI 2.0 / 1X DisplayPort 1.4 / 1X USB-B/ 2X USB-A / 1X USB-C / 3.5mm headset jack
Weight		14lbs

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Design

Easy setup
Spins into portrait mode
Fairly plain looking

From putting it together to using it day-to-day, the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 blends ease of use with functionality. All users have to do is connect the base to the neck and both clip onto the back panel.

At 14lbs, it’s pretty easy to lug around as well. It's fairly adjustable with swivel, height, and pivot poseability. In addition, you can also spin the display 90 degrees to put it into portrait mode.

To power the GP2711, there’s a small brick adapter that doesn’t feel long enough, but it gets the job done in connecting to the power port on the back panel.

Other ports include two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, one upstream USB-B port, two USB-A ports, one USB-C, and a 3.5mm headset jack. This is a good enough port setup for multiplatform gamers with additional consoles or streamers due to KVM, which is accessible through the power button.

The small thumbstick on the back allows navigation of the in-display menu. Here, users can change various settings like color, HDR, volume control for the built-in speakers, features like adaptive sync, and more. Moving around in the menu feels good between the speedy software and the thumbstick.

The overall black design is fairly boring but works well enough. Don’t expect any fancy RGB lighting or the like. The actual display screen features thin right, left, and top bezels alongside the larger logo chin. The back is slightly bulky, but that’s due to a unique heatsink and thermal back cover that reduces the need for fans.

Design: 4 / 5

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Features

KVM capabilities
No genre-specific color presets
Built-in speakers aren't great

Don’t expect a ton of features on the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711, but there are some noteworthy extras.

The built-in speakers are nothing special, as they don’t get really loud and aren’t sonically nuanced for finer audio. The speakers have a hollow sound that’s good enough to watch an occasional YouTube video and the like in a quiet room, but even on a casual level, most PC gamers will have some type of gaming headset, so this isn't really a dealbreaker.

If your audio setup isn’t already connected to their desktop, the GP2711 has a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio output.

KVM allows users to use a keyboard and mouse across two devices, and this is a huge deal for streamers. It works pretty well, and users can hit the thumbstick right for various ways to utilize the feature, including USB-B and USB-C.

The thumbstick also reveals various overlay modes you can use, including different crosshairs for better aiming when playing shooters, a frames-per-second monitor, and a timer for speedruns.

Don’t expect anything outside of that, though. There aren’t any genre-specific color settings or modes, so gamers who have particular color settings when playing League of Legends compared to Call of Duty: Warzone are going to manually make in-display adjustments for each game, which could be problematic.

Features: 4 / 5

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711: Performance

If the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 doesn’t knock everything out of the park, its highlight is both image quality and gaming performance.

When Cooler Master called this gaming monitor a “Play-Work-Movie Solution,” they weren’t playing. Off the rip, the 600 nits brightness goes a long way in providing remarkable image quality for both SDR and HDR. Colors are bold, crisp, and the contrast is just right.

Playing visually arresting games with great art design like Alan Wake II, The Legend of Kenzera: ZAU, and Children of the Sun, among others, look stunning, and these visuals do a lot to help immersion.

Most importantly, having a high brightness allows the GP2711 to look phenomenal regardless of lighting conditions in a room. As mentioned previously, the gaming monitor doesn’t have any genre-specific settings, which means color correction will have to be done before playing a particular game, but thankfully, the default settings are more than good enough for a wide range of genres.

Gamers who are also content creators will also like the GP2711's 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. This means color accuracy is pretty nice when using Adobe Suite software like Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Meanwhile, watching video content on the GP2711 was a great experience with deep blacks and sharp contrast.

Gaming performance is impressive with its 165Hz refresh rate alongside response time that sits between 4ms (GtG) and 1ms (MPRT). The GP2711 is good enough of a display to play more competitive games like Fortnite or Marvel Rivals. Using a controller or keyboard and mouse for various games felt buttery smooth without any noticeable latency.

When it comes to games pushing image quality and performance, even games like Forza Motorsport handle both well. Having AMD FreeSync compatibility also does a fine job in preventing screen tearing, too. For its very accessible price point, the GP2711 means absolute business.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711?

Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 Scorecard
	Notes	Rating
Value	$499 is a good sweet spot for the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 while having just enough extras.	4.5/ 5
Design	Design is fairly boring but set-up is easy, has plenty of ports and navigating the in-display menu is nice.	4/ 5
Features	The GP2711 isn't as feature rich as many other monitors, but it has some great features that streamers will love.	4 / 5
Performance	Image quality in SDR and HDR is pretty respectable for its price. Meanwhile, performance works splendidly thanks to a 165Hz refresh rate.	4.5/ 5
Final score	The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 plays a good middle ground between price and functionality making it a serious recommendation.	4.25 / 5

Buy the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 if…

You need a great 1440p gaming monitor at a great price
The Cooler Master Tempest GP2711 is definitely something to keep on your shortlist if you're on a tighter budget.

You want KVM capability
Not all gaming monitors have KVM, but for those who need to work between devices quickly, it really is essential.

You want great image quality and performance
The GP2711 makes good use of mini-LED and high brightness for fantastic image quality. Add great response time and a 165Hz refresh rate, and this is great for those just getting into esports.

Don’t buy it if…

You want better built-in speakers
The speakers on the GP2711 aren't loud and aren't really good.

You need the extras that come with other monitors
Outside of KVM and some graphic overlays, this doesn't offer much in the way of added features.

Also Consider

Gigabyte GS32QC
If you're on a tighter budget and want solid 1440p gaming, the Gigabyte GS32QC is a great option for a much lower price.

Read the full Gigabyte GS32QC review

Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS
If you're looking for the best overall 1440p gaming monitor for a reasonable price, the Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS offers exactly what you need without many of the more expensive bells and whistles.

Read the full Asus ROG Strix XG27ACS review

How I tested the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711:

During the two weeks I used the Cooler Master Tempest GP2711, it was my day-to-day monitor for daily activities like browsing with Google Chrome and using Slack for communication purposes. I also used it for work purposes, editing documents with Google Docs, managing projects via Asana, and coordinating social media activities using tools like Hootsuite.

To assess the overall image quality, I played visually rich games like Alan Wake II, The Legend of Kenzera: ZAU, and Children of the Sun. To test performance and gaming enhancement features I relied mostly on titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

I’ve spent the past several years covering monitors alongside other PC components for Techradar, among many other publications, so I am very well equipped to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a gaming monitor like this.

First reviewed September 2025

The LG Ultragear GX9 Gaming Monitor engulfed me with its ultrawide, immersive OLED screen, and I don’t want to give it back

1:50 am | August 27, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: OLED, OSD | Comments: Off

LG Ultragear GX9: Two-minute review

The LG Ultragear GX9 is an impressive, immersive gaming monitor that’s ideal for a relatively small subset of gamers. Let's get a couple of things out the way early though: first, it’s not cheap, so any gamer on a budget will probably want to look elsewhere; and as awesome as a 45-inch (well, technically 44.5-inch) ultrawide screen is, some might find it too wide for practicality’s sake.

After all, it can be tough to focus on the action in the center of the screen and also keep tabs on your health bar in the top-left corner when you have to move your gaze over 20 inches to check on it. This also means it's not ideal for esports gamers, despite the impressive refresh rate and response time.

However, those are issues endemic to this ultrawide form factor and not necessarily a knock on the LG Ultragear GX9. All the best gaming monitors with an ultrawide screen are on the pricier side, and too wide to rely on peripheral vision to catch important information.

For those who have the money and aren’t playing esports (or still want that wrap-around experience), that wide display and 800R curvature, along with the 4K resolution, good color coverage, and speedy refresh rates and response times, make this monitor a delight to use with most games.

Cyberpunk 2077 or Monster Hunter Wilds, for example, look gorgeous and completely envelop my vision during gaming sessions. Of course, it helps that the built-in speakers sound pretty decent as well.

There are a few other pluses as well, such as all the necessary ports (minus a USB hub with KVM support), including a USB-C port with power delivery, and good ergonomics for such a wide monitor. This is a hearty recommendation as the best monitor for the right gamer.

LG Ultragear GX9: Price & availability

An LG Ultragear GX9 on a desk — (Image credit: Future / James Holland)

How much does it cost? $1,999.99 / £1,799.98 / AU$3,499.00
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

When you look at the best ultrawide monitors, the price of the LG Ultragear GX9 doesn’t seem out of place, though it’s still expensive. You can get a nice gaming laptop with an OLED panel or a powerful gaming desktop for the LG Ultragear GX9’s $1,999.99 / £1,799.98 / AU$3,499.00 asking price.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, which originally went for $2,199.99 / £1,599 / AU$3,399 and is now $400 cheaper, is a good comparison. It is a little bit older, hence the price drop, but it’s got a great OLED screen with sharp resolution, fast refresh rates/response times reaching up to 240Hz, and good color coverage. It’s also bigger than the Ultragear GX9 at 49 inches across.

However, like most ultrawide monitors, it peaks at a 5,120 x 1,440p resolution compared to the LG Ultragear GX9’s 5K2K or 5120 x 2160p resolution.

Value: 4 / 5

LG Ultragear GX9: Specs

Screen size:		44.5-inch
Aspect ratio:		21:9
Resolution:		5120 x 2160
Brightness:		275 nits
Response time:		0.03ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:		178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:		1,500,000:1
Color support:		98.5% sRGB
Inputs:		1x DP 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C (90W), 2x USB-A downstream
Weight:		30.9 lbs (14 kg)

LG Ultragear GX9: Design

The monitor is massive
Decent, if limited, ergonomics
Plenty of ports, including USB-C

The LG Ultragear GX9 is a massive gaming monitor. Its 44.5-inch monitor (measured corner-to-corner diagonally) results in a length of 39 inches and a height of 18 inches, not including the stand. This can be an overwhelming monitor to use.

Of course, it has a nice 800R curvature, which brings the far ends of the screen in so that, experientially, its outer reaches fill out the peripheral vision.

It’s big enough that I have to dart my eyes to the edges to read specific information, like a health bar, which makes the size and curvature great for immersive experiences but not for esports-type gaming (I’ll get into the actual performance aspect below).

Since the monitor is so big, it does have somewhat limited ergonomics. While no specifics are listed, its biggest possible adjustments are a height adjustment of about 5 inches. If I had to guess, it swivels and tilts about 15 degrees in each direction. It’s not a lot, but more than enough for this kind of monitor.

Since this is such a big monitor, it has a large, strong, and stable stand with a wide base. There is cable management, though it’s basic, with a passthrough hole in the middle of the stand so all the cables go in one direction out the back and towards whatever they’re connected to.

Speaking of ports, the selection is pretty good. There are two HDMI 2.1 ports, so you could use this with a next-gen console or gaming computer, a single 1.4 DisplayPort, and one USB-C with 90 watts of power delivery for use with Ultrabooks, MacBooks, and the like.

There are also two USB-A downstream ports for charging peripherals. Unfortunately, there's no KVM capability via those USB ports.

Lastly, there’s a single button in the center of the lower back for power and navigating the OSD menu.

Design: 4.5 / 5

LG Ultragear GX9: Features

Game modes in OSD menu
Supports variable refresh rates
Has picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture, but no KVM

The monitor has a couple of cool features baked into the OSD menu worth knowing about beyond the usual, such as HDR and curvature. For instance, there’s a Game Mode icon in the OSD that brings up four presets with settings such as color temperatures, refresh rate max, and whether VRR, HDR, and DAS Mode (Dynamic Action Sync to minimize lag) are on.

Beyond the different modes, you can change the aspect ratio in the OSD menu to a narrower image for when you need all your gaming info in front of you, offsetting the potential esports-related issue I’ve mentioned with using such a large screen.

Not only is there support for HDR, but the LG Ultragear GX9 also comes with support for VRR (variable refresh rate), which synchronizes the frame rates of the monitor with the source to minimize screen tearing, stuttering, and the like.

Picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture are both available as well if you want to use two sources at the same time. Unfortunately, as I’ve previously mentioned, there’s no KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) system where you can use a keyboard and mouse plugged into the monitor to control whichever source you have pulled up.

Features: 4.5 / 5

LG Ultragear GX9: Performance

Can handle any game, though some are not ideal for the aspect ratio
Very good contrast and colors, along with a 5K2K resolution
Good but not great audio

I've played a number of games on the LG Ultragear GX9, namely Monster Hunter Wilds, South of Midnight, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Gotham Knights, and found the monitor to be everything it's advertised to be.

Really, the only limitation is when loading up a game that doesn’t support the ultrawide resolution, such as South of Midnight – this just means there are black bars on the sides instead of the game stretching edge to edge – or when a game isn't ideal for that ultrawide resolution.

However, as mentioned before, you can change the aspect ratio. If you don’t change it, and then open up something fast-paced where you need to keep an eye on that health bar, you’re going to be in trouble.

The OLED screen and HDR support provide very good contrast – specifically DisplayHDR TRUE BLACK 400 – enabling me to see in the shadows in certain games. And the colors look more vibrant because of it. It also helps that the LG Ultragear GX9 has a rated 1500000:1 contrast ratio and 98.5% DCI-P3 color coverage.

Between the 165Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, and VRR support, the action is smooth no matter how fast. And the 5K2K resolution (5120 x 2160p) is sharper than most of the competition, as most ultrawide monitors I’ve come across use a 5120 x 1440p resolution.

Since this monitor is so large, I appreciate the fact that it comes with built-in speakers. And while they’re not as good as the best computer speakers, discounting the budget options, they sound pretty decent. You don’t get any real low-end or rumble, but the sound is full and packs a good punch otherwise.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Should I buy the LG Ultragear GX9?

LG Ultragear GX9 scorecard
Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	The LG Ultragear GX9 is very pricey. However, considering what it is and what it does, the price is more than justified.	4 / 5
Design	Yes, it’s massive, but it has decent if limited ergonomics and a good selection of ports.	4.5 / 5
Features	Variable refresh rates, picture by / in picture, and more make this fairly feature-rich, even if it doesn’t have KVM.	4.5 / 5
Performance	It’s gorgeous, immersive (sometimes a little too much), and has great contrast and colors.	4.5 / 5
Average rating	The good news is that it’s massive. The bad news is that it’s massive. Either way, you have to decide if it’s worth the price.	4.38 / 5

Buy the LG Ultragear GX9 if…

You want an immersive gaming experience
The LG Ultragear GX9 is so massive that it will cover your peripheral vision, transporting you into any game that can take advantage of the ultrawide screen real estate.

You want a great-looking screen
Not only is it OLED, but it has great contrast, helped by the HDR, as well as strong color coverage. Last but not least, it has 5K2K resolution – a higher resolution than what I usually see in the ultrawide monitor space.

You want a gaming monitor with USB-C
There are a lot of good gaming monitors out there. However, USB-C with power delivery is still not standard. So, if you need that to plug in a MacBook when not gaming, it's available here.

Don’t buy it if…

You’re turned off by the price
Whether it’s out of your budget or dropping 2K on a gaming monitor puts a pit in your stomach, there are much cheaper gaming monitors that still offer a good gaming experience.

You don’t want to be overwhelmed
Even if the price doesn’t make you flinch, the sheer size of the monitor could be overwhelming for some, especially if you like playing esports and want a screen where you can see it all without having to constantly move your eyes.

Also Consider

If my LG Ultragear GX9 review has you considering other options, here are two more monitors to consider...

Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a little older, so its price is now much lower than the LG Ultragear GX9 while offering an even wider 49-inch size. The resolution is lower at 5120 x 1440p, but it has a lot of the same features, including the same level of HDR.

Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 review

MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED
The MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED might be a mouthful to say, but it’s a great ultrawide monitor. Again, it has that lower ultrawide 1440p resolution, but also an almost-as-fast 144Hz refresh rate, and the same HDR and color coverage, plus it goes for about half the price.

Read our full MSI MPG 491CQP QD-OLED review

How I tested the LG Ultragear GX9

Used regularly for a couple of weeks
Tested with various games and media
Tried out all the features

I used the LG Ultragear GX9 Gaming Monitor regularly for a couple of weeks. I tested it with various games and media, especially Monster Hunter Wilds, South of Midnight, Baldur’s Gate 3, Cyberpunk 2077, and Gotham Knights, to see how it would fare. I also played around with the OSD menu, features, and ergonomics.

The LG Ultragear GX9 Gaming Monitor is clearly meant for gamers who want an immersive experience, specifically those who like their games to feel more cinematic, and it does that job well. Of course, it comes with a price tag to match.

I’ve tested a lot of tech gear over the years, from laptops to keyboards and speakers, so I can use my expertise towards giving an honest and fair opinion, not to mention a critical eye, to any product I test.

First reviewed August 2025

OLED is great, but the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide has taught me to respect mini-LED monitors – here is my take after two weeks

2:00 pm | August 8, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, LED, OLED, TV | Comments: Off

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Three-minute review

GIF of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Having used an OLED ultrawide for years now, specifically the Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED (a mouthful, I know), I've been curious about a switch to mini-LED. The idea of higher brightness while gaming is intriguing, to say the least, and in came the Mobile Pixels 34-inch curved mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor.

This monitor left me impressed with its quality while gaming or watching content built for high brightness – so much so that I didn't miss using my main OLED monitor. For the first time ever, I've been able to push brightness very high in games and enjoy fascinating visuals, and most importantly, without too much exposure.

Images don't really do it much justice, as it will mostly seem too bright to view in images below. However, believe me when I say it's a treat to view in person – and it comes down to its HDR1000 VESA certification (allowing 1000 nits of peak brightness), and 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio producing incredible deep black levels.

With an 180Hz refresh rate, which is higher than what you might find on some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, I was able to enjoy my favorite games easily.

Side view of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide monitor — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

It's important to note, though, that it's not all great. Dark level smearing (especially when reading white text against dark backgrounds) and ghosting in games are noticeable, and while that's to be expected for a VA panel, it will be bothersome for those who are accustomed to faster displays.

While it didn't completely spoil my gaming or movie viewing experiences, it was a lot more evident for me when playing fast-paced games, especially when using Frame Generation against darker backgrounds in-game. It gets worse (as expected) when enabling any of the overdrive settings via the monitor OSD menu – which I must add, is very finicky, as it sometimes won't save settings or simply undo them randomly.

The biggest examples for me were using path tracing in Cyberpunk 2077, and notably path tracing mods in Capcom's Dragon's Dogma 2, which comes with a lot of ghosting already and lacks a denoiser (but served as an easier way for me to notice the difference). When in lighter backgrounds, ghosting was noticeable, but it wasn't too extreme. When stepping into darker areas, the ghosting and smearing were seriously bad.

Perhaps it's a bit unfair coming from using an OLED to a VA mini-LED, but its price is in the same region as other OLED monitors that don't have this issue. It would have worked in Mobile Pixels' favor to use an IPS panel instead of VA for better response times, but that would potentially be a drawback on the great contrast available here.

Image of UFO Ghosting test — Notice the ghosting is worse on the darker background? (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

In terms of blooming, it's kept to a minimum when sitting directly in front of the monitor. Bear in mind, what you're seeing below isn't the best representation of how well the haloing effect is kept to a minimum, due to different lighting conditions.

There's a 'Halo Control' setting in the OSD menu, but I found that adjustments weren't very necessary. I was quite happy with how well this monitor handles bloom. Compared to my mini-LED TV (specifically the TCL 55QM8B), which has 300+ full-array local dimming zones, I'd say the results were fairly similar.

I must reiterate that this is a VA panel, so viewing angles are narrow. Essentially, blooming is significantly worse when viewing from either side, but I've never used my ultrawide monitors when sitting away from my desk (unless it's a 32:9 display).

HDR enabled — HDR is enabled here... (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Lining this up with an OLED display, again, is pretty unfair, since the AW3423DWF is night and day ahead, but it gave me a good impression of how good the deep black levels are on the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide. If you've been using a regular LED display, mini-LED will still blow you away – and in my eyes, it's the best alternative to OLED.

And the comparison below is proof of that. The OLED's deep black levels are genuinely phenomenal, and while the mini-LED strays far behind due to blooming, it was still great enough for me to enjoy content – and that's even better when you throw in the benefit of very high brightness.

It's also worth noting that there's no worry of burn-in, unlike OLED monitors. It's been a breath of fresh air not to baby my Alienware display with OLED care and pixel refreshes. In some ways, you can almost say that makes mini-LED the better choice, as you're getting the best of the 'brightness world', while still taking some benefits of great contrast – and with an OLED, you're mostly getting the best of the latter.

Yes, multiple OLED monitors like the AW3423DWF can utilize HDR1000, and OLEDs are about to get brighter with True Black HDR1000 VESA certifications. However, my display has a very aggressive Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL), which kicks in when trying to use HDR1000, and I've not had to deal with that on the Mobile Pixels ultrawide.

It's taught me to respect mini-LED monitors, which I once saw as too low of a step down from OLED, and I'd very much consider using one in a multi-display setup.

Alienware AW3423DWF OLED vs MP mini-LED bloom test — Top monitor is OLED, bottom is mini-LED (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

I'm very pleased with Mobile Pixels' decision to place the ports of the monitor directly on its rear, instead of the underside like most monitors do. I get that this is done to avoid strain on cables standing upright and prevent any damage, but it's so easy and convenient to reach if you need to unplug or plug any of them – and it's super beneficial if you have a cramped desktop setup like me.

The 90W USB-C reverse charging port is a welcome addition, and I could use it to charge other devices – and I really saw the benefit of this since I have tons of devices occupying power sockets.

It features 4-array microphones with DNC noise reduction, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't my PC wouldn't recognize this, so I had no luck with testing there.

Rear of Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

The RGB lighting is decent enough, but not bright enough to appreciate. I won't knock the monitor down for this, though. Most monitors I've used don't have RGB lighting that stands out, except for the Philips Evnia displays that have a special Ambilight feature to sync content on the screen to its RGB lights.

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Price & Availability

How much does it cost? $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,370 without import costs
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia (shipping from the US)

The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide monitor retails at $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,730, and while this display's high brightness and contrast ratio have left me impressed, I think it should be much cheaper. Some OLED ultrawide monitors are currently cheaper and don't have issues like dark level smearing or ghosting.

It's not a bad monitor despite some of its issues, but I'd have been more fond of it if it didn't cost this much. Import fees will also bump up the cost if you're outside of the US, which makes its potential total price even more unappealing.

Fortunately, it gets a lot right, specifically within the region of HDR brightness and contrast; there's hardly any loss of detail when looking at bright scenery in movies or games when at maximum brightness, so it's something to consider if you're looking to get your hands on it.

Ghost of Tsushima on MP ultrawide — (Image credit: Future / Isaiah Williams)

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Specs

Screen Size	34-inch
Aspect Ratio	21:9
Resolution	3440x1440
Brightness	450 nits (Min) 1000 nits (Max)
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1
Refresh Rate	180Hz
Color Accuracy	99% sRGB \| 94% DCI-P3 \| 99% Adobe RGB
Speakers	2x 5W Midrange, 1x 12W Bass
Microphone	4-array microphones with DSC noise reduction
Weight	18.51 lbs
Wall Mountable (VESA)	100 x 100 mm
FreeSync Premium technology	Yes
Power Consumption	Typ. 65W, Max. 270W
Panel Type	VA
Connections	2 × USB-A 3.0 1 × USB-C 3.1 2 × HDMI 2.0 1 × DP 1.4 1 × 3.5mm Audio out

Should you buy the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Plenty of high brightness to enjoy across movies, TV shows, and games, but could benefit from a slightly cheaper price tag.	3 / 5
Design	Bogged down by the mediocre speakers on the bottom of monitor, but is adequate in other areas.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Besides dark level smearing and ghosting, the high brightness with HDR 1000, significantly enhances visual experiences, standing as a great alternative to OLED.	4 / 5
Features	OSD needs an improvement, but a 180Hz refresh rate and USB-C 90W reverse charging port are a very welcome addition.	4 / 5
Average rating	The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide would be much better with a lower retail price, repositioning of the speakers, and an IPS panel for less ghosting and smearing, but excels at high brightness for immersion, making it a good option for PC gamers.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You desire an ultrawide with high brightness

The Mobile Pixels mini-LED monitor is ideal for those who crave bright and lively gaming experiences, with HDR1000 blending well with the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It's best used in titles that are built for HDR.View Deal

You want to avoid burn-in care

While OLED is an easy choice at an affordable price, it's not for everyone, as there's always a risk of burn-in. OLED burn-in care has advanced, but not having to worry about the possibility at all with this mini-LED monitor is a big win.View Deal

You're upgrading from a regular LED monitor

The jump from a regular LED display to Mobile Pixels' mini-LED, is significant, and while it suffers a total loss to OLED deep black levels, it comes close enough while getting the best of brightness. View Deal

Don't buy if...

You're looking for a budget monitor

This monitor's biggest issue is its price, especially compared to OLEDs that are at the same price range or less expensive. It retails at $899.99, which is too high considering the issues it has with ghosting and smearing.View Deal

You prefer the best deep black levels

Like other mini-LED displays, the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor does a great job with contrast, but it doesn't match up to OLED, which remains undefeated at producing the best contrast.View Deal

You find ghosting and smearing frustrating

If you're a competitive gamer or simply happen to notice dark level smearing and ghosting easily, you might want to reconsider purchasing this monitor. It's using a VA panel, so viewing angles and the response time aren't the best.View Deal

Also consider

Acer Predator X32QFS

If dark level smearing and ghosting are a big issue for you, and you don't mind a 4K mini-LED instead of an ultrawide, then the Acer Predator X32QFS should be on your radar. This features a mini-LED IPS panel, which handles ghosting much better, and compatibility for both PS5 and PC with HDMI 2.1.

Read our full Acer Predator X32QFS review

MSRP/RRP	£899.99 / AU$1,099 (No US availability)
Panel Size	31.5in
Panel type	Mini-LED IPS
Panel resolution	3840 x 2160p; 4K
Aspect ratio	16:9
Refresh rate	150Hz
Response time	0.5ms
Brightness	700 nits (native) / 1000 nits (peak HDR)
Contrast ratio	1000:1
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Ports	1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x audio jack
Color gamut	99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3
Display colors	1.07 billion
Warranty	2-years

How I tested the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide

Two weeks of usage on movies, TV shows, and games, notably titles that implement HDR well
Some examples are Assassin's Creed Shadows, Street Fighter 6, Dragon's Dogma 2, Resident Evil 4 remake, and Cyberpunk 2077
Multiple contrast tests and comparisons with Alienware AW3423DWF OLED ultrawide monitor

Throughout my two weeks of testing, especially when gaming, I had plenty of fun with the Mobile Pixels 34-inch monitor, and put my OLED monitor aside as a secondary display. Despite the drawbacks of blooming and ghosting, it was easy to enjoy bright content without losing much detail.

Testing Stellar Blade, Assassin's Creed Shadows, and Cyberpunk 2077 first left great initial impressions, specifically in Cyberpunk 2077, where neon lights and vivid streets provide exceptional visuals on any display, but it took things up a notch. The ghosting issues became far more noticeable when using Frame Generation in Cyberpunk 2077 and Dragon's Dogma 2, and even more so in fast-paced FPS games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Placing this next to Dell's Alienware OLED monitor, allowed me to point out the mini-LED monitor's drawbacks more easily. However, in terms of deep black levels, I was impressed with the Mobile Pixels 34-inch display, with just how close it can get to OLED, albeit still quite far off.

I used it for work and multitasking, which proved to be beneficial, in comparison to OLED, which notoriously has readability issues – and the mini-LED was a breeze to use while deep into productivity.

OLED is great, but the Mobile Pixels 34-inch ultrawide has taught me to respect mini-LED monitors – here is my take after two weeks

2:00 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, LED, OLED, TV | Comments: Off

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Three-minute review

With an 180Hz refresh rate, which is higher than what you might find on some of the best ultrawide gaming monitors, I was able to enjoy my favorite games easily.

It's taught me to respect mini-LED monitors, which I once saw as too low of a step down from OLED, and I'd very much consider using one in a multi-display setup.

The 90W USB-C reverse charging port is a welcome addition, and I could use it to charge other devices – and I really saw the benefit of this since I have tons of devices occupying power sockets.

It features 4-array microphones with DNC noise reduction, but no matter what I tried, I couldn't my PC wouldn't recognize this, so I had no luck with testing there.

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Price & Availability

How much does it cost? $899.99 / around £660 / AU$1,370 without import costs
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia (shipping from the US)

Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor: Specs

Screen Size	34-inch
Aspect Ratio	21:9
Resolution	3440x1440
Brightness	450 nits (Min) 1000 nits (Max)
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1
Refresh Rate	180Hz
Color Accuracy	99% sRGB \| 94% DCI-P3 \| 99% Adobe RGB
Speakers	2x 5W Midrange, 1x 12W Bass
Microphone	4-array microphones with DSC noise reduction
Weight	18.51 lbs
Wall Mountable (VESA)	100 x 100 mm
FreeSync Premium technology	Yes
Power Consumption	Typ. 65W, Max. 270W
Panel Type	VA
Connections	2 × USB-A 3.0 1 × USB-C 3.1 2 × HDMI 2.0 1 × DP 1.4 1 × 3.5mm Audio out

Should you buy the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide gaming monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	Plenty of high brightness to enjoy across movies, TV shows, and games, but could benefit from a slightly cheaper price tag.	3 / 5
Design	Bogged down by the mediocre speakers on the bottom of monitor, but is adequate in other areas.	3.5 / 5
Performance	Besides dark level smearing and ghosting, the high brightness with HDR 1000, significantly enhances visual experiences, standing as a great alternative to OLED.	4 / 5
Features	OSD needs an improvement, but a 180Hz refresh rate and USB-C 90W reverse charging port are a very welcome addition.	4 / 5
Average rating	The Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide would be much better with a lower retail price, repositioning of the speakers, and an IPS panel for less ghosting and smearing, but excels at high brightness for immersion, making it a good option for PC gamers.	3.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You desire an ultrawide with high brightness

You want to avoid burn-in care

You're upgrading from a regular LED monitor

Don't buy if...

You're looking for a budget monitor

You prefer the best deep black levels

You find ghosting and smearing frustrating

Also consider

Acer Predator X32QFS

Read our full Acer Predator X32QFS review

MSRP/RRP	£899.99 / AU$1,099 (No US availability)
Panel Size	31.5in
Panel type	Mini-LED IPS
Panel resolution	3840 x 2160p; 4K
Aspect ratio	16:9
Refresh rate	150Hz
Response time	0.5ms
Brightness	700 nits (native) / 1000 nits (peak HDR)
Contrast ratio	1000:1
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 1000
Ports	1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A, 1 x audio jack
Color gamut	99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3
Display colors	1.07 billion
Warranty	2-years

How I tested the Mobile Pixels 34-inch mini-LED ultrawide

Two weeks of usage on movies, TV shows, and games, notably titles that implement HDR well
Some examples are Assassin's Creed Shadows, Street Fighter 6, Dragon's Dogma 2, Resident Evil 4 remake, and Cyberpunk 2077
Multiple contrast tests and comparisons with Alienware AW3423DWF OLED ultrawide monitor

Dell’s S3225QC OLED monitor won my heart with its in-built sound system, but where did all the ports go?

6:51 am | May 22, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Forza Motorsport, Google Docs, Google Sheets, OLED | Comments: Off

Dell S3225QC: two-minute review

The Dell S3225QC offers a unique value proposition. I want to say that it’s the best value 32-inch all-rounder if you want awesome 4K OLED picture quality and epic integrated sound, backed up by a serviceable 120Hz refresh rate and a satisfying contrasting figure of 1500000:1, but there are a handful of things holding back my praise.

Dell has positioned the S3225QC as an all-rounder, claiming that its mix of features is “perfect for play, school and work” when it was announced back at CES 2025 in January. At first principles I think this monitor is capable of shifting between these different use cases quite well – the 5 x 5W speakers that run across the bottom of the display output brilliant audio, the screen itself doesn’t blur text and is perfect for a mix of writing documents, viewing content and playing games, and the 32-inch size is definitely a boon for blowing up whatever task you're performing.

Backed up by a design that’s fairly inoffensive and doesn’t take up much space on a desk, the S3225QC may be the perfect multitasking display for your home or office. The addition of two USB-C ports on the back and an accessible USB-C port on the front is also very welcome, especially for quickly charging a phone or mouse, or for transferring data to your computer in a pinch. One port pops in and out of the monitor, allowing it to be tucked away when not used.

The USB-C port that pops out from the Dell S3225QC monitor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Additionally, unlike some OLED monitors, the display doesn’t have annoying care programs – shortly after the monitor is turned off following a lengthy period of use, it’ll automatically shift into refreshing mode, which will take between six and eight minutes. Dell recommends refreshing the pixels every four hours, but I wasn't bugged once about doing this.

However there’s one big thing that’s holding Dell’s new OLED monitor back – its severe lack of ports.

I’m annoyed that the only inputs for displaying audio and video are HDMI and a Display Port-capable USB-C, and my particular use case, as somebody who bases everything they do in their home around a monitor, kind of underscores this as a weakness (so please excuse my incoming tangent). Most streaming services don’t show video in the highest resolution when functioning through a browser, and to watch Andor on Disney+ in all its glory, I wanted to connect my Google TV streamer to the S3225QC.

The Dell S3225QC's sensor close-up — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

But the Google TV Streamer, as you’d expect, uses HDMI to connect to a display – I couldn’t use the Display Port-capable USB-C connection, as the TV Streamer doesn’t output audio and video through its USB-C port, and so my only solution was to physically swap the HDMI cord between my PC and the Streamer.

It’s not the end of the world and indeed the monitor displayed 4K streaming content brilliantly, along with all the things I played, but it begs the question: why are there only two audio/video inputs in the first place? This will surely be an issue for folks in similar positions looking for a more encompassing all-rounder solution, and this lack of connections is anomalous among similarly priced screens.

For people that might have one primary computer connected via HDMI and, separately, a laptop via the DP-Alt USB-C, this is unlikely to be a problem – but still be ready to factor in purchasing a USB-C to HDMI or USB-C to Display Port cable to get over these hurdles depending on what you’re doing at your PC. A quick and easy solution may be an external HDMI splitter.

Dell S3225QC: price and availability

The Dell S3225QC monitor at an angle on a desk — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

How much does it cost? $799.99 / £879 / AU$1,299.10
When is it available? Available now (not currently listed on Dell US)
Where can you get it? Dell's website in the US, UK and Australia

For a monitor that comes with high-quality integrated audio, an OLED panel and a massive 32-inch size, the Dell S3225QC is priced quite competitively. There are very few monitors on the market that are offering this particular combination of features, which makes it difficult to compare, but the feature set is pretty impressive.

The price is slightly undermined by a couple of factors, the foremost being a lack of input ports, with only HDMI and a USB-C (DP-Alt) available. Another is the comparatively low refresh rate for an OLED panel, limited to 120Hz at a maximum 4K resolution. There is, however, a built-in USB hub, so keyboards, mice and other peripherals are able to connect directly to the PC via the monitor’s USB-C ports.

If you’re shopping for an alternative, I’d recommend the MSI MPG 271QRX (a 27-inch gaming OLED monitor with a higher refresh rate) or the Dell UltraSharp U3225QE (a non-OLED 32-inch monitor with similar specs, more ports and a lower price).

Value: 5/5

Dell S3225QC: specs

Screen size:	31.6-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160 (120Hz)
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,000 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	0.03ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	1,500,000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	1X HDMI 2.1, 1X USB-C (5Gbps upstream, Display Port 1.4 alt mode, 90W power delivery), 2X USB-C 5Gbps downstream ports (data, 15W power delivery)
Weight:	10kg (22.05 lbs)

Dell S3225QC: design

The backside of the Dell S3225QC — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Inoffensive design with white colorway
Speakers across the entire bottom
Nice USB-C placement

The Dell S3225QC is designed to be an all-purpose monitor, and so it has a neutral design without anything too jarring. The monitor is only available in a white colorway with an anti-glare matte OLED panel, sitting atop five integrated speakers.

While this speaker system appears at first glance to have a webcam inbuilt, it’s actually a proximity sensor that detects the user’s distance from the screen and adjusts sound quality accordingly. More on that in the Features section.

The stand has a coarse texture to it and is completely white. It doesn’t take up much room, with the stand consisting of a long cylindrical pole and the monitor footing being a flat rectangle. The monitor doesn’t take up too much room on a desk and has a fair amount of height, tilt and swivel adjustment to it.

The Dell S3225QC monitor switched on — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

One of the USB-C ports physically moves in and out from underneath the monitor, allowing for quick access. It’s an interesting aspect of the monitor that seems a little overdesigned – while popping a component in and out is convenient, I’m confused as to why this needs to move at all.

Surely an immobile USB-C port pointed downward would have achieved the same goal without the risk of getting stuck or broken? The rest of the ports are located around the back, while the monitor’s joystick and power button can be found to the bottom right of the screen’s backside.

Design: 4/5

Dell S3225QC: features

The buttons on the back of the Dell S3225QC monitor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

In-built speakers across the bottom
Handy USB-C port on the front with upstream/downstream support
Only two audio/video input ports (HDMI/DP via USB-C)

The Dell S3225QC is aimed at being an all encompassing display, capable of switching between work and play without a problem. It has a gorgeous screen and a handful of useful USB-C ports across the back and front, though there's a crippling lack of audio/video ports.

The main feature propping up the all-rounder goal is the sound system running across the bottom of the display, which offers enhanced surround-sound audio made possible thanks to its spatial tracking camera. The end product is frankly the best audio I’ve ever heard from a monitor, though I did find that two red lights would often appear on the soundbar, indicating that my head couldn’t be seen by the tracking tech – meaning sound wasn't always able to be optimized for my position. As someone whose home entertainment setup is based around their computer desk, I love monitors with inbuilt audio, so this focus on high-end audio is a win for me.

There’s a USB-C port on the front and the two USB-C ports around the back, one of which doubles as a Display Port alternative for audio/video (AV) signals, meaning you can plug your monitor in with a USB-C port and use it as a second screen. Those regular USB-C ports can serve as sockets for your laptop and keyboard while still using the DP-capable USB-C port for AV. It’s a great alternative to a dedicated USB hub, and that DP-capable USB-C port can even double as a 90W charger, meaning you won’t need a separate power cable for most connected laptops (beastly gaming models excepted).

The Dell S3225QC's ports on the back — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

I liked how well laid-out the inbuilt operating system was, and how easy it was to quickly change settings using the joystick on the back. It’s so fast and responsive that I would often adjust things like audio directly through the monitor.

What burned me the most about the monitor was its lack of any additional HDMI or Display Port sockets. All that’s on offer is a HDMI port (4K@120Hz) and the aforementioned DP-capable USB-C port. Somebody that’s merely switching between a laptop and a desktop PC likely won’t have any issue with the ports that are in use, but for my purposes (I tend to have a Chromecast connected to my screen), the arrangement resulted in an awkward dance of unplugging and plugging in cables constantly. For a monitor billed on versatility and being able to fulfill so many needs, it’s absolutely baffling how limiting it is in its design.

Features: 4/5

Dell S3225QC: performance

The Dell S3225QC displaying Assassin's Creed Shadows — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Epic OLED, 4K panel @ 120Hz
Deep, rich spatial sound
Ideal for productivity, fine for games

It’s tempting to say that the Dell S3225QC makes compromises to service a broad appeal, but I personally don’t think the specs reflect that – the hardware set here is solid.

Dell has sourced its 4K OLED panel from Samsung, and with the Korean tech giant so good at making such screens, it’s a win on all fronts. Colors pop perfectly and as it's OLED, blacks are perfect as they aren’t lit by pixels. A contrast rate of 150,000:1 keeps picture quality accurate, though brightness is limited to a maximum of 250nits/1,000nits HDR peak (a fairly standard figure for an OLED, but low compared to high-end non-OLEDs).

I think the OLED panel is fairly inconsequential when you’re using the monitor for stuff like writing up documents, editing things together or simply when casually browsing the web – and you’ll be better off purchasing a much cheaper display if these are the only things you’re doing. There’s no haziness around typed characters to be seen, but these days you don’t have to go up-market for a clear monitor to do work on.

The Dell S3225QC monitor displaying a clip from Star Wars Andor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

It’s with stuff like gaming and streaming video that the S3225QC can really pull out the stops. The 120Hz refresh rate might seem a little low for PC gaming, but let me be clear – it’s perfectly fine, and unless you're an especially demanding (or competitive) gamer, 120Hz is more than enough for fast and fluid gameplay. I use a fairly high-performance gaming PC and though in many games I can far exceed a 120 fps framerate, I’ve never been left wanting more.

As we've previously mentioned, the audio system is fitted with a spatial camera that detects how close you are to the screen. With that detected, it then adjusts the sound profile to best suit the distance. In my experience it worked brilliantly, though the sensor certainly suffered when there wasn’t much light (and I tend to keep lights off in my office... I’m a bit of a caveman).

The S3225QC will still deliver rich sound without detecting your distance from the panel, however when the sensor isn’t capable of making that measurement, it displays two dark red lights beside the camera (appearing in the image below as purple). It’s a tad annoying when watching something cinematic in the dark, as the sensor is quite reliant on being in a well-lit environment, but ultimately when it doesn't completely work the results are harmless.

The sensors on the front of the Dell S3225QC — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Should I buy the Dell S3225QC monitor?

Attributes	Notes	Rating
Value	A unique feature set at a fair enough cost makes the Dell S3225QC a screen to consider.	5 / 5
Design	An unassuming white colorway and a nice OLED panel positions the S3225QC well for specific settings.	4 / 5
Performance	There’s no holding the S3225QC back as an all-rounder monitor for work and play.	5 / 5
Features	The inclusion of high-quality speakers across the bottom is nice, but there is a severe lack of HDMI/DP ports.	4 / 5
Average rating	Although we’d like to see more inputs, the Dell S3225QC is likely to be a good fit for folks looking for a one-stop solution monitor.	4.5 / 5

Buy it if...

You’re craving an OLED monitor that isn’t completely gaming-oriented

Dell’s new OLED screen is sure to be a hit among non-gamers looking for gorgeous picture quality, or gamers looking to skip aggressive aesthetics and craving speaker sound.

You want brilliant in-built sound

I’ve never had sound on a monitor impress me more than the S3225QC and it’ll be hard to beat its room-filling audio.

You want an all-encompassing solution

Audio/video inputs for USB-C (DP) and HDMI make the S3225QC uniquely suited for switching between a desktop and laptop setup.

Don't buy it if...

You crave more input freedom

Only offering two audio/video inputs makes the S3225QC a much less capable monitor, especially for one marketed as being all-purpose.

You want to save money

The Dell S3225QC is fairly priced but still doesn’t come cheap and you may be better off saving some money and going with a non-OLED alternative for less.

You want better gaming specs

You’ll find higher refresh rates and lower response times on similarly priced 4K OLED monitors intended for gamers.

Also consider

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF

Want a more gaming-oriented monitor? The Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is priced similarly and is available as a 27-inch or 32-inch screen.

Read our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF review

Screen size:	27-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,300 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	0.03ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	1,000,000:1
Color support:	Max 1B
Inputs:	2X HDMI, 1X Display Port, 2X USB-A, 1X USB-B Upstream, 1X 3.5 headphone jack
Weight:	6.89kg (15.2 Ibs)

MSI MPG 271QRX

Cheaper and fitted with a 2K OLED panel, the MSI MPG 271QRX is a worthwhile solution if you’re not craving such high-end specs.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Screen size:	26.5-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	2560 x 1440p
Brightness:	250 cd/㎡ / 1,000 cd/㎡ HDR
Response time:	0.03ms (GtG)
Viewing angle:	178˚(R/L), 178˚(U/D)
Contrast ratio:	1500000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	1x Display Port, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C (DP alt.) and 90W PD charging, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A 1, 1x USB 2.0 Type-B
Weight:	10.8kg (24 lbs)

Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub

After the USB-C connectivity that the S3225QC offers, but don’t care for OLED or the high-end sound? Dell’s 32-inch Thunderbolt Hub monitor is much cheaper with many more ports on offer.

Read our full Dell Ultrasharp 32 4K Thunderbolt hub review

Screen size:	31.5-inch
Aspect ratio:	16:9
Resolution:	3,840 x 2,160
Brightness:	450 cd/㎡, 500 cd/㎡ HDR peak
Response time:	5ms (GTG)
Viewing angle:	178˚/178˚
Contrast ratio:	3,000:1
Color support:	1.07B
Inputs:	2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x Display Port 1.4 (in/out), 1x HDMI 2.1, 7 USB-A downstream, 3.5mm audio-out
Weight:	9.34kg (20.59 lbs)

How I tested the Dell S3225QC monitor

Tested over a couple of weeks
Productivity software used include Canva, Photoshop, Google Docs, ClipChamp and Google Sheets
Also used for a mix of streaming content and playing video games

During my time with the Dell S3225QC, I tried to use the monitor as a hub for everything I did. This included using it to get work done on my laptop by connecting a MacBook Air to the display via USB-C, but also connecting my gaming computer to it for video games and my Google TV Streamer for movies and TV shows.

Most of my time with my monitor was spent using it for entertainment, playing games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Counter-Strike 2, Wreckfest, Forza Motorsport, R.E.P.O, Marvel Rivals and Star Wars Outlaws, but I also took time to watch plenty of Disney+, Netflix and YouTube content on the display. I also used it for music streaming via Spotify.

Of course the monitor was also used for more casual things – doomscrolling on Bluesky, browsing websites on Chrome and messaging friends on Instagram and Messenger for example.

First review May 2025.

I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF for two weeks and couldn’t get enough of its otherworldly performance

6:25 pm | April 30, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, OLED | Comments: Off

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Two-minute review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF gaming monitor resting on a desk with Marvel Rivals open — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Samsung’s Odyssey line of OLED gaming monitors provides some of the best displays in gaming, from the 32-inch G8 to the ultrawide monster that is the G9. For the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, the South Korean electronics manufacturer delivers on its first 27-inch 4K OLED display by doing exactly what it does best when it comes to both image quality and sheer performance.

This begins with the overwhelmingly gorgeous display that offers an industry-leading 166 pixels per inch. On top of that, there’s HDR10+, VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 and a panel with glare-free technology. This monitor can handle any tasks users will throw at it. From visually arresting single-player games to creative content making and everything else in between, the Odyssey OLED G81SF is something beautiful to look at. Having 1 billion max color support and 99% DCI coverage also makes this a fine choice for creatives as well.

Performance holds up just as impressively as image quality. The blistering 240Hz refresh rate delivers buttery smooth gameplay that’s ideal for competitive players, while the ultra-low 0.03ms response time ensures every action feels instantaneous. With support for FreeSync Premium Pro, the Odyssey OLED G81SF doesn’t just look incredible - it plays flawlessly too.

Together, these features set a new benchmark for what a high-end gaming monitor should be. Potential buyers with a suitable rig to play games like Marvel Rivals or Call of Duty Warzone at 4K/240 frames-per-second are going to find much to appreciate.

One of the main concerns for OLED gaming monitor owners is proper upkeep to preserve display longevity. That often means enduring long pixel refresh cycles or dealing with noisy fans meant to protect image quality. Thankfully, the Odyssey OLED G81SF takes a smarter approach with its Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System, which uses Pulsating Heat Pipe, which is said to cool five times faster than graphite.

Thermal Modulation also helps prevent overheating too. During my extended time with the monitor, I was impressed by how quiet it stayed and how I never had to interrupt gameplay for maintenance. When it comes to hassle-free upkeep, this is easily one of the best OLED gaming displays available.

Samsung’s cooling technology is packed into a fairly thin metal monitor that’s also good to look at when not in use. Bezels are small around the display while the back is fairly impressive. There are a nice amount of ports despite the lack of a USB-C port. That Odyssey’s classic light ring featuring CoreSync and CoreLighting+ in the back still looks nice. It’s also easy to set up.

All of that comes at a sizable $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) price point. That's a fairly steep cost of entry compared to similar gaming monitors in its class. Though there are some features like crosshair overlays, don’t expect more standard extras like KVM capability or speakers. Interestingly enough, unlike other displays in Samsung’s Odyssey line, it lacks Samsung Smart TV.

Despite those issues, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stands out as one of the most impressive 27-inch gaming monitors to be released this year. It delivers a stunning visual experience with ultra-crisp 4K resolution, incredible color accuracy, and fluid motion that enhances everything from fast paced shooters to creative workflows. Add in near-silent operation, efficient thermal management, and a sleek design and it’s clear Samsung is looking to take the crown for this gaming monitor segment. Whether you're a competitive gamer or a visual creator, this monitor exceeds expectations in the ways that matter most.

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799)
When is it available? April 28th
Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

The Samsung Odyssey will be available April 28th for $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799) in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. Available through Samsung’s online store or other retailers like Newegg, this gaming monitor is definitely the upper crest of purchases when it comes to 27-inch 4K OLED displays. If a competitive advantage is of the upmost importance to you, then the high price makes this the best money can buy in its class. Anyone expecting a more robust feature set (more on that later), may leave disappointed.

Gamers who want a competitive edge while also dabbling in streaming may want to check out the MSI MPG 271QRX if they don’t mind having a 1440p resolution. Meanwhile, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K is nearly the same price as the Odyssey G81SF but offers KVM capabilities besides FreeSync Premium Pro and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. Though on the surface, it may sound better than Samsung’s offering, it lacks the forward design and level of maintenance options.

Value: 4 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Specs

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Design

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF stand and LED ring on back side — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Overall design is rightfully in line with Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors
Easy to set-up and adjustability is high
Lacks USB-C

Those familiar with Samsung’s Odyssey series of gaming monitors will immediately recognize the premium build quality and sleek design language the OLED G81SF gives. Crafted with a sturdy metal finish from the base to the neck and display, it delivers a clean, modern aesthetic.

The panel itself is impressively thin, with minimal bezels that enhance its futuristic look. At the back, Samsung’s signature RGB ring—powered by CoreSync and CoreLighting+ which adds a dynamic visual flair that fits perfectly with its top-tier price tag.

Assembly is quick and straightforward, with just a few screws to connect the base, neck, and display. Once set up, the monitor offers smooth height, swivel, and tilt adjustments to help you dial in the perfect viewing angle.

Port selection on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Power is delivered through a jack that connects an adapter while sitting next to two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, one USB-B for upstreaming, two USB-A and one 3.5mm headphone jack. That’s good enough for multi-console gamers who want to play full screen or utlize the display’s picture-in-picture capabilities.

Unfortunately, there's no USB-C port, which is fairly disappointing considering it’s a fairly standard connection now. A thumbstick sits along those ports for various controls for in-display gaming and features. During our time, the thumbstick felt great and the UI felt pretty snappy as well.

Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Features

Samsung Odyssey G81SF on-screen display options — (Image credit: Future / Ural Garrett)

Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System is a wonderful way of maintaining pixel quality without being intrusive
Light gaming related features including a crosshair overlay
Nothing much feature-wise outside of that

OLED gaming monitors often require periodic pixel refreshes to prevent burn-in, which can interrupt gameplay. The Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF sidesteps that issue with its advanced Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System. At the core is a pulsating heat pipe that actively releases coolant, offering more effective thermal management than traditional graphite sheets. This keeps internal temperatures in check while extending the life of the display.

Complementing the hardware is an intelligent Thermal Modulation System powered by algorithms that fine-tune brightness and heat levels in real-time. Features like Logo & Taskbar Detection also help minimize static image retention by subtly adjusting luminance in frequently displayed areas—all working together to maintain screen health without disrupting your experience. During my time with the Odyssey OLED G81S, I didn’t face one prompt to turn off my monitor - not once - during two weeks of usage.

There are some in-display options including the ability to choose a nice variety of crosshair overlays which are definitely helpful when playing shooters. Another highlight is the ability to do picture-in-picture with various other video inputs. Of course, users can change color options and the likes as well. Outside of that, don’t expect much in the feature set. Considering the price of the monitor, one would think KVM capabilities would be included but unfortunately, no. Then there’s the lack of other features like Samsung SmartTV which has been featured on other Odyssey monitors before. Just understand that the Odyssey OLED G81SF sticks to three important things; image quality, performance and maintaining both of them.

Features: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Performance

Image quality is exceptional in SDR and HDR
Magnificent performance with 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time

Just by image quality and performance alone, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is one of the best gaming monitors available at the moment, at least where 27-inch 4K options are concerned.

It starts by having the highest pixel density available in a display with 166 PPI. This goes an incredibly long way by making sure every detail is noticed when gaming, making graphics or video or typing documents. Colors are bold and gorgeous thanks to having one billion max color support at 1,000,000:1 contrast outside of 99% DCI coverage. There are various sliders for brightness, contrast, colors and the likes for those who want to fine tune their experience. Further than that, there are some pre-sets as well.

This means that it doesn’t matter if users are playing Assassin’s Creed: Shadows or creating social media graphics in Adobe Photoshop, color accuracy is tremendous. HDR+10 capabilities makes image quality even better with more defined lights and shadows. Thanks to VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, blacks are deep and rich as well. Pulling that all together is an anti-reflection film that goes a long way in making sure images look great regardless of lighting conditions.

This is a gaming monitor for competitive gamers who want a premium experience and the performance is top notch too. 240Hz and 0.03ms response time mean that gameplay is smoother than velvet. Fans of Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty and Fortnite are going to have a nice experience on the Odyssey OLED G81SF. To make sure screen tears aren’t an issue, the display has variable refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync Premium. Gameplay is superb in motion which is enhanced by the overall image quality.

Performance 5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S?

Buy it if…

You require a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with top-tier image quality and performance

This 27-inch OLED gaming display has some of the best image quality available thanks to features like 166 ppi, VESA Display HDR True Black 400 and anti-glare technology. Meanwhile, the 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time will provide a competitive edge.

You need some solid OLED display maintenance

Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ technology has various ways to maintain monitor lifespan from its pulsating heat pipes, thermal modulation system and auto display adjustments among others.

You want a sleek yet functional design

This display is thin, has the same cool lighting that Samsung’s Odyssey series is known for and is pretty easy to set up.

Don’t buy it if…

You don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a 27-inch OLED Monitor

There are ways to get a quality 27-inch 4K OLED monitor without spending over a grand.

You’re more into streaming

Though this display has picture-in-picture mode for other outputs, lacking KVM at this price will be disappointing for streamers looking to use one monitor for two devices.

You require a more robust feature set

Outside of lacking KVM, there aren’t many extras like speakers, game assists beyond several aim overlay options and no USB-C port.

Also Consider

MSI MPG 271QRX

If comparable performance and feature set is important alongside a cheaper price, then the MSI MPG 271QRX does well with its 1440p native resolution alongside 360Hz refresh rate.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K

Anyone looking for a 27-inch 4K OLED that’s a bit more feature-rich should keep the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, including KVM capabilities.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K review

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S

Tested over two weeks
Games played included Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Street Fighter 6
Creative software used includes Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro

Over the course of two weeks with the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF, I put the monitor through a wide range of real-world use cases—from immersive gaming sessions to demanding creative workflows and everyday productivity.

To assess its performance with visually intense AAA titles, I started with Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Cyberpunk 2077, which helped me evaluate the display’s color accuracy, contrast, and overall image quality. I then shifted to faster-paced, competitive titles like Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Fortnite to test responsiveness and input latency.

During work hours, I leaned on the G81 for creative tasks like designing graphics and editing video content using Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. In between, I relied on it for general computing—browsing with Chrome, managing tasks in Asana, and streaming music via Tidal—giving me a full picture of the monitor’s versatility in day-to-day scenarios.

First reviewed April 2025

I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF for two weeks and couldn’t get enough of its otherworldly performance

6:25 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: HDR, OLED | Comments: Off

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Two-minute review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Price and availability

How much does it cost? $1,299 (£1,149 and AU $1,799)
When is it available? April 28th
Where can you get it? US, UK, and Australia

Value: 4 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Specs

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF: Design

Overall design is rightfully in line with Samsung’s Odyssey line of gaming monitors
Easy to set-up and adjustability is high
Lacks USB-C

Design: 4.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Features

Safeguard+ Dynamic Cooling System is a wonderful way of maintaining pixel quality without being intrusive
Light gaming related features including a crosshair overlay
Nothing much feature-wise outside of that

Features: 3.5 / 5

Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S: Performance

Image quality is exceptional in SDR and HDR
Magnificent performance with 240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time

Just by image quality and performance alone, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81SF is one of the best gaming monitors available at the moment, at least where 27-inch 4K options are concerned.

Performance 5 / 5

Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S?

Buy it if…

You require a 27-inch OLED gaming monitor with top-tier image quality and performance

You need some solid OLED display maintenance

Samsung’s OLED Safeguard+ technology has various ways to maintain monitor lifespan from its pulsating heat pipes, thermal modulation system and auto display adjustments among others.

You want a sleek yet functional design

This display is thin, has the same cool lighting that Samsung’s Odyssey series is known for and is pretty easy to set up.

Don’t buy it if…

You don’t want to pay over $1,000 for a 27-inch OLED Monitor

There are ways to get a quality 27-inch 4K OLED monitor without spending over a grand.

You’re more into streaming

Though this display has picture-in-picture mode for other outputs, lacking KVM at this price will be disappointing for streamers looking to use one monitor for two devices.

You require a more robust feature set

Outside of lacking KVM, there aren’t many extras like speakers, game assists beyond several aim overlay options and no USB-C port.

Also Consider

MSI MPG 271QRX

If comparable performance and feature set is important alongside a cheaper price, then the MSI MPG 271QRX does well with its 1440p native resolution alongside 360Hz refresh rate.

Read our full MSI MPG 271QRX review

Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K

Anyone looking for a 27-inch 4K OLED that’s a bit more feature-rich should keep the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM, including KVM capabilities.

Read our full Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM 4K review

How I tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G81S

Tested over two weeks
Games played included Marvel Rivals, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Street Fighter 6
Creative software used includes Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro

First reviewed April 2025

Alienware’s AW3425DWM 34-inch gaming monitor is so good, it’s converted me from an ultrawide sceptic to a true believer

3:25 am | April 12, 2025

Author: admin | Category: Computers Computing Gadgets Monitors Peripherals & Accessories | Tags: Forza Motorsport | Comments: Off

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch: Two-minute review

The Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch isn’t the first 2K 34-inch ultrawide monitor on the market, nor is it the cheapest, but in my opinion, it's one of the most mastered. Sporting a discreet design and a slew of features I’d consider essential, the AW3425DWM offers great darkness and coloring at a respectable price.

Stripping out RGB and only offering two USB-A ports for accessory connectivity (but lacking USB-C), and not including price-bouncing OLED panel tech, I’ve never been more impressed with an ultrawide monitor than with the AW3425DWM. I've experienced the more expensive AW3423DWF, Alienware's top-end ultrawide OLED monitor, and I fell in love with it for its picture quality and clarity, but the AW3425DWM is a much more impressive beast for its value prospect.

Its specs are ahead of many of its close competitors, particularly ones from LG and Samsung, which explains its slightly higher cost in this segment. This includes a greater maximum brightness and color gamut, along with the inclusion of the aforementioned accessory ports.

An ultrawide alienware monitor — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

The monitor doubles as both a handy gaming display and a useful productivity tool. I’ve enjoyed playing games with support for the ultrawide layout, in particular the graphically intense Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Forza Motorsport, but its handling of darkness has also been very satisfying in these games and other titles without ultrawide support, such as viral sensation R.E.P.O.

The wide screen also gives ample room for having multiple windows open. During my testing, I regularly had a YouTube video playing on the left half of the screen and a game on the right, and I personally preferred this to having a dual-monitor setup.

All of this said, be ready for the odd application that lacks ultrawide support. I encountered plenty of games and programs that didn't take full advantage of this layout (usually black bars will fill the space, while the program takes on a 16:9 aspect ratio). This may not be a huge issue to all users, but it's best to be aware of this extra hurdle when owning an ultrawide.

Picture quality is also heavily dependent on your viewing position, so be confident that a curved ultrawide is what you really want before making a purchase. Although I loved the immersive nature of a curved monitor this big, I wish it was more forgiving when viewing from an angle, as I'd often put a show on while doing something else away from my desk in the room.

Finally – and this will likely be a non-issue for many users – but the display doesn’t come with in-built speakers. I like having in-built speakers for when I don’t want to wear my headphones (and I don’t want to buy separate speakers), but I understand other users will have their own preferences when it comes to audio and external sound systems.

In my opinion, the quality of display you get for the price you pay is considerable, and even though it may not be as feature-rich as more expensive models, the AW3425DWM stands out from the pack as a mid-range curved and ultrawide gaming monitor.

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: pricing and availability

The Alienware A3425DWM monitor on an angle, sitting on a glass desk — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

How much does it cost? $369.99 / £369 / AU$749
When is it available? Available now
Where can you get it? Directly from Dell and retailers in the US, UK and Australia

The Alienware AW2425DWM is an upper mid-range gaming monitor, which will set you back $369.99 / £369 / AU$749, and sports the niche curved and ultrawide layout. Offering a 2K resolution and a brightness of up to 400 nits, it’s slightly more premium than its main competitors.

Alienware has stripped out excessive USB ports and RGB lighting to bring costs down, but the beast remains closely in line with its higher-end curved and ultrawide siblings. It offers a flat base and an easy-to-navigate user interface, along with an IPS-VA panel. More expensive models tend to come with an OLED panel and 4K resolution, along with greater brightness and contrast.

When we’re looking at competitors, the closest is likely to be the Samsung Odyssey 34-inch ultrawide gaming monitor, available for $399 / £329 / AU$599 (though often found much cheaper today).

Value score: 4.5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch: specs

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: design

The Alienware A3425DWM monitor from the top — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Understated design
Discreet stand with small footprint
178º viewing angle

The Alienware AW3425DWM is fairly understated. Its stand and bezels are completely unassuming, without any RGB or detailing to speak of. The back of the display is pretty standard, apart from the classic extraterrestrial logo, and the only bit of styling on the front is the spelled out Alienware name.

There’s not a lot for me to criticize here – it’s not a monitor built to win design competitions, but in my opinion it's a fairly nice looking display. It has a handy passthrough hole in its stand for neatly organizing your cables, which I found particularly useful for my additional mouse and keyboard cables, and the ports are well laid out across the back of the monitor, with USB-A ports along the underside for easy access. It does, however, lack USB-C ports which, in 2025, I consider disappointing as more peripherals have adopted it as standard.

The design aspect that impressed me the most was its satisfyingly small footprint. Although it's quite a large display, it stands firmly on a single flat foot without much wobble if you bump the desk.

The display has full tilt, swivel and height adjustment with its stand, and the screen is VESA-mount compatible. As it's an ultrawide, you can't rotate the display fully vertical, and if you want to pull this off, you'll need to mount it seperate from the stand. The curvature of the screen has a 178º viewing angle, enveloping your vision well if you’re seated directly in front of it.

That means it'll be difficult to watch content on the monitor when viewing it from outside the optimal viewing space. I would often get up from my desk and do something away from it while looking over at a show or livestream on the display, and would find it difficult to view because of the curvature. This isn't a complaint, but an observation and a known limitation of curved screens.

For interacting with the onboard user interface, there’s a joystick nub directly under the middle of the display, handy for quick adjustments when switching from, say, gaming to productivity as I’d often do.

Design score: 5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM 34-inch review: features

An ultra-wide monitor displaying an image of a valley of fog — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Ultrawide 2K resolution
AMD FreeSync Premium and VESA AdaptiveSync certification
Two USB-A passthrough ports

I love the Alienware AW3425DWM because it’s so stripped back and accessible. It lacks the range-topping features of its more pricey OLED-toting sibling, the AW3423DWF, but a more budget-minded gamer would likely prefer the display for how cheap it is.

Although I'm an OLED panel lover, I don't mind the IPS VA panel fitted to this monitor. It handles darkness well and although an OLED would offer improved contrast, I found games where shadows are particularly important (such as Assassin’s Creed Shadows) maintained enough detail to still be able to see what was going on. Aiding the darkness is a 95% color gamut and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, resulting in a nice-looking picture that I found adequate.

I found the 2K resolution scaled for the wide panel (3440 x 1440, 21:9) sufficiently satisfying for making my games look big and expansive, and when I switched to competitive games like Marvel Rivals, I didn't feel like I needed a faster response time than the 1ms rate offered by the monitor. The same goes for the 180Hz refresh rate – I rarely played games that offered framerates up to this number, but it remains a good figure for a wide variety of users.

The monitor's quick settings allow you to switch up the display to your preference, such as scaling picture or HDR settings, which I often did when changing tasks. Additionally, running a USB-B to USB-A cord between the monitor and your PC will allow you to use the fitted USB-A ports for passthrough, a feature I really like for cutting down on cable clutter (though, again, no USB-C ports).

Being an ultrawide, there’s an additional utility in being able to treat it as if it’s two monitors without feeling claustrophobic. Any monitor can be used to display multiple windows, but an ultrawide has the benefit of being able to do so without making you feel too cramped, in my opinion. This was particularly useful when having two windows open (such as a browser or word processor on the left and a YouTube video on the right), but I found it also performed well when having four windows open at once.

Features score: 4.5/5

Alienware AW3425DWM review: performance

An ultrawide panel displaying Assassin's Creed Shadows — (Image credit: Zachariah Kelly / TechRadar)

Great darkness and color clarity
Maximum refresh rate of up to 180Hz
Brightness of up to 400 nits

The Alienware AW3425DWM is a well-performing gaming monitor that displays objects and coloring without fault. More impressive ultrawide monitors are widely available, but in my opinion, you’re unlikely to get better specs than what is on offer here in the 2K 34-inch ultrawide segment.

Only operating at up to 2K and offering fairly mid-range brightness and contrast have made the monitor cheaper, but consequently sparse on the performance front. That being said, I found this to be a perfectly fine monitor for casual and competitive gamers alike, and it's is in line for the mid-range segment.

The 180Hz maximum refresh rate isn’t the highest (higher-end Alienware panels can go up to 240Hz), nor the 1ms response rate the fastest (in an age where it’s as low as 0.1ms on some panels), but I think the savings on offer make it worth considering for many PC users.

That said, a maximum brightness of only 400 nits, though above many competitors in this segment, may be too low for some users. All of the games I tested looked great and text appeared fine without any haziness, but in use you may crave a brighter display.

Streaming content also looks great despite mid-range brightness, with the vibrancy of movies like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse presented well. Additionally, there’s an anti-glare coating across the glass, perfect for blocking out annoying light sources.

If you want your gaming monitor to serve up higher brightness and greater contrast, likely facilitated by an OLED panel, I highly recommend reading our hands-on with the Alienware AW3423DWF. I've personally tried that monitor myself and found it to be massively impressive, but the AW3425DWM is generally a better deal, especially if you don't really care about having a 4K resolution.

The only issue I had was when I took it out of the box: the monitor automatically kept adjusting brightness (dimming in my case) based on how the image appeared, but this was quickly resolved by tweaking picture settings to my liking.

Performance: 4/5

Should I buy the Alienware AW3425DWM?

Buy it if...

You want a curved ultrawide monitor

This is one of the more impressive curved and ultrawide monitors in the mid-range segment, and would be a satisfying buy if greater width is something you desire.

You want a big screen without spending too much

34-inch displays are getting cheaper and cheaper, and while you can get an identically sized monitor from a competitor, Alienware’s option beats out its rivals on brightness and features.

Don't buy it if...

You crave the best of the best

This monitor doesn’t display the brightest image, nor does it offer 4K or an OLED panel.

You want a small panel

Ultrawide monitors are never small and this display will take up valuable space on your desk.

Also consider

Alienware AW3423DWF

More expensive and feature-packed, the AW3423DWF is the monitor to buy if you want a noticeable performance bump above what the AW3425DWM can offer. While we haven't fully tested it ourselves, our colleagues at GamesRadar+ give it a full five stars.

AOC CU34G2XP

This is the newest version of our favourite budget ultrawide display, the CU354G2X, it packs similar specs to the Alienware AW3425DWM at a much lower price and could be worth considering. We haven't had the opportunity to try it out for ourselves here at TechRadar, so I can't comment on its performance, but the price might just tip the scales for some users.

Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G55T G5 ultrawide

The Samsung Odyssey G55T can often be found much cheaper these days, making it a worthwhile second choice to the AW3425DWM. Again, I can't speak for its performance as we've not had the opportunity to review it on TechRadar, but savings are always tempting.

How I tested the Alienware AW3425DWM

Tested for three weeks
Primarily used for gaming
Also used for productivity as a single monitor

I tested the Alienware AW3425DWM over the course of two weeks, most of which was spent gaming, playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows primarily, but also R.E.P.O, Forza Motorsport, Nubby’s Number Factory, Marvel Rivals and Balatro.

I also spent a fair amount of time using the display for productivity purposes, such as typing out word documents and browsing the web, along with watching things on streaming services, primarily YouTube and Twitch. I constantly switched up the settings and used a DisplayPort connection.