Samsung 144Hz 4K IPS gaming monitor for only $330 mocks high-end GPUs

General
Samsung 144Hz 4K IPS gaming monitor for only $330 mocks high-end GPUs

The high-end GPU market needs something. That's because this amazing 144Hz 4K IPS gaming monitor from Samsung for only $330 makes a mockery of current graphics card prices.

A mid-range GPU targeting 1440p like the Nvidia RTX 4070 Super costs over $500, while a 4K card like the RTX 4080 Super demands over $1,000, while a major brand like the Samsung Odyssey G70B How can we be convinced when a proper high refresh 4K IPS panel can be had from Walmart for only $330?

In short, it doesn't. Currently, there is a huge mismatch between monitor and GPU prices. Now, let's get back to this attractive monitor. First, this monitor is 28 inches, not 27 inches.

To me, 27 inches was a bit on the small side to appreciate the benefits of 4K for gaming. Sure, the pixel density of 4K is higher. However, at 28 inches, the loss in that regard would be barely perceptible.

Unusually for Samsung, this is an IPS panel, not a VA panel. But we're okay with that, as IPS tends to have nearly the best color accuracy and viewing angles, and the best response time.

For the latter, Samsung rates this screen with a GTG response of 1ms, which is excellent.

As for HDR support, this is not a true HDR display and does not include local dimming capabilities. However, it is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified, which requires at least 400 nits of brightness, so this panel packs plenty of punch.

Connectivity is fairly basic, with no USB-C. This makes it impractical to set up with a laptop and a single cable. However, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 are included, and both options fully support 144 Hz at 4K.

It also includes Samsung's Gaming Hub and SmartTV functionality, which is not my favorite in terms of ease of use, but certainly adds to the all-around functionality of this monitor.

I was recently quite frustrated with the SmartTV trick on a Samsung 32-inch OLED monitor. But I would be more forgiving here. I can imagine this panel and one screen doing it all in a college or some other place where space is limited.

In other words, you get a huge amount of specs and features for only $330, which makes one wonder if you realistically need more. Certainly, OLED monitors offer good contrast and deep black levels. But 4K OLEDs cost three times as much for that slight advantage.

With 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh, 1ms response, etc., if you get this display, you won't feel left behind even if you keep upgrading your GPU over the next 4-5 years. 4K resolution, 144Hz refresh, 1ms response, etc., this is one of the best, if not the best, bargain PC components I've seen this year.

Of course, 4K is not for everyone. If this surprisingly affordable 4K beauty isn't to your taste, you'll almost certainly find something suitable among the best deals on gaming monitors on Amazon Prime Day.

Categories