Buying guide for best Samsung monitors
Samsung has been a fierce competitor in the computer monitor lineup for years. Many users find their models to be fast, vivid, and versatile enough for general use or heavy gaming.
To navigate the product line, it helps to have an idea of your budget and intended computer use. Consider whether you need a monitor that can deliver high resolution, a fast refresh rate, and dynamic colors. If not, or if your budget is limited, you can find an affordable basic monitor.
To locate and buy the best Samsung monitors for your desktop setup, it’s a good idea to first gather information from a Samsung monitor review about useful features, price, and pertinent information. Think about what size of monitor you need, what you need it for, and how much you’re willing to spend.
What to think about when shopping for a Samsung monitor
Size
Computer monitors get larger and larger each year, and Samsung monitors are no exception. In most cases, the size of a monitor screen is measured diagonally. The screen size influences the rest of the monitor's design and bulk, meaning that everything gets larger as the screen size goes up.
22 to 24 inches: If you’re looking for a simple, general-use Samsung monitor, a screen of about 22 to 24 inches should be enough for everyday computing. This size is manageable if your desk space is limited. If you need something smaller, a laptop might be a better option.
27 to 49 inches: A larger screen size is more efficient for gaming and multitasking. Starting at 27 inches, these large screens are perfect for running multiple programs at the same time without having to minimize any windows. Samsung has expanded its line of large monitors to include ultra-wide monitors measuring almost 50 inches.
Purpose
Despite the fact that all computer monitors do the same job, manufacturers like Samsung often make specialized monitors for different tasks. Finding the best type of monitor for your desktop setup depends on how you use your computer.
Basic: General, everyday monitors tend to be basic in design and size. Since they don't have to handle the higher demands of gaming and video editing, they aren't as powerful in terms of specifications. However, these monitors are also more affordable for desktop setups that don't need extra power.
Specialized: Heavy gaming or multimedia use (such as graphic design or video editing) places more demand on the monitor. In order to deliver higher resolutions, faster refresh rates, accurate colors, and other high-end specifications, the monitor is more specialized and expensive.
An avid gamer may prefer a monitor with a curved screen. The structure of a curved gaming monitor offers enhanced viewing angles. Samsung offers curved gaming monitors with various curvature depths. However, this curvature typically comes with a high price tag that makes these monitors impractical for occasional gamers.
Despite the extra cost, Samsung has a large range of high-end gaming monitors of different sizes, so it's likely you can find something affordable.
Performance
In addition to screen size, monitors have various specs that give you some idea of what to expect from the monitor’s performance.
Refresh rate: After screen size and resolution, the refresh rate is one of the most common specifications. Measured in hertz (Hz), the refresh rate is the frequency at which the image refreshes. The standard rate for modern monitors is 60 Hz, but you can find faster models, such as 144Hz refresh rate. Faster refresh rates are better for gaming or multimedia tasks.
Response time: Similar to the refresh rate, a monitor's response time measures how much time it takes to transition between images. Measured in milliseconds (ms), when it comes to response time, lower numbers are better. The best Samsung monitors offer response times in the single digits, which creates a smooth, seamless look on the screen.
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that LCD stands for liquid crystal display? LED monitors typically have better image quality, and they work with liquid crystals to produce images.
STAFF
BestReviews
Samsung monitor features
Screen type
Today’s computer monitors use different screen and panel technologies to display an image. The choice of panel depends on the desired performance and your budget.
TN: The most common panel type, the twisted nematic (TN), is a good example of a budget-friendly option that sacrifices some image quality. However, one area where TN panels shine is in response time, making them great for gaming.
VA: Vertical alignment (VA) panels are a step up from TN panels. These deliver more accurate colors and decent response times for a slightly higher cost. Unfortunately, the performance and response time can be less reliable.
IPS: At the top end, in-plane switching panels (IPS panels) are the preferred panel type when it comes to picture quality. The colors are richer, with better contrast and brightness capabilities. Despite the boost in image quality, some hobbyist gamers stay away from IPS panels because of the monitors’ limited response times.
Resolution
A monitor's resolution is a measure of the number of pixels the screen has to produce the colors that combine to make images, often using LED lights. That number affects the clarity of the screen. A higher resolution uses more pixels, meaning the details are clearer and sharper.
HD: The most common resolution is 1092 x 1080 pixels, or 1080p. Sometimes referred to as HD, full HD, and FHD, this resolution is good enough for everyday use, watching videos, and running games with decent picture quality.
QHD: A slight step up is quad high definition or QHD: 2560 x 1440 pixels or 1440p.
4K: True 4K monitors have become more popular among gamers and multimedia users. At 3840 x 2160 pixels, 4K quadruples the number of pixels available compared to a standard 1080p monitor. Samsung has introduced a number of 4K monitors in recent years, some of which are priced at or below $300.
Ports
The computer screen itself is just part of what a monitor can offer. With built-in speakers and accessory ports, you can expand the capabilities of both the monitor and the computer.
GPU: The most important port is the visual connection that delivers the images from the graphics processing unit (GPU). Most Samsung monitors come with an assortment of ports you can plug a cable into for the visual output.
HDMI and DisplayPort: Once-new technologies like HDMI and DisplayPort are now standard on virtually all Samsung monitors. These ports offer high resolutions and even audio with the right graphics card and cables. DisplayPort 1.4, in particular, is an excellent port for gaming since it can handle 4K resolutions at up to 200 Hz.
VGA and DVI: You might find some basic monitors that have older ports like video graphics array (VGA) and digital visual interface (DVI). For years, VGA was the standard display connection, and it’s still common on projectors and older laptops. Older graphics cards are also likely to have a VGA or DVI connection, but this doesn't mean you need an older monitor. Adapters like VGA-to-HDMI cables can bridge the gap between old and new ports. Additionally, you can always add a USB hub if you want to connect multiple accessories to a basic monitor.
Did you know?
The term "bezel" refers to the edge around the screen. Smaller bezels are becoming popular since they reduce the size of the display without affecting the screen size.
STAFF
BestReview
Samsung monitor prices
Computer monitor prices vary depending on the type, style, size, and specifications of each model. Samsung's range reflects this variety with models that start at around $150 and go up to more than $1,000.
Inexpensive
Below $250, the monitors available are small (around 24 inches) and basic. Refresh rates come in at the standard 60 Hz. While you can find some larger screens, the resolutions tend to be limited to 1080p.
Mid-range
Between $250 and $500, the screen sizes, resolutions, and performance specifications go up. Screens of 32 inches are quite common, and you can even find some ultra-wide or curved monitors in the mix. Smaller 4K monitors also start in this price range.
Expensive
Above $500, you’ll find several high-end monitors oriented for better performance. There are some 32-inch 4K monitors meant for gaming. If you need something that's really big, Samsung’s 34- to 49-inch screens cost around $800 to $1,000.
DID YOU KNOW?
Contrast ratio refers to a display's black and white range. The average monitor has a contrast ratio of 1000:1. Aspect ratio is a separate term. A monitor's aspect ratio refers to the length and height of images, with 16:9 being the standard option.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Buy the biggest monitor you can afford. It's hard to go wrong here. The workflow is more efficient, and the gaming experience is more immersive. Samsung makes some excellent ultrawide monitors on the higher end of its price spectrum.
- Match monitor to graphics card. Some monitors are matched with certain GPU manufacturers like Nvidia or AMD. Buying a monitor synced to your graphics card can reduce the response time to under five milliseconds.
- Use one screen. Some people find using one large monitor preferable to multi-monitor setups since a single screen isn't broken up by bezels.
- Try external speakers for better sound quality. Built-in audio speakers are a good way to get sound from your computer, but don't expect the best sound quality possible. A dedicated speaker setup is the best way to have great audio.
FAQ
Q. Can I set up more than one computer monitor?
A. Multi-monitor setups are more than possible; they’re becoming commonplace with gamers. You’ll need a graphics card that can support multiple monitors and enough space on your desk.
Q. What is the best screen size for gaming?
A. Anything larger than 24 inches is preferable for casual gaming. Most serious gamers are more concerned about refresh rates and screen resolutions, but something around 32 inches is more than enough for hardcore gaming and everyday use.
Q. Which is better: HDMI or DisplayPort?
A. This largely depends on what your graphics card and computer monitor support, but DisplayPort is more computer oriented. HDMI was designed for general electronics like TVs, projectors, and Blu-ray players. As a result, DisplayPort tends to have an advantage when it comes to the highest resolutions and refresh rates it supports.
Q. Should I mount my Samsung monitor?
A. The stand that comes with it is usually more than enough to provide a stable base on a desk. Take note of whether it is an adjustable stand, as this may affect your comfort level. However, if you want to free up some desk space, a wall-mounted stand or multi-monitor display is a potential solution.
