These two Black Friday deals on ultrawide gaming monitors are absolute bargains at about $250 each and make OLEDs seem silly
Since several years, I've been convinced that a 34-inch ultrawide monitor is the best real-world format for PC gamers and enthusiasts. I don't think that will change anytime soon.
The 34-inch ultrawide monitor is a good compromise between cinematic scale, and usable ergonomics. There is such a thing a desktop monitor too big. The native resolution of 3,440 by 1,440 also plays off visual details against frame rates very well.
We've curated the best Black Friday PC Gaming deals right here We curate the best Black Friday PC Gaming deals right here
It's amazing that you can get a 34-inch Ultrawide experience for less than $250. No, I am not talking about some AliExpress lashup. What I have to offer you is a pair high-refresh, big-brand panels that could just change your perception of what a gaming monitor on a budget can be.
These two monitors have many of the same specs as OLED panels starting at three times their price. OLEDs that have the same resolution and panel size are often four times more expensive. It's bananas.
Quick Links
- $240 @ Amazon
- Samsung Odyssey G5 | $266 @ Amazon
LG UltraGear 35GP63A-B
Price Check: Samsung $239.99
" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">LG is known for its high-quality IPS panels. Sadly, IPS panels aren't a good option at this price, so it isn't a surprise that the LG UltraGear 32GP63A-B has a VA panel.
VA has a slightly slower response time than IPS and OLED. This panel is rated at a 5ms GtG which isn't electric.
Many competing VA alternatives that are lower in cost quote the slightly misleading MPRT reaction time. In reality, most are not likely to be faster. The 160Hz refresh rate is fast enough for this type of monitor.
If you want to spend about $250 on a monitor, it's unlikely that you will have a GPU of $1,500 to drive it. You won't be able to play the latest games with this monitor's native resolution of 3,440 by 1,440.
Contrast is another advantage of VA. This LG panel has a static contrast of 3,000:1, a figure no IPS panel can hope to match. This contrast performance helps offset the relatively modest maximum brightness of 300 nits. This panel supports HDR content but, with its 300 nit maximum brightness and lack of local dimming it is not an HDR monitor.
You can also get HDMI and DisplayPort inputs elsewhere, but the core 34-inch ultrawide screen is what makes this deal so attractive. It's a great way to multitask on your desktop and enjoy a fantastic gaming experience.
Samsung Odyssey G5
The 34-inch 1440p ultrawide gaming monitor remains one of the most popular. This is a great compromise for those who want a lot of detail with decent frame rates. This Samsung panel has 3,440 by 1,440 pixel resolution, 165 Hz refresh rate and 1 ms of response time. It's not brightest with 250 nits. If you can deal with it, this is a great monitor for the price.
Best Buy $2999.99
" data-widget-type="deal" data-render-type="editorial">This particular model of the Samsung Odyssey G5, which is one of a bewildering array of Odyssey panels with similar names, is an older version. It checks out, as they say.
We're still talking about a 34-inch ultrawide display with 3,440 by 1,440 pixel resolution. This Samsung is a smidge faster than the LG, at 165Hz as opposed to 160Hz. But that's really just bragging rights. Both are fast enough for the price and scope.
Samsung rates the monitor's pixel response at 1ms. This is based on the MPRT metric, not the more demanding GtG. It's difficult to say if it is faster than the LG. Samsung has a history of making the fastest VA displays. We'll give Samsung the benefit of doubt.
The G5's brightness is a less obvious advantage. Samsung rates the monitor at only 250 nits. This is by far its weakest statistic. The LG's excellent static contrast of 2,500:1 can help to mitigate the limited peak brightness.
This Samsung has a slightly more funkier or, to some, fussier design. The LG is less gamey. The LG is slightly cheaper but not by much. Whichever model you choose, it's a great deal of monitor for an incredible price.
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