Review

The SAMSUNG S50GC 34" 1440p 100Hz is a compelling choice in the world of ultrawide monitors, offering a blend of affordability and performance that makes it suitable for both gaming and professional use. With its Ultra-WQHD resolution and a plethora of features aimed at improving the user experience, this monitor is an attractive option for those seeking quality without breaking the bank.

Design and Display Quality

The SAMSUNG S50GC features a flat VA panel with a resolution of 3440x1440 pixels which ensures crisp image quality and ample screen real estate. The 21:9 aspect ratio enhances productivity by allowing multiple windows to be displayed side by side, making it ideal for multitaskers. Its borderless design provides a modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly in any setup. With a static contrast ratio of 3000:1, the monitor delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, providing a vivid visual experience for both everyday use and watching movies.

Performance

The monitor boasts a 100Hz refresh rate and a swift 5ms response time, making it a desirable choice for casual gamers and professional users alike. While it excels in producing rich colors, the VA panel might encounter minor issues like black smearing in fast-paced games where response time is crucial. The integrated AMD FreeSync technology further enhances the gaming experience by syncing the frame rate with compatible graphics cards, reducing screen tearing and stuttering.

While the SAMSUNG S50GC is tailored for productivity and casual gaming, competitive gamers might find the black smearing and 100Hz refresh rate less appealing compared to faster IPS panel monitors. The monitor also supports HDR10, which, although not the most advanced HDR available, does add to the visual vibrancy, particularly in media playback. For professionals, the high pixel density, along with the expansive screen space, facilitates working on detailed applications and handling large datasets efficiently.

Features and Usability

This monitor comes with several eye-friendly features, such as Eye Saver Mode and flicker-free technology, making extended use more comfortable by reducing eye strain. Additionally, the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) functionalities are excellent for multi-tasking, allowing users to view content from different sources simultaneously. Connectivity options are generous, with 1 DisplayPort and 2 HDMI ports, offering flexibility in connecting multiple devices. The Eco Saving Plus feature adapts brightness according to ambient light, optimizing energy consumption.

Design and Connectivity

While the design is sleek and visually appealing, the tilt-only stand limits ergonomic adjustments. However, its VESA mount compatibility opens up possibilities for personalized mounting solutions. The bezels are thin, contributing to an immersive viewing experience. Weighing in at about 15 lbs, setting up and adjusting the monitor is a breeze. Connectivity is also robust, with support for DisplayPort and HDMI, and the monitor maintains compatibility with both AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC graphics cards, offering broader usability for various systems (Display Ninja).

Conclusion

In summary, the SAMSUNG S50GC 34" 1440p 100Hz monitor stands out as a versatile and budget-friendly choice for non-competitive gamers and professionals. Its outstanding static contrast ratio and extensive screen space make it an excellent choice for immersive viewing and multitasking, although its limited ergonomic adjustments may require external solutions. Overall, this monitor is an excellent addition for anyone looking to enhance their viewing experience with a sleek, high-resolution display at an affordable price.