OLED monitors have been quite the sensation, and their prices have seen significant changes since their initial release. Notably, a 1440p OLED monitor priced at around $11,000 a year and a half ago is now available for roughly $800 or less. The exciting part is that you can find a budget option for a little over $500, which features the same 1440p 240Hz W-OLED panel from LG as seen in premium models like those from Corsair and Asus. This review explores the cheapest OLED monitor in the market, providing insights on its performance, design, and value proposition.
Design and Build Quality
When opting for a budget-friendly OLED monitor, compromises are expected, especially in build quality and design. Typically, these budget monitors feature basic stands with minimal or no height adjustments. However, this particular model exceeds expectations with a stand offering full adjustability—height, tilt, and rotation. Despite its plastic construction, it features a sleek design with a neutral gray finish, mimicking the look of metal. The stand, however, is slightly wobbly compared to premium stands like the robust metal tripod from Asus, but it remains functional if placed on a sturdy desk.
A standout aesthetic feature is the RGB lighting on the back panel, which, while subtle, adds a nice touch. Although not visible during normal use, it provides an appealing look, especially in darker environments. Overall, the monitor maintains a minimalist design, emphasizing functionality without heavy branding.
Display Quality and Performance
The core appeal of this monitor is its use of LG’s first-generation W-OLED panel, known for its vivid colors and exceptional contrast. Despite being an older generation panel, it remains highly competitive by today’s standards. Compared to similarly priced IPS monitors, the OLED panel shines with deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and superior color vibrancy, making it a preferred choice for gaming and media consumption.
Brightness and Color Accuracy
Testing the monitor’s brightness, the findings were quite interesting. The monitor dynamically adjusts its brightness based on displayed content, a feature known as non-uniform brightness. This adjustment enhances overall image brightness, especially useful during gaming sessions. However, the inability to disable this feature can be a downside for content creators who require consistent brightness for tasks like photo or video editing. In terms of luminance, the monitor delivers around 240 nits in warm color mode and up to 250 nits in standard mode, surpassing even LG’s own monitor using the same panel. This brightness level is impressive, providing good visibility even in well-lit environments.
The semi-matte coating on the display helps in reducing reflections, offering a more comfortable viewing experience compared to glossy screens. The coating diffuses reflections effectively, maintaining image clarity in various lighting conditions.
Gaming Performance
One of the strongest aspects of this OLED monitor is its response time. OLED technology inherently offers faster pixel response times compared to traditional LCDs. With a 0.1ms response time, this monitor ensures a fluid and smooth visual experience. This ultra-fast response eliminates ghosting, a common issue in slower IPS panels, making it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming.
Additionally, the 1440p resolution paired with a 240Hz refresh rate hits the current sweet spot for gaming. It offers a balance between high resolution and refresh rate, providing a smooth and sharp gaming experience without pushing the hardware requirements excessively. While higher-end 4K OLEDs or 480Hz displays exist, they come at a much higher cost. This monitor, at its price point, offers an optimal gaming experience for most users.
HDR Performance
HDR (High Dynamic Range) capability is a significant selling point for OLED monitors. The Kurai monitor in this review showed impressive performance in HDR mode, surpassing expectations for a budget option. When compared side by side with an Asus monitor featuring the same panel, the Kurai demonstrated slightly better peak brightness, enhancing the HDR effect. The overall image looked brighter and more vibrant, especially in HDR scenes with high contrast.
While this comparison was done with basic consumer tools, the visible difference was clear. The Kurai managed to provide a richer HDR experience, making it a viable alternative to more expensive options. However, it is essential to note that this does not necessarily mean perfect HDR performance in terms of color accuracy or tracking, but for general gaming and media consumption, it performed admirably.
Burn-In Prevention Features
OLED displays are often associated with burn-in, a condition where static images can leave a permanent mark on the screen over time. To combat this, the Kurai monitor includes pixel shifting and automatic dimming features. Pixel shifting subtly moves the image periodically to prevent burn-in from static content. Additionally, the screen dims after a few minutes of inactivity, which helps reduce the risk of burn-in during extended use.
Although these features are present, the monitor does not offer manual pixel cleaning options, commonly found in higher-end models. Despite this, the implemented automatic measures should suffice for most users who avoid excessive use of static images at high brightness.
Warranty and Reliability
One downside to consider with this budget OLED monitor is its limited warranty coverage. While most premium brands offer at least a 2-year warranty, the Kurai monitor comes with only a 1-year warranty. For many users, this may be a deal-breaker, especially given the potential risks of OLED burn-in or panel degradation over time. Purchasing through a reliable platform like Amazon may provide additional buyer protection, but the shorter warranty is a factor worth noting when making a decision.
Value Proposition
At a price of around $500, this OLED monitor offers exceptional value, particularly when considering the same panel used in monitors costing significantly more. Its performance in terms of color vibrancy, contrast, and gaming response times makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers. The inclusion of HDR, even if not perfectly calibrated, enhances the viewing experience, providing a taste of premium features at an accessible price point.
Despite minor compromises like a wobbly stand and a shorter warranty period, the overall package presents a fantastic entry point into the world of OLED monitors. For gamers and media enthusiasts looking to upgrade their display without breaking the bank, this monitor delivers an excellent balance of performance and price.
Conclusion
In summary, this budget-friendly OLED monitor stands out as an impressive performer in its price range. Its combination of a 1440p resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and an LG W-OLED panel brings premium features to an accessible price point. The design, although simple, is functional with adjustable stands and subtle RGB lighting, making it aesthetically pleasing. The image quality, especially in HDR mode, punches above its weight, competing closely with more expensive models from well-known brands.
The primary concerns with this model revolve around its limited warranty and some minor design compromises, but these do not significantly detract from its overall value. For anyone considering a high-quality monitor upgrade, especially gamers and content consumers, this monitor offers an excellent blend of performance and affordability, making it a strong contender in the OLED monitor market.
Given the technological advances in newer panels, future iterations may offer even better performance. However, as of now, this monitor sets a high bar for value in the 1440p 240Hz category. With its vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth response times, it is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience the benefits of OLED without spending a fortune.
Recommendation: If you are in the market for an OLED monitor and have a budget around $500, this model is definitely worth considering. It offers nearly all the benefits of much pricier options, making it one of the best value propositions available in today’s OLED monitor market.
