Best Value Ultra Widescreen High-Resolution Monitor for Gaming (Under $800) in 2022

scrimshaw on 31/03/2022 - 15:29
Last edited 31/03/2022 - 23:38

Moderators at OzBargain are now running yearly polls to decide the best products in popular categories that get asked repeatedly in the forum. Our aim is to have a central thread where users can vote on the items, suggest options and also change their vote throughout the year. For more information on how these polls work, or if you want to suggest a new poll that isn't covered already, please refer to our announcement thread here.

Question

What's the best value 34 to 35 inch ultra-widescreen gaming monitor that you can buy in 2022?

There are some features to consider when buying gaming monitors

  • Resolution. While 1080 FHD resolution still remains the standard or minimum resolution for LCD panels smaller than 27 inches, most users shopping for larger panels should generally opt for 1440p panels to maximise the amount of information that can be displayed on screen at once.
  • Panel Type: IPS panels offer better viewing angles than VA or TN panels, but sometimes exhibit IPS glow (google image search for examples). VA panels offer better contrast ratio but with poorer viewing angles and noticeable ghosting effects on darker colours
  • Backlight brightness and uniformity
  • Whether or not the stands offer height adjustment, as well as pivot or tilt.
  • Refresh rate (measured in Hz). Typical refresh rates range from the standard 60hz, 144hz and all the way up to 200hz.
  • Real HDR or is it Quasi-HDR? HDR Labels are often stuck on monitors incorrectly and are often advertised when a monitor takes in a HDR input but the panels themselves rarely meet HDR certifications. See this article about fake HDR.
  • Display curvature — measured by the radius the curve would deliver if it formed a complete circle. When measuring curved monitors, the value 'R' is used to indicate the curvature radius. For instance, a 4,000R curvature monitor would form a circle with a 4,000 mm radius, which is 4 meters. The smaller the 'R' value is, the higher the monitor’s curve.
  • FreeSync or G-Sync Compatibility.
  • Connectivity options such as Thunderbolt ports / USB-C ports that allow you to charge your tablet or laptop while using just one convenient cable that carries both data and power.
  • Plus other exotic or unusual features like built in speakers, cheat crosshairs, picture-in-picture modes and RGB lighting.

Poll results from 2021 show that the Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor was the Ozb favorite, followed by Dell S3422DWG

Poll Options expired

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2022. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Computing 34inch Computer Peripheral Dell Gaming Monitor Gigabyte Kogan LCD Monitor LG PRISM+ QLED Monitor What Should I Buy Xiaomi

Comments

  • Unorthodox on 31/03/2022 - 19:22
    +1

    Title specifies Gaming whereas the Question is more general?
    Would assume different results for Gaming vs Productivity as an example?

    • scrimshaw on 31/03/2022 - 23:38
      +1

      I had copied and pasted a bunch from the old poll. However the question this time is gaming focused monitors.

      Also found out that 38 inch monitors are for some reason, way more expensive than 35 inch ones and definitely can't be found for less than $800.

  • runtoparadise on 31/03/2022 - 22:41
    +1

    Since this mentions both 34 and 38 widescreens… I really would recommend saving up for a 38, I have both 34 & 38 and the 38 just covers a nicer range of your field of view and its one of those things that is going to last you years and years.

    • RI4V4N on 02/04/2022 - 15:01

      I feel with a 38 you are really pushing the limits of your fields of view (at one time) at a normal depth desk. I prefer 34 for gaming.

    • pinkybrain on 04/08/2022 - 01:20

      how much more money would it cost though?

      seems like it would be quite a significant amount.
      which may allow you to buy another 34" monitor

  • xrailgun on 05/04/2022 - 12:05
    Suggested Kogan KAMN34RQUCSB

    Kogan KAMN34RQUCSB: 3440x1440, 165 Hz, 1000R VA panel

    Currently on sale for $579 (with First/trial) or $599.

    Have one on order, will report back in a few days, probably with calibration profiles.

    • xrailgun on 08/04/2022 - 21:53
      +1

      Received it, mini review:

      Exceeded my expectations, the 165 Hz is real. At the UFO blur test, there's SIGNIFICANTLY less smearing than the Dell S2722DGM which is also a 165 Hz VA panel. Factory calibration is also pretty good. Comes with a very premium-feeling all-metal stand (only tilt, no height/swivel), and is vesa-compatible. Has a 2-port USB "hub", and included cables are also quite high quality (-feeling, I don't have testers).

      The 'kogan' logo is also subtle enough that it wouldn't bother you (seems they're self-conscious). The OSD menu/button is superb, probably the best I've used yet (compared to very modern Dell & LG).

      Didn't touch any of the "HDR" stuff - I know it's going to be underwhelming. (so is everything else at this price and ~400 nits peak brightness)

      Biggest "problem": The curvature is actually 1800R, not the advertised 1000R. I compared it with my existing 34" 1800R, and it was identical. I was hoping for a more aggressive curvature, but unfortunately the options at these specs and price point are all 1800R.

      Unfortunately my colorimeter seems to have gone kaput, so I can't provide a profile now, maybe check back in a few weeks if you need one.

      • xrailgun on 10/04/2022 - 14:21
        +1

        Turns out my colorimeter was having a bad day (or maybe it was Windows updates (profanity)). Calibration profiles here.

      • pinkybrain on 04/08/2022 - 01:27
        +1

        I don't trust brands that are not big brands
        e.g. soniq, Bauhn, kogan..

        seen too many Bauhn TVs throw at the kerb
        plus they get bad reviews

        I think these cheap brands cheap out on some components and/or have cheap software/firmware in them.
        hence why they are much cheaper + also cos they are no names brands

        they are also harder to get replacement parts if you need to fix them

        • LuslecGrace on 05/11/2022 - 12:54

          In terms of value sometimes u have to buy monitors that are cheaper with less premium features.

          Now personally I don't feel comfortable wasting 1k or around that range just for a monitor with more features (even if they are really good features), sometimes those that cost a lot don't have much value going for it, as u can get something similar for potentially 100's of $$ cheaper.

          That, is value.

  • srhardy on 06/04/2022 - 22:58
    -2

    I got the Dell 32 Curved Monitor: S3222HS FHD 1080p 75 Hz AMD FreeSync VA w/ Speakers monitor on the 15% off sale for $239 delivered and after getting one and seeing the sale back on, I ordered a second one! https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/393635617411

  • meong on 10/04/2022 - 22:10
    Suggested Gigabyte M34WQ

    Its more expensive to the rest of them, its not curved but its IPS and has KVM…

  • solstice on 17/04/2022 - 11:11

    Suggested AOC 34" U34G3X 3K

    144hz IPS Flat screen. No KVM but USB hub helps with cable management.

    Usually around $669. Picked up a pair for $352 ea from HT last month but one was damaged and needed to be refunded.

  • YawningTrooper58 on 27/04/2022 - 11:28
    +1

    Been using Dell S3422DWG for almost 7 months now and oh boy its perfect.

    I do not have a monitor calibration tool so using the settings provided by https://www.rtings.com/monitor/reviews/dell/s3422dwg

    Overall I play MOBAs and Warzone. Its just perfect for my needs. Got it when it was the lowest from Dell Ebay store.

    Thanks OBs for posting that deal.

    Love you guys.

    • here for deals on 28/04/2022 - 09:05

      I have a few questions about this monitor if you don't mind answering, please -
      What FPS do you get when playing games in ultra/maximum settings? What GPU do you use (or specs of your entire build)?
      Can you use a tool like fancy zones and play graphic-intensive games in 16:9 and have a browser snapped to the other zone? (please let me know if there is a better tool for this)
      How much did you buy it for? What settings are you talking about in that Rtings article, I mean, which section? (Apologies, new to monitors)
      Thank you.

      • YawningTrooper58 on 02/05/2022 - 17:52
        +1

        I play Dota 2 - 200fps (1440p), csgo sometimes 400+ (1080p ultrawide), warzone 160+(1440p).

        GPU - Gigabyte Aorus RTX 3060Ti.

        I bought this monitor as I also do love playing indie/arcade/story based games like Inside, Firewatch, What remains of edith finch and this monitor does wonders. Love the aspect ratio for these type of games.

        Movies today are made for 21:9 so its true borderless. Only Tv shows have black bars on either sides but I am fine with it as I watch them on my tablet.

        The color calibration file is in the Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration) details in the review. There should be ICC Profile with the download link.

        • Cbrya12 on 25/06/2022 - 10:00

          What CPU and RAM are you running to get those sort of fps? Just curious as to how you are getting 40+ fps more than me running a similar GPU Gainward Ghost Rtx 3060ti, i5 10400f, noctura air cooler, 16gb ram and 2tb ssd.

        • pinkybrain on 04/08/2022 - 01:30

          if you watch lots of youtube or 16:9 content then the black bars look crap.
          most people don't watch movies on their PC monitor but instead do it on a big screen TV.

          so you are more likely to be watching youtube etc
          which means you will be seeing lots of black bars on the sides

        • pinkybrain on 04/08/2022 - 01:34

          do you get white flickering when you using gsync or freesync etc..

          https://www.google.com/search?q=34%22+xiaomi+flickering&oq=3…

    • kekw on 28/04/2022 - 16:06

      Hey, I was going to get the G3223D but were turned off by people commenting about seeing pixels and blurry text, hence went with the S2721DGF.

      What is your experience on 1440p at 34", are the pixels really noticeable?

      • YawningTrooper58 on 02/05/2022 - 17:53

        Unless you are sitting very close to the monitor or playing at lower res, pixels are rarely noticeable.

        The only downside I feel is finding good ultrawide wallpapers that I like.

  • Cbrya12 on 24/05/2022 - 06:39

    The Dell S3422dwg has changed my PC gaming experience for the better. I spent way to many hours comparring the various options before finally pulling the trigger on one of the recent 20% off Ebay specials and am super happy with the decision. Only running it with a 3060ti techfast combo so not seeing frame rates much over 105fps on high settings / 1440p with COD but now understand the immersive experience I've been reading in all the reviews and have not noticed any screen tearing.

  • nuttapillar on 17/06/2022 - 15:27

    Are there any monitors that are better than the Dell S3422DWG within a small price increase? I'd be willing to pay a little more if it means I get a better picture etc. I've read that the HDR performance isn't very good.

    • scrimshaw on 17/06/2022 - 17:41

      What kind of HDR are you expecting? Full array local dimming either with QD-OLED / Mini LED (real HDR) or baseline (quasi) HDR (e.g HDR400 certification with no local dimming)

      To get proper HDR you need to spend quite a bit of money — certainly not even in the same price range of the S3422DWG.

      Alienware AW3423DW is the most popular option for a proper HDR monitor. it's currently on sale at $1703.56.

      https://youtu.be/15YOh8SqiRc?t=1188

  • nuttapillar on 17/06/2022 - 16:55
    Suggested PRISM Plus XQ340 PRO

    How about the PRISM+ XQ340 PRO?

    • Snortlepig on 13/11/2022 - 10:10

      We have both the Xiaomi Mi and the PRISM Plus XQ340 PRO in our house. Absolutely everything is better on the PRISM Plus.

      • flud on 02/12/2022 - 20:18

        How's the smearing on the PRISM plus?

  • nuttapillar on 17/06/2022 - 16:55
    Suggested Xiaomi Mi Curved Gaming Monitor

    How about the XIAOMI MI CURVED GAMING MONITOR?

    • scrimshaw on 17/06/2022 - 17:34
      +1

      According to some comments https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/12169236/redir the Dell S3422DWG has a better panel than the Xiaomi Mi Curved gaming.

      The Xiaomi was released quite a while ago — Mid 2020, to be exact and it hasn't got an update since. The Dell S3422DWG was released in May 2021

      • silr20 on 12/07/2022 - 10:56
        +1

        I still wouldn't discount it though as its cheaper than the Dell by a margin high enough to question if the extra money is worth it.

        • pinkybrain on 04/08/2022 - 16:45

          how much cheaper now?

          previously the xiaomi sold really cheap before pandemic, like $399 or below once

          the monitor still has flicker issue with gsync/freesync though.
          not sure if it also occurs on the dell 34" as well.

  • bart2 on 23/06/2022 - 17:46

    https://www.kogan.com/au/buy/Kogan-40-WQHD-IPS-Ultrawide-144…

    prism+ seem to have a similiar offering

    whats the deal with this 40" 1440p 144hz IPS ultrawide from kogan?

  • Mums Poop Sock on 19/08/2022 - 19:53

    I bought the S3422WGD because of this thread. It's unusable. Flickers in Freesync.

  • ozchappy on 28/10/2022 - 11:29

    I'm looking for a monitor for a new build soon, min specs are 1440p, 1ms max response, 144hz min refresh, 34 inch sounds about right - and the price of absolute max $800 would also be around the budget, if it warrants.

    The poll suggests the Dell S3422DWG - Hard to find online now, it's a shame PCCG doesn't stock Dell monitors. I found one store that may or may not have stock from an online store I have never used before for $699, and I'm not sure about the postage costs which could be $200 for all I know.

    Final questions: Is this monitor now superseded by newer models, better deals?

    Finally, I have to ask about the flickering issue Banserki has brought up - is this just a once off that happens with every piece of tech, or has anyone else experienced something similar with this monitor? (Also, surely this would be covered under warranty unless purchased second hand).

    Thanks

  • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2022 - 20:58

    Currently using Dell S3422DWG. Very happy with the purchase.

  • CauseNEffect on 22/12/2022 - 23:18

    No. Go for 27x3. :)

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