When it comes to the monitors, 4K and FHD resolutions are generally considered ubiquitous. While 4K brings crystal clear picture quality to the table for watching 4K content or gaming, they can turn out to be expensive. On the other hand, monitors with FHD or 1080p resolution are cheaper but are not as sharp as their 4K counterparts. In such cases, WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition) monitors are the perfect middle-ground for detail and performance. They give you a pixel count of 1440p for that sweet spot of crisper resolution. At the same time, they are not as expensive as their 4K counterparts. Add a curved screen to the mix, and you will get natural viewing angles. Almost perfect, right?
The other best thing about WQHD monitors, especially for gamers, is that you do not need a super premium GPU to drive the display and the high frame rates.
So, if you are on the market looking for some quality WQHD monitors, here are our recommendations. But first,
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1. Samsung Odyssey G7 LC32G75T
- Screen size: 32-inch | Refresh rate: 240Hz | Panel Type: VA
- Ports: 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio
As you may have guessed by now, the G7 is a gaming monitor. And well, it does the job quite brilliantly. There is minimal screen tearing and stuttering. Moreover, it has one of the least pixel response times for a VA monitor.
Above all, for a VA screen, this monitor has one of the highest contrast ratios. The folks at Tom’s Hardware measured over 17,000:1 in an HDR test. However, to get the most out of this monitor, you will need GPU like AMD’s RX 5000 series or NVIDIA’s GTX 16-series, RTX 20-series or RTX 30-series.
If you already have these GPUs, then there’s nothing like this. The best part is the 1000R curvature. It’s sharp and is unconventional when compared to other curved monitors. And it adds an extra depth.
2. Dell S3220DGF
- Screen size: 32-inch | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Panel Type: VA
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 4 x USB 3.0, 3.5mm audio out
If you are looking to mix leisure and office work, the Dell S3220DGF makes for a good pick. The highlight of this VA monitor is its high contrast panel which adds its magic both while playing games or when you are watching high-res content. In fact, the folks at Toms Hardware opines that the Dell S3220DGF has one of the highest contrast displays than other monitors. Now, that’s something. Needless to say, the high contrast levels make it great for gaming as well as for work, especially if you spend your time making and editing documents. And the 1800R adds to the experience.
The S3220DGF delivers sharp, detailed, and vivid picture quality. Surprisingly this sub-$500 monitor also supports DisplayHDR 400. For those uninitiated, DisplayHDR 400 means the monitor can reach a peak brightness of 400 cd/m2 while HDR content is being played. These brightness levels are essential in delivering HDR content, which the S3220DGF pulls off nicely for the price. The DCI-P3 color gamut further aids the HDR content.
When it comes to gaming, it ticks all the right boxes. It offers a refresh rate of 165Hz and supports FreeSync 2. As far as the user feedback across the web goes, there are no significant issues with black uniformity.
The monitor has all the right connectors in place. Both the DisplayPort and the HDMI connectors are of the latest iterations. There are four USB 3.0 ports as well. In short, if you want a 2K curved monitor that will double up as your gaming monitor as well as your work monitor for light productivity tasks, this is the one.
3. AOC CQ32G1 Curved Monitor
- Screen size: 32-inch | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Panel: VA
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 3.5mm audio out
The AOC CQ32G1 is the one if you are looking for a gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution. This one has a native refresh rate of 144Hz and brings a lot of features to the table. For one, it’s both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible, which gives you the option to choose from NVIDIA and AMD GPUs in the future. Secondly, the VA panels render sharp details, and the wide viewing angles add to the experience.
The 1800R curvature is quite appealing and lets you have an immersive experience, especially while gaming. The picture quality is decent for the price and brings home a good contrast ratio, thanks to the VA panel. If we talk numbers, it can display 125% of the sRGB color space.
At the same time, it also doubles up as an office monitor. The screen is wide enough to accommodate two windows side by side, thus letting you multitask at ease. And well, without the hassle of switching between various open windows will surely up your productivity levels.
In terms of gaming, the AOC CQ32G1 ensures a decent gaming experience. When connected to a compatible GPU, the refresh rates switch between 48-144Hz. Do note that you may still see motion blurs, especially in fast-paced games. Also, Black Frame insertion doesn’t work over FreeSync in the case of AOC CQ32G1.
This one doesn’t support HDR. On the upside, FreeSync is supported over both DisplayPort and HDMI.
4. ASUS TUF VG32VQ Curved Monitor
- Screen size: 32-inch | Refresh rate: 144Hz | Panel: VA
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio out
Another WQHD monitor that you can consider buying is the Asus TUF VG32VQ. It proves to be a good buy if you are looking for a gaming monitor with FreeSync support. The good thing is that the VA panel makes way good contrast levels with deep blacks and a good viewing angle. The former makes it convenient for you to watch movies or edit your documents. The picture quality would not be as great as a 4K monitor, but it gets the job done. Add clever ergonomics to the mix, and you’ve got a pretty good deal.
Speaking of the ergonomics, this one offers a lot. For one, the height is easily adjustable, and so is the swivel range. You can use the VG32VQ for productivity work, thanks to the huge screen space.
Speaking from the gamers point of view, this one offers a lot. For one, it’s one of the few monitors in this range which supports FreeSync and Black Frame Insertion at the same time. And the 1800R curvature makes way for a distortion-free and immersive gaming experience.
Though the 144Hz refresh rate makes way for smooth gameplay, it’s not a perfect monitor. For instance, the black uniformity is not on-point and can cause a major distraction if you are love playing in the dark. On the upside, the response time is excellent.
Last but not least, the VG32VQ bundles an adequate number of ports. It bundles a duo of HDMI 2.0 ports and s single DisplayPort 1.2. It’s worth noting that HDMI 2.0 doesn’t support FreeSync.
5. MSI Optix MAG301CR Curved Monitor
- Screen size: 30-inch | Refresh rate: 200Hz | Panel: VA
- Ports: 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x USB Type-C (DP alt), 2 x two USB 3.2 Gen1, 1 x 3.5mm audio output
If you are looking for a monitor that rivals two standard monitors, then ultrawide displays are the best answer. The MSI Optix MAG301CR is one such monitor. The wide field of view significantly ups your experience by several folds. And the 16:9 aspect ratio lets you have a cinematic experience, especially while playing games. And it’s not just playing games. This ultrawide monitor also doubles up as a productivity booster for office work since you can keep 2-3 windows open simultaneously.
Even if it’s an affordable ultrawide monitor, there’s no visible banding or distortion, and that’s a huge plus.
The MSI Optix MAG301CR is a gaming monitor at heart and offers several exciting features. It packs a whopping refresh rate of 200hz and has support for AMD FreeSync. So should your GPU be able to push both the 2K resolution and the 200Hz refresh rate, you will see a smooth and sharp display. However, the low response time tends to downplay its role as a gaming monitor.
Nonetheless, it has its share of pros. For example, it has clever ergonomics and lets you adjust the height significantly. While it’s not a looker, it’s not a drab-looking monitor either. The monitor’s back features a customizable RGB lighting.
The bottom line is if you want to have a cinematic experience while you play (with a super smooth motion), this WQHD curved monitor is just the right one for you, provided you are willing to accept the low response time.
6. Gigabyte G32QC Curved Gaming Monitor
- Screen size: 32-inch | Refresh rate: 165Hz | Panel: VA
- Ports: 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x HDMI 2.0, 3 x USB 3.0, 1 x 3.5mm audio out
The Gigabyte G32QC has a few good things going for it. For just around $350, you get your hands on a lot of features. For one, it’s an HDR panel, which makes it great both for watching HDR content and playing HDR games. And the sharp 1500R curvature gives it an enveloping experience. More importantly, it’s one of the best affordable gaming monitors with a 2K display.
As you may have already guessed by now, the G32QC is a gaming monitor in the strictest sense. It offers a refresh rate of 165Hz, meaning a smooth gaming experience, and the FreeSync support is the cherry on top. With the higher contrast levels, this one makes for a compelling pick among 2K curved monitors.
It also offers an sRGB mode similar to the AOC monitor above. If we talk numbers, it can display 124% of the sRGB color gamut and 94% of the DCI P3 color space. This makes for richer and vibrant colors, although some may complain that the colors are a bit saturated.
Since it’s a budget monitor, you will have to sacrifice some features. For example, you will be able to get the 1ms response time when the Aim Stabilizer feature is enabled, reducing the monitor brightness. And as you may have expected, both FreeSync and Aim Stabilizer can’t be operational at the same time.
There is an ample number of ports. And apart from the DisplayPort and HDMI, you also get your hands on three USB 3.0 ports. The latter can be used to connect USB peripherals. It’s worth noting that the HDMI connector supports a refresh rate of up to 144Hz. Thankfully, the DisplayPort connector supports both HDR and the full refresh rate.
The Middleground
The thing about WQHD curved displays is that most of them have VA panels and are gaming monitors at heart. Nonetheless, features such as HDR, high native contrast ratios, and great viewing angles make them equally great for enjoying multimedia and regular office work.
So which one of these will you buy?
Last updated on 02 February, 2022
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