These two monitors represent the high-end of computer displays. With all the advantages of IPS technology and super-high pixel density, these screens pretty much have it all.
Why would you want a QHD (2560x1440) display?
For the additional screen real estate, of course. You can fit quite a few more windows on one of these panels than you can with an FHD (1920x1080) panel. And the high density means that you won’t see any pixel structure, even at one or two feet away. However, there is one caveat, and its impact depends on the quality of your vision.
Why wouldn't you want a QHD screen like one of these two?
Everything gets smaller. In fact, it’s hard to imagine a QHD monitor smaller than 27 inches when you see how tiny fonts become. Our advice is to simply to try before you buy. You don’t want to run any monitor at less than its native resolution. The loss of sharpness is simply too great. So, it is imperative to be sure that you can adapt to what 2560x1440 looks like.
ViewSonic VP2770-LED
Price-wise, the ViewSonic is in line with its competition. While there are cheaper alternatives, you'd be hard-pressed to match the build quality and performance of the VP2770-LED. Its color accuracy is top-notch, it’s bright, and it offers decent contrast. Even without a calibration, the image looks great right out of the box. And if you are a fan of industrial design, this monitor belongs on your desktop.
Samsung S27B970D
For a penny shy of $1200, Samsung delivers a beautiful, high-performing product. You will have to decide if auto-calibration and a slick modern appearance are worth the premium. We would like to see a monitor at this price level offer a wide-gamut option, however. That omission aside, the S27B970D offers near-perfect grayscale and gamma, and excellent color accuracy, either stock or calibrated. Although slightly less bright than the ViewSonic, it still puts out plenty of light for all but the most blazingly-lit rooms. This monitor’s input lag numbers even put it ahead of some TN monitors we’ve tested.
If 1920x1080 pixels aren’t enough for you, these two monitors will thoroughly satisfy your need for more. Apple’s Retina screens still offer the highest pixel density, but QHD is currently it for PC users. This is going to change sooner rather than later. However, if you just can’t wait, we think these displays are well worth a look.
- ViewSonic VP2770-LED And Samsung S27B970D
- Test Setup And The S27B970D's Unique Features
- Results: Stock Brightness And Contrast
- Results: Calibrated Brightness And Contrast
- Results: Gamma And ANSI Contrast Ratio
- Results: Grayscale Tracking
- Results: Color Gamut And Performance
- Results: Viewing Angle And Uniformity
- Results: Pixel Response And Input Lag
- Is QHD (2560x1440) Right For You?
It's coming. We're ramping up our display coverage, so we took note of the requests after the last display piece and put in the requests. You'll see this soon. Of course, if there are any other requests from you guys, do let us know. Christian is doing a phenomenal job of applying his extensive experience on Tom's Hardware.
Everything gets smaller.
So increase the DPI scaling ?
Everything gets smaller.
So increase the DPI scaling ?
Agreed. I bought a Dell U2711 a few months ago, but if something forced me to replace it, I'd probably go with one of those cheap Korean panels -- or a TN panel 2560x1440 monitor if somebody would actually make one - I doubt I'm the only one who likes the resolution but isn't so picky about color quality. I had no objection to the color quality on my Samsung P2770HD, and the color shifts of a TN panel are affected by the physical size of the monitor, not the resolution, right?
It's coming. We're ramping up our display coverage, so we took note of the requests after the last display piece and put in the requests. You'll see this soon. Of course, if there are any other requests from you guys, do let us know. Christian is doing a phenomenal job of applying his extensive experience on Tom's Hardware.
That's great to hear, I agree with the others that the price of these models is too much to consider unless they were generating $$$s for me. $3-400 seems like the range I would be willing to spend on these. And as for the USA based korean cheap models, are there any legit retailers of these? Please point me at them.
Here are the inexpensive $300-$400 27" korean monitor brands: Yamakasi Catleap, Achieva Shimian, Crossover, PCBank, Potalion, Auria
"The reason these monitors are cheap - LG makes IPS panels for apple cinema displays. Apple only accepts grade A+ panels. That means the all the grade A,A-,B+, etc are not accepted and returned to LG. LG resells those IPS panels to other manufacturers. You can get the whole story on google if you're interested. In addition, you're getting no support and no manufacturers warranty."
Source: http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?game=239&view=forums&post=5192222#5192222
It would be really interesting to get a review of these monitors that go for 50% or less of the price of the Big Brand stuff. If it's even 85-90% quality compared to the big brands, then they are worth the plunge.
Don't forget the Auria at Microcenter. Many Toms users, myself included, have them.
Both 60 HZ
No need to read any further.
I just dont see QHD picking up any traction in the main consumer market until they get prices down to reasonable levels.
Heck I can pick up two 1080p 23/24 inch panels for
Even with my recent resolution, I experienced some hard time to adjust myself when gaming is involved. The HUGE screen about 60 inch from my eyes still hurts my respond. I'm too focused on what happen on the middle of the screen and never had a chance to look at details on corners, when I do, it's already too late...
I don't think I'm ready for such resolutions, even if someday my rig is.
I have the Dell U2711 also. Im a very visually detailed person. Audio I cant tell the difference between low to mid, or mid to high end systems... but visually I notice. My friends and family dont notice visual details or color accuracy. They think my monitor was a waste of money, but I dont. You need to know yourself before making a purchase on these. Also, if your gaming, you'll need a beefy system.. the jump from 1080p requires more hardware than youd expect.
Want to replace this mess with 3 27" QHD IPS panels. VESA mounts are mandatory; minimal/no-bezel cases would be preferred. I don't see that combination of features available anywhere.
Also at $700 - $1000 dollars apiece it would be impossible for me to get all three at the same time. I could swing the cash for three of the Korean panels but spending that kind of money on a scary warranty, quality gamble is a bit un-nerving.
So I guess some comprehensive reviews of the lesser panels and comparisons to the name brand monitors would be extremely helpful for me at this point. I could have worse problems!
This certainly applies to my 53-yr old eyes. I have two 1920x1080 monitors now, and I use the smaller one (21.5") on my primary PC because I am a little less likely to miss things than on the 23" one. Also, it isn't just the cost of the monitor; for games you're looking at $400-$600 price of graphics card(s) to go with it, plus a beefier PSU... I just can't justify it. I'm not knocking those who can, but I can't.
I am happy with 1920x1080; I suspect my next monitor upgrade (unlikely to be soon) will be to get a 120Hz monitor for 3D, but not to get more real estate.
QHD is more generally 3840 x 2160, but in regards to being 4x 720p, it's acceptable. Just not too... correct.
For example, 720p shouldn't be HD if 1080p is HD. Like... 720 should have been 720miniHD but for marketing use, it's HD because HD is always good. So QHD is more reasonably 4x 1080p.