22" LED LCD Roundup: Dell, LG, And Samsung
We're back with another monitor roundup. This time, we're focusing on the extreme end of the cheap gaming spectrum: sub-$200 LCD monitors. It might surprise you to learn that, at this price range, your options are extremely limited. You could buy two 20" monitors or a single 22" screen. If you prefer to game at higher resolutions, the choice is simple: buy the one 22" display.
Monitors smaller than 22" typically can't hit resolutions above 1366x768. If you're a gamer, that's to your disadvantage, because higher quality settings shine when you're gaming at higher resolutions. There are some decent deals on 23" LCDs that run under $200, but they are fewer in number. In practice, you're likely to spend at least $150 to get a solid display, and that's why many folks start off by shopping for 22" monitors.
If you want a cheap screen to complement your budget-oriented gaming rig, we're telling you right upfront that it'd probably be better to keep an eye out for affordable 23" TN-based LCDs. The results of this 22" three-model LCD roundup are a bit mixed, but it is quickly becoming apparent that there's a substantial difference when you move from 22" to 23."
| Brand | Dell | LG | Samsung |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | ST2220L / SR2220L | E2241S / E2241T/ E2241V | S22A350H |
| Type | LED | LED | LED |
| Panel Type | TN | TN | TN |
| Screen Size | 21.5" | 21.5" | 21.5" |
| Max Resolution | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 | 1920x1080 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Response Time | 5 ms | 5 ms | 2 ms |
| Brightness cd/m^2 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 | 1000:1 | 1000:1 |
| Picture in Picture | No | No | No |
| Antiglare Coating | Yes | No | No |
| Speakers | No | No | No |
| VGA | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| DVI-D | - | - | - |
| DVI-D with HDCP Input | 1 | 1 | - |
| HDMI | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Tilt | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Energy Star Qualified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
