CES brings us the world's first 4K QD-OLED monitors
Jan. 8, 2024QD-OLED monitors have entered their 4K era
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QD-OLED gaming monitors have picked up some serious traction over the last few years, withAlienwareandSamsungleading the pack. Both brands have stepped up the game at CES, though, unveiling new 4K panels with HP in tow as well. Previous QD-OLED gaming monitors have tapped out at QHD resolutions (or various versions of them), and while it’ll take some serious grunt to run each panel at its highest possible refresh rate, those after a high-end setup are well served here.
We’ve got Alienware, HP, and Samsung bringing 4K resolution to QD-OLEDgaming monitorsthis year, with new announcements springing up all over the showfloor. All of these competing panels feature 32-inch form factors with UHD resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate, but there are some more important differences between the three.
The HP Omen, for example, employs KVM switching technology to allow you to use a single monitor as a hub between two PC devices - dragging and dropping files between them and seamlessly switching between inputs. Samsung’s Odyssey G8 has a similar function, but only with Samsung technology (no surprises there), and Alienware is behind in this department with no such feature that we know of baked in. However, if you’re after acurved gaming monitoryou’ll be heading to Dell - unlike Samsung’s previous form in the 1000+ R space, the Odyssey G8 is a flat screen, leaving the Alienware AW3225QF the only option for those after a more immersive experience.
It’s no surprise that these aren’t going to becheap gaming monitors. QD-OLED panels already command a high price tag and these first few steps into a 4K world aren’t going to be budget-friendly. Not only that, but with 240Hz refresh rates packed into the UHD resolution and a whole plethora of extra KVM and HDR features baked in, these panels are going to be for the enthusiasts.
We have, however, fallen in love with the super crisp QD-OLED panels we’ve seen so far - theAlienware AW3423DWstill sits at the top of our shopping list. With speedy panels and 4K resolutions, these monitors truly can do it all - and if you’re in the market for an investment piece now’s a fantastic time to jump in. After all, we’ve been waiting for 4K resolution, but 8K is still too far off to be thinking about. Refresh rates used to be low on 4K OLED panels, but 240Hz is a sweet spot we’ll be happy at for a long time. There’s nothing on the horizon to scare off potential upgraders - we’ll just have to see who wins out of this three-way race.
In Association with ROG Ally
We’re also rounding up all thebest 4K gaming monitorson the market, as well as thebest ultrawide monitorsfor those after a particularly immersive experience. If you’re building a console setup, though, be sure to check out thebest monitor for PS5.
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Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar. In between, I’ve written for Tom’s Guide, Wireframe, The Indie Game Website and That Video Game Blog, covering everything from the PS5 launch to the Apple Pencil. Now, i’m focused on Nintendo Switch, gaming laptops (and the keyboards, headsets and mice that come with them), PS5, and trying to find the perfect projector.
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