Providing a Background on OLED Monitors:
About two years ago, Samsung launched their first-generation QD-OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) technology in a popular 3440×1440 Ultrawide monitor that could deliver up to a 175hz refresh rate. Gamers were quick to grab these monitors, eager for an OLED experience on their desktops. However, both the first-gen QD-OLED and the competing W-OLED panels from LG Display used a Red-Blue-Green subpixel layout, which caused text and high contrast areas to display a green/blue color fringing effect that some found distracting. As a user who utilizes productivity applications like Word and Excel in addition to gaming and video consumption, I decided to wait for OLED technology to improve.
During CES in January 2024, LG Display and Samsung Display unveiled new panels. LG announced second-generation W-OLED displays with the same subpixel layout issue as the first gen, along with plans for third-generation panels with improved pixel density and corrected subpixel layout, set for release later in the year. On the other hand, Samsung Display launched their Third Gen QD-OLED desktop panels, boasting improved subpixel layout and pixel density, offering a maximum refresh rate of 240hz at 4K resolution.
After years of OLED technology being available but not dominating the market due to various limitations, I decided to upgrade from my 34-inch ultrawide IPS LG panel to Alienware’s 31.5-inch 4K HDR panel featuring the new third-gen QD-OLED technology. In this review, I will share my experience with this monitor over the past month.
Now, onto the review…
