APC_Australia_Issue_442_June_2017

$250 | WWW.PHILIPS.COM.AU
23.8 inches; AH-IPS panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution;
DisplayPort; DVI; VGA
Philips
241S6QYMB
A productivity monitor.
$290 | WWW.SAMSUNG.COM/AU
23.5-inches; VA curved panel; 1,920 x 1,080
resolution; HDMI; VGA
Samsung
LC24F390FHE
Is it time for a curved
upgrade?
$170 | WWW.VIEWSONIC.COM.AU
24-inches; TN panel; 1,920 x 1,080 resolution;
HDMI; DisplayPort; VGA
ViewSonic
VX2457-mhd
Budget AMD gamers
rejoice.
For those looking for a high-quality
panel for work or home, the Philips
241S6QYMB has a lot to offer. Rather
than a TN panel, the 23.8-inch monitor
uses an AH-IPS panel, with wide 178°
viewing angles. The Philips offers the
usual 1,920 x 1,080 resolution, with a
60Hz refresh rate and 250cd/m2
brightness. The 5ms GTG response time
is good enough to avoid ghosting
during some casual play. The monitor
also has a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, which
boosts to 20 million to 1 using Philips
SmartContrast.
The 241S6QYMB also has a fully
ergonomic base offering height
(110mm down to almost desk level),
swivel, tilt and rotation adjustments.
We found the panel needed some
minor colour adjustments out of the
box, but overall gives a vibrant image
with very even backlighting. The
inbuilt speakers are a little tinny, but
no more so than the competition.
The 241S6QYMB has DisplayPort, DVI
and VGA inputs, but no HDMI.
Just scraping in under the $300 limit
if you shop around, the LC24F390
offers a curved screen experience.
The panel is 23.5 inches wide, and uses
the standard 16:9 aspect ratio. It also
has a full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution,
and uses a high-quality VA panel. This
gives wider than TN viewing angles, as
well as a higher-than-average 3000:1
native contrast ratio. Despite not being
aimed at gamers, the 5ms GTG
response time is pretty decent, and the
screen supports AMD FreeSync.
In use, the 19° curvature of the
Samsung screen makes it look larger
than it actually is, but not to any huge
degree. It takes a little getting used to,
but helps it feel slightly more
immersive, and easier on the eyes.
The actual image quality is top notch,
with deep blacks and bright colours.
The Samsung has HDMI and VGA
inputs, but no DisplayPort.
For those who want a smaller screen,
the monitor also has a 21.5-inch
version for $250, or a 27-inch for $430.
For those wanting a better-than-basic
gaming experience for as few coins as
possible, the ViewSonic VX series is a
must-see. It comes in three sizes — the
22-inch VX2257-mhd ($169), 24-inch
VX2457-mhd (also $169) and the larger
27-inch VX2757-mhd for just $249.
The VX screens come with 1,920 x
1,080 resolutions and a TN panel.
But going beyond the nice low 1ms
response time, it includes FreeSync
support and has a 75Hz refresh rate.
The tech operates from 47–75Hz — well
suited to mid-range AMD cards,
providing a buttery smooth gaming
experience, but not super high frame
rates. It responds well to some OSD
tweaks, but considering the price and
spec, offers quite decent image quality
and a uniform backlight.
In testing, FreeSync did an excellent
job of eliminating stuttering and
tearing. The VX2457-mhd has HDMI,
DisplayPort and VGA inputs, but no
DisplayPort cable, which is needed to
actually use FreeSync.
Verdict
While not aimed at gamers, this monitor wins
points with its ergonomic stand and wide
viewing angles.
Verdict
Providing a decent gaming experience, this
curved screen provides great image quality
and colours, but won’t break the bank.
Verdict
While the lack of DisplayPort cable is a
frustrating caveat, this monitor delivers
where it counts.
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