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When you set your sights on a generously sized curved LED display from Samsung, you more or less expect a fairly pricey product. Particularly in the case of a premium Samsung 32 inches curved display that has earned 5 stars from almost every customer, as is the case with the LC32F397FWNXZA.
One look and you know this is a serious Samsung monitor for serious gaming and productivity. Clearly a cut above your more generic LCD display in all key departments, the LC32F397FWNXZA 32 curved is a simply stunning piece of hardware. Which counts double with the gorgeous white glossy version, though that is purely a case of personal preference.
At its current purchase price, the new Samsung LC32F397FWNXZA monitor is a great buy – that really is all there is to it. but it is not until you put it to the test personally that you realize just how great this thing is for such a small chunk of change.
LC32F397FWNXZA Review: The Manufacturer’s Word
Summing things up in brief, Samsung’s own overview of what is on offer with the LC32F397FWNXZA more or less says it all. Rather than going into painfully precise detail with the more complex aspects of its hardware, they simply have the following to say about what you can expect from this 32 curved monitor (see the best 32 inch gaming monitors):
Experience vibrant, stunningly vivid colors with Samsung’s Active Crystal Color technology. The excellent 3000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep blacks and bright whites.
The 1800R curvature of the screen provides a truly immersive viewing experience that lets you enjoy big, bold, and stunning panoramic views while you work or play.
Featuring an ultra-slim and sleek profile the Samsung CF397 monitor measures less than 0.5inch thick. A widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, Brightness: 250 cd/m², Response Time 4ms.
Other features: MagicBright, Magic Upscale, Flicker-Free technology, FreeSync Technology, Eco Saving Plus, Eye Saver Mode, Mercury-free, Game Mode, TFT active matrix
Interfaces: HDMI, DisplayPort | Headphones
Source: Samsung
Samsung products (see best Samsung monitors) are renowned for combining impressive design attributes with cutting-edge technology and all-around affordability. But is all of the above too much to ask from a curved LED screen at such a low price?
More importantly, would we recommend the LC32F397FWNXZA as an alternative to the closest comparable products available in its class?
LC32F397FWNXZA Curved LED Monitor Review: Put to the Test
First things first, you will always encounter the occasional negative LC32F397FWNXZA review…as is inevitable with all types of computer hardware in general. People will always find something to complain about if that is what they want to do and there are aspects to this particular product that have been highlighted as imperfect.
I’m addressing these first in this LC32F397FWNXZA review as they are seriously few and far between. For example, the fact that this is one seriously heavy piece of hardware apparently came as a surprise to many. There are also those who aren’t particularly blown away by the prospect of 1920 x 1800 full HD resolution, or a relatively standard 60hz refresh rate.
Indeed, there are high-end gaming monitors available that take both of these things to much higher levels, but do they really take the luster away from the rest of the package?
The short answer is no…not for a moment.
For one thing, full HD 1080p resolution is not an issue at all when this number of pixels has been crammed into a 32-inch screen. Make sure you factor this into the equation and it is no big deal at all – the pixel density of the LC32F397FWNXZA is absolutely spot on.
In addition, the curved screen (see the best curved gaming monitors) brings something uniquely immersive and enjoyable to the experience from start to finish. It reduces eye strain, does a fantastic job minimizing glare, and generally makes an imposing addition to any desk or workstation.
From gaming to movie-watching and so much more besides, this glorious Samsung screen handles just about anything you can throw at it. It is perhaps not quite as sharp or fluid as Samsung’s top-shelf gaming screens, but it is also about 75% cheaper – and by no means 75% less capable.
Connectivity Questions
The fact that the monitor does not feature any built-in speakers is inconsequential. You will rarely find a person with any intention of relying on built-in monitor speakers, given how fantastic external speakers are both cheap to buy and pretty much essential.
As for connectivity, some have complained that the LC32F397FWNXZA doesn’t feature a VGA port. Nor do the usual adaptors to convert to VGA work with it, so unless you have a DisplayPort or HDMI connection on your computer, you will have no luck with this screen. Though again, this is neither the end of the world nor anything particularly unusual.
Value for Money and Verdict
Based on this LC32F397FWNXZA review predominantly on value for money, I could only possibly give it one rating – and that would be five out of five. There is no realistic way I could not recommend this good monitor to pretty much any customer, given how much it offers for how little it asks.
Curved screen technology has come a long way over recent years, paving the way for a much more affordable segment of the market. It is just that as curved LCD monitor technology becomes more mainstream, more manufacturers than ever before are throwing seriously low-end hardware into the mix.
The LC32F397FWNXZA is one of a handful of exceptions that somehow combines stellar performance with a gorgeous overall design and a genuinely affordable price. For anyone interested in upgrading to something captivating and curvaceous without breaking the bank, set your sights on the LC32F397FWNXZA and you will not be disappointed.
Pros
- Impossibly good value for money
- Beautiful 32-inch curved screen size
- Excellent overall gaming performance
- Fantastic for productivity
- Solid and steady construction
- An exceptionally engaging experience
Cons
- No VGA connectivity
- Quite a heavy monitor
- Doesn’t feature Built-in speakers
LC32F397FWNXZA in Glossy White: Full Hardware and Specifications
|
Display Type |
LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix |
|
Aspect Ratio |
16:9 |
|
Native Resolution |
Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 at 60 Hz |
|
Contrast Ratio |
3000:1 |
|
Color Support |
16.7 million colors |
|
Dimensions (WxDxH) |
28.5 in x 9.6 in x 20.9 in – with stand |
|
Horizontal Viewing Angle |
178 |
|
Vertical Viewing Angle |
178 |
|
Viewable Size |
31.5″ |
|
Panel Type |
VA |
|
Brightness |
250 cd/m² |
|
Backlight Technology |
LED backlight |
|
Interfaces |
DisplayPort HDMI Headphones |
|
Nominal Voltage |
AC 120/230 V |
|
Power Consumption Operational |
35 Watt |
|
Power Consumption Stand by |
0.3 Watt |
|
Power Consumption (Off Mode) |
0.3 Watt |
|
Image Brightness |
250 cd/m2 |
|
Image Contrast Ratio |
3000:1 |
|
Type |
LED-backlit LCD monitor MISCELLANEOUS |
|
Color |
High glossy-white |
|
Flat Panel Mount Interface |
75 x 75 mm |
|
OS Required |
Windows 10 |
|
Tilt Angle |
-2/+22 |
|
Width |
28.5 in |
|
Depth |
3.5 in, 9.6 in |
|
Height |
16.9 in, 20.9 in |
|
Weight |
12.1 lbs, 13.2 lbs |
