iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 Curved Monitor Review: A Comprehensive Look

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 Curved Monitor is a captivating 34-inch ultrawide display designed to elevate your visual experience. Boasting a 120Hz refresh rate and 0.4ms response time, it promises smooth visuals for both work and play. Its UWQHD resolution (3440 x 1440) offers ample screen real estate for multitasking and immersive gaming. In this review, we delve into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.

Features

The iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 is loaded with features aimed at improving productivity and entertainment:

• Curved Display: The 1500R curvature provides a more immersive viewing experience, drawing your eyes into the center of the screen for better focus.
• VA Panel: This panel type offers deep blacks, high contrast, and wide viewing angles, resulting in vibrant and clear visuals.
• 120Hz Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate delivers smooth and responsive visuals, especially beneficial for fast-paced games and demanding applications.
• 0.4ms Response Time: The 0.4ms response time minimizes motion blur, ensuring crisp and detailed visuals, especially during dynamic action sequences.
• KVM Switch: Seamlessly switch between two connected devices with a single keyboard and mouse, ideal for multitasking professionals.
• USB-C Dock: The USB-C port allows for video, data, and power delivery through a single cable, simplifying connectivity.
• Flicker-Free Feature: Reduces eye strain and fatigue during extended screen time.
• Adaptive Sync Support: Minimizes screen tearing and stuttering for smooth and lag-free visuals.
• i-Style Color: Pre-configured color profiles for various scenarios like gaming, movies, and document viewing.
• Height, Swivel, and Tilt Adjustments: Allows for ergonomic adjustments for optimal comfort.

Performance

The iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 delivers a compelling performance, especially for its price point. The UWQHD resolution provides ample space for multitasking and immersive gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate and 0.4ms response time make for smooth and responsive visuals in games and demanding applications. The colors are vibrant, and the black levels are deep, enhancing the overall visual experience. The curved display further immerses the user, offering a more captivating viewing experience.

In real-world usage, the monitor excelled. I was able to seamlessly multitask with multiple windows open, and the wide screen provided ample space for working with large spreadsheets or browsing multiple web pages. While playing fast-paced games like “Apex Legends” and “Rocket League,” I experienced minimal lag and tearing, thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate and Adaptive Sync support. The monitor handled graphics-intensive games with ease, showcasing vibrant colors and smooth gameplay.

However, some drawbacks were present:

• Panel Backlight Bleed: Although minimal, some backlight bleed was noticeable in dark scenes, particularly in the corners.
• Speakers: The built-in speakers were underwhelming, lacking both volume and clarity.

Pros & Cons

Here is a summary of the iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5’s key advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Immersive curved UWQHD display
• 120Hz refresh rate and 0.4ms response time for smooth visuals
• Wide viewing angles and vibrant colors
• KVM switch for seamless multitasking
• USB-C dock for convenient connectivity
• Ergonomic adjustments for comfort
• Flicker-free and Adaptive Sync for eye comfort and smooth gameplay
• Value for money, considering the features

Cons:

• Slight backlight bleed in dark scenes
• Underwhelming built-in speakers

Final Verdict

The iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 Curved Monitor is a solid option for professionals and gamers seeking an immersive and feature-packed display. Its UWQHD resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 0.4ms response time deliver a captivating visual experience. The KVM switch and USB-C dock enhance productivity, and the ergonomic adjustments ensure comfort. While the backlight bleed and speakers could be improved, these shortcomings are minor compared to its overall strengths. If you’re looking for a high-quality ultrawide monitor at a reasonable price, the iiyama ProLite XCB3494WQSN-B5 is definitely worth considering.

Specifications