Samsung S3 S31C 27″ IPS Essential Flat Monitor Review – 75Hz Refresh Rate, 5ms Response Time

Samsung S3 S31C 27″ IPS Essential Flat Monitor Review

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Samsung S3 S31C 27″ IPS Essential Flat Monitor is a budget-friendly option for everyday use and light gaming. It boasts a 75Hz refresh rate, 5ms response time, and AMD FreeSync technology, promising smoother visuals and reduced screen tearing. It also features eye-care technologies like Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free, making it easier on the eyes during extended use. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it’s a worthy contender in its price range.

Features

The Samsung S3 S31C 27″ monitor offers a blend of essential features for both work and play. Here’s a breakdown:

  • IPS Panel: The IPS panel provides wide viewing angles, ensuring consistent color accuracy even when viewed from the side. This is particularly beneficial for collaborative work or multi-person viewing setups.
  • 75Hz Refresh Rate: With a 75Hz refresh rate, the monitor delivers smoother visuals compared to standard 60Hz displays, especially noticeable in games and fast-paced content.
  • 5ms Response Time: The 5ms response time helps minimize motion blur, resulting in a clearer picture during fast-paced action in games or video playback.
  • AMD FreeSync: The AMD FreeSync technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.
  • Eye Saver Mode: This feature reduces blue light emissions, minimizing eye strain and fatigue during long viewing sessions.
  • Flicker Free: The Flicker Free technology eliminates screen flicker, further reducing eye fatigue and improving viewing comfort.
  • Game Mode: The Game Mode optimizes the display settings for a more immersive gaming experience by enhancing contrast and sharpening images.
  • Connectivity: The monitor features HDMI 1.4 and D-Sub connections, providing flexibility for connecting various devices.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Samsung S3 S31C 27″ monitor delivers as expected for its price range. The 75Hz refresh rate provides a noticeable improvement over standard 60Hz displays, making scrolling and browsing smoother. While not a high-refresh-rate gaming monitor, the 75Hz refresh rate paired with AMD FreeSync helps reduce screen tearing, resulting in a more enjoyable experience for casual gamers.

The IPS panel offers decent color accuracy and wide viewing angles, ideal for everyday tasks, browsing, and light gaming. The 5ms response time effectively minimizes motion blur, providing a more crisp picture in fast-paced scenes.

The eye-care features, Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free, are definitely appreciated. They significantly reduce eye fatigue during long periods of screen time, making the monitor more comfortable for extended use.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Affordable price point
  • IPS panel for wide viewing angles and accurate colors
  • 75Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals
  • 5ms response time to reduce motion blur
  • AMD FreeSync technology for smoother gaming
  • Eye Saver Mode and Flicker Free for eye comfort
  • Decent connectivity options with HDMI 1.4 and D-Sub

Cons:

  • Not a high-refresh-rate monitor for competitive gaming
  • Average brightness
  • Basic stand with limited adjustability

Final Verdict

The Samsung S3 S31C 27″ IPS Essential Flat Monitor is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly monitor with decent features. It offers a smooth viewing experience with its 75Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync, and the IPS panel delivers accurate colors and wide viewing angles. The eye-care features are a welcome addition for extended use. While it’s not a high-end gaming monitor, it’s suitable for casual gamers and everyday tasks. If you’re looking for a balance between features and affordability, the Samsung S3 S31C 27″ monitor is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

Specification Value
Screen Size (Class) 27 inches
Flat / Curved Flat
Active Display Size (HxV) 597.888 x 336.312 mm
Aspect Ratio 16:9
Panel Type IPS
Brightness (Typical) 250 cd/m² (Maximum)
Brightness (Min) 200 cd/m² (Minimum)
Contrast Ratio (Static) 1000:1 (Typical)
Resolution 1920 x 1080
Response Time 5ms (GTG)
Viewing Angle (H/V) 178°/178°
Color Support Max 16.7 Million
Color Gamut (NTSC 1976) 72% (CIE 1931)
Refresh Rate (Max) 75Hz
Eco Saving Plus Yes
Eye Saver Mode Yes
Flicker Free Yes
Game Mode Yes
Image Size Yes
Windows Certification Windows 10
FreeSync Yes
D-Sub 1
Display Port Out Version No
HDMI 1
HDMI Version 1.4
HDCP Version (HDMI) 1.2
USB Hub Version No
USB-C Charging Power No
Temperature 10~40 ℃
Humidity 10~80% Non-condensing
Front Colour Black
Rear Color Black
Stand Color Black
Stand Type Simple
Tilt -2.0°(-1.0°/+2.0°)~20.0°(±2.0°)
Wall Mount 100.0 x 100.0
Recycled Plastic 22.30%
Power Supply AC 100~240V
Power Consumption (Max, W) 25
Type External Adaptor