If there is one aspect that shines in 2024, particularly regarding gaming monitors, it is that this year has certainly been dominated by OLED displays. We have encountered them everywhere. While these monitors primarily utilize the same 32-inch panels from Samsung or LG, they are exceptional panels.
Whether referring to the MSI MPG 321URX, LG UltraGear 32GS95UE, or various other OLED launches of 2024, you can expect elevated refresh rates, minimal latency, and breathtaking 4K visuals. However, despite the influx of options entering the marketplace, none of them are affordable.
Additionally, some manufacturers have begun to explore Mini LED technology. This innovation employs backlighting arrays and may serve as a future substitute for OLED technology, providing brighter displays with reduced text fringing and eliminating the risk of burn-in. Nonetheless, there are still challenges with Mini LED technology, as illustrated when we evaluated the BenQ MOBIUZ EX321UX, for example.
On the opposite end of the price spectrum, 2024 has revealed what can genuinely be accomplished at a more reasonable cost. For instance, the Xiaomi G27i demonstrated how high refresh rates and low latency can be achieved at a mainstream price point nowadays.
Regarding refresh rates, one trend we observed this year was the arrival of dual-mode refresh rate technology. We first witnessed this in the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE, which premiered at CES. This technology enables an ultra-high refresh rate at 1080p and then a lower (yet still elevated) refresh rate at 4K, due to pixel doubling. We had previously seen it in laptops in 2023, such as the Razer Blade 16, but this technology is now officially present in standalone monitors.
Best gaming monitor 2024: the nominees
The recipient of the Best Gaming Monitor 2024 PC Gamer Hardware Award will be revealed on New Year’s Eve. So stay tuned for our selection of the top panel for this year.