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Overall
The Samsung S34E790C is another excellent mix-use entry within the every growing ultrawide segment which has become diverse and popular in recent times. We all recognize Samsung as a provider of top performing and well-designed products. At first glance, the Samsung S34E790C already has what it takes to push the company’s reputation in monitors forward, but let’s check out what it can do in practice.
- Screen Size: 34 Inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440 UW-QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 21:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 7 Watts)
- Stand: Height –Yes (4 Inches)
- Stand: Tilt – Yes (-2°/+20°)
- Stand: Swivel – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 2, USB 3.0 x 5, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 32.34” x 21.73” x 10.85”
- Weight: 21.83lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung S34E790C is a refined-looking monitor with a design which will tickle a minimalist’s tastes. The face has thin, almost non-existent glossy black bezels plus a sleek stand with an extending base and a brushed black texture. We’d take this product over any other gaudy, over-designed product out there if it had the performance to match.
From the sides, the Samsung S34E790C is as sexy and sleek from every angle, and the cabinet is very slim. The depth of the base is less than 11 inches, so for users with small desks, this is an excellently compact choice, even if it is an ultrawide behemoth.
The stand looks structurally stable, but there is an occasional wobble when big paws type or you nudge your desk a bit. That problem isn’t rare in gigantic display products, so it’s a minor annoyance at best. But the great thing about its mechanism is it allows height and tilt adjustments which are sufficient for curved ultrawide since you don’t need to swivel and pivot since it defeats the purpose of this form factor.
The rear also features the brushed black texture which we prefer over anything glossy, adding a hint of class to this beautiful product. The Samsung S34E790C has a superb selection of connectors, which includes a DisplayPort, two HDMI slots, and five USB 3.0 ports for your peripherals. The two 7-watt speakers have enough frequency response for basic enjoyment, but you might enjoy a separate set better since the pair does crackle a bit when turned up.
Users can access the OSD via the Samsung S34E790C’s multidirectional JOG button which is convenient for most, and sometimes confusing for others. But for us, navigating a myriad of menus is easier this way, and we’re glad Samsung is using this design for their modern monitors. Finally, as a testament to the quality of this brand’s products, the Samsung S34E790C is free of physical flaws since there are no gaps in the seams or unwanted flexing in the plastic.
Display and Performance
The Samsung S34E790C flaunts a curve 34-inch VA panel with a 3440 x 1440 Wide Cinema QHD resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and a standard 4ms response time. The specs would quickly relegate this product into a home or office use, but it would be a waste to ignore its actual capabilities. For one, colors and contrast are superb on this model, thanks to the extended 3000:1 ratio of VA panels.
Samsung states that this display is capable of 99% sRGB coverage and 76% of the Adobe RGB gamut. These numbers aren’t on par with professional-grade products and are mostly standard, but we have little reason to argue as the screen makes colors and scenery pop. Black tones are inky and oily, and grayscale performance exceeds most expectations.
Delta E results for the Samsung S34E790C is at a respectable 1.65, making it more color-accurate than some of its competitors. Our gaming test with Battlefield 1 was quite enjoyable, and the varying textures and scenery of the several locations in the game flexed every sinew of the panel. Even dark scenes were pleasant since objects were still visible thanks to the excellent contrast.
Of course, this product doesn’t come without flaws, since we noticed interlacing and ghosting in fast-paced scenes which involved mouse swiping. These issues are included as a trade-off of using VA panels, but it’s a minor sacrifice if you aren’t too hardcore.
On a positive note, the Samsung S34E790C registered an input lag of only 10.9ms, which puts it close against gaming-grade products like the Asus PG348Q. Controls and movement are responsive, and we did not feel any delays, so this product is top-notch for our personal standards here at Monitornerds.
We noticed minor variances in the screen uniformity of this product but isn’t deal-breaking. Going to the corners there is more or less 10% backlighting degradation, which is unnoticeable in most situations. While that result isn’t the worst we have seen, it certainly could be better. The lottery concept in panel applies here, so you might get a better unit if you decide to buy the Samsung S34E790C.
Another missing feature we would love to see in a high-value product is a VRR solution. The Samsung S34E790C would be a top-ranking monitor if it included FreeSync, but sadly, it doesn’t. The tech is pretty standard for today’s best displays, and it is sorely missed on this one. 3440 x 1440 is a lot for most GPUs, so you might have to rely on a robust model to get the most out of your preferred titles.
For productivity, the Samsung S34E790C can utilize its multiple connectors for PbP and PiP. The resolution provides plenty of space for an image inlay from another host source, or the 34-inches can split into two standard sized screens. For document processing, multimedia, and internet browsing, this model is a fantastic and luxurious choice.
Thoughts
If you want a premium looking ultrawide monitor capable of superb performances, the Samsung S34E790C is an excellent option. At the time of review, this model sells for $699.99 on Amazon, placing it at an attractive bracket of the market. Gaming performance is excellent despite the 60Hz limitation, and we reckon that this product should be a mighty companion for your rig without screaming being too nerdy if your clients enter your office and see it on the desk.
If you can live with the limitations of VA panels and the absence of FreeSync or G-Sync for your gaming, you can’t go wrong with this option. Samsung is a trustworthy brand in today’s market, with excellent products like the better-equipped Samsung C34F791. But if overspending on a ultrawide monitor is too much of a concern, the Samsung S34E790C is a great and cheaper alternative.