Samsung's CRG5 isn't the first 240Hz 1080p monitor, the first G-Sync-compatible model or the first 27-inch curved, but it might be the first with all of those, with a VA panel instead of TN to boot. The $400 monitor debuted at this year's E3 gaming show and is slated to ship in July. (Directly converted, its price is about £315 and AU$575.)
As a reminder, G-Sync Compatible means that a display has Nvidia-approved adaptive-refresh quality -- think of it as a top-tier of AMD FreeSync 2 monitors -- but since it doesn't require extra G-Sync hardware in the monitor, it can be much cheaper. Samsung has long been a major FreeSync partner for AMD.
The high 240Hz refresh rate delivers smoother gameplay -- it really did when I tried it -- plus a broader latitude for synchronizing with your frame rates and thus avoid artifacts like tearing. That too, looked good.
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TN (twisted nematic) LCD panels still have the fastest response times, which is why they still dominate in esports; this model's 4ms gray-to-gray VA (vertical alignment) panel is more in line with noncompetitive gaming performance, but VA does deliver better color and viewing angles than TN.Â
Other specs include:
- 1 x DisplayPort 1.2
- 2 x HDMI 2.0
- Headphone jack
- Brightness: 300 nitsÂ