Updated

Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 16

Amazon Cuts Samsung 24-Inch Curved Monitor to $100, Matching 33% Black Friday Discount

Updated

Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 16

Amazon Cuts Samsung 24-Inch Curved Monitor to $100, Matching 33% Black Friday Discount

Q: Does a curved screen on a compact 24-inch budget monitor genuinely enhance immersion, or is it just a clever marketing gimmick?

On a 24-inch budget monitor like Samsung’s Essential S3, the curve is a modest benefit, not a gimmick — but it is also not a game-changer. The reason is scale. Curved screens tend to deliver their strongest immersive effect on larger displays, especially 32-inch and ultrawide models, where the screen edges sit farther from your eyes and the curve brings them more naturally into view. On a compact 24-inch 16:9 monitor, that advantage is much smaller. Samsung’s gentle 1800R curve can make the screen feel slightly more wrapped and comfortable during casual gaming or video watching, but most users should expect only a subtle difference from a flat panel. That said, it is not purely marketing. A mild curve can help some people by making edge-to-edge viewing feel a bit more uniform and less visually harsh during long sessions, especially when sitting directly in front of the display. The effect is real, just limited at this size. For this Samsung model, the more meaningful upgrade is likely the 100Hz refresh rate, not the curvature. Moving from 60Hz to 100Hz improves scrolling, desktop responsiveness, and casual gaming in a way most users will notice immediately. The eye-comfort features and adjustable stand may also matter more day to day than the curved shape. So for buyers considering this $100 monitor, the curve should be treated as a small extra, not the main reason to buy it. The value lies more in the price, 1080p basics, and smoother 100Hz experience.

Q: At just $100, is the jump to 100Hz worth sacrificing essential gaming features like FreeSync and G-Sync?

For $100, the jump to 100Hz is worth it for many buyers, but only if they are treating this as a basic gaming or everyday monitor rather than a serious gaming display. The biggest gain here is obvious: 100Hz is materially smoother than 60Hz for casual gaming, scrolling and general desktop use. That means less blur, lower perceived lag and a more responsive feel. Evidence across monitor testing and gaming studies consistently shows the largest improvement comes when moving up from 60Hz, not from chasing very high refresh rates. What you give up is variable refresh rate. This Samsung model does not support FreeSync or G-Sync, so it cannot match the screen’s refresh rate to the GPU’s frame output. In practice, that means you are more likely to see screen tearing or stutter when frame rates fluctuate, especially in faster games. VRR is not a luxury feature; on budget gaming monitors it often adds major real-world smoothness, and FreeSync in particular usually does not add much cost because it is based on open Adaptive-Sync standards. So the value depends on use. If you mostly play single-player titles, lighter esports games, or use the monitor for school, work and media, 100Hz at $100 is a strong deal. If you are sensitive to tearing, play competitive shooters, or your frame rates often swing up and down, a slightly pricier 1080p monitor with FreeSync and 120Hz to 144Hz would usually be the smarter long-term buy.

3 articles · Updated · Gizmodo · Aug 16

$100 gets Amazon shoppers Samsung’s 24-inch Essential S3 curved monitor, matching its Black Friday low and shaving $50 off the usual $150 price.
No Prime membership or promo code is required, making the deal immediately accessible for buyers seeking a low-cost secondary screen or first monitor.
The 24-inch display pairs 1080p resolution with a 100Hz refresh rate, giving it a smoother experience than typical 60Hz budget monitors for casual gaming, scrolling and office work.
Samsung’s pitch leans on practical extras rather than premium features: an 1800R curve, TÜV Rheinland eye-comfort certification, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, and no built-in speakers.
At this price, the S3 is positioned as a basics-focused monitor for everyday use rather than a high-end gaming panel, with the discount doing most of the selling.