Samsung Essential Monitor S3 S30GD 24″

Samsung 24″ Essential Monitor S3 (LS24DG310HY)

Samsung Essential Monitor S3 S30GD 24″ is priced at Kes 17,200  here at Novelty Tech Solution in Nairobi, Kenya

Key Specifications at a Glance

* The exact model number suffix (e.g., LS24DG310HYXEN, S30GDYXEN) can change based on the country and retailer. The 100Hz specification is the key identifier.

Detailed Features and Performance

1. Display Quality

• Resolution & Sharpness: The Full HD (1920×1080) resolution is the sweet spot for a 24-inch screen, providing clear text and detailed images without requiring scaling.

• Panel Type – VA: This monitor uses a VA panel, which is a significant advantage for contrast. With a high 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, it produces deeper blacks and more defined shadows than comparable IPS or TN panels. This makes it better for watching movies in a dim environment.

• Colors: Covers a standard sRGB color gamut, which is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks, web browsing, and casual gaming. It is not designed for professional, color-accurate work.

2. Performance & Gaming Features

• 100Hz Refresh Rate: This is the monitor’s headline feature. Compared to the standard 60Hz or even 75Hz, 100Hz makes the entire user interface—scrolling, cursor movement, and window dragging—feel remarkably smoother. It provides a clear advantage in games, making motion appear more fluid.

• AMD FreeSync: This technology synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate (up to 100Hz) with the frame rate of a compatible AMD (or modern NVIDIA) graphics card. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stuttering, providing a much smoother gaming experience, especially when frame rates fluctuate.

• Response Time (4ms GtG): This is sufficient for casual and most single-player gaming. While hardcore competitive gamers might prefer 1ms, the 4ms rating helps minimize ghosting and motion blur for the vast majority of users.

3. Design and Connectivity

• 3-Sided Borderless Design: The thin bezels on the top and sides give it a modern, sleek appearance that is ideal for multi-monitor setups.

• Excellent Port Selection: It features a great range of ports for a budget monitor: DisplayPort and HDMI for modern high-refresh-rate connections, and a legacy VGA port for older devices.

• No Speakers: This monitor does not have built-in speakers. You will need external speakers or headphones.

• Stand & Ergonomics: The stand is basic, offering only tilt adjustment. It does not support height, pivot, or swivel adjustments. For ergonomic flexibility, you can use the 100x100mm VESA mount to attach it to a monitor arm.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Smoothness: The 100Hz refresh rate is a tangible and significant upgrade for both general use and gaming.

• Superior Contrast: The VA panel provides deep blacks, leading to a more immersive experience for media consumption.

• Tear-Free Gaming: AMD FreeSync support is a crucial feature for a smooth gaming experience.

• Great Port Selection: The inclusion of DisplayPort ensures you can achieve the 100Hz refresh rate without issue.

• Strong Value: Offers a premium-feeling smoothness at a very budget-friendly price.

Cons:

• Limited Ergonomics: The tilt-only stand is the biggest compromise.

• No Speakers: Requires a separate audio solution.

• VA Panel Limitations: While contrast is great, viewing angles and color consistency are not as good as on an IPS panel. Motion clarity, while good, may not be as sharp as on a fast IPS or TN panel for competitive gaming.

• Potential for Motion Smear: VA panels can have slower black-to-black pixel transitions, which might be noticeable to sensitive users in very fast-paced games.

Who Is This Monitor For?

• Casual Gamers: The primary audience. The 100Hz and FreeSync provide a fantastic, smooth gaming experience for non-competitive games.

• Productivity Users: Anyone who values smooth scrolling in documents and web pages will appreciate the 100Hz refresh rate.

• Media Consumers: The high contrast ratio is excellent for watching movies and videos.

• Users Upgrading from 60Hz: This monitor offers an immediately noticeable improvement in everyday smoothness.

Who Should Avoid It?

• Competitive Esports Gamers: Those who play titles like Valorant or CS:GO at a high level may prefer a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor with a faster response time.

• Professional Photographers/Designers: Requires a monitor with higher color accuracy and wider color gamuts.

• Users Needing Ergonomic Adjustments: If you need height adjustment, you must budget for a VESA monitor arm.

Conclusion

The Samsung 24″ S30GD 100Hz is a standout value proposition in the budget monitor market. It successfully bridges the gap between a basic office monitor and an entry-level gaming display. Its combination of a high-contrast VA panel, a smooth 100Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync support makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a fluid and immersive experience for work, entertainment, and casual gaming without breaking the bank.