★★★★★ 5
Excellent Monitor Once Your Eyes Get Used to the Curve
I upgraded from the 4K LG 27GN950-B UltraGear Gaming Monitor 27” UHD to this 4K Neo G8 curved monitor because of the 240Hz refresh rate and the numerous superlatives doled out to it by tech magazines and websites. I also wanted to maximize my Nvidia RTX 4090 card with one of the best rated monitors out there.
So, let's get the worrisome part out of the way first: if you aren't used to curved monitors (I wasn't) then, as many reviewers noted, it will take your eyes some time to get used to the curvature and how the images actually move on screen. For me, that time period lasted about two weeks, and I was really on the fence about this monitor during that timeframe. Once acclimated though, I finally got used to the tunneling effect where the image forces your eyes to focus on the center of the screen (kind of like when you are driving at night), and processes peripheral images still very distinctly but similar to your own vision with a slight wrapping effect at the edges.
The second issue I think many new users confront is actually adjusting the image settings to get the quality you prefer rather than one that's set as the default. For me, that means my video card can easily handle the 240Hz refresh rate (other cards may not) without screen flashing, tearing, or image ghosting, but the colors are far too saturated and actually are overwhelming on any of the presets. I had to adjust the color settings to the old sRGB standard rather than one of the presets (e.g., FPS, RPG, Cinema, etc.). The color tone is simply warmer and more natural with that sRGB setting and with the Contrast Enhancer On and the Brightness dimmed about 10%. As a first step, I recommend you adjust your own settings to your preferences and also factor an image that reduces strain on the eyes.
On that note of eye strain, I would also recommend some decent blue light glasses for extended play or viewing sessions. Just like with my aforementioned comparison with night driving, your eyes really do lock in a bit more for an immersive experience and you need to ensure you don't overdo it, especially initially if you aren't used to this type of monitor. Some users may notice initial motion sickness for specific games like FPSs or first-person RPGs, but I found that goes away with the right settings, some judicious gaming time limits (or blue light glasses for extended use), and the natural adjustment by your eyes to the curved display.
But, once you hit that sweet spot for settings, this monitor is excellent for picture quality and overall viewing. My old LG pales in comparison, though it still remains a good monitor. For anyone on the fence about the curved display, go to your local brick and mortar store that sells these and check them out in-person first. If you think you can adapt and you have the video card to power this monitor at the 240Hz refresh rate, then it's an easy recommendation. If not, the Neo G7 has a flat monitor option at 144Hz that would likely be an upgrade from the LG as well. With whatever monitor you settle on, always adjust the settings to your preferences as a first step, rather than force your eyes to adjust to a default setting or otherwise unnatural image quality in terms of light intensity. warmth, or color oversaturation.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2023
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