A 34-inch monitor in 21:9 format stretches across a diagonal of 86 centimeters. A comparison of eight ultrawide screens reveals how the cheaper models from 420 euros fare against the premium competition.
Ultrawide monitors in 21:9 format are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers. Anyone who likes to immerse themselves in role-playing games will appreciate the extra-wide viewing angle. In the meantime, however, more and more competitive gamers are turning to the screens, which are becoming increasingly affordable despite the high refresh rates: the cheaper representatives of their type currently cost around 420 euros. As usual for gaming hardware, there is no upper limit for premium gamers.
34-inch monitor: the most important specifications
Unfortunately, the surcharge is not always worthwhile, because in addition to the actual monitor, gamers also pay for advertising costs, brand names and the design of the screens. However, whether brightly colored LEDs are flashing on the back or not has just as little effect on the joy of playing as does the fact that the LG, BenQ or Huawei logo is emblazoned on the screen. As always in life, the inner values decide whether you enjoy what you are doing. For monitors, these are exactly these:
The Huawei MateView GT 34 is the manufacturer’s first gaming monitor. Huawei relies on a VA panel, which is why the screen naturally offers decent contrasts. The manufacturer specifies the response time GtG as 4 milliseconds – but only in the highest overdrive level. That’s enough for frugal gamers, but e-athletes might want to use a monitor with faster switching times.
Huawei also advertises its screen with HDR 10, i.e. the entry level of the HDR standard. HDR 10 means that the monitor has a maximum luminance of 400 nits. The screen offers a jack plug for headphones, a DisplayPort and two HDMI sockets as well as two USB-C plugs.
The monitor’s power supply is connected via a USB-C connection, and a mobile phone can be charged at the other. Too bad: the monitor lacks a USB hub. In a comparison of the 160 Hz monitors, only the HP X34 is cheaper, which also does not offer a USB hub.
The 34-inch AOC Gaming CU34G2 screen is a good 40 euros cheaper than the Mate View GT 34. Like Huawei, AOC relies on a VA panel that delivers good contrast values. However, the screen works with a 21 Hertz lower refresh rate than its Huawei competitor. And the AOC monitor also lacks the HDR standard. According to the manufacturer, it only offers a brightness of 300 nits. AOC specifies the response time of the screen as 1 millisecond MPRT. This means that the gaming CU34G2 is afloat. It stands out from the competition thanks to its USB hub. AOC has given its 34-inch model a total of four USB-A sockets. Unfortunately, it lacks a USB-C socket. Nice: The screen can be adjusted in height on the supplied stand.
The BenQ MOBIUZ EX3415R is almost twice as expensive. As the first monitor in this comparison, it comes with an IPS panel. As a reminder, IPS panels offer the best colors. Accordingly, it is not surprising that, according to the manufacturer, the BenQ monitor covers 98 percent of the DCI-P3 color space. A special feature of the 34-inch model is the HDRi function, which improves the contrast ratio of the images. BenQ promises that the function will brighten dark areas of the screen without overexposing the bright areas. Perfect for spotting opponents even in dark corners. It’s a pity that the monitor doesn’t need a USB hub.
The MOBIUZ EX3415R offers two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort socket and a jack plug for headphones. The IPS panel scores in terms of response time: the screen needs 2 milliseconds for GtG and only one for MPRT. Unfortunately, the refresh rate of 144 Hertz is slower than that of the Huawei monitor. What makes the MOBIUZ EX3415R special is its boxes. BenQ treats it to a 2.1 system with bass. Unusual for a monitor, because the integrated monitor loudspeakers usually croak rather than promise a pleasant sound. Anyone who can do without it is wasting money on the screen unnecessarily. A matter of course for the price: Of course, the height of the screen can be adjusted on the stand provided.
Xiaomi has also discovered gamers as a target group and serves them with a 144 Hertz ultrawide monitor with a 34-inch screen diagonal. Like many of its competitors, the Chinese manufacturer also relies on a VA panel that achieves a response time of 4 milliseconds when switching from gray to gray. This is sufficient for most gamers, while e-sports enthusiasts will probably prefer a faster switching time.
Unfortunately, the monitor lacks an HDR certificate. The manufacturer specifies the maximum brightness as 300 nits. Too bad: The monitor does not offer a USB hub, but it does have two DisplayPort and HDMI sockets. The monitor also does not offer an integrated speaker. That shouldn’t bother most gamers if they wear a headset. After all, the included stand allows the screen to be adjusted up to 20 centimeters in height.
Curious: The cheapest monitor in this round offers the fastest panel and the highest refresh rate. The HP X34 escapes the competition with a switching time (according to the manufacturer) of 1 millisecond (GtG) at a maximum of 165 Hertz and currently (as of March 29, 2022) 422 euros. A strong price-performance ratio. Unfortunately, the screen lacks a USB hub, but at least it offers an HDMI and a DisplayPort input. How to connect computer and game console to the HP X34 at the same time.
In addition, the screen offers HDR 400 and, according to the manufacturer, a luminance of 400 nits. However, you will look in vain for speakers on the monitor. Instead, it offers a jack plug for headphones or speakers. The main difference compared to the other screens is that the HP X34 is not a curved display. His picture surface remains flat. The height of the monitor can also be adjusted on the supplied stand. If you also want to edit images or videos on the screen, you should stay away from the monitor. It only turns off 99 percent of the sRGB color space. That might not be enough for most photographers and videographers.
At first glance, the LG 34GN850-B resembles the HP X34: LG also uses an IPS panel for its 34-inch model. However, this is curved, so slightly required. In addition, the monitor’s response time is 1 millisecond (GtG) and its refresh rate is similarly high at 160 Hertz. Nice: the monitor covers 98% of the DCI-P3 color space. Compared to the sRGB color space, DCI-P3 offers more intensive red and green tones.
When it comes to connections, the LG monitor offers more options. Its USB hub – which you can no doubt expect for the price – has space for three USB-A connections. Unfortunately, the monitor does not have a USB-C socket. Otherwise, it offers an HDMI and a DisplayPort input. Being HDR 400 certified, its luminance is 400 nits.
Finding an ultra widescreen monitor with a USB hub for less than 500 euros is not that easy. The iiyama GB3466WQSU-B1 manages it anyway: Two USB-A sockets are located on the back of the monitor. It also offers a headphone output, integrated speakers and two DisplayPort and HDMI inputs. The manufacturer relies on VA for the panel, whose response time of 1 millisecond is quite fast.
The screens from Huawei and Xiaomi lag behind a bit here. The refresh rate of 144 Hertz is sufficient for everyday gamers. In addition, the iiyama monitor is HDR 400 certified. The manufacturer therefore specifies its luminance as 400 nits. Of course, this monitor is also height-adjustable.
The Gigabyte G34WQC A concludes the panel. Gigabyte uses VA for the panel, its screen is curved, it is HDR 400 certified and works with a refresh rate of 144 Hertz. The screen response time is 1 millisecond. Almost clear: The G34WQC A can be adjusted in height on the supplied stand. The monitor does not have a USB hub. There are two HDMI and DisplayPort sockets on the back.
It doesn’t always have to be the most expensive 34-inch monitor. The iiyama GB3466WQSU-B1 proves this. For less than 500 euros, it offers a USB hub and two HDMI and DisplayPort sockets each, with a refresh rate of 144 Hertz and a response time of 1 millisecond, as well as display HDR 400. If you can do without the hub, the curved screen and the many connection options, you can go for the HP X34 and saves a good 70 euros. The situation is similar if Display HDR 400 is not a decisive factor in the purchase.
There is potential for savings here with the AOC Gaming CU34G2. A massive surcharge is due for the BenQ MOBIUZ EX3415R. This may be due to the built-in speakers, but buyers can also expect a USB hub for the price, which the monitor does not offer. Since all monitors have a jack plug, the option of external boxes plus a cheaper monitor is a more interesting alternative for price-conscious buyers. The gaming newcomers Huawei and Xiaomi are not (yet) an option compared to the long-established hands AOC, HP and iiyama. The switching times of their monitors for gamers are too slow compared to the price.
Note: The article was first published in March 2022.
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