SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ Curved Monitor (2024) Review: Is This Affordable FHD Display Worth Your Desk Space?

Are you searching for a monitor that balances immersive visuals, gaming performance, and eye comfort—without breaking the bank? If you’ve landed here, chances are you’ve been eyeing the SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ FHD 100Hz Curved Computer Monitor (model: LS27D366GANXZA, S36GD, Series 2024). Maybe you’re a gamer seeking smoother action, a remote worker needing versatility, or simply someone hungry for an upgrade that won’t fatigue your eyes by noon.

In this in-depth review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Essential S3. We’ll dive into its standout features, real-world performance, pros and cons, and how it stacks up in today’s competitive monitor market. Whether you’re a casual gamer, content creator, or spreadsheet warrior, you’ll leave with a clear idea of whether this curved monitor deserves a spot on your setup.

Let’s get started!

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Meet the SAMSUNG Essential S3: First Impressions

Before we get technical, let’s set the stage. The SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ is positioned as an all-purpose curved monitor for 2024, tailored for everyday users who want a dash of gaming power and comfort. Samsung’s “Essential” moniker hints at a focus on core features rather than flashy, high-end extras—making this model accessible, budget-friendly, and easy to set up.

What’s in the Box?

When you unbox the Essential S3, you’ll find:

The 27-inch curved monitor (1800R curvature)
Sturdy stand and mounting hardware
HDMI cable and D-sub (VGA) cable for connectivity
Power adapter and quick start guide

The setup is refreshingly straightforward. You’ll be ready to plug in and go within minutes.

Curved for Engagement: How the 1800R Display Changes the Game

Let’s address the headline feature: that 1800R curvature. Unlike flat screens, the Essential S3’s display gently wraps around your field of view, mimicking the natural curvature of the human eye.

Why does this matter? Imagine watching an IMAX movie, where the screen pulls you into the action. A curved monitor creates a similar effect on your desk. The 27-inch size, paired with the 1800R curve, results in:

Immersive experience: Gaming, movies, and even spreadsheets feel more enveloping.
Wider field of view: You see more at a glance, especially at the edges.
Reduced distortion: Less color and image distortion compared to ultra-wide flat panels.

Pro tip: If you’ve never used a curved monitor before, it can feel subtly different at first. But after a few days, most users find the experience more natural—and even a little bit addictive.

Full HD Resolution: Crisp Visuals for Work and Play

The Essential S3 offers a 1920 x 1080 (FHD) resolution on a 27-inch panel. While 4K displays are trending, there’s a practical reason why FHD still dominates for this size and price range:

Text clarity: Documents and web pages look sharp, not pixelated.
Smooth scaling: Most apps, games, and streaming services are optimized for FHD.
Performance: Lower resolution means less strain on your graphics card, which is great if you’re using a laptop or an entry-level PC.

For everyday tasks, photo editing, and casual gaming, the display quality is crisp, vibrant, and perfectly sufficient.

100Hz Refresh Rate: A Noticeable Step Up

Here’s where things get exciting—especially for gamers or anyone who values fluid motion. The SAMSUNG Essential S3 boasts a 100Hz refresh rate, which is faster than traditional 60Hz monitors.

What’s the difference? In short, more refreshes per second = smoother visuals. This means:

Reduced motion blur: Fast-paced scenes in games or videos look clear, not smeared.
Lower input lag: Actions feel more responsive—whether you’re racing, shooting, or navigating menus.
Better eye comfort: Even for non-gamers, smoother scrolling and window movement reduce strain over long sessions.

If you’re used to standard monitors, you’ll notice this upgrade immediately. For competitive gamers, it’s not quite esports-level, but it’s a huge improvement for casual or mid-level play.

Game Mode and Customization: Get the Edge

Samsung hasn’t forgotten its gaming audience. The Essential S3 includes a dedicated Game Mode, accessible via the on-screen menu.

What does Game Mode do? It optimizes the picture for gaming by:

Boosting contrast: Dark scenes become clearer, helping you spot enemies or hidden items.
Vivid colors: Games look more alive and detailed.
Full-screen scaling: Automatically adjusts aspect ratio so games fill the screen properly.

You can further tweak brightness, contrast, and sharpness to suit your preferences. It’s plug-and-play for newcomers, but also deep enough for tinkerers.

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Advanced Eye Comfort: Work or Play Longer, With Less Strain

In today’s world, we spend countless hours glued to our screens. Samsung addresses this with a suite of eye comfort technologies:

TÜV-certified low blue light: Minimizes the blue spectrum that can cause eye fatigue and disrupt sleep.
Flicker-free technology: Prevents the rapid flickering that some sensitive users notice (even if it’s invisible to most eyes).

If you’re working late, binge-watching, or gaming in marathon sessions, these features make a tangible difference. Here’s why that matters: You’ll experience less dryness, irritation, and tiredness, even after long days at the desk.

Connectivity and Versatility: HDMI, D-Sub, and More

A monitor is only as useful as its connectivity. The Essential S3 keeps things simple and practical:

HDMI port: For modern PCs, laptops, game consoles, and streaming devices.
D-Sub (VGA) port: Ideal for legacy devices, office desktops, or older laptops.
Audio out: Connect to external speakers or headphones.

Why does this matter? You can easily switch between work and play—plug in your work laptop during the day, then swap to your gaming rig or console at night. The inclusion of both modern and legacy ports ensures wide compatibility.

Build Quality and Design: Simple, Sleek, and Functional

Samsung has opted for a minimalist, modern look with the Essential S3:

Matte black bezels: Thin and unobtrusive, maximizing screen real estate.
Stable stand: Offers tilt adjustment, though no height or swivel (to be expected at this price point).
VESA mount-compatible: Attach to a monitor arm or wall mount for extra flexibility.

The overall build feels solid—no cheap creaks or wobbles. It’s a monitor that blends into your space rather than dominating it.

Real-World Performance: Everyday Use, Gaming, and More

How does the Essential S3 perform where it counts? Here’s a breakdown across typical scenarios:

Daily Productivity

Text is legible, even at small sizes.
Multiple windows side by side—the 27-inch size is perfect for multitasking.
Eye comfort features make marathon work sessions less taxing.

Entertainment

Curved screen shines with movies and streaming—greater immersion, less edge distortion.
Color reproduction is vibrant (though not professional-grade for color-critical work).
No built-in speakers, so factor in external audio for the full experience.

Gaming

100Hz refresh rate is noticeably smoother than budget 60Hz monitors.
Game Mode really does help in darker titles, like shooters or RPGs.
No adaptive sync (FreeSync/G-Sync), so some users may notice screen tearing in extreme cases—but this is rare at FHD and mid-range frame rates.

Eye Comfort

Advanced eye care stands out during long hours—noticeably less eye fatigue than older, non-certified monitors.

Pros and Cons: Quick Summary

Pros:

Immersive 1800R curved design
Smooth 100Hz refresh rate
Eye comfort tech (TÜV-certified, flicker-free)
Versatile connectivity (HDMI + D-sub)
Affordable and accessible
Easy, no-fuss setup

Cons:

No built-in speakers
Stand offers tilt only (no height/swivel)
No USB-C or DisplayPort connections
Lacks adaptive sync for hardcore gaming

Who Is the SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ For?

To put it simply: this monitor is for everyday users who want a little extra. It’s ideal if you:

Work from home and value eye comfort
Enjoy casual or mid-level gaming
Stream videos and want an immersive experience
Need a reliable, versatile monitor for multiple devices

If you’re a professional esports player, a graphic designer needing ultra-precise color, or someone with a complex multi-monitor setup, you might be better served by a specialized display. But for the vast majority of users, the Essential S3 delivers big value and comfort.

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How Does It Compare to Competitors?

Let’s quickly glance at how the Essential S3 stacks up:

What sets the Essential S3 apart is the combination of 100Hz refresh rate, robust eye care, and Samsung’s track record for display quality—all at a wallet-friendly price.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a curved monitor good for office work?

Absolutely. The curvature of the Essential S3 (1800R) helps your eyes naturally take in the whole screen, reducing the need to shift focus. This can decrease eye fatigue over long periods—great for spreadsheets, coding, or multitasking.

Does the SAMSUNG Essential S3 support wall mounting?

Yes! The monitor is VESA mount-compatible. You can attach it to most standard monitor arms or wall mounts for a more flexible setup.

Can I use this monitor for console gaming?

Yes, the Essential S3’s HDMI input works with modern gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. The 100Hz refresh rate provides smoother visuals than standard 60Hz TVs or monitors.

Does it have built-in speakers?

No, there are no built-in speakers. However, there’s an audio-out port for connecting headphones or external speakers.

Is 100Hz a big improvement over 60Hz?

Definitely. Most users notice much smoother motion, less blur, and reduced eyestrain. For gaming and fast-paced content, 100Hz is a significant step up from 60Hz.

Does it have adaptive sync (FreeSync/G-Sync)?

No, this model does not support adaptive sync technologies. For most FHD gaming, the 100Hz refresh rate minimizes tearing, but competitive gamers might want a monitor with this feature.

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The Verdict: Should You Buy the Samsung Essential S3 27″ Curved Monitor?

The SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ FHD Curved Monitor hits a sweet spot for everyday users who value immersion, smooth visuals, and comfort—all wrapped in a stylish, no-nonsense package. It’s not trying to be a high-end gaming beast or a color-accurate designer’s monitor. Instead, it excels as an all-rounder: great for work, fun for games, and easy on your eyes.

My advice? If you’re upgrading from an older monitor, or building a new desk setup for 2024, the Essential S3 deserves serious consideration. It’s the kind of monitor that makes your daily experience better, without requiring a tech degree or a second mortgage.

Ready to level up your workspace or play area? Explore more monitor reviews, productivity tips, or subscribe for the latest tech insights—your eyes (and your wallet) will thank you.

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SAMSUNG Essential S3 27″ Curved Monitor (2024) Review: Is This Affordable FHD Display Worth Your Desk Space?