Share this content.

You can share the items you like with your friends

Helpful Hints

Curved Monitors vs. Flat Monitors

  

Curved Monitors vs. Flat Monitors

It’s no secret that a separate monitor can really enhance your gaming experience. When you’re looking for a gaming monitor, one of the first things you’ll probably be thinking about is whether to choose one with a curved screen or opt for a flat screen. To help you decide, we’ve put together a handy guide: here’s everything you need to know about curved monitors, and how they compare to flat screen models.

What Are The Differences Between Curved and Flat Monitors?

There aren’t actually many differences between curved and flat monitors, aside from the curvature of the screen. In fact, the technologies used across both types is generally the same, so you won’t find huge variations in things like refresh rates, response times and bit colour depth. You’ll also find that both curved and flat monitors come with the ports needed to connect your consoles. 

 

You’ll notice that a lot of our curved and flat screen monitors come swith some of the same great features, including UltraGear™. Our 48” UltraGear™ UHD 4K OLED Gaming Monitor monitors have a 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour space; they offer a truly immersive gaming experience with a high-resolution display. Selected curved and flat screen models are also equipped with a 1ms response time, reducing blurring and ghosting during play.  

 

To find out more about the different technologies we use across our range of monitors, take a look at our guide.

First Things First: Consider Sizing

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it’s worth remembering that curved monitors are generally larger and take up more desk space than flat screen models. This is because curved monitors generally work better if they have a screen size of at least 30”, so that they can wrap around the user and provide a more immersive experience. Conversely, screen size is less of an issue when it comes to flat monitors, although you may find that a larger screen better accommodates gaming.  

 

You’ll probably find that you have fewer size options by choosing a curved monitor. So, if space is at a premium in your home, or if you need a sufficient amount of desk space for other tasks, a flat screen monitor may be a better option for you.  

 

We have curved and flat UltraGear™ monitors that are great for gamers, although they’re perfect for professionals, too. Supporting an impressive 32:9 aspect ratio, these monitors offer enhanced productivity, because you can use multiple tools at the same time. They’re a sound option if you’re looking for a monitor that offers flexibility, whether you choose a curved or flat model. With an all-in-one port with HDMI 2.1 and USB Type-C™ compatibility, these monitors double as workstations and entertainment units.

Additional Considerations When Looking at Curved Monitors

There are a few things to note about curved monitors that don’t apply to flat screens, so it’s a good idea to be aware of these when you’re shopping around.

Rating Curvature

The curvature of a monitor can vary, and this is determined by its radius. The radius is expressed numerically (in millimetres) with ‘R’ at the end, and it’s something that you may come across when looking specifically at curved monitors. 

 

Typically, the radius ranges from 1800R to 4000R. The important thing to remember is that the curvature of the screen increases (in other words, it becomes more pronounced), as the radius decreases. So, an 1800R monitor will be more curved than a 4000R monitor.  

 

This is important, since the curvature of a monitor determines the recommended viewing distance. The radius correlates to the viewing distance in millimetres: an 1800R monitor has an optimum viewing distance of 1800mm, for example. The larger the radius, the wider the viewing angle. So, if you have a monitor with a wider radius (or a less intense curve), you’ll need to sit further away from it to get the best viewing experience possible.

Curved Monitors & Screen Ratio

Another thing to consider when you’re looking at curved models is aspect ratio. Curved monitors are wider than they are tall; in fact, most of our curved monitors have an aspect ratio of 21:9, which means they’re 2.3 times wider than they are high.  

 

Compared to the standard 16:9 ratio you get on flat monitors, curved types provide a wider field of vision – which is great news for gamers! However, it also means that size – as we already mentioned – is a factor in this light, too. Curved models require more desk space lengthways, simply because they’re wider than many flat monitors.  

The Benefits of Using a Curved Monitor for Gaming

It’s no surprise that curved monitors have become so popular for gamers, especially when we consider how immersive they can be.  

 

Curved monitors better reflect how we see the world: in three dimensions, not two. When you look at this type of monitor, the curvature of the screen extends your peripheral vision. This is why they can be more immersive than flat screens, especially for gaming; they have a “wraparound effect” which puts you at the heart of the action.  

 

Some people may also find that a curved monitor reduces the strain on their eyes, especially if they spend many hours in front of a screen. Again, this is because the field of vision is wider on curved monitors than on flat ones; essentially, you can see the whole display at once, so your eyes don’t need to work quite so hard.  

The Verdict: Which Monitor is Best?

If you have the space and want an immersive gaming experience, a curved monitor is definitely a sound option. You may also benefit from a curved screen if you spend a lot of time doing things like video or image editing, because it may be more comfortable for your eyes. However, if you’re unlikely to use a monitor for little more than everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching videos and writing, you may not need to invest in a curved screen.  

 

Of course, you may just have a preference for one type over another – and that’s fine! We’ve got curved and flat monitors that are ideal for gaming and other high-performance tasks available in store.  

Ready to Buy a New Monitor?

If you have the space and want an immersive gaming experience, a curved monitor is definitely a sound option. You may also benefit from a curved screen if you spend a lot of time doing things like video or image editing, because it may be more comfortable for your eyes. However, if you’re unlikely to use a monitor for little more than everyday tasks such as web browsing, watching videos and writing, you may not need to invest in a curved screen.  

 

Discover our full range of monitors – including gaming monitorsUltraWide™ monitors and IPS monitors – online now.

Life's Good!

Featured product

Recommended Article

Pay with Zip

Shop now. Pay later. Always interest-free.

  • cart

    Add your favourites to cart

  • checkout

    Select Afterpay at checkout

  • Log into or create your Afterpay account, with instant approval decision

  • installment

    Your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks

All you need to appply is to have a debit or credit card, to be over 18 years of age, and to be a resident of Australia.

Late fees and additional eligibility criteria apply. The first payment may be due at the time of purchase. For complete terms visit afterpay.com/en-AU/terms.

LG Electronics Australia is offering Afterpay to online customers for orders up to the value of $3,000.

Click below to find out more : How it Work and FAQs

zip
An account for everyone

Choose the buy now, pay later account that suits you best.

picture
Repay your way
Choose how you pay - weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
picture
Shop just about everywhere
Shop at all your favourite places, online and instore, with the Zip app.
picture
Rewards
Exclusive cashback offers when you shop, simply check the Zip app*.
Most popular
icon-payment-au-zip-pay

Up to $1,000

Interest free always

For everyday spending, from fashion to fitness, eyewear to electronics, pet care to bills.

Apply Now
  • Interest free always1

  • Flexible repayments

  • No establishment fee

  • $9.95 monthly account fee

    Pay your statement closing balance, in full, by the due date and we'll waive the fee.

  • Tap to pay everywhere Visa is accepted**

icon-payment-au-zip-money

Over $1,000

Bigger purchases

For buying that road bike, new sofa or renovating your home.

Apply Now
  • Interest free for first 3 months1

    Retailers may offer longer interest free terms (6-60 months). At conclusion of the interest free period, interest will be charged at the standard annual rate 25.9%.

  • Flexible repayments

    Enjoy the freedom to set your schedule to weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

  • One-off establishment fee

    A one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers.

  • $9.95 monthly account fee

    Waived if you have nothing owing.

  • Interest free instalment plans2

    For purchases over $300 we'll automatically set you up to repay in equal instalments to help you avoid interest charges.

1. Zip Pay

Minimum monthly repayments are required. A monthly account fee of $9.95 applies and is subject to change. Pay your closing balance in full by the due date each month and we'll waive the fee. Available to approved applicants only and subject to completion of satisfactoryc redit check. Other charges may be payable. T&Cs apply.

2. Zip Money

Available to approved applicants only and subject to completion of satisfactory credit check. Minimum monthly repayments are required. Paying only the minimum monthly repayment amount will generally not repay a purchase within the interest free period. A monthly account fee of $9.95 will also apply and a one-off establishment fee may apply for new customers. Any balance outstanding at the expiry of the interest free period will be charged at the standard variable interest rate, 25.9% per annum as at 1 June 2023. Other charges may be payable, see T&Cs. Interest, fees and charges subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply and are available on application. See your contract for further details. Credit provided by ZipMoney Payments Pty Ltd (ABN 58 164 440 993), Australian Credit License Number 441878).

Rewards are redeemable when you reach the Rewards Goal. See Promotion and Reward Program T&Cs for more details
Tap to pay in store available with Zip Pay only. Use the Card everywhere that Visa contactless payments are accepted in store. Card T&Cs apply. Single-use card available with Zip Pay and Zip Money only. Use the Card everywhere that Visa contactless payments are accepted online. Card T&Cs apply