Curved vs Flat Ultrawide Monitors

In today’s fast-paced world, multitasking has become a norm in everyday work scenarios. Creative professionals, for example, have multiple windows and tabs open at the same time. Editing can be confusing and frustrating if there is a constant need to switch from one window to another. Additionally, editing in a small screen can cause discomfort to the eyes. Dual monitor setup has provided relief to these dilemmas, but there are downsides to it. The setup requires more space and cables, and in cases where the monitors are not identical, there is inconsistency in screen resolution, size, and display colors. In addition, dual monitor setup will always have a bezel gap, the annoying space between two monitors, which can cause visual inconvenience, especially for designers.

Ultrawide monitors are a better alternative to this setup. An ultrawide monitor can do everything that a dual monitor setup can but on a single, wider screen. It has 33% more horizontal screen real estate than the standard monitor and a higher aspect ratio of 21:9 as compared to 16:9 of standard monitors. A 21:9 aspect ratio is similar to the ratio of movie theater screens; thus, it can provide users with a more cinematic feel. Additionally, it has a higher screen resolution of 2560 x 1080 or 3440 x 1440 depending on the screen size. There are two types of ultrawide monitors dominating the display market today, curved and flat. Scroll down to know the benefits of each monitor type before deciding which one is the better fit for you.

Flat Ultrawide Monitor

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Flat monitors have been around for ages, and there’s a wide array of sizes available. Ultrawide flat monitors have drawn the interest of many, especially gamers and professionals, because their wide screens provide striking and precise images. The emergence of curved ultrawide monitors, however, is slowly breaking the status quo and many are wondering whether this will put an end to its flat counterpart. Fans of flat monitors don’t need to worry; flats still have advantages over the curves.

• Mount-friendly. Flat monitors look better when mounted on the wall since they are flush with the adjacent wall. They are also easier to mount because unlike curved monitors, they don’t require special mounts and positioning for optimum viewing.
• Lesser glare. Flat screens have lesser glare because the light is projected at a single, uniform angle. Curved monitors, on the other hand, catch light from all angles resulting in uncomfortable distortion and blinding glares.
• Accommodates more viewers. Curved screens offer better viewing experience from an optimal angle, and normally, only a single viewer will benefit from this. Furthermore, the viewer has to sit directly in the center of the display for a full visual experience. This means that in a meeting room with numerous viewers, not all will have a good view. Flat screens have more advantage in this aspect because all viewers will have the same view of what’s on display.
• Less expensive. Flat monitors are generally cheaper than curved monitors. This is beneficial to customers who are practical and are content with the visual appeal that flat monitors offer.

Curved Ultrawide Monitor

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The curved monitor is relatively new and is distinguished by its pronounced, sleek curve. The curve is designed to wrap around the viewer’s vision for a more realistic viewing experience. The intended effects are especially noticeable in ultrawide curved monitors because the effects tend to diminish when the size gets smaller. Curved monitors overcome the challenges of flat monitors and come with a great many benefits.

• More immersive. Curved monitors use ocular perception technology, put, it mimics the natural field of view of human eyes. Expanding to peripheral vision, the images appear larger resulting in a more realistic and immersive visual experience.
• Comfortable for the eyes. On a flat monitor, the eyes have to keep on refocusing when scanning the screen since the information at the edges is farther from the eyes than at the center resulting in more ocular exertion. Because curved screens mimic the eyes’ field of view, there is less visual strain and distortion as compared to the flat screens. Looking at the curved screen for an extended period is therefore not as draining to the eyes as looking at the flat screen.
• Wider viewing angle. Curved monitors have a wider viewing angle because of the curved panel. This cuts down distortion because the light is directed to the eye instead of around the head. In addition, a wider viewing angle makes the images bigger than they would on a flat-screen monitor.
• More sense of depth. Unlike flat monitors, curved monitors include the three visual dimensions – length, width and height. The display resembles the depth of 3Ds minus the format issues offering a richer and more in-depth viewing experience.

Which is Better?

Ultrawide monitors, whether flat or curved, are great for gaming, multitasking and general entertainment. Their wider screens expand the work and viewing spaces eliminating the need for dual monitors. However, the debate of whether curved is better than flat is still unconcluded.

What makes curved monitors standout is the immersive viewing experience that’s closely similar to 3D. In addition, its smooth, curved design is ergonomic, providing comfort to the eyes and neck. These are hugely beneficial to gamers and professionals who stare at the screen for hours.

Flat monitors likewise have a string of benefits that curved monitors cannot provide. They’re easier to mount and more affordable than the curved monitors. Some users also find the curved monitor’s display distorted and prefer the precision of flat monitors instead. This is, of course, entirely subjective and would greatly depend on the viewer’s perception.

Choosing between flat or curved ultrawide monitor would ultimately depend on the user’s personal preference. For users who want to enjoy the benefits of a comfortable and immersive viewing experience, the curved option is totally worth the price. Still, for users who have a limited budget and don’t fuss about the features and benefits of the curves, flat monitors are a great choice.