Samsung ViewFinity S50GC 34″ Ultra-WQHD 100Hz AMD FreeSync™ HDR10 Monitor

First off, I’ll say that I got this here for about twenty percent off retail, and for that I would consider it a very good value.

This monitor is replacing a 27″ 4k LG monitor that I gave to my daughter to use with her Macbook. The two computers that are sharing this Samsung are a file and security camera server, and a desktop computer that sees infrequent use. I wanted to replace the LG with another 27″ 4k; but I’ve always been a little “ultrawidescreen-curious” so I jumped at the opportunity to pick up this Samsung when I saw the sale price.

Most monitors at this pricepoint feel very “disposable”, and considering how light this monitor is (even when it was still in the shipping box) I don’t think this is any exception. The included stand does not seem particularly sturdy. With that said, it easily bolted up to my heavy duty VESA monitor stand. (I had to use my own screws though, which thankfully, I had some spares.) Kudos to Samsung for including one each of an HDMI cable and a Displayport cable.

Picture quality is solid for this pricepoint. I would not use it for gaming or even my daily work (equal time spent coding and visual design), but it is more than adequate for general/casual home use. One glaring negative for me is the lack of any sort of internal speaker, although it does have a single 1/8″ audio out jack for connecting to headphones or external speakers. Since I depend on audio alerts when my security system software is triggered, I’ll need to hook up some speakers.

Monitor settings are controlled via a single small multifunction panel, about 1″ square, at the bottom center of the monitor. Much to my surprise, it works reasonably well. (I favor monitors like my BenQ that have a remote control to change source inputs and access the menu; but I realize such a feature would not be feasible at this pricepoint.)

So, let’s talk about why you would want ultra widescreen. It has a 21:9 aspect ratio, so it is more than twice as wide as it is tall. It’s not great for movies, because they tend to be shot at 16:9, so you will have black bars on the left/right sides. It’s not great for general web browsing, because most websites are designed for narrower viewports — rightly so, because reading extremely long lines of text is visually fatiguing (I’m a web developer) — so you have a LOT of empty space on the left and right sides of the screen. In many ways, despite being nominally “larger” than my main work monitor (34″ vs 27″), it feels visually cramped because I have less vertical resolution available.

So what would ultra widescreen be good for?

– If you are working with wide spreadsheets that have many columns, you will definitely benefit from the extra horizontal space.
– If you play panoramic, immersive games, you might like the expanded horizontal view. (But I would reiterate that a monitor at this pricepoint is probably not great for gaming.)
– You are a coder and want to see long lines of code fit on one line. (But, coder-to-coder, I would argue that shorter, more readable lines of code is ideal.)
– You are a designer that can benefit from the much wider view, e.g. 2-page layouts. (But again, as a designer myself, I would still favor a 16:9 monitor.)

If any of the above apply to you, you might like ultra widescreen. For all other uses, I would probably stick with a conventional 16:9 monitor.

[By the way, the 21:9 nature of this monitor does not impact my product rating for this monitor, since it is an intrinsic aspect of the design. I just want to make the above points in case you are new to this monitor format.]

Oh! Almost forgot. Once nice little surprise (to me at least) with this monitor is the Picture-in-Picture (PIP) / Picture-by-Picture (PBP) feature! It allows you to display the screens from two of the inputs simultaneously! I can do a little web browsing on one side of my screen, while monitoring my security system cameras on the other side. However, keep in mind that the monitor’s audio output can be only assigned to one of the inputs at a time; you cannot have it coming from 2 or 3 inputs simultaneously.

I’m not a gamer; I’m a music producer and I need lots of screen space for Pro Tools, etc., on a Mac. I don’t need microsecond response or (inevitably second-rate) speakers or extra connectivity, etc. I just need a first-class display and lots of resolution without wasting money.

This is one, and the newest, of 4 monitors that I run in the studio. It configured effortlessly, performs wonderfully, and has lots of tweaks available that I don’t really need. It squanders no space on a big frame or deep profile and weighs less than any of my other large monitors (which saves money on the mounting arms).

And that checks every box I had. As a general purpose, quality monitor at a great price, I recommend this one highly.

For those seeking an immersive and high-performance display, the SAMSUNG 34″ ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor emerges as a standout choice. Boasting a combination of stunning visuals, advanced features, and seamless performance, this monitor redefines the standard for immersive computing experiences. Here’s why the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC is a game-changer in the world of monitors.

One of the most striking features of the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC is its expansive 34-inch Ultra-WQHD curved display. With a resolution of 3440 x 1440 pixels, this monitor delivers crisp, detailed imagery with vibrant colors and deep contrasts. Whether you’re gaming, watching movies, or working on graphic-intensive projects, the immersive curved screen draws you into the action, providing a truly cinematic viewing experience.

Moreover, the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC boasts a high refresh rate of 100Hz and a response time of just 5ms, ensuring smooth and fluid motion with minimal blurring or ghosting. Whether you’re engaging in fast-paced gaming or watching action-packed videos, you can enjoy crisp and lifelike visuals without any distractions, thanks to the monitor’s advanced performance capabilities.

The inclusion of HDR10 support further enhances the viewing experience, allowing you to enjoy greater depth and realism in your favorite movies, games, and multimedia content. With HDR content, colors appear more vibrant and true-to-life, while highlights and shadows are rendered with greater detail and clarity, resulting in a more immersive and captivating visual experience.

Another standout feature of the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC is its AMD FreeSync technology, which synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with the frame rate of your graphics card, reducing screen tearing and stuttering for smoother gameplay and video playback. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a competitive esports enthusiast, FreeSync ensures that you can enjoy a seamless and tear-free experience without any compromises.

In terms of design, the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC is sleek and modern, with slim bezels and a minimalist stand that complements any workspace or gaming setup. The monitor’s ergonomic design allows for height adjustment, tilt, and swivel, ensuring optimal viewing comfort for extended periods of use. Plus, with VESA mount compatibility, you have the flexibility to mount the monitor on a wall or arm for even greater versatility.

In conclusion, the SAMSUNG 34″ ViewFinity S50GC Series Ultra-WQHD Monitor sets a new standard for immersive computing experiences. With its stunning visuals, advanced features, seamless performance, and ergonomic design, this monitor offers everything you need to elevate your gaming, entertainment, and productivity to the next level. Say goodbye to ordinary displays and hello to the extraordinary with the SAMSUNG ViewFinity S50GC.

I recently ordered one of these because it was $100 off and amazon let me make monthly payments on it. I am very happy with my purchase! It took a little time getting used to the ultra-wide effect, but I love it now. If any gamers are reading this, make sure you look into downloading a program called Flawless Widescreen, as this is one of the BEST methods of turning your PC Games into playable ultra-wide support. It worked flawlessly for Final Fantasy 7 Remake while using Flawless Widescreen! I love Samsung!

This is my first 1440p and ultra wide monitor and I am pleasantly surprised. I thought the 21:9 would be too “long” but it grew on me instantly. No weird blurring or tearing. Has HDR and 100Hz, overall a great monitor. Got it on sale so I am not entirely sure if I would buy it full price. I put a new glass stand as the original stand it comes with protrudes out and has a V like shape to them with no height adjustment. Regardless, great monitor with no flaws.

This is an excellent monitor for the price! I have it connected to a MacBook Air 15″ and it worked out of the box using a simple USB C to HDMI 2.1 cable. That said, you have to use BetterDisplay to get a more complete list of resolutions to choose from (this only applies to the Mac). It did take me a while to get it to look perfect, as far as black levels go, but the level of detail and quality is on par with the liquid retina XDR display in the Mac itself. I wasn’t too sure about using an ultra widescreen display TBH, but it’s just PERFECT! I have my dock on the left side of the screen. I am using stickies next to the dock (yeah, Macs still have those and they’re quite useful when you actually have space for them). On the far right I have Stage Manager running, which is a very useful and smart tool for organizing open windows. Overall, I am very pleased with this setup and the monitor is surprisingly capable for what I use it for (which is graphics design, photo/video editing, and light gaming).

If you’re considering a 2 monitor setup, this will fit the bill perfectly. It’s good for editing content creation such as photos, video and any other media where extra screen area is a plus. Even if you’re used to a large monitor, say a 27” with a typical 16:9 screen aspect ratio, it may take a little getting used to using this extra wide monitor. At least it did for me, and after I did, I wouldn’t want to go back when it comes to editing photos. With 34 inches of work area you can easily multi task in multi windows all in a comfortable viewing span.

I love using it with Photoshop and Lightroom Classic because I can put a mosaic of photos I’m editing up and the work area too. See photos.

I’m not going to quote every specification since that’s in the product description above. What I’ll be talking about is how well it performs for everyday use and editing photos.

Unboxing and setup was easy. The stand feels sturdy and you can tilt the monitor’s viewing angle but that’s the only movement you get, not pan or rotating. The feet are a bit thick and stick out a bit. I have a small soundbar under my monitor, and unless I want to set it on some blocks to raise it above the feet, it must sit in front of the feet. I’d rather have it right under the monitor, but it’s not a deal breaker.

HDMI and DisplayPort cables are included.

Adjustments are done with a small round five button pad at the bottom of the monitor in the center. It’s pretty small, but I found it easy to use and the settings menu easy to understand and navigate.

One of the things that the monitor offers is blue light protection. This is to reduce the amount of blue and “high Energy Visible” light that can cause eye strain. However, from what my research on the subject produced, is that there’s disagreement as to whether it makes any difference or not. About the only thing that seems to be agreed on is that cooler light (daylight 5500K or higher color temperature) as opposed to warmer light (incandescent light 2700K color temp) can cause sleep issues if you’re looking at cool colors at night before bedtime.

Blue light eye protection is off by default. When enabled it auto adjusts brightness and color temp.

After making sure all auto color, brightness controls and HDR were off, I connected my datacolor Spyder and calibrated the color. It met specification with a 98% sRGB color gamut. That tells me the monitor has an 8 bit per color channel panel. Also known as 24 bit color. Higher bit counts yield a larger color gamut, as in more colors. From what I can find, an OLED panel generally has 10 bit per color channel depth, or 30 bit color. They have the DCI-P3 color gamut that is 25% wider than sRGB. Deeper colors and true HDR. This monitor has to do some kind of extra processing to simulate HDR. What and how, I’m not sure. Great for watching movies and such, but make sure HDR AND BLUE LIGHT PROTECTION are off if you plan on photo or video editing.

Specs quote 3000:1 contrast, and from comparing it to my Dell 2 in 1 with an OLED display as well as other monitors I have, it looks like it hits that mark. My datacolor software doesn’t measure contrast.

One thing I looked for was how evenly lit the screen is when looking head on from1 foot away to 5 feet away looking at the center. Up close you will notice some slight color shifting and dimming as you get close to the edges at the sides. Top and bottom from the center, there’s pretty much no change. It is noticeable at about 1.5 feet away and barely noticeable at 2 feet away. 3 feet and beyond, not at all.

Next was the scanning from side to side. That’s just moving the mouse across the screen and following it with your eyes and looking for any kind of slight splotches, matte looking or cloudy looking areas. I saw nothing but a perfect screen. I have seen screens get like that with age.

The only thing I found was a stuck pixel(s) on the far left bottom of the screen. It’s a black dot and big enough to be seen at up to 4 feet away, but its location isn’t enough to be a deal breaker or even subtract a star from its score. If it were near the center, I would be asking about returning it for another.

PIP – Picture in Picture works well if you want two different HDMI devices to share the screen.

DisplayPort for getting the maximum performance from the monitor.

No built in speakers, but headphone / line out for an analog connection.

2 HDMI inputs and 1 DisplayPort.

This monitor isn’t 4K. It’s more like a WQHD and a half. 3440X1440 resolution

8 bit VA panel. VA means Vertical Alignment. Like IPS panels but the liquid crystals are vertically aligned instead of horizontal. Not really much different from IPS. Google it for more info.

Conclusion: I think it’s very good value for the price. I was pleased with the color saturation, contrast and sharpness. Especially after I calibrated it. Not that it was that far out and different before. If you plan on watching movies and such on it, the HDR setting really makes things pop by deepening the contrast and making the colors a little hotter.

Recommended.

Not acceptable. Going from 32 “ computer monitor to 34” was a step back in time. Poor image quality for Word. Distorted video on Netflix. The marked rectangular shape of this type of computer just not suitable for what I needed. Also awkward controls underneath bottom of screen very difficult to use. Returned and now back to the more square 32” monitor. Oh well. At least it was easily returnable. Maybe others can make do better than I was able to.

The Samsung 34 ViewFinity Ultra Wide Monitor is a no-thrills monitor that gets a lot of this Right. The size is just right at 34 inches. No need for a double monitor setup. It has an easy simple setup. The stand is basic with little adjustment. Sadly, you don’t get much adjustment for this monitor. This was my first ultra-wide monitor and I can honestly say I’m impressed.

With my Monitor I didn’t adjust anything inside the settings. I just ran straight out of the box. The colors appeared fine. Watching Videos everything looked fine. Playing games at 2k on an ultra-wide was a different experience. It was a blast to play some older-style games at max settings. With the 100 Hertz that also gives more crisp gameplay and playback over 60 Hz. It has two HDMI 2.0 ports and one 1.2 Display Port.

Negatives The brightness is only at 300 nits which is the standard. Not much adjustment up or down. Adjustment setting inside the monitor is lacking and basic. Not the best color accuracy for professional content creation.

This is a decent monitor that doesn’t break the bank. It’s not the upper premium gaming monitor with all the bells and whistles. You do get an amazing monitor that will perform well for the average individual.

Pros
Tons of room for work with extra width
Anti-glare coating helps for bright rooms
Bright enough for most spaces
110PPI Density makes for sharp screen
Lower resolution than 4K works with lower end GPU
Offers wider field of view for games
100MHz good for most gaming
5ms good for most gamers
Includes AMD Freesync support
Automatic brightness control
HDR 10 support
Good black levels for a non-OLED panel
VESA mount option
Decent off angle viewing
Small bezels

Cons
Control buttons are finicky
Some confusing menu options
Awkward cable management strap
Auto brightness not doing much
Limited maximum brightness

Design and Features
The Samsung S50GC is an ultrawide monitor that seems to be targeting those who are looking for a budget friendly versatile productivity and gaming monitor. The monitor is very light but feels well built. Most of the weight is in the stand, which is optional as the back also offers a VESA mount. The bezels are very thin and almost unnoticeable. The power connection, headphone jack, two HDMI ports, and DisplayPort are housed in a cutout section in back with all ports facing down allowing for a flusher mount if you prefer. The stand is tilt adjustable and has a single cable organizing strap which does not hide the wires, nor does it hold them well. All controls are housed on the bottom of the monitor directly in the center. While the specs say it only has HDMI 2.0, it also says it supports 100Hz at maximum resolution for both HDMI and DisplayPort. It states the native resolution is 60Hz with 100 being the maximum which suggest that setting is overdriving it.

Setup and Performance
Out of the box setup is straightforward. The stand attaches to the back with two screws, and you are done. The automatic setup is Windows defaults to HDR off and the panel set to 60Hz so to use it to the fullest you will need to manually override the setting. Strangely automatic brightness is turned off by default, but in the end, it isn’t very noticeable if it is even working at all. Going from a dark room to all lights on and shining a flashlight on the monitor there was no observed change in brightness on auto. That said, it was very readable in both situations and the difference between minimum and maximum brightness is only 50 nits so maybe that is expecting too much. Overall, maximum brightness was very good when combined with the anti-glare, but a brighter panel would be appreciated.

Samsung seems to have made a good choice using a VA panel. It likely won’t do well for any color accurate work but for a work/play monitor it has just enough of both feature sets to suit the task. There are no glaring color issues and HDR video looks good. Of course, with the limited brightness it won’t be as impressive as higher end panels, but it is still good. The VA panel gets surprisingly dark blacks with no visible blooming. While blacks aren’t OLED dark, they are impressive nonetheless for a budget friendly monitor. Backlight uniformity is good with no visible bleed. No motion blur or ghosting was visible, but above 60Hz text appeared jittery. It is uncertain if it was an issue with the video because testing during gaming the same stuttering wasn’t visible. In daily usage this didn’t seem to show up as a problem.

Picture in picture is a feature that might come in handy considering how wide this monitor is. Through the monitor controls you can choose to have an extra input displayed side by side with the primary in split screen. It’s like having two screens side by side with no bezels. The other option is to put the secondary input in one of the corners. It’s a handy feature to have even though the placement of the buttons makes controls feel a bit awkward. The buttons have a soft activation and being under the monitor you must flip your hand upside down to feel them and try to figure out if you have pressed the button or not. The joystick interface used on some Samsung displays seems like it would have done better in this situation.

The screen menu has options for volume control but unfortunately the vague descriptions in the manual simply say that it adjusts volume. This leads you to believe that the monitor might have built in speakers except it doesn’t. It took a bit of fiddling around to discover the reason for the volume control. It is for the headphone jack on the back. When plugged into HDMI the system can send audio via HDMI to the monitor and you can connect headphones, or maybe speakers, directly to the monitor. This might be handy for some, but it also causes a small quirk if you connect and disconnect a laptop frequently. For some reason even if you plug speakers directly into the laptop the moment you connect the monitor it defaults all audio the monitor. It is uncertain if this is a Windows quirk or something with the monitor but regardless of the order in which things are connected system sounds are defaulted to the monitor even if nothing is connected. This happened regardless of what laptop was connected. Wherever the problem stems it is worth noting so you can remember to change the default speaker when you connect back to the monitor.

Final Thoughts
While the S50GC isn’t going to wow anyone with amazing specs, it does seem to have a nice balance of quality versus value. The main question is if you can find the ultra-widescreen format useful to you. If the answer is yes and you need a budget friendly option that can handle both work and play tasks reasonably well then, the Viewfinity S50GC monitor might be worth a look.