Skip to main content

Samsung looks to woo gamers with Thunderbolt 3-equipped curved QLED monitor

Samsung is bringing its quantum dot screen technology to gamers. At IFA 2018, the company unveiled the Samsung CJ79, a 34-inch curved monitor with a QLED panel, which should help it display more precise colors in a wider color space than traditional LED screens. Though Samsung is primarily marketing the high-end CJ79 at premium PC users — the company claims compatibility with both Macs and Windows devices — gamers who use AMD’s Radeon graphics card will also benefit from the CJ79’s adoption of FreeSync screen technology.

One of the hallmark features Samsung is trumpeting is that this display is the first to come with Thunderbolt 3 support. Although Thunderbolt 3 provides similar benefits to a standard USB-C connector — a single cable can be used to connect the monitor to a computer for power, data, and video — the Thunderbolt provides more power and faster data throughput than a standard USB-C connection. Older computers lacking a Thunderbolt 3 port can connect to the CJ79 through either HDMI or DisplayPort.

“The CJ79 is our latest endeavor in taking curved monitors to the next level that highlights our commitment to innovation,” said Seog-gi Kim, Samsung Electronics executive vice president of visual display, in a statement. “The addition of Thunderbolt 3 connectivity aligns to that vision and connects customers to infinite possibilities.”

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The 34-inch VA (vertical alignment) panel supports an ultrawide QHD resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels and comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The ultrawide aspect ratio allows you to multitask — or play immersive games — without having to connect two or more displays together for a multi-monitor setup. Multitaskers will also benefit from the picture-in-picture mode. And because the display is so wide, the 1,500R curvature helps to make sure you can see all your content. Samsung claims that the curvature follows the natural curve of the eyes for a comfortable experience.

The CJ79’s QLED panel supports 125 percent of the sRGB color spectrum and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, and Samsung claims that the screen produces deeper blacks and brighter whites. Gamers will benefit from reduction in screen tearing and stutter thanks to the FreeSync tech.

If the standard 34-inch panel is too small for you, Samsung has an even larger 43-inch super ultrawide curved panel called the CJ89. That one comes with a 3,840 x 1,200 resolution and 32:10 aspect ratio along with an integrated KVM switch to connect multiple computers to the same display. There’s also a built-in USB hub and stereo speakers on the larger CJ89.

Editors' Recommendations

Chuong Nguyen
Silicon Valley-based technology reporter and Giants baseball fan who splits his time between Northern California and Southern…
Samsung shows off Fold 3 and Flip 3 durability in series of torture tests
The Samsung Galazy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.

If you're thinking about getting a Galaxy Z Fold 3, one of your biggest concerns is probably durability due to problems with previous generations of the folding phone. We addressed that issue in our review, but a new video from Samsung demonstrates some of the testing procedures its Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 phones undergo.

“Our high-tech, innovative tests include environmental chamber, water resistance, S Pen usability, and folding test,” says a press release accompanying the video.

Read more
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the most durable foldable phone ever
The Samsung Galazy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3.

The results are in. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 is the strongest foldable phone based on testing by Allstate Protection Plans. The durability testing process included folding and unfolding the phone repeatedly with the Foldbot, open and closed facedown drop tests, and a dunk test. Results for the fold test are still pending, as is testing for the Z Flip 3, but Allstate believes the phones should have no problem lasting up to 200,000 folds.

On the open drop test, the Z Fold 3 was dropped six feet onto a sidewalk and had minor corner scuffing and minimal pixel damage. This is the first smartphone that hasn't shattered since Allstate begin breakability testing in 2013. The phone also sustained no damage after a 30-minute dunk in five feet of water. Allstate's Dropbot did manage to take down the Z Fold 3 during the closed facedown drop test. The phone was deemed unusable when the exterior screen shattered on the first test.

Read more
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Flip 3 might turn out to be sales hits
Samsung Galaxy folding phones.

Samsung has yet to release the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Flip 3 to the public, but reports from Korea indicate that, based on pre-orders, they may be more of a hit than the company's more mainstream models. Both foldables are said to be on the path to reaching 800,000 units, according to a report from the Korea Herald. Samsung also confirms that in just 10 days, the pre-orders have already surpassed total global Samsung foldable sales for all of 2021. It's the strongest pre-order for Samsung foldables ever.

As of Sunday, August 22, both foldables are currently reported to have a combined 450,000 pre-orders. Even accounting for the combination of numbers, this is a huge leap from the Galaxy Z Fold 2, which landed at 80,000 total. That pre-order number is reportedly twice that of the Galaxy S21 and 1.5 times more than the Galaxy Note 20. The current understanding is that they could reach 600, 000 total pre-orders, with the number rising to 800,000 with the inclusion of unlocked models. If the trends continue with post-release sales, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold and Flip could effectively outperform the Galaxy Note line in total sales, which would prove Samsung's decision to refocus on its foldables this year as a solid choice.

Read more