LG 37G800A vs Samsung S3: Monitor Picks

Choosing a new monitor can feel like navigating a maze, especially when you’re looking for that perfect blend of performance, visual fidelity, and immersive experience. Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two very different, yet equally compelling, curved monitors: the LG 37G800A-B 37-Inch Ultragear 4K UHD Curved Gaming Monitor and the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer seeking an edge, a creative professional needing stunning visuals, or simply someone who appreciates a more comfortable viewing experience, these two monitors offer distinct advantages.

We’ll break down what makes each of these monitors stand out, from their display technologies and refresh rates to their unique features and how they perform in real-world scenarios. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of which monitor best suits your needs and budget, helping you make a confident decision for your next upgrade. Get ready to see how the expansive clarity of the LG 37G800A stacks up against the sleek immersion of the Samsung 27″ Essential S3.

In-Depth Look: LG 37G800A

The LG 37G800A-B is a monitor that doesn’t shy away from making a statement. Its 37-inch curved display is designed to pull you into the action, offering a truly expansive canvas for both gaming and productivity. This isn’t just a monitor; it’s an experience. The moment you power it on, you’re greeted with a stunning 4K UHD resolution, which, on a 37-inch screen, translates to incredible sharpness and detail. Every pixel is packed in, meaning text is crisp for work, and in games, you’ll notice details you might have missed on smaller displays.

What really elevates the visual experience is the combination of its color reproduction and HDR capabilities. With up to 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, you’re getting bold, vibrant hues that make content pop. VESA DisplayHDR 600 further enhances this by delivering deeper blacks and brighter highlights, creating a more dynamic range that’s particularly noticeable in cinematic scenes or dimly lit game environments. This level of visual fidelity is a significant step up for many users and provides a truly breathtaking view. You can learn more about LG’s commitment to visual excellence in our guide to the best LG 4K monitors.

When it comes to speed, the LG 37G800A doesn’t compromise. The 165Hz refresh rate is a gamer’s best friend, ensuring that motion is incredibly smooth. Whether you’re in a fast-paced shooter or a racing game, you’ll see fewer stutters and less motion blur, which can be crucial for reacting quickly. This is complemented by a 1ms response time (GtG), which minimizes ghosting and trailing artifacts, keeping fast-moving objects sharp and clear. For competitive gamers, this is often the difference between victory and defeat.

The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is another critical feature for smooth gameplay. It synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rate with your graphics card’s frame rate, effectively eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. This means you get a fluid, uninterrupted visual experience no matter how chaotic the on-screen action gets. Beyond just adaptive sync, LG has packed in other gaming-centric features like Dynamic Action Sync to reduce input lag, Black Stabilizer to brighten dark areas without blowing out the rest of the image, and Crosshair for enhanced aiming precision in FPS games. It’s clear that the LG 37G800A is built with gamers in mind, offering tools to enhance performance and immersion.

One user enthusiastically shared, “Awesome monitor! One usb-c cable provides power, video and audio. Works great on Linux Fedora 43 and macOS Tahoe. Built-in speakers are decent. Picture is great. Curved is a necessity for a 37″ monitor, and this one nails it.” This highlights the convenience of USB-C connectivity, a feature that can significantly declutter your desk, and the overall satisfaction with the visual quality and the necessity of the curve for such a large display. Another reviewer noted, “Sharp. Detailed. Great color. Non-reflective screen. Fast and Smooth. Ample I/O with both USB-C & HDMI. Easy setup.” This emphasizes the monitor’s premium visual attributes and user-friendly setup.

However, not every experience was perfect. One user mentioned, “After taking about an hour to unbox, set up, and connect to my system, I turned it on, The screen briefly came to life, and it was a nice looking screen, wide bright and clear. The on screen menu button located at. the back of the screen not user friendly, you’d have to experiment to get to the right menu. Upon plugging in my phone to the USB C on the back of the monitor, my phone did not power up. After spending 2 hours with a confused bunch of tech support who offered confusing and inaccura…” This points to a potential learning curve with the OSD controls and a specific issue with USB-C power delivery on a phone, which might be a particular setup or unit issue.

Pros:

• Expansive 37-inch 4K UHD display for incredible detail and immersion.
• High 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for fluid, sharp gameplay.
• Excellent color coverage (95% DCI-P3) and VESA DisplayHDR 600 for stunning visuals.
• AMD FreeSync Premium Pro for tear-free, smooth gaming.
• Convenient USB-C connectivity with power delivery (as reported by some users).
• Advanced gaming features like Black Stabilizer and Crosshair.
• The curve is well-suited for the large screen size, enhancing immersion.

Cons:

• The on-screen menu (OSD) navigation can be unintuitive.
• Some users reported issues with USB-C power delivery to devices.
• Higher price point due to its premium features and size.
• May be too large for some desk setups.

Best for:
The LG 37G800A is ideal for serious gamers who want the absolute best in visual clarity, speed, and immersive features. It’s also a fantastic choice for users who value a large, detailed workspace and appreciate HDR content. If you have the desk space and the budget, and prioritize a top-tier gaming and entertainment experience, this monitor is a strong contender.

In-Depth Look: Samsung 27″ Essential S3

The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 Series monitor offers a more accessible entry point into the world of curved displays, focusing on comfort and a smooth visual experience for everyday use and casual gaming. Its 27-inch size is a popular sweet spot, providing ample screen real estate without overwhelming most desks. The 1800R curvature is designed to create a more enveloping viewing experience, bringing the edges of the screen closer to your peripheral vision. This design is particularly effective at reducing eye strain during long sessions, as it minimizes the need for your eyes to constantly refocus. For those wondering about the specifics of monitor curves, our guide on curve differences can be very helpful.

While the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 features a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, it’s important to manage expectations. For a 27-inch screen, FHD is on the lower end of pixel density compared to higher resolutions like QHD or 4K. This means text might appear slightly less sharp, and individual pixels might be more noticeable up close. However, for general productivity, web browsing, and even casual gaming, it provides a perfectly adequate and clear image, especially when viewed from a typical desk distance. It’s a solid choice for those who prioritize the benefits of a curved screen and a smoother refresh rate over the absolute highest pixel count. If you’re looking for a smaller curved option, you might find our best curved 27-inch monitors for gaming relevant.

The monitor boasts a 100Hz refresh rate, which is a noticeable upgrade from the standard 60Hz found on many entry-level monitors. This higher refresh rate translates to smoother motion, making scrolling through web pages, working with timelines in creative applications, or playing games feel more fluid. While not as fast as the 165Hz on the LG, 100Hz is a great middle ground that offers a tangible improvement in visual smoothness without demanding the absolute highest-end PC hardware. It helps reduce lag and motion blur, ensuring you don’t miss crucial moments in fast-paced scenes.

Samsung has also included “Game Mode” and adjustable color and contrast settings. Game Mode is designed to optimize the display for gaming by enhancing visibility in darker scenes and making colors more vivid. This can help you spot enemies hiding in shadows or appreciate the visual details in game environments more effectively. The ability to tweak color and contrast further allows users to tailor the image to their preferences, whether for work or play.

A significant selling point for the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is its focus on eye comfort. It features TÜV certified technology that reduces blue light emission and minimizes screen flicker. This is a crucial benefit for anyone who spends extended periods in front of their monitor, as it can significantly alleviate eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. One customer praised this, saying, “This Samsung 27″ Essential S3 curved monitor has been a great upgrade. The picture quality is crisp and clear in Full HD, and the 1800R curve makes it much more comfortable for long work or gaming sessions by reducing eye strain. The 100Hz refresh rate is a noticeable improvement over standard monitors—everything feels smoother, especially when scrolling or gaming. Game Mode is a nice bonus and really helps enhance contrast and visibility while playing. Setup was quick and easy, and the monitor fe[els] solid.” This review perfectly encapsulates the monitor’s strengths: comfort, smoothness, and ease of use.

Another user shared their positive experience with the curve: “What’s not to love about a Samsung curved monitor? This is my first curved monitor and I was a little worried that it might be strange to work with. I use it in my home office and I have honestly loved it from day 1. The picture quality is lovely, it is easy on my eyes, and I get a lot less eye strain since getting this. My son has one that he uses for gaming (I know traditionally these curved monitors were made for gaming) so I can imagine it provides quite an immersive experience. The stand is th[in].” This highlights the successful transition to a curved monitor for work and the noticeable reduction in eye strain, confirming its suitability for office environments.

A third customer found the size and curve ideal for multi-monitor setups: “These screen are amazing. They’re just the right size, curved to be easier on your eyes and the resolution is great. I have two of them side by side and I love it, because it looks like one great big monitor. Highly recommend.” This suggests that the 27-inch size and the consistent curvature make it an excellent candidate for a seamless dual-monitor setup, effectively creating an expansive, wraparound display.

Pros:

• Comfortable 1800R curve reduces eye strain and enhances immersion.
• 100Hz refresh rate provides smoother motion than standard 60Hz monitors.
• TÜV certified eye comfort features (blue light reduction, flicker-free).
• Samsung’s Game Mode for improved gaming visuals.
• Good value for a curved monitor with these features.
• Popular 27-inch size is versatile for work and play.
• Well-suited for multi-monitor setups.

Cons:

• Full HD resolution on a 27-inch screen means lower pixel density and potentially less sharp text compared to higher resolution monitors.
• Response time is not specified and likely not as fast as the LG 37G800A.
• Lacks advanced HDR capabilities.
• Fewer gaming-specific features compared to dedicated gaming monitors.

Best for:
The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is perfect for users who prioritize eye comfort and a smoother visual experience for general computing, office work, and casual gaming. It’s an excellent choice for those new to curved monitors, students, or anyone looking for an affordable upgrade that enhances visual comfort and reduces fatigue. Its 27-inch size and FHD resolution make it a versatile option for various desk setups. If you’re interested in exploring more options in this size, our guide to the best 27-inch curved monitors might be useful.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Screen Size and Immersion: LG 37G800A vs. Samsung 27″ Essential S3

The most obvious difference is the screen size. The LG 37G800A offers a massive 37-inch display, which, combined with its curve, creates an incredibly immersive experience. It’s like having a personal cinema screen on your desk. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3, at 27 inches, is a more standard size. Its 1800R curve still provides immersion, but it’s on a much more manageable scale. For pure “wow” factor and engulfing visuals, the LG 37G800A wins hands down. If you have limited desk space or prefer a less overwhelming display, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is the more practical choice.

Resolution and Clarity: LG 37G800A vs. Samsung 27″ Essential S3

This is where the LG 37G800A truly shines. Its 4K UHD resolution on a 37-inch screen delivers exceptional clarity and detail. Text is razor-sharp, images are incredibly fine-grained, and in games, you’ll see every nuance. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3, with its Full HD resolution on a 27-inch panel, offers good clarity for everyday use, but it cannot match the pixel density and sharpness of the LG. If you demand the highest level of visual fidelity and crispness, especially for detailed work or high-resolution gaming, the LG 37G800A is the clear winner. For general use where extreme sharpness isn’t the top priority, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is sufficient.

Performance: Refresh Rate and Response Time

For gamers, performance is paramount. The LG 37G800A boasts a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time (GtG). This combination ensures incredibly smooth motion and minimal ghosting, which is crucial for competitive play. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 offers a 100Hz refresh rate. While this is still a significant upgrade over 60Hz and provides a noticeable improvement in smoothness, it’s not as fast as the LG. The response time for the Samsung isn’t specified, but it’s unlikely to match the 1ms of the LG. If you’re a hardcore gamer who plays fast-paced titles and needs every possible edge, the LG 37G800A is superior. For more casual gaming or titles where frame rate isn’t as critical, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3’s 100Hz is perfectly capable.

Color and HDR Capabilities

The LG 37G800A takes the lead in color and HDR. With up to 95% DCI-P3 coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600, it delivers vibrant, accurate colors and impressive contrast with deeper blacks and brighter highlights. This translates to a more dynamic and lifelike visual experience, especially for HDR content and cinematic games. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 offers vivid colors and enhanced contrast, but it lacks specific HDR certification and advanced color gamut coverage. If you’re a content creator, photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the best possible color accuracy and HDR impact, the LG 37G800A is the better choice.

Gaming-Specific Features

Both monitors offer features to enhance the gaming experience, but the LG 37G800A leans more towards competitive play. Its Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, and Crosshair tools are specifically designed to give players an advantage. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3’s “Game Mode” is more about optimizing visual settings for clarity and contrast. While both can improve gameplay, the LG’s feature set is more comprehensive for serious gamers.

Eye Comfort and Ergonomics

The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 has a clear advantage here with its TÜV certified blue light reduction and flicker-free technology. This makes it exceptionally comfortable for long work or gaming sessions. The 1800R curve also contributes to this comfort. While the LG 37G800A has a curve, and its large size can be comfortable if positioned correctly, it doesn’t explicitly highlight advanced eye-care features in the same way. If reducing eye strain is a primary concern, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is the more appealing option.

Connectivity and Versatility

The LG 37G800A offers excellent connectivity, including USB-C with reported power delivery, which is a huge plus for simplifying setups. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 also offers increased versatility through its ports, allowing easy connection of various devices. However, the USB-C functionality on the LG, if it works as advertised for a specific user’s setup, offers a significant convenience factor for charging laptops or other devices while also handling video and data.

Price and Value

Generally, the LG 37G800A, with its larger size, 4K resolution, higher refresh rate, and advanced HDR, will be positioned at a higher price point. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 offers a more budget-friendly entry into curved monitors, focusing on core benefits like eye comfort and smoother motion at a more accessible price. The “value” depends entirely on your priorities: premium performance and visuals versus comfortable, smooth everyday use at a lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which monitor is better for fast-paced competitive gaming?

A: The LG 37G800A is significantly better for competitive gaming due to its higher 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and advanced gaming features like Dynamic Action Sync and Black Stabilizer. The AMD FreeSync Premium Pro also ensures a tear-free experience, crucial for quick reactions.

Q: I spend most of my day working and experience eye strain. Which monitor should I choose?

A: The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is the superior choice for eye comfort. It features TÜV-certified blue light reduction and flicker-free technology, combined with its 1800R curve, which are specifically designed to minimize eye strain during long work sessions. You can find more options in our guide to the best 27-inch monitors for remote work.

Q: Is the 4K resolution on the LG 37G800A worth the extra cost over the Samsung 27″ Essential S3’s Full HD?

A: For tasks requiring high detail, such as graphic design, photo editing, or enjoying high-resolution media and games, the 4K resolution on the LG 37G800A is definitely worth it. The increased pixel density provides a much sharper and more detailed image. However, if your primary use is browsing, general office tasks, or casual gaming, and your PC may not be powerful enough to drive 4K effectively, the Full HD resolution of the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 might be sufficient and more practical. Consider your PC’s capabilities and your daily tasks when making this decision.

Q: Can I use the LG 37G800A for productivity tasks like coding or spreadsheets?

A: Absolutely! The 37-inch 4K display of the LG 37G800A is fantastic for productivity. The high resolution allows you to fit significantly more content on the screen, making it excellent for multitasking, coding with more lines of code visible, or working with large spreadsheets. The crisp text rendering also makes it very comfortable for reading and writing.

Q: Which monitor is better for immersive movie watching?

A: The LG 37G800A likely offers a more immersive movie-watching experience due to its larger 37-inch screen size, higher resolution (4K), and superior VESA DisplayHDR 600 capabilities. This combination provides a more detailed, vibrant, and dynamic picture compared to the Full HD Samsung 27″ Essential S3.

Q: How does the curvature differ between the two monitors, and does it matter?

A: The LG 37G800A’s curvature isn’t explicitly stated with an ‘R’ rating but is likely a tighter curve (perhaps 1000R or 1500R) given its size, designed for deep immersion. The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 has a defined 1800R curve. A tighter curve (lower ‘R’ number) wraps around your field of vision more intensely. For larger screens like the LG, a tighter curve is often preferred to maintain consistent viewing distances to all parts of the screen. For smaller screens like the Samsung, 1800R is a common and comfortable curvature that reduces eye strain without feeling overwhelming. You can read more about curve differences here.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between the LG 37G800A and the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 boils down to your priorities and budget. They represent two very different approaches to curved monitor design and functionality.

If you are a serious gamer, a content creator, or someone who craves the most immersive and visually stunning experience possible, the LG 37G800A is the clear winner. Its massive 37-inch 4K display, combined with a blistering 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and excellent HDR capabilities, offers unparalleled clarity, speed, and visual fidelity. The advanced gaming features and superior color accuracy make it a premium choice for those who demand the best and have the desk space to accommodate it. While it comes at a higher price, the performance and visual payoff are substantial.

On the other hand, if your primary concerns are eye comfort, a smoother everyday visual experience, and a more budget-friendly option, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is an excellent choice. Its 1800R curve, 100Hz refresh rate, and certified eye-care features make it incredibly comfortable for long work sessions and provide a noticeable upgrade in motion smoothness for casual gaming and general use. The 27-inch size is versatile, and its value proposition is strong for users looking to dip their toes into the world of curved monitors without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic option for students, office workers, or casual gamers.

Ultimately, both monitors offer the benefits of a curved display, but they cater to different needs. For peak gaming performance and breathtaking visuals, go for the LG 37G800A. For comfort, smooth everyday use, and great value, the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 is your go-to.