The Sceptre Curved 24-inch Gaming Monitor (C248W-1920RN Series) offers a blend of affordability, performance, and immersive gaming experience. This monitor packs numerous features that cater to both casual gamers and professionals seeking an affordable solution without compromising on quality. With a sleek design, built-in speakers, and a high refresh rate, this gaming monitor delivers on various fronts.
This review delves into the product’s key features, specifications, pros and cons, and frequently asked questions (FAQs), Ultimately providing you with an all-encompassing understanding of the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor and how it stands as the best gaming monitor under 200 in the competitive gaming monitor market.
Key Features
1. Curved Display
The 1800R curved design creates an immersive viewing experience, drawing gamers into their worlds by wrapping the display around the field of view. This curvature is not just a cosmetic feature; it’s designed to offer a more natural, comfortable viewing angle.
2. High Refresh Rate
A refresh rate of 75Hz ensures smoother transitions and reduces screen tearing and ghosting. While 75Hz is modest compared to high-end gaming monitors, it’s a noticeable upgrade over the standard 60Hz found in most monitors at this price point.
3. Full HD 1080p Resolution
With a resolution of 1920×1080, this monitor delivers crisp and vibrant visuals, making it an ideal option for both gaming and everyday use. The monitor’s 98% sRGB color gamut ensures that the colors are accurate and vibrant, enhancing your gaming, media, and work experiences.
4. Multiple Ports
The Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor comes equipped with two HDMI ports, a VGA port, and PC audio input, making it highly versatile. You can easily switch between different devices, such as a gaming console and a PC, without the hassle of constantly plugging and unplugging cables.
5. VESA Wall Mount Compatibility
For those looking to save desk space or create a multi-monitor setup, the monitor is VESA wall mount compatible, allowing you to mount it on the wall or use an adjustable arm.
6. Built-in Speakers
While many gamers prefer external speakers or headsets, the built-in speakers are convenient for everyday use, such as video conferencing or casual media consumption.
7. Sleek, Modern Design
The metal brush finish on the back of the monitor gives it a premium feel, while the slim bezel allows for a more immersive display. Its modern look fits easily into any gaming or professional setup.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 24 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920×1080 (Full HD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curvature | 1800R |
| Refresh Rate | 75Hz |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Response Time | 5ms |
| Ports | HDMI x2, VGA, PC Audio In |
| VESA Compatibility | Yes (Wall Mount Ready) |
| Color Gamut | 98% sRGB |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 16.04 x 21.61 x 9.06 inches |
| Weight | 7 pounds |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.27156mm (H) x 0.27156 mm (V) |
| Operating System Compatibility | Windows 10 |
| Lamp Life | 30,000+ Hours |
| Color | Metal Black |
| Voltage | 110-240 Volts |
| Country of Origin | China |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for a curved monitor.
- Immersive 1800R curvature for an enhanced gaming experience.
- Multiple connectivity options (HDMI x2, VGA).
- Built-in speakers for convenience.
- VESA wall mount compatible.
- Sleek, modern design with metal finish.
- 75Hz refresh rate, an upgrade over standard monitors.
Cons:
- Built-in speakers lack high-quality sound.
- The 75Hz refresh rate may not be sufficient for hardcore gamers.
- Limited adjustability in the monitor stand (no height adjustment).
Detailed Review
Design and Build Quality
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor is its sleek, modern design. The 1800R curvature adds a touch of elegance, and the metal brush finish on the back panel gives it a premium appearance. The monitor’s slim bezel allows for a more immersive experience, particularly for multi-monitor setups.
At 7 pounds, the monitor is lightweight, making it easy to mount or reposition on your desk. While the monitor stand is sturdy, it lacks height adjustability, which could be an issue for some users who prefer more ergonomic setups. However, the VESA wall mount compatibility easily mitigates this shortfall, offering flexibility in how the monitor is positioned.
Display and Performance
The 24-inch display, with a Full HD resolution of 1920×1080, offers impressive visuals. The screen’s 98% sRGB color gamut ensures that colors are vivid and accurate, making it suitable not just for gaming but also for media consumption and even light photo or video editing. The 1800R curve provides an immersive experience, particularly for games with wide landscapes or intricate environments.
While the 75Hz refresh rate is not groundbreaking, it is a definite step up from the standard 60Hz found in most budget monitors. This refresh rate, combined with a 5ms response time, ensures relatively smooth gaming performance, particularly for casual gamers. If you’re into competitive gaming, however, you may want to look for a monitor with a higher refresh rate.
The monitor’s brightness level of 250 cd/m² is decent, though it may not be ideal for brightly lit environments. However, for most indoor gaming setups, it offers more than sufficient luminance. The contrast ratio of 3000:1 ensures that blacks are deep and whites are bright, enhancing the overall visual experience.
Connectivity and Features
One of the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor’s strengths lies in its versatility. With two HDMI ports and a VGA input, switching between different devices such as a gaming console and a PC is simple. The inclusion of PC audio input is also a nice touch, providing more flexibility for connecting external audio devices.
The built-in speakers, while convenient, are not the best in terms of sound quality. They are suitable for basic tasks like video conferencing or casual media consumption but fall short for gaming or watching movies where sound quality is essential.
Another standout feature is the VESA wall mount compatibility. For gamers or professionals looking to save desk space or create a more ergonomic setup, being able to mount the monitor is a significant advantage.
Gaming Experience
For casual gamers, the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor delivers a solid performance. The 1800R curve immerses you in the game, and the 75Hz refresh rate ensures smoother gameplay than a standard 60Hz monitor. Games like RPGs, action-adventures, or open-world games benefit from the curved display, as the visuals wrap around your field of vision.
However, for fast-paced games like first-person shooters or racing games, the 75Hz refresh rate might not cut it. Competitive gamers who prioritize performance over everything else may find this refresh rate limiting and should consider a monitor with a higher refresh rate and faster response time.
Conclusion
The Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor (C248W-1920RN) offers a rich set of features that make it a solid contender in the budget gaming monitor category. Its 24-inch screen size, Full HD resolution, and 1800R curve ensure an immersive viewing experience for gamers and multimedia users alike. Additionally, the monitor provides versatile connectivity options with its two HDMI ports, VGA input, and PC audio input, making it easy to hook up various devices.
The sleek and modern design, coupled with the metal brush finish and slim bezel, ensures that this monitor looks good in any setup—be it a gaming station or a professional workspace. The VESA wall mount compatibility further increases the versatility of the monitor, making it easy to customize your setup according to your needs.
Performance-wise, the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor delivers decent results, especially for casual gamers. The 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time ensure relatively smooth gameplay without noticeable lag or ghosting, although hardcore gamers may prefer monitors with higher refresh rates. The inclusion of built-in speakers is a nice touch, but their quality may not satisfy audiophiles or gamers seeking an immersive sound experience.
At its price point, the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor stands out as a great value. It’s not the best monitor for professional-level gaming or content creation, but it certainly gets the job done for those who need a reliable and affordable curved display. Whether you’re into casual gaming, watching movies, or just want a solid monitor for day-to-day tasks, this monitor strikes a great balance between functionality and price.
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Highly Recommended – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’re looking for an affordable yet immersive gaming monitor with a modern design and decent performance, the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor might be just what you need. With its versatile connectivity options, sleek appearance, and Full HD resolution, it offers everything a casual gamer or everyday user would want.
Comparison with Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor
Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor (C248W-1920RN) with similar monitors in the budget gaming category, it’s essential to evaluate factors like screen size, refresh rate, response time, connectivity options, and price.
Here’s a comparison with three other popular budget gaming monitors in a similar range:
- AOC C24G1A 24″ Curved Gaming Monitor
- Samsung CF390 24-Inch Curved LED Monitor
- Dell S2421HGF 24-Inch Gaming Monitor
Comparison Table:
| Feature | Sceptre Curved (C248W-1920RN) | AOC C24G1A 24″ Curved Gaming Monitor | Samsung CF390 24-Inch Curved LED | Dell S2421HGF 24-Inch Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 24 Inches | 24 Inches | 24 Inches | 24 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Curvature | 1800R | 1500R | 1800R | Flat |
| Refresh Rate | 75Hz | 165Hz | 60Hz | 144Hz |
| Response Time | 5ms | 1ms | 4ms | 1ms |
| Panel Type | VA | VA | VA | TN |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² | 250 cd/m² | 200 cd/m² | 350 cd/m² |
| Ports | 2x HDMI, 1x VGA, PC Audio In | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort, 1x VGA | 1x HDMI, 1x VGA | 2x HDMI, 1x DisplayPort |
| Adaptive Sync | No | FreeSync | No | FreeSync, G-Sync Compatible |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes | No | No | No |
| VESA Mount Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Stand Adjustability | Tilt Only | Height, Tilt, Swivel | Tilt Only | Height, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot |
| Price | $110-$140 | $190-$220 | $130-$150 | $170-$190 |
Detailed Comparison:
1. AOC C24G1A 24″ Curved Gaming Monitor
The AOC C24G1A is a popular choice among gamers, especially for those who need a higher refresh rate. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time provide much smoother gameplay compared to the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor, making it better suited for competitive gaming. It also supports AMD FreeSync, which helps reduce screen tearing. However, it lacks built-in speakers, meaning you’ll need external audio solutions. While the AOC monitor has a steeper price, its superior performance and adjustable stand make it more flexible and ideal for gamers who value customization and faster gameplay.
2. Samsung CF390 24-Inch Curved LED Monitor
The Samsung CF390 offers a similarly immersive experience with its 1800R curvature, just like the Sceptre model. However, its 60Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time are slightly inferior in performance compared to the Sceptre’s 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time. This monitor is more suited for general use rather than gaming. It also lacks built-in speakers, unlike the Sceptre monitor, making the Sceptre a better option for those looking for an all-in-one solution without external audio hardware.
3. Dell S2421HGF 24-Inch Gaming Monitor
The Dell S2421HGF stands out for its competitive edge, featuring a 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. It also supports both AMD FreeSync and is G-Sync compatible, offering excellent performance with both AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards. While it doesn’t have built-in speakers, its ergonomic stand allows for height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and pivot options, making it more versatile than the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor. The TN panel, however, provides slightly less vibrant colors compared to VA panels like those in the Sceptre model.
FAQs
Is the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor good for competitive gaming?
The Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor is a decent option for casual gamers, but it may not be the best choice for competitive gaming. With a refresh rate of 75Hz and a 5ms response time, it offers a relatively smooth experience for slower-paced games such as role-playing or adventure titles.
The 1800R curvature provides an immersive, wrap-around effect, especially in games that emphasize wide-open environments. For players who enjoy the story-driven experience or prefer visually rich games, this monitor offers enough performance to create an enjoyable experience.
However, for competitive gamers who play fast-paced genres like first-person shooters or racing games, the 75Hz refresh rate may be limiting. Competitive gaming often requires ultra-fast refresh rates and minimal input lag to ensure precision and fluidity during gameplay. Most serious gamers opt for monitors with a higher refresh rate of 120Hz or 144Hz, combined with a faster response time. If you prioritize winning over visual immersion, a higher-end model may be better suited for competitive gaming.
Can I mount the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor on the wall?
Yes, the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor is fully compatible with VESA wall mounts, which means you can easily mount it on a wall or attach it to a monitor arm. This feature is particularly useful for users who want to free up desk space or create a more ergonomic setup.
The VESA mount compatibility follows a standard configuration, so it will fit with most commercially available wall mounts or adjustable arms. This flexibility is ideal for gamers who want to create a multi-monitor configuration or adjust their monitor’s positioning for the best viewing angle.
Wall mounting is also a great option for those who prefer a clean, minimalist desk setup. By mounting the monitor, you can position it at eye level, reducing neck strain and improving posture during long gaming sessions. If you’re planning on using the monitor for work as well as gaming, mounting it can make transitioning between tasks much smoother. The ability to swivel, tilt, or adjust the monitor’s height with a mount gives you greater control over your gaming and work environment.
Does the monitor support FreeSync or G-Sync?
The Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor does not officially support AMD FreeSync or NVIDIA G-Sync, which are technologies designed to reduce screen tearing and stuttering during gaming. These features are particularly beneficial when gaming at variable frame rates, as they synchronize the monitor’s refresh rate with the graphics card to ensure a smoother visual experience. Although this monitor lacks these adaptive sync technologies, it still offers decent performance for most casual gaming needs, thanks to its 75Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time.
While the absence of FreeSync or G-Sync may be a drawback for some, especially for those who play graphically intensive or fast-paced games, the monitor’s overall performance remains stable for general gaming. However, if you often experience screen tearing or stuttering and want a more fluid gaming experience, investing in a monitor that supports either FreeSync or G-Sync could make a significant difference, particularly in demanding titles or when paired with high-end gaming PCs or consoles.
Are the built-in speakers of good quality?
The built-in speakers of the Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor offer basic functionality but may not be sufficient for those who prioritize high-quality audio. They are convenient for casual use, such as video calls, streaming videos, or light media consumption.
The speakers are integrated directly into the monitor, which saves desk space and eliminates the need for external audio equipment in basic use scenarios. However, their sound quality is rather limited, particularly when it comes to delivering deep bass or crisp high tones, which can be a drawback for immersive gaming or watching movies.
For gamers or users who prefer a richer audio experience, external speakers or a good pair of headphones would be a better option. The built-in speakers lack the power and sound range needed for a fully immersive audio environment, especially in action-packed gaming sessions or cinematic experiences. In situations where audio clarity and precision are key, such as competitive gaming or media editing, upgrading to external audio gear will make a noticeable difference in the overall experience.
Does the monitor have adjustable height and tilt?
The Sceptre Curved Gaming Monitor comes with a stand that offers limited adjustability. While you can tilt the monitor slightly forward or backward, it does not have the capability for height adjustment or swivel. This lack of flexibility might be an issue for users who prefer a more ergonomic setup, as the fixed height could lead to discomfort during prolonged use. The ability to adjust the monitor’s height can significantly reduce neck and eye strain, especially if you spend long hours gaming or working in front of the screen.
However, the monitor’s VESA mount compatibility offers a solution to this limitation. By using a VESA-compatible wall mount or monitor arm, you can fully customize the positioning of the monitor to suit your ergonomic needs. This can include height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and even rotation.
For users who prioritize a flexible and comfortable workstation, investing in a VESA mount will compensate for the monitor’s otherwise fixed stand, making it a more versatile and adaptable addition to your gaming or office setup.
