Using the right monitor can make or break a graphic design. Getting your hands on a screen that can accurately display colours and graphics in high resolution is the best way to ensure that you are seeing your visuals in their true form. But with so many monitors to choose from, you need to focus on features that will really make a difference.
Features To Keep in Mind When Buying a Monitor
If you are new to the ins and outs of monitors, there are four key elements that you should keep in mind as a graphic designer.
A monitor that has excellent colour accuracy is important if your designs are meant to be printed. It means that the screen can reproduce colours and shades as intended. This largely depends on the type of screen: whereas LED is cheaper, screens made from IPS panels and QLED technology have better colour reproduction.
Relatedly, a screen with a good colour gamut can display a wider range of colours on the colour spectrum. There are three dominant standards: the sRGB, the Adobe sRGB, and the DCI-P3.
The Adobe sRGB and the DCI-P3 generally have comparably greater coverage over sRGB, but sRGB is still the standard for web design, especially when it comes to mobile phones.
The Adobe sRGB and DCI-P3 gamut can display colours more accurately if they are destined for print and are preferable if your graphic design work ventures into the world of animation and/or film.
Having a sharp and crystal-clear view of your designs is also important, which is why having a monitor with a high resolution is key. Especially if you are working with detailed and meticulous designs, more pixels mean greater detail and sharpness.
The size of your screen may or may not matter to you. If you are working with complex high-resolution images, then the bigger the screen, the more detail you will be able to see. If you are wanting to work on multiple projects at once without investing in multiple monitors, you might want a wide screen.
With all these features in mind, what is the best monitor for graphic design in 2022? Let us review three of the top monitors available and see which one comes out on top.
Picking the Winner
1. ASUS ProArt Display 32” (Third Place)
2. Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ (Runner Up)
3. The Samsung Odyssey G9 49” (Winner)
1. ASUS ProArt Display PA32UCX-PK 32” 4K HDR
The most expensive but also the most powerful option on our list, the ASUS ProArt Display 32” is a great option for graphic designers who want to create professional designs. It is a 32-inch HDR monitor with wide viewing angles, a 4K resolution that makes your display crisp even when working on small details, and the colour gamut to express your design colours vividly and accurately.
Specifications:
- Display Technology: Mini LED/IPS panels
- Colour Gamut: Includes 89% Rec. 2020, 99.5% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 and 100% sRGB colour space
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen)
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
Pros:
- Large and varied colour gamut
- Bright and sharp
- Good colour accuracy
Cons:
- Some users have reported dead pixels
- Screen must be manually turned on after PC sleeps
- Expensive
2. Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ Monitor, 4K UHD IPS
The most affordable option on our list, the Philips 276E8VJSB 27″ is a great option for graphic designers who are just starting out or who have a small budget. It is a 27-inch Ultra-High-Definition monitor that boasts excellent colour accuracy thanks to its IPS panels and is considerably cheap given how IPS panels usually ramp up the cost. Its colour gamut covers the sRGB colour space (100%) with some extension beyond this, which is perfect if you are mainly working with web design. Despite the price, you can also be sure that design details will be displayed with clarity thanks to its high resolution.
Specifications:
- Display Technology: IPS panels
- Colour Gamut: 109% sRGB
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 (4K)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen)
- Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
Pros:
- Affordable
- Accurate colour reproduction
- Sharp and detailed display
- Good colour gamut for web design
Cons:
- Base can tilt forward easily (making it easier to crack your screen)
- Some users report dead pixels after a while
3. The Samsung Odyssey G9
Although technically a gaming monitor, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is packed with features that make it an attractive option for professional graphic designers. This curved, ultra-wide 49-inch monitor boasts a sharp and bright 6K resolution and is ideal for designers who have multiple projects on the go. It has extremely high contrast, an expansive colour gamut, and sophisticated QLED display technology which ensures that colours and images are bright, lively, and accurately reproduced.
Specifications:
- Display Technology: QLED panels
- Colour Gamut: 109% sRGB
- Resolution: 5120 x 1440 (5K)
- Aspect Ratio: 32:9 (Ultra-Widescreen)
- Contrast Ratio: 2500:1
Pros:
- Bright
- High Contrast
- Superior colour reproduction
- Wide colour gamut
- Good for multitasking
Cons:
- Expensive
- Curved screen not for everyone
