Samsung CF791 34in Quantum Dot Curved Monitor

Rating: 8.5.

“Quantum” is one of those technology words that seems to generally be associated with good things in computing – like “fuzzy logic” used to be with washing machines. But where the Samsung CF791 is concerned, quantum means something. This is the first screen we have seen with “quantum dot” technology, which is an improvement on regular LCD technology that promises better colour.

In a regular LED backlit screen, the LED lighting emits white light. Although the LEDs are actually blue, they are coated in yellow phospher so that the end result is white. The coloured filters in the screen then provide the basis for the colour picture. But with quantum dot technology, the blue LEDs are left blue, so these provide the blue pixels. The quantum dots then create the red and green.

They do this by glowing a specific colour when they are hit by light. Larger 50-atom dots glow red, and smaller 30-atom ones glow green. The hue is very pure, so when this goes through the various filters and polarisers and filter layers of the panel, the result is very vivid colour and an extended gamut.

Thanks to its quantum dot technology, Samsung can claim 125 per cent sRGB colour space for the CF791, and the panel has been factory calibrated too.

The CF791 has plenty of other advantages. This is a large 34in screen using VA technology, although not a 4K one. With a 21:9 aspect, the resolution is actually 3,440 x 1,440, so kind of 3.4K, although vertically it's the same as a 16:9 screen with 2,560 horizontal pixels. It's curved, too, with a 1500R curvature.

Although brightness is only quoted as 300cd/m2, the VA technology means contrast is specified at a very healthy 3000:1. Response is only 4ms – there is no gaming focused enhancement as with the Samsung C24FG70. But screen refresh goes up to 100Hz and there's FreesSync variable frame rate technology available.

So there's a lot to like about the CF791. The styling is gorgeous and there is virtually no bezel to ruin the edges of the display. It may not be quite the gaming perfection of the 24in C24FG70, but for occasional games and more general usage, there's huge potential here. However, with a £800 price, the proof of the pudding is in that quantum dot technology. So read on to find out if it lives up to its technical theory.

Specification:
Screen size: 34-inch, 21:9 aspect
Native resolution: 3,440 x 1,440
Refresh rate: 100Hz
Panel type: VA
Contrast ratio: 3,000:1
Brightness: 300cd/m2
Response time: 4ms grey-to-grey
Display inputs: 2x HDMI, DisplayPort
USB hub: Yes, 2 ports.
Tilt: Yes
Raise: Yes
Swivel: No
Other: Headphone jack, FreeSync, built-in speakers.

Retail Price: £799.99 (inc. VAT)

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