Three Surprising Monitor Trends from CES 2025

This week at CES 2025, I encountered a substantial number of monitor displays. Major brands such as LG, Samsung, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Dell showcased their latest innovations, many of which stand out as top contenders in the monitor market.

As I reviewed the impressive lineup at CES, three significant trends stood out that are likely to shape the coming year.

OLED Monitoring Takes a Broader Scope

For several years, OLED monitors have firmly established their dominance in the gaming community. Their evolution has been remarkable, with enhancements in speed (now reaching up to 500Hz), resolution, size, and affordability. While OLED technology has primarily focused on gaming, the professional and creative sectors have largely missed out. In previous years, high-end OLED monitors like the LG UltraFine Pro and the Asus ProArt Display were commendable but prohibitively expensive, often exceeding $3,000.

However, the introduction of modern QD-OLED panels at more accessible price points is a game changer, especially for creators and media professionals. A standout model unveiled at CES 2025 is the Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED, which not only boasts stunning visuals and a unique spatial audio feature, but comes at an attractive price of $800. This development marks a significant leap for those in video editing and HDR work.

In addition, Samsung has introduced an intriguing product with its Smart Monitor M9, featuring all the usual smart capabilities of its line, now enhanced with OLED technology. Its slim design further adds to its appeal, although pricing details remain unannounced. The future looks promising with other models set to launch, potentially broadening options for professional-grade HDR content and affordable displays.

Advancements in 5K Gaming

Historically, 4K monitors (3840 x 2160 pixels) have been the standard for high-resolution gaming. However, as next-generation graphics cards, particularly the RTX 50-series, loom closer, the gaming community is preparing to embrace higher resolutions. A prime example is LG's introduction of two 5K2K (5,120 x 2,160) OLED monitors, available in both a bendable version and one with a subtle 800R curvature, each measuring 45 inches.

A noteworthy competitor in the 5K space is the Acer Predator XB323QX. Although non-OLED, it shines due to its high pixel density. With a 32-inch size at 5K resolution, it retains sharpness without compromising on screen size. Its non-OLED status might also contribute to a more budget-friendly price point, making it a strong candidate as one of the best upcoming 5K monitors.

Additionally, while not aimed at gamers, the new Asus ProArt 6K PA32QCV boasts a stunning 6016 x 3384 resolution and offers a remarkable 218 pixels per inch, illustrating the upward trend in monitor resolution across the board. Notably, LG is also working on a 6K professional monitor.

The Rise of 37-Inch Monitors

Traditionally, 16:9 monitors have been available predominantly in 27-inch and 32-inch formats. While larger ultrawide and curved models (ranging from 40-inch to 49-inch) have been common, they typically offer a wider aspect ratio of 21:9 or 32:9. The new 37-inch monitors showcased at CES represent an exciting shift in standard sizes, with both Samsung and LG displaying these new models, including a gaming monitor from Samsung's Odyssey line and LG's smart monitor.

These 16:9 monitors are poised to provide an alternative to the conventional 32-inch format. After trying them out, especially for gaming, I can appreciate their appeal. For those who prefer the 16:9 aspect ratio, the introduction of this larger size could fill a significant gap without overwhelming desk space. It remains to be seen if this trend will take hold industry-wide, but it certainly seems destined to gain popularity.

monitors, technology, trends