# Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) Review: Affordable Curved Monitor for Work & Gaming
## Introduction
Finding a quality monitor under $120 can be challenging, but the **Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Monitor** stands out as one of the best budget choices in 2024. Designed for home offices, students, casual gamers, and entertainment lovers, this monitor combines a large 27-inch Full HD display, immersive 1800R curvature, smooth 100Hz refresh rate, and Samsung's Advanced Eye Comfort technology.
Priced at around **$109.99**, it delivers excellent value without sacrificing image quality or everyday usability.
In this review, we'll explore its design, display performance, gaming capabilities, productivity features, strengths, weaknesses, and whether it's the right monitor for your needs.
# Quick Verdict
| Category | Rating |
| ------------------ | ------------- |
| ⭐ Overall Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
| Display Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Gaming Performance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Eye Comfort | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Build Quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
# Pros
✅ Large 27-inch curved display
✅ Immersive 1800R curvature
✅ Smooth 100Hz refresh rate
✅ Excellent eye comfort mode
✅ Slim modern design
✅ Affordable pricing
✅ HDMI and D-Sub connectivity
✅ Samsung display quality
✅ Low power consumption
✅ Easy setup
# Cons
❌ Full HD instead of QHD
❌ No DisplayPort
❌ Basic built-in stand
❌ No USB hub
❌ Not ideal for professional color grading
# Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| ------------- | --------------------- |
| Brand | Samsung |
| Model | LS27D366GANXZA |
| Display Size | 27 Inches |
| Resolution | 1920 × 1080 (Full HD) |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz |
| Curvature | 1800R |
| Response Time | 4ms |
| HDR | No |
| Connectivity | HDMI, D-Sub (VGA) |
| Speakers | No |
| VESA Mount | Yes |
| Eye Care | Advanced Eye Comfort |
| Gaming Mode | Yes |
| Weight | Approx. 7 lbs |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
# Key Features Explained
## Large 27-Inch Curved Display
The generous screen size provides plenty of workspace while making movies and games more immersive.
### Full HD Resolution
The 1920×1080 resolution delivers sharp text, vibrant colors, and excellent clarity for everyday use.
### 1800R Curvature
Samsung's 1800R curve matches the natural field of human vision, reducing eye movement while improving immersion.
### Smooth 100Hz Refresh Rate
Compared to standard 60Hz monitors, scrolling feels smoother and gaming becomes noticeably more responsive.
### Advanced Eye Comfort
Eye Saver Mode and Flicker-Free technology help reduce eye strain during long work or study sessions.
### Game Mode
Game Mode optimizes contrast and visibility, helping players spot enemies more easily.
### Modern Minimalist Design
Slim bezels and a clean finish make it suitable for modern home offices.
### HDMI + D-Sub Ports
Compatible with desktops, laptops, gaming consoles, and older PCs.
# Real-World Performance
## Office Work
Excellent.
Large screen size improves productivity.
Documents are sharp and easy to read.
## Students
Perfect for online learning, assignments, and research.
## Casual Gaming
The 100Hz refresh rate provides smoother gameplay than standard office monitors.
# Streaming
Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+ look immersive thanks to the curved screen.
## Video Editing
Suitable for beginner creators but not ideal for professional color-critical work.
## Photo Editing
Good for hobby photography.
Professional photographers may prefer higher color accuracy.
## Programming
The 27-inch display comfortably fits multiple code windows.
## Home Use
Excellent all-around monitor for families.
## Business
Reliable for meetings, spreadsheets, presentations, and multitasking.
# Design & Build Quality
Samsung delivers a clean, premium-looking monitor despite its budget-friendly price.
The slim bezels maximize screen space while the curved design adds a modern touch.
The plastic construction feels sturdy enough for daily use.
The stand is stable but offers only tilt adjustment.
# User Experience
Setup takes only a few minutes.
The on-screen menu is simple to navigate.
Image quality is excellent right out of the box.
Daily usage is smooth thanks to the 100Hz refresh rate.
Eye Comfort Mode makes long work sessions easier.
# Performance Test
## Display
Bright colors with deep blacks thanks to the VA panel.
## Speed
100Hz noticeably improves smoothness.
## Gaming
Casual gaming performs well.
Competitive gamers may prefer 144Hz or higher.
## Heat
Runs cool.
## Noise
Silent operation.
# Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Essential S3 | Acer KB272 | LG 27MR400 |
| ------------ | -------------------- | ---------- | ---------- |
| Price | $109 | $119 | $129 |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz | 100Hz | 100Hz |
| Curved | Yes | No | No |
| Eye Care | Excellent | Good | Good |
| Gaming | Very Good | Good | Good |
| Value | Excellent | Very Good | Very Good |
# Who Should Buy This Monitor?
Ideal for:
* Students
* Office workers
* Home users
* Casual gamers
* Remote workers
* Families
* Budget buyers
* Streaming enthusiasts
# Who Should Avoid It?
This monitor isn't the best option for:
* Professional video editors
* Competitive esports gamers
* 4K content creators
* Users needing USB-C connectivity
* Color-critical design professionals
# Value for Money
At around **$109.99**, the Samsung Essential S3 offers outstanding value. The combination of a curved 27-inch display, 100Hz refresh rate, eye care features, and Samsung's display quality makes it one of the strongest budget monitor choices available.
# Frequently Asked Questions
### Is this monitor good for gaming?
Yes. The 100Hz refresh rate and Game Mode provide a smooth experience for casual gaming.
### Does it have built-in speakers?
No.
### Can it be wall mounted?
Yes, it supports VESA mounting.
### Is it good for office work?
Absolutely.
### Does it support AMD FreeSync?
No.
### Is the screen matte?
Yes.
### Does it include an HDMI cable?
Yes, depending on the retail package.
### Can it connect to older PCs?
Yes, using the D-Sub (VGA) port.
### Is it suitable for photo editing?
For beginners, yes. Professionals should consider higher color-accuracy displays.
### Does it reduce eye strain?
Yes. Samsung's Advanced Eye Comfort features help during long sessions.
# Final Verdict
The **Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD)** is an excellent budget curved monitor that balances affordability, image quality, and everyday performance. Its immersive 1800R curved screen, smooth 100Hz refresh rate, and eye comfort technologies make it a smart choice for students, professionals, remote workers, and casual gamers.
While it lacks premium features such as QHD resolution, HDR, USB-C, or ergonomic stand adjustments, these compromises are understandable at this price point. For users seeking a reliable and attractive monitor under $120, it delivers impressive value.
**Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)**
# Image ALT Text
**Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 S36GD 100Hz Full HD 1800R Curved Monitor on modern office desk**
# Internal Linking Ideas
* Best Budget Monitors
* Best Gaming Monitors Under $150
* Samsung Monitor Buying Guide
* Curved vs Flat Monitor Comparison
* Best Home Office Monitors
# External Reference Suggestions
* Samsung official product page
* VESA Display Standards
* DisplaySpecifications
* RTINGS monitor buying guide
# Featured Snippet
The Samsung 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) is a budget-friendly curved Full HD monitor featuring a 100Hz refresh rate, 1800R curved VA panel, Eye Comfort technology, HDMI and VGA connectivity, and excellent value for work, study, streaming, and casual gaming.
Others Country price $109.99
