Samsung Cuts 27-Inch Essential S3 Curved Monitor to $110 Ahead of Prime Day

Q: Is this $110 Samsung curved monitor a true bargain or a pixelated trap for your desktop?

It is a real bargain for the right buyer, not a trap, but only if you understand the trade-offs. At $110, this Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 is priced exactly where many budget 1080p monitors now compete. ZDNET called it a strong value and rated the deal 3 out of 5, which signals a sensible buy rather than a standout steal. Samsung’s brand support also reduces the risk that this is a dubious low-cost listing. The value comes from what it does well. Its 1800R curved VA panel should deliver better contrast than typical IPS budget screens, with the quoted 3000:1 ratio helping movies, dark scenes and everyday desktop use look richer. The 100Hz refresh rate is also a meaningful upgrade over 60Hz for scrolling, office work and casual gaming. TÜV-certified low blue light and flicker reduction add practical appeal for remote workers spending long hours at a desk. The catch is resolution. A 27-inch screen at 1080p is acceptable for email, web browsing, streaming and video calls, but pixel density is relatively low by 2026 standards. Text and fine detail will not look as sharp as on a 1440p display, and multitasking space is more limited. It is also not built for competitive gaming or color-critical creative work. So this is not a pixelated trap; it is a budget monitor with clear compromises. If you want a cheap, comfortable secondary or everyday display, it is a good buy. If you want sharper text, more workspace or premium gaming performance, spend more.

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jun 15

$110 buys Samsung's 27-inch Essential S3 curved monitor in an early Prime Day deal, a 15% discount that matches its lowest price in the past year.
The budget display targets work-from-home and everyday use with a Full HD 1800R curved VA panel, TÜV Rheinland eye-care certification, a 3000:1 contrast ratio and a 100Hz refresh rate.
Samsung positions it as a value option rather than a high-end gaming screen, with the report calling it a solid fit for productivity, streaming and casual gaming.
Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs June 23-26, but Samsung and other brands are already rolling out discounts ahead of the event, with more early deals expected.