Pros
- Good-looking and curved design
- 24-inch Full HD anti-glare display
- Up to 75 Hz of refresh rate
- VESA wall mount ready
Cons
- No AMD FreeSync support
- Isn't edgeless design
When it comes to curved and multitasking monitors, there are plenty of solutions out there, but not all of them are as popular and budget-friendly as the one we're going to get to know in-depth today in this review of Sceptre C248W-1920RN.
This top-rated Sceptre curved monitor is perfect for those who spend much of their time working on computer tasks, streaming multimedia content, or even playing not-so-demanding games yet don't want to make a massive dent in their bank accounts by buying into the hype of the most expensive monitors in the market.
Amongst other features, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN boasts a minimalist design, a low input lag with a high refresh rate, respectable connectivity options, and, most importantly – an excellent picture quality considering its competitive price point.
Table of contents
- Tech Specs
- Image Quality
- Performance
- Features
- Design and Connectivity
- Price and Similar Monitors
- Verdict
Tech Specs of Sceptre C248W-1920RN
| Brand/Model | Sceptre C248W-1920RN |
| Dimensions without Stand | 21.32 x 12.64 x 2.31 inches |
| Weight without Stand | 5.51 pounds |
| Display | VA | Anti-glare | 24-inch | 1800R |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Response Time | 8 ms (GtG) |
| Refresh Rate | Up to 75 Hz |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 |
| Color Gamut | 16.7 Million | 85% sRGB | 70% DCI-P3 |
| Speakers | 2 x 2W |
| VESA | 75 x 75 mm |
| Connectivity | 1x HDMI 1.4 1x VGA 1x 3.5 mm Audio Jack |
Image Quality
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN is backed by a subtle curved 24-inch display whose Vertical Alignment technology (VA for short) delivers better color accuracy (up to 85% of sRGB standard), higher static contrast (3000:1), and wider viewing angles when compared to TN screens - a popular solution amongst gamers due to its lower response times and affordable price point.
Also, you'll be able to see more profound blacks and bright whites as it can reach a decent brightness level of up to 250 cd/m². And thanks to its anti-glare coating, you can be more productive when working on your day-to-day tasks, even if you're in a bright environment.
With a native Full HD resolution (1080p) and the typical panoramic aspect ratio of 16:9, this 24-inch curved Sceptre monitor is ideal for web surfing, working on cloud-based software, content creation, photo/video editing, streaming movies and series, light gaming, and other everyday activities as it boasts a good pixel density (93 PPI) so you can visualize images and texts quite clearly.
We have to say, we would have liked the resolution to be QHD or even 4K, like the recently reviewed Samsung LU32J590UQNXZA. However, because the Sceptre curved monitor at hand costs far less, we understand that it's not going to feature all the bells and whistles we're used to seeing amongst mid-range monitors.
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN features a low input lag (10 ms), as well as a refresh rate of up to 75 Hz (via HDMI and VGA ports) which is 25% higher than the conventional 60 Hz mark offering a smooth experience when playing non-fast-paced games despite the fact that its response time means it's not very well suited for fast-paced gaming.
Specifically, this model features an 8 ms GtG response time which is a far cry from what we would recommend for gaming purposes. If gaming is what you are after on a curved monitor, then look no further than the LG 34WP60C-B. Sure enough, it's substantially bigger, but it's far better suited while maintaining the curved display format.
On the other hand, if you prioritize the 24-inch form factor over the curved display and still want to purchase a monitor that's well suited for playing the latest AAA titles, then we would nudge you in the direction of the ASUS VG248QG. In terms of pricing, it's pretty close to the Sceptre C248W-1920RN but it's far better suited for gaming.
Getting back to the review at hand, with the C248W-1920RN, you can choose between FPS and RTS pre-calibrated game presets and turn on the Auto Dynamic Contrast Mode to enjoy a better gaming experience while playing your favorite AAA titles.
Having said that, the previous point still stands, this is not a gaming-specific monitor and is only suitable if you don't mind the response time being a bit slower such as with slower games.
Features
On its backside, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN has four hotkeys that allow you to navigate through the OSD menu software so you can adjust parameters like brightness, contrast, picture and game presets, color temperature, and input selection, amongst others.
On the other hand, it's important to mention that this Sceptre 24-inch curved monitor comes with flicker-free technology and a built-in blue light filter, so you can avoid the harmful effects of exposure to blue light when working for many hours in front of it (eye fatigue, computer vision, etc.).
Unlike other low-cost curved monitors, this model doesn't support HDR or AMD FreeSync technologies. These are yet another couple of reasons why we would not recommend this monitor for gaming. However, as a work monitor, these features aren't all that important.
What Are Customers Saying?
Overall, customers have generally positive feedback about the Sceptre C248W-1920RN. They appreciate its value for the price and find it suitable for various uses, particularly for office work and light gaming. The monitor's display quality is often praised, with many customers noting that the picture is clear and the colors are vibrant. The curved screen is also mentioned positively, adding depth and immersion to the viewing experience.
Customers appreciate the easy assembly process and find the monitor to be sturdy and well-packaged. Some customers mention using the monitor for their home office setup or as a secondary screen for gaming, and they find it to be a good budget option for these purposes. The 75Hz refresh rate is considered decent for casual gaming, although serious gamers might prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother gameplay.
There are a few areas where customers have some minor criticisms. The built-in speakers are generally regarded as subpar, with low volume and poor sound quality. Some customers prefer using external speakers or headphones for better audio. Additionally, a few customers mention that the stand and mounting bracket feel somewhat flimsy, although they haven't experienced any major issues with stability.
Overall, customers are pleased with the Sceptre C248W-1920RN for its performance, picture quality, and affordability. It is seen as a good option for those looking for a budget monitor for everyday use, office work, or casual gaming.
Design and Connectivity
Moving on to its design, we'd like to highlight the minimalist and clean appearance of its sturdy plastic matte-black cabinet, although it isn't as borderless as it seems in the pictures, as many customers can attest to.
Furthermore, it features a detachable stand that can be tilted from 15º backward to 5º forward for more comfort when working. And it's also VESA mount compatible, allowing you to put it on the wall in case you need to.
Connectivity-wise, we've got an HDMI 1.4 output, a VGA port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. And as stated by most users, its speakers deliver a weak sound, so we highly recommend using headphones instead or using an external speaker system.
Price and Similar Monitors
This Sceptre curved monitor is one of the most well-reviewed 24-inch monitors out there since it has what it takes to cover your basic needs without skimping on quality image for both productivity and entertainment scenarios.
But if you're looking for a reasonable-priced monitor for competitive gaming, you might take a look at the aforementioned ASUS VG248QG which boasts a fantastic refresh rate of up to 165 Hz and a response time of just 0.5 ms as well as AMD FreeSync and G-Sync support for a more immersive gaming experience without tearing nor stuttering.
Verdict: Is the Sceptre C248W-1920RN Curved Monitor worth buying?
For an unbeatable price when compared to other curved 24-inch monitors, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN offers excellent day-to-day performance with an easy-to-mount design, immersive visuals, and a decent sound system - though we still recommend getting speakers with every monitor -.
We also appreciate the fact that it comes with a VA panel instead of your traditional IPS panel. Sure, you lose out on having better viewing angles, but with a VA panel, you get a better dynamic range, deeper blacks, and overall more depth to your images which can make all the difference when you're editing pictures and videos or just streaming a movie.
Although it is not a gaming-oriented monitor, you can still enjoy a gaming experience if you're not going to play fast-paced games as well as get the most out of it when working on multitasking at home and watching the most popular multimedia content. Overall, a great choice that we can't recommend enough to those looking for a curved monitor on a budget.