When it comes to creating an immersive digital experience, the right monitor can make all the difference. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a remote worker, or someone who simply enjoys vibrant visuals and smooth performance, a high-quality display is essential. Samsung continues to push the boundaries in this space, and with their 2024 refresh, the Essential S3 Curved Monitor stands out as a reliable, stylish, and performance-focused option.
From day-to-day tasks and streaming to casual gaming, this monitor is built to handle a wide range of uses with ease. Samsung has clearly aimed this model at users who value quality and comfort, integrating features that reduce eye strain and keep visuals fluid and engaging.
But what truly makes this monitor appealing is how it balances performance with affordability. It delivers what most users need in a daily driver while still offering enough punch to elevate gaming and multimedia experiences. As we dig deeper into its design, display quality, features, and overall value, you’ll see why the Essential S3 is more than just another curved screen. So, without any further delay, let’s get started!
SAMSUNG 27" Essential S3 (S36GD) Series FHD 1800R Curved Computer Monitor, 100Hz, Game Mode, Advanced Eye Comfort, HDMI and D-sub Ports, LS27D366GANXZA, 2024
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT
- MORE GAMING POWER
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES
- INCREASED VERSATILITY
SAMSUNG Essential S3 LS27D366GANXZA Specifications
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Name | LS27D366GANXZA |
| Series | Essential S3 (S36GD) |
| Release Year | 2024 |
| Display Size | 27 inches |
| Panel Type | VA (Vertical Alignment) |
| Curvature | 1800R |
| Resolution | Full HD 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 100Hz |
| Response Time | 4ms (Gray-to-Gray) |
| Contrast Ratio | 3,000:1 |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (H/V) |
| Color Gamut | 95% sRGB |
| Picture Enhancements | Game Mode, Advanced Eye Comfort |
| Eye Care Features | Blue Light Filter, Flicker-Free Technology |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible (unofficial) |
| Ports | 1 x HDMI, 1 x VGA (D-Sub), 1 x Headphone Out |
| Mounting Support | VESA 75 x 75 mm |
| Tilt Adjustment | -2° to 22° |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 24.5″ x 9.2″ x 18.4″ (with stand) |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg) |
| Special Features | Eco Saving Plus, Off Timer Plus |
Display & Design
The Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) LS27D366GANXZA makes a solid first impression with a sleek and modern aesthetic wrapped in a clean matte black finish. At 27 inches, it offers ample screen real estate without overwhelming your desk space, making it ideal for everything from casual browsing to immersive media consumption. One of its most defining design features is the 1800R curvature, which gently wraps around the user’s field of view. This curvature enhances depth perception and reduces edge distortion, creating a more engaging visual experience, particularly during gaming or when watching widescreen content.
The VA (Vertical Alignment) panel at the heart of this monitor is a standout choice, known for its excellent contrast performance. The Essential S3 delivers a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, producing deep blacks and rich, detailed shadows—ideal for watching movies or working on high-contrast content. Paired with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080), visuals appear crisp and vibrant, while the 95% sRGB color gamut ensures color accuracy suitable for light photo editing or creative tasks.
With a brightness level of 250 cd/m², the display performs well in most indoor lighting environments, and the 178° horizontal and vertical viewing angles ensure consistent image quality even when viewed from the sides. The 100Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother motion compared to standard 60Hz displays, while the 4ms (GTG) response time minimizes motion blur, enhancing both casual gaming and media playback.
Samsung has also integrated Advanced Eye Comfort technology, including Flicker-Free backlighting and a blue light reduction filter, which help reduce eye fatigue during long work or play sessions. These features are TUV-certified, signaling a commitment to healthier viewing.
Physically, the monitor includes a tilt-adjustable stand (-2° to 22°) and is VESA mount compatible (75 x 75 mm) for greater setup flexibility. Connectivity options include 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x VGA (D-Sub), and a headphone jack, providing support for both modern and legacy devices.
Gaming & Visual Comfort
While the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD) isn’t marketed as a high-end gaming monitor, it delivers an impressively competent performance for casual and mid-level gamers, thanks to a well-rounded feature set designed to enhance both responsiveness and long-session comfort. At the core of its gaming credentials is a 100Hz refresh rate, which offers a significant improvement over standard 60Hz panels, delivering smoother frame transitions and reducing judder during fast-paced gameplay. This makes a noticeable difference in genres such as first-person shooters, racing, or competitive MOBAs, where visual fluidity contributes directly to player responsiveness.
Coupled with a 4ms GTG (gray-to-gray) response time, the panel effectively minimizes ghosting and motion blur, ensuring a more seamless visual output during high-speed action sequences. While it’s not an esports-grade TN panel, the VA technology provides a more immersive experience through its superior 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, yielding deep blacks and excellent detail in shadow-heavy scenes—a clear advantage in darker game environments.
The monitor also offers adaptive sync compatibility, reportedly supporting NVIDIA G-Sync through unofficial means. This helps eliminate screen tearing and stutter when paired with a compatible GPU, maintaining smooth and synchronized visuals without the input lag often associated with traditional V-Sync.
On the comfort front, Samsung includes its Advanced Eye Comfort suite, which encompasses Flicker-Free technology and a low blue light mode. These features are TÜV Rheinland-certified and aim to reduce visual fatigue during extended use. Whether you’re grinding through a long gaming session or multitasking across multiple windows, the monitor’s eye-care optimizations help maintain focus and reduce strain.
Additionally, Game Mode dynamically adjusts contrast and color balance to better reveal details in darker areas—particularly useful in competitive games where visibility can be an advantage.
Altogether, while it may not target the pro-gaming segment, the Essential S3 (S36GD) delivers more than enough visual performance and ergonomic care to satisfy the needs of most mainstream gamers and multimedia users seeking a balance between form, functionality, and affordability.
Connectivity & Build
The Samsung 27″ LS27D366GANXZA is engineered with a practical approach to connectivity and build quality, ensuring seamless integration into a wide range of setups—whether for home, office, or gaming environments. While it doesn’t overload users with excessive port options, it provides the essential inputs that cater to most mainstream use cases.
The monitor includes 1 x HDMI 1.4 port, which supports the native Full HD resolution at up to a 100Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for modern desktops, laptops, or gaming consoles. This HDMI port delivers both video and audio signals, simplifying cable management and minimizing desk clutter. Alongside it is a VGA (D-Sub) port, a legacy input that allows compatibility with older PCs or business systems, which is still valuable in many educational and office environments. Additionally, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack, enabling direct audio output for users who prefer wired headphones or external speakers.
While it lacks USB-C or DisplayPort inputs—commonly found in higher-tier models—this configuration reflects its focus on core functionality and broad device compatibility.
In terms of physical construction, the monitor is well-built for its class. Weighing approximately 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg), it feels solid without being cumbersome. The stand offers tilt adjustment from -2° to 22°, allowing users to position the screen for optimal viewing comfort. For those seeking a cleaner, more ergonomic setup, the monitor supports VESA 75x75mm mounting, making it easy to integrate into wall mounts or multi-monitor arms.
The rear panel is finished in matte black with subtle texturing, giving it a refined and professional appearance. Samsung has also included basic cable routing features to help maintain a tidy workspace.
Though minimalist in its approach, the build quality of the Essential S3 monitor reflects Samsung’s commitment to durability and user-focused design. It avoids flashy gimmicks in favor of a clean, functional structure that aligns well with its versatile performance. For users looking for a monitor that’s both practical and aesthetically modern, the S36GD strikes a reliable balance.
Additional Features
Beyond its core specifications, the Samsung Essential S3 (S36GD) monitor comes equipped with a suite of additional features that enhance everyday usability, user comfort, and visual performance. These subtle, yet purposeful additions demonstrate Samsung’s focus on providing a polished user experience even at the entry-to-mid level tier.
One of the standout features is Samsung’s Game Mode, which dynamically optimizes image settings based on the type of content being displayed. This mode enhances contrast in darker scenes and improves color vibrancy, helping gamers spot enemies hiding in shadows or enjoy a more cinematic gaming experience. While not as customizable as those found on higher-end gaming monitors, Game Mode is effective for plug-and-play users who want quick enhancements without manual tuning.
The Advanced Eye Comfort technology also deserves emphasis. TÜV Rheinland-certified, it includes a Flicker-Free display and Low Blue Light mode, both of which significantly reduce strain during long viewing sessions. Whether you’re gaming late into the night or working on a lengthy project, these features help maintain visual clarity while minimizing discomfort, making the monitor suitable for extended use in both work and leisure scenarios.
Eco-conscious users will appreciate the Eco Saving Plus feature, which intelligently adjusts screen brightness based on the content being viewed. This not only helps reduce power consumption but also prolongs panel lifespan—a subtle but valuable inclusion in today’s energy-aware landscape.
The monitor also includes an Off Timer Plus setting, allowing users to schedule automatic shutdowns after a set time of inactivity. This is especially useful in office or shared workstation environments where energy efficiency and equipment preservation are important.
While the Essential S3 doesn’t include speakers or USB ports, these omissions are understandable given its market positioning. Instead, it focuses on delivering meaningful quality-of-life features that improve real-world usability without complicating the interface.
Together, these thoughtful additions position the Samsung S36GD as a user-friendly, well-rounded display solution. It manages to deliver more than just visuals—it delivers convenience, health-conscious design, and smart efficiency for a modern digital lifestyle.
The Verdict
When choosing a monitor like the Samsung 27″ Essential S3 (S36GD), it’s important to consider the balance between performance, comfort, and cost. This model offers a solid combination of features, making it an excellent choice for casual gamers, office workers, or anyone who needs a dependable display without overspending.
The 27-inch VA panel with its 1800R curvature provides a more immersive experience, which is ideal for gaming and content consumption. However, be mindful that the curved design may not appeal to users who prefer a perfectly flat screen for tasks like precise photo editing, where color accuracy and uniformity are paramount.
The 100Hz refresh rate and 4ms response time are more than sufficient for most non-competitive gaming, but if you’re a serious esports player or need ultra-fast refresh rates for high-level competition, you might want to explore monitors with 240Hz or 360Hz refresh capabilities.
If you plan to use the monitor for extended periods, Advanced Eye Comfort features like Flicker-Free technology and the Low Blue Light mode are a big plus, reducing eye strain and helping maintain comfort during long sessions. This is especially important for those working from home or playing for hours.
SAMSUNG LS27D366GANXZA Curved Monitor
- CURVED FOR ENHANCED ENGAGEMENT
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE FOR SEAMLESS CONTENT
- MORE GAMING POWER
- KEEP IT EASY ON THE EYES
- INCREASED VERSATILITY
