
Samsung CF396
Score: 72/100
HP Series 3
Score: 78/100Rankings

The HP Series 3 27-inch monitor delivers a fast 100 Hz refresh rate on an IPS panel with FreeSync support, making it a solid value for smooth everyday use. Its tilt-only stand, modest brightness and lack of speakers keep it from being a premium office or gaming solution. Best for budget-conscious users who want a larger FHD screen with higher refresh without extra frills.

The Samsung CF396 is a 23.5-inch curved VA monitor praised for its high contrast and FreeSync support. Its 60 Hz refresh ceiling and limited ergonomics are notable trade-offs. Best suited for budget-conscious casual gamers and home-office users who value immersion over high-speed performance.
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
23.5 inches | 27 inchesbest | |
60 Hz | 100 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 msbest | 5 ms |
250 nitsbest | 250 nitsbest | |
3,000best | 1,300 | |
1best | 1best | |
— | 99 %best | |
— | 1best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | ![]() | ![]() |
|---|---|---|
Display(5) | ||
Screen Size (inches) | 23.5 inches | 27 inches |
Panel Type | VA | IPS |
Refresh Rate (Hz) | 60 Hz | 100 Hz |
Response Time (ms) | 4 ms | 5 ms |
Contrast Ratio | 3000 | 1300 |
Build & Design(1) | ||
Weight (with stand) (kg) | 3.1 kg | 5.05 kg |


Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).

Professional reviewers commend the CF396 for its impressive 3000:1 contrast, effective AMD FreeSync implementation and low input lag, making it a solid choice for casual gaming and media consumption. However, they note the 60 Hz refresh ceiling, modest 1800R curvature on a small panel, and limited ergonomic adjustments as drawbacks for more demanding or office-centric use.
Everyday users praise the monitor's vivid colors, deep blacks and the immersive feel of the curve, especially given its low price. Common praise centers on eye-comfort features that lessen fatigue, while recurring complaints focus on the lack of height adjustment, occasional dark-scene smearing, a wobbling stand, and the outdated VGA input.

Professional reviewers position the HP 327pf as a solid value proposition, highlighting its sharp FHD panel, 100 Hz refresh rate and slim design while noting the trade-offs of modest brightness, lack of HDR and a basic stand. The monitor is praised for delivering smooth motion and decent color coverage for its price, but editors caution that power users seeking higher contrast, wider color gamut or more ergonomic flexibility may look elsewhere.
Everyday users generally like the monitor's easy setup, clear 1080p picture and fluid 100 Hz performance for light gaming and office work. Recurring complaints focus on the low brightness in bright rooms, a wobbling tilt-only stand, and the absence of built-in speakers or extensive connectivity.