Samsung CF396
Score: 68/100
Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor
Score: 68/100Rankings
The Samsung CF396 is a 23.5-inch curved VA monitor delivering Full HD resolution, 3000:1 static contrast and AMD FreeSync for smooth casual gaming. Its limited 60 Hz refresh rate and lack of height adjustment restrict its suitability for competitive play. Best suited for budget-conscious users seeking an immersive yet affordable experience.
The Sceptre C305B-200UN1 provides a 30-inch 21:9 ultrawide VA panel with up to 200 Hz refresh and high contrast for immersive gaming. Its low pixel density, limited ergonomics, and modest color gamut make it less ideal for detail-critical work. Targeted at gamers seeking an affordable ultrawide experience.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
23.5 inches | 30 inchesbest | |
60 Hz | 200 Hzbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4 msbest | 5 ms |
250 nitsbest | 250 nitsbest | |
— | 90 %best | |
3,000 | 1,000,000best | |
| ↓ lower better | 3.1 kgbest | 5.53 kg |
— | 1best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Connectivity(1) | ||
HDMI Ports | 1 | 3 |
Display(6) | ||
Screen Size (inches) | 23.5 inches | 30 inches |
Resolution | 1920x1080 | 2560x1080 |
Refresh Rate (Hz) | 60 Hz | 200 Hz |
Response Time (ms) | 4 ms | 5 ms |
Static Contrast Ratio | 3000 | 1000000 |
Viewing Angles (degrees) | 178 degrees | 170 degrees |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (with stand) (kg) | 3.1 kg | 5.53 kg |
Width (with stand) (mm) | 548 mm | 408.94 mm |
Height (with stand) (mm) | 424 mm | 187.96 mm |
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recurring complaints focus on the lack of height adjustment, occasional dark-scene smearing, a wobbling stand, and the outdated VGA input.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 reviews are scarce for this specific model; retailer descriptions emphasize the high 200 Hz refresh rate and FreeSync as key selling points, while a related IPS Sceptre ultrawide receives praise for vibrant colors and smooth performance, suggesting the VA version is positioned as a value-focused high-refresh alternative.
Everyday users highlight the monitor's immersive ultrawide format, smooth high-refresh gameplay, and convenient built-in speakers, but commonly criticize the low pixel density, occasional ghosting in dark scenes, and a basic stand that lacks height or tilt adjustments.
