Xiaomi G34WQi Review – Affordable Gaming Monitor that Packs a Punch

In the competitive world of gaming monitors Xiaomi has thrown its hat into the ring. Here is our review of the Xiaomi G34WQi , a 34-inch ultrawide curved display that promises high-end features at a wallet-friendly price.

Design

At first glance, the G34WQi doesn’t scream “gamer” with its understated black plastic design. However, its sleek stand and subtle RGB accent light hint at its gaming pedigree. The 1500R curved VA panel boasts a WQHD resolution (3440×1440), 180Hz refresh rate, and 1ms response time which are specs that rival more expensive competitors.

Setting up is a breeze, thanks to the compact, grippy stand that doesn’t hog desk space. The OSD (On-screen display) menu offers a plethora of customization options, from preset picture modes to fine-tuned color adjustments. Gamers will appreciate the FPS, RPG, and MOBA modes, while creative professionals can switch between sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces. Connectivity options include two HDMI ports, two DisplayPort inputs, and an audio jack.

OSD and Display Performance

The G34WQi’s on-screen display (OSD) offers a comprehensive suite of options to fine-tune your viewing experience. Users can easily verify and adjust critical settings such as refresh rate, response time, HDR, and FreeSync Premium functionality. The WQHD resolution (3440×1440) provides ample screen real estate for productivity tasks, comfortably accommodating multiple windows. Creative professionals will appreciate the inclusion of sRGB and DCI-P3 color space option.

The monitor provides several preset picture modes, including Standard, Energy Saver, Movie, and Low Blue Light. In line with contemporary monitors, the G34WQi allows for granular control over display parameters. These include brightness, contrast, color temperature, hue, saturation, gamma, response time, sharpness, and more advanced features like Dark Scene Boost and Dynamic Contrast Ratio (DCR).

For users concerned about potential ghosting issues, the response time setting can be adjusted from the default “Fast” to “Faster” or “Fastest,” with a “Standard” option available for those preferring a more relaxed response. Creative professionals will appreciate the inclusion of multiple color space options, including sRGB, DCI-P3, and Native.

While the monitor does support HDR content, it’s worth noting that Xiaomi hasn’t pursued official DisplayHDR certification. This suggests that the HDR experience, while present, may not match the intensity and accuracy found on premium, certified displays. However, this is a common limitation among budget-friendly ultrawide monitors and shouldn’t be considered a significant drawback given the price point.

Gaming Performance

In action, the G34WQi shines. The ultrawide format is a multitasker’s dream, comfortably accommodating up to six windows simultaneously. Gaming performance is smooth and responsive, with the high refresh rate and FreeSync Premium technology eliminating screen tearing. The VA panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors, although viewing angles aren’t as impressive as IPS alternatives.

Upon activating Game Mode, the monitor displayed a significant increase in brightness and more vibrant colors compared to Standard Mode. Tests were conducted using several games, including Apex Legends and Hoyoverse’s recent title, Zenless Zone Zero. The monitor’s performance during gaming was impressive, with its fast response time and 180Hz refresh rate, which are particularly advantageous for competitive and fast-paced gaming.

At this price point, the monitor excels in brightness and color saturation. Gaming at 1440p with a refresh rate exceeding 144Hz offers an ideal experience, especially as 1440p monitors become more accessible and entry-level GPUs improve their capability to handle 1440p resolutions, representing a notable upgrade from the standard 1080p at 60Hz. It’s not all roses, though. The HDR performance is underwhelming which are common compromises in this price range. Creative professionals seeking top-tier color accuracy might need to look elsewhere.

Product Specifications

Verdict

Despite these minor gripes, the Xiaomi G34WQi represents excellent value similar to our previously reviewed product and emerges as a compelling choice for budget-conscious gamers and creative professionals alike. Its standout feature isn’t just its attractive price point, but also its impressive gaming performance that rivals more expensive alternatives.

While the G34WQi may not boast all the premium features of top-tier ultrawide monitors, it strikes an impressive balance between performance and affordability. It brings high-refresh-rate, ultrawide gaming within reach for a broader audience, offering a taste of high-end gaming monitor performance without the premium price tag.

The monitor’s fast response time and high 180Hz refresh rate deliver a smooth, responsive gaming experience can compete with high-end gaming monitors. This level of performance, typically associated with pricier models, sets the G34WQi apart in the budget ultrawide segment. In conclusion, while it may not dethrone premium ultrawide monitors, the Xiaomi G34WQi carves out its niche as an accessible entry point into the world of ultrawide gaming. It proves that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy an immersive, high-refresh-rate gaming experience.

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