Samsung Essential S3 S3 24 inch Full HD 100Hz 24" Black Review

The Samsung S30GD is a basic 24-inch 1080p monitor with a surprising 100Hz refresh rate for under $180. Its best trait is its compact size (80th percentile), but it suffers from weak color performance (30th percentile) and a lack of features. Get it only if you need a cheap, smooth second screen and nothing more.

The Samsung S30GD is a 24-inch, 1080p IPS monitor that runs at 100Hz. It's a basic, no-frills screen that scores a 50/100 in our total rating, with its best showing in office work at 52.5/100. That tells you exactly what you're getting: a competent, affordable panel for general use, not a feature-packed powerhouse.

It's built to be simple and space-efficient. The thin bezels and compact design land it in the 80th percentile for size, which is its strongest suit. You get a single HDMI port, VGA for older systems, and a tilt-only stand. For around $100 to $180, it's a straightforward proposition.

Performance is middle-of-the-road, sitting in the 56th percentile. The 100Hz refresh rate is a nice step up from the standard 60Hz, making everyday scrolling and casual gaming feel a bit smoother. But with a 5ms response time and only 250 nits of brightness, it's not built for speed or vibrancy. The display quality scores in the 40th percentile, and color performance is down at the 30th. This isn't the monitor for color-critical work or HDR content; it's for getting a clear, functional picture on your desk without breaking the bank.

Priced between $100 and $180, the S30GD is firmly in the budget category. You're paying for the 100Hz refresh rate and the Samsung brand name on a basic IPS panel. The value is decent if your needs are simple: a second screen, a home office monitor, or a starter display for a casual PC. You won't find many 100Hz panels this cheap, but you are giving up a lot of features and image quality to get there.

Compared to other budget options, the S30GD's 100Hz refresh is its main differentiator. A typical $120 60Hz office monitor will feel less smooth. However, monitors like the Dell S2421H or an Acer budget model might offer better color accuracy or a more adjustable stand for a similar price. Against the 'top competitors' listed (like the Odyssey G9 or ASUS ProArt), there's no comparison—those are high-end gaming and creative monitors costing over ten times as much. The S30GD exists in a different universe for users with different budgets and expectations.

Skip this monitor if you do any creative work. It scores a dismal 33.5/100 in that category, with color performance in the 30th percentile. Also, hardcore gamers should look for something with a faster response time and adaptive sync support beyond basic FreeSync. If you need rich colors, high brightness, or a fully adjustable stand, your money is better spent elsewhere.

We can recommend the Samsung S30GD for one specific user: someone who needs a basic, affordable secondary monitor and values slightly smoother motion from a 100Hz refresh rate. Its compact size and VESA compatibility are pluses. For everyone else—gamers needing fast response, creatives needing color accuracy, or professionals needing adjustability—its low percentiles in display (40th) and features (31st) are deal-breakers. It does a few simple things well, but not much else.