Emerging Trends in Monitor Technology at CES 2025
At CES 2025, the display technology showcased by leading brands like LG, Samsung, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, and Dell was impressive
At CES 2025, the display technology showcased by leading brands like LG, Samsung, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, and Dell was impressive, to say the least. This year, we witnessed an array of groundbreaking monitors that could change how we experience gaming, content creation, and everyday computing. After spending a week exploring the new releases, there are three clear trends that stand out and will likely shape the monitor landscape throughout 2025.
1. OLED Monitors Revolutionize PC Gaming and Content Creation
OLED monitors have dominated the gaming world over the past few years, offering unmatched contrast, deep blacks, and vibrant colors. Now, OLEDs are evolving and making their way into the professional and creative sectors. While OLEDs for gaming have progressed rapidly in terms of speed, size, and affordability—reaching refresh rates as high as 500Hz—OLEDs for creators and professionals were slow to catch up. A few years ago, models like the LG UltraFine Pro and Asus ProArt Display were some of the only professional-grade OLED monitors, but their astronomical prices made them inaccessible to most.
Now, thanks to advancements in technology, we are finally seeing QD-OLED panels designed with creators and professionals in mind, and the price points are much more affordable. One standout from CES 2025 is the Dell 32 Plus QD-OLED. This stunning 32-inch display offers a gorgeous OLED panel with spatial audio capabilities and will be available for just $800. This price point marks a significant breakthrough for creators who need high-quality, color-accurate displays for tasks like video editing in HDR.
Samsung also showcased an intriguing OLED model, the Smart Monitor M9. With all the typical Samsung smart features, this monitor combines OLED technology with the brand’s signature smart capabilities. The Smart Monitor M9 has an incredibly thin profile and promises to deliver a premium viewing experience. While the exact pricing isn’t known yet, the inclusion of smart features suggests it could be on the higher end of the price spectrum. This model, along with others expected to launch throughout the year, could help drive the creation of more professionally-made HDR content, giving creators the tools they need at more affordable prices.
2. The Rise of 5K and 6K Monitors for High-Resolution Gaming and Professional Work
While 4K monitors (3840 x 2160 pixels) have long been the standard for high-resolution gaming, the advent of next-gen graphics cards like the RTX 50-series is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. At CES 2025, we saw several new 5K and 6K monitors that could become the next big thing in both gaming and professional environments.
LG introduced two versions of a 5K2K OLED display (5,120 x 2,160 pixels) at CES. Both are 45 inches, with one model featuring a bendable display and the other featuring an 800R curve. These monitors are designed to support higher frame rates at lower resolutions, making them ideal for gaming. However, they also offer professionals a chance to work with ultra-high resolution while enjoying the benefits of OLED technology. These 5K OLED monitors promise to deliver sharper, more vibrant images that will enhance both work and play.
Another notable monitor in the 5K category is the Acer Predator XB323QX. Although it’s not an OLED display, this 32-inch 5K monitor shines with its pixel density. With a higher pixel density than a 27-inch 4K monitor, the Acer Predator XB323QX offers superb clarity, even on larger screens. While OLED models are often associated with premium pricing, the Acer monitor could provide an affordable option for those seeking a 5K display without the OLED price tag.
Not to be outdone, Asus showcased its ProArt 6K PA32QCV, a 6K display designed for professionals. With a resolution of 6016 x 3384 pixels and an astounding 218 pixels per inch, this monitor is all about delivering ultra-sharp images for creators. While its 60Hz refresh rate means it’s not designed for gaming, the ProArt 6K is a powerful tool for photographers, designers, and video editors. LG also revealed its own 6K professional monitor, further emphasizing the trend of increasing monitor resolution as the industry pushes for more detailed, high-quality displays.
3. The Emergence of 37-Inch Monitors: A New Sweet Spot for 16:9 Displays
For years, the standard sizes for 16:9 monitors have been 27 inches and 32 inches. But at CES 2025, we saw a new trend emerge: 37-inch monitors. Samsung and LG each showcased 37-inch models, with one aimed at gamers (Samsung’s Odyssey) and the other at professionals and casual users (LG’s Smart Monitor). These new displays represent an interesting development in the 16:9 category, as they offer a larger viewing area without stepping into the ultrawide or curved monitor category, which can be more expensive and take up more desk space.
The appeal of 37-inch monitors lies in their ability to offer more screen real estate while maintaining a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio. For users who prefer the more standard display shape but want something larger than 32 inches, the 37-inch models may be a perfect solution. After testing these monitors, it’s easy to see why they could catch on. The larger screen size provides a more immersive experience for gaming and multitasking, but it doesn’t overwhelm the desk space the way some ultrawide monitors can.
If the 37-inch size proves popular, it could open up new possibilities for displays that strike a balance between size and practicality. These monitors may become the go-to option for users who want a larger screen without stepping too far outside the traditional 16:9 aspect ratio.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Monitors in 2025
CES 2025 has given us a glimpse of the future of monitor technology, and it’s clear that OLEDs, higher resolutions, and new display sizes will play a big role in shaping the year ahead. OLED monitors are finally reaching affordable price points for both gamers and content creators, while 5K and 6K displays are pushing the boundaries of resolution. The emergence of 37-inch monitors offers a new middle ground for users who want larger displays without sacrificing desk space.
As these trends continue to develop, it’s exciting to think about how they’ll influence not only gaming and professional work but also the future of entertainment and content creation. With so many new and innovative options, 2025 promises to be a year of significant advancements in monitor technology.
