The latest generation of 34-inch ultrawide OLED monitors boasts a blistering 240Hz refresh rate, rivaling the speed of top-tier 27-inch and 32-inch widescreen OLED displays. Acer’s Predator X34 joins this elite group, but it sets itself apart with an incredibly aggressive curve that will undoubtedly thrill some gamers while alienating others.
Acer Predator X34: Specs and Features
The Predator X34 uses an LG WOLED panel, offering a refresh rate up to 240Hz. While its panel performance is comparable to previous generations, the visual quality remains impressive.
- Display Size: 34-inch ultrawide (21:9 aspect ratio)
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440
- Panel Type: LG WOLED
- Refresh Rate: Up to 240Hz
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black certified
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode, 90W Power Delivery), 1x USB-B upstream, 3x USB-A 3.2 downstream, 1x USB-C 3.2 downstream, 3.5mm audio-out
- VESA Mount: 100x100mm
- Speakers: 2x 5-watt
- Price: $1,199.99 MSRP
Acer adds valuable features like a 90W USB-C port with Power Delivery and integrated 5-watt speakers. However, the $1,199.99 MSRP is steep, with current online prices exceeding $1,000, placing it at the higher end of the 34-inch ultrawide market.
Design and Aesthetics
The Predator X34’s initial impression is somewhat underwhelming. Its design, while functional, lacks the cohesive aesthetic of competitors like Alienware, Samsung, or LG. The sharp, aggressive lines hint at its gaming focus, but it lacks a distinct visual identity and surprisingly omits RGB lighting, a common feature in monitors at this price point.
The most striking design element is the dramatic 800R curve. This aggressive curvature, significantly tighter than the typical 1500R or 1800R of competing monitors, is a polarizing choice. While it can heighten immersion in genres like first-person shooters and simulations, it can also prove distracting for desktop work and productivity applications.
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The included ergonomic stand offers a good range of height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, operating smoothly and providing excellent stability. However, its large footprint consumes considerable desk space. Fortunately, the 100x100mm VESA mount compatibility allows for third-party stand or arm mounting.
Connectivity and On-Screen Display
The Predator X34 offers robust connectivity, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort Alternate Mode, providing four video inputs capable of supporting the monitor’s maximum resolution and refresh rate.
The 90W USB-C port with Power Delivery, while slightly less powerful than some competitors, is sufficient for charging most compatible laptops and tablets. It also functions as a USB hub, adding two USB-A and one USB-C downstream port, accessible via USB-B upstream if your PC lacks USB-C. A KVM switch and 3.5mm audio-out jack complete the connectivity suite.
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The on-screen display (OSD) is controlled by a responsive joystick located on the bottom bezel. Acer’s menus are generally easy to navigate despite the small font size. The monitor provides standard image quality and gaming features, including color calibration, an on-screen crosshair, and a dark stabilizer for improved visibility in shadowy areas. Acer’s Display Widget software for Windows offers convenient control over monitor settings. A uniform brightness mode reduces peak brightness for consistent luminance across varying scenes. While the integrated 5-watt speakers are adequate for casual listening, dedicated headphones or external speakers are recommended for a richer gaming audio experience.
SDR Image Quality: Vibrant and Accurate
The Predator X34’s LG WOLED panel performs similarly to other WOLED displays, showcasing strengths in brightness and contrast, though its color gamut is slightly narrower than Samsung’s QD-OLED counterparts.
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While SDR brightness remains a challenge for OLED technology, the Predator X34 performs admirably, reaching nearly 300 nits, making it usable in most moderately lit rooms. However, bright sunlight or direct glare from the curved screen can still pose a challenge.
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Like other OLEDs, the Predator X34 boasts a virtually infinite contrast ratio, achieving perfect blacks and creating a rich, immersive image.
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Covering 96 percent of DCI-P3 and 89 percent of AdobeRGB, the Predator X34 delivers vibrant colors, though some QD-OLED alternatives offer wider gamut coverage.
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Color accuracy is excellent, with a near-perfect color error, resulting in a realistic and lifelike image. While the default gamma and color temperature are slightly off target, the difference is minor and adjustable. Sharpness is acceptable for a 1440p OLED, though the inherent subpixel layout can introduce minor pixelation or artifacts.
HDR Performance: Solid, but Not Exceptional
The Predator X34 supports HDR with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. While its HDR performance is good, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some competitors.
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Peak HDR brightness reaches a respectable 709 nits in a 10 percent window, though this diminishes as the lit area increases, typical of OLED technology. The Predator X34 excels in displaying highlights and mixed-brightness scenes, but uniformly bright content can appear dim. The limited HDR mode selection and somewhat lackluster SDR tone mapping when HDR is enabled are minor drawbacks.
Motion Clarity: 240Hz Smoothness
The Predator X34’s 240Hz refresh rate is a key selling point. Combined with OLED’s fast pixel response times, it delivers exceptional motion clarity, minimizing blur and input lag, making fast-paced gaming incredibly smooth. While not quite as crisp as a 360Hz display, the motion clarity is still impressive. While officially supporting AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, the monitor also functions with Nvidia G-Sync, though official certification would be preferable.
Should You Buy the Acer Predator X34?
The Acer Predator X34 offers a compelling blend of vibrant SDR image quality, good HDR performance, and a buttery smooth 240Hz refresh rate. The inclusion of a versatile USB-C port further enhances its appeal. However, the aggressive 800R curve is a double-edged sword, and the high price tag puts it in direct competition with less expensive alternatives. If you can find it at a competitive price or crave the immersive experience of an extreme curve, the Predator X34 is a worthy contender.
