If you are thinking about buying a new PC monitor, choosing the right one can be pretty overwhelming. There’s a lot of things to consider: size, resolution, panel type, refresh rate, G-sync, Free-sync, Ports, HDR, etc. Don’t worry we will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing PC monitors.
Let’s get right into it.
1. Resolution
This is the number of horizontal pixels and vertical pixels on a screen. The higher the number, the sharper the image. Average PC monitors have a resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. This is known as 1080p or Full High Definition (FHD) . Other larger PC monitors will have the same resolution but because the screen is bigger, the number of pixels is spread out over a larger area. This means the image will appear softer and fuzzier.
The hack to this is to choose a higher resolution such as 2560 by 1440; Quad High Definition (QHD). Next up is 4K resolution, also referred to as Ultra High Definition (UHD) . UHD monitors have a resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels so the image is very sharp and more detailed.
Screen Resolutions
These are good for graphic designers or creative professionals. 4K PC monitors are more expensive than FHD or QHD monitors and are kind of an overkill for most users. Gaming at 4k requires a seriously powerful PC with a high-end graphics card.
2. Aspect Ratio
Most TVs and PC monitors have a 16:9 aspect ratio . Ultra-Wide monitors have a 21:9 aspect ratio. Super Ultra-Wide PC monitors take this a step further up to 32:9. Both Ultra wide and Super Ultra-Wide are great if you need extra screen space for multiple programs or a wider more immersive gaming experience.
Aspect Ratios
These wide screens tend to be curved to “wrap around you” making the corners of the screen not too far away from your eyes. Super Ultra Wides have the advantage of being equivalent to two FHD/QHD panels side by side with double the number of horizontal pixels. Super Ultra Wides are a natural replacement for existing 2 screen setups without that horrible bezel in the middle.
3. Screen Panel Type
This is important as it will determine how the image looks. There are four main types; Twisted Nematic (TN ), Vertical Alignment (VA) , In-Plane Switching (IPS) , and Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLED) .
TN panels tend to be the most affordable at the expense of image quality. TN panels offer fast response time, minimal input lag and high refresh rates up to 240 Hz. On the downside, they have the poorest contrast, lowest color accuracy and not so good viewing angles.
IPS panels are the next most popular after TN . They provide the best overall quality with improved brightness, contrast, more accurate colors, and far better viewing angles than TN panels. IPS PC monitors are good for photo and video professionals who need image accuracy and quality. However, they tend to be more expensive and have input lag. They also suffer from IPS glow where the backlight of the screen bleeds into the edges.
LG IPS Monitor
VA panels are a good compromise between TN and IPS. They tend to have better colors, contrast and viewing angles than TN but not quite as good as IPS. They offer higher refresh rates, improved contrast and higher brightness than IPS. This is the reason most HDR monitors use VA panels. However, they suffer from color distortion and contrast loss when viewed from off-angle.
OLED is a great technology with best contrast ratios, great response times and higher color accuracy. On the downside, OLED panels can suffer temporary or even permanent retention if pictures are left on for an extended period of time. Oh, you should know: OLED panels are very expensive.
LG OLED PC Monitor
4. Refresh Rate
We have already kind of touched on refresh rates but what does it actually mean? The refresh rate of a monitor is how many times the screen image is updated every second. The higher the number the smoother the onscreen motion looks. Refresh rates are measured in Hertz (Hz) and most monitors have a refresh rate of 60Hz.
Refresh Rate
5. Adaptive Sync
For the smoothest gaming experience, get a monitor that supports variable refresh rates or Adaptive Sync. This is a feature that eliminates whats known as screen tearing. Screen tearing is where part of the screen displays one frame and another part is slightly offset. This is particularly obvious at low refresh rates below 60fps and can be distracting.
Adaptive Sync screens have the ability to synchronize the refresh rate to the exact number of frames coming from the graphics card. Which means cleaner smoother motion. These are of 3 main types; Nvidia’s G-sync, AMD’s Free-Sync and VESA’s Adaptive Sync.
6. Response Times and Input Lag
Response time is how quickly a pixel can change what it is displaying. This is measured in milliseconds. Higher response time results in motion blur. Twisted Nematic (TN) panels offer the fastest response times as low as 1 millisecond. In comparison IPS panels offer response times of about 5 milliseconds which is fine for most people.
Input lag is the time between when the graphics card outputs an image signal and when it is actually displayed. Response time and input lag are measured as a combined value. Anything under 50 milliseconds combined is reasonable although under 11 milliseconds is ideal.
7. High Dynamic Range (HDR)
HDR-enabled PC monitors look awesome. They have a greater contrast range, between the brightest and the darkest parts of an image and a wider color range. Games and programs optimized for HDR will look impressive.
The three HDR tiers with respect to the maximum levels of brightness are HDR 400, HDR 600 and HDR 1000. HDR 400 means the panel has 400 nits of brightness. Some panels are listed as HDR 10 which refers to the 10-bit color depth with varying degrees of brightness.
8. Color Accuracy
This can be measured against a range of color gamuts such as sRGB , Adobe RGB , and DCI-P3 . The closer a monitor is to match 100% of that color gamut, the more color accurate it is. Color accuracy can be influenced by both type of panel and color depth; 6bit, 8bit or 10bit.
Color Gamuts
Bit color depth indicates how many shades of color a monitor can display. You should avoid 6 bit. 8 bit is fine for almost everyone. The 10 bit is more suitable for if you are a professional color calibrator or photo editor.
9. Ports
A majority of new monitors use HDMI 2.0 , DisplayPort 1.2 or 1.4 , or USB Type-C as their main connector. In some cases, you will find Mini-HDMI and Mini-Display ports. Some Type-C ports are Thunderbolt 3 enabled which is a higher bandwidth technology and you can output to multiple high-resolution displays
PC Monitor Ports
Congratulations, with this basic information, you now know about PC monitors than the average Joe would. Feel free to call yourself a PC Monitor Guru, if you want?
I’m a tech enthusiast and digital explorer based in Kenya passionate about Android, Linux, and the world of custom ROMs. I love tinkering with devices to craft personalized, optimized experiences. When I’m not deep in code or tweaking gadgets, you’ll find me immersed in science fiction, philosophy, or writing about the ever-evolving tech landscape from an African perspective.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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