Flat or curved TV: Which One Is Better?

Varvara April 04 2022

Curved screens conquer the hearts of film fans. The promises made by the manufacturers sound great. For example, they promise a spatial image with improved depth. This article explains in detail what a curved TV offers compared to a flat TV.

What is a curved TV?

The TV market is littered with new technologies. It is becoming increasingly difficult for customers to keep an overview. The curved TV is a real innovation.

Like the flat screens, this design also introduces a new form. A curved TV is shaped like a section of a circle with the viewer sitting in the middle. This changes the appearance of the image. The following areas clarify which disadvantages and advantages are specific to a curved TV and what needs to be considered.

Benefits of Curved TV

A curved screen is not a fashion accessory but offers real benefits to users. The curved shape makes the screen appear much more significant. This is due to the smaller distance to the edges compared to the flat screen.

The so-called "Auto Depth Enhancer" is an image processor in models from Samsung. He analyzes the images shown and divides them into several areas: foreground, middle ground, and background. The separate areas are provided with different contrasts. This creates an intense depth effect, and the colors appear more realistic.

At the correct distance from the seat, both side edges appear equidistant as the center of the picture. More precisely, every point of a contour line on the screen is the same distance from the viewer. As a result, images appear both more plastic and more realistic. This is because the concave shape of the monitor corresponds to how the human eye perceives it. This is particularly interesting for games. After all, developers always try to conjure up graphics that are as attractive as possible, and a curved TV contributes to this.

In addition, almost all curved TV sets offer UHD or 4K resolution. However, this is not decisive when it comes to a flat or curved TV. Because even flat screens can be supplied with such resolutions, it is to be regarded as the standard for the curved version. If we look at the new console generations, this is an advantage. These are increasingly preparing for 4K games, which can benefit from the curved screen.

Flat or curved TV - the disadvantages

However, a curved screen isn't for everyone. Many users simply don't have the proper room setup for it. For one, the screens are giant. In addition, the advantages only come into play when the player sits centrally and at a short distance in front of the television. 

If several people look at the monitor simultaneously, most of the plus points of the television are lost for those sitting outside. The picture is even worse at extreme angles than that of flat TVs.

In addition, the particular shape contributes to the fact that reflections carry more weight. Direct daylight or strong lamps can quickly become annoying. However, this is less relevant for gamers. After all, most play in less bright lighting anyway.

Price is a much more exciting factor. When it comes to the question of a flat or curved TV, you have to dig deeper into your pocket for the curved version, even with the exact resolution. Users with a low monthly budget are better off with a good flat screen.

Another issue for some is the size of the screens. Not everyone wants a 65 inch TV in their room. However, this is the smallest size curved TV. However, this strategy of the manufacturers makes sense. Smaller models hardly benefit from the modern design.

Does a curved TV make sense?

In the end, it depends on the premises and entertainment habits. Apart from the price, that's the only problem. Anyone who aligns their premises with the television is generally well advised to use a curved tv. Local multiplayer titles suffer somewhat from the technology as outside players on the couch get a lower quality picture. However, this game mode is becoming less and less critical and is being replaced by online gaming.

A curved TV is exciting if a new 4K or UHD monitor is planned anyway. Then the comparatively low surcharge is worth considering. Depending on the circumstances, this trend can convince.