Samsung SyncMaster 2253LW 21.6" LCD

Objective image quality

So, aside from the sludgy image quality ‘enhancement’ technology, the panel performs fairly well in our battery of subjective real-world tests. We continued testing the 2253LW by running it through a suite of more standardised image quality metrics designed to show any holes in the display.

For this, we used the Lagom LCD test - one of our current favourite image quality applications that has the benefit of being available online. Detailed tests for everything from colour gradients to gamma calibration and pixel response are included along with a detailed guide to interpreting what you are seeing.

From the outset, there was no hiding the TN origins of the SyncMaster 2253LW’s panel. Compression is evident at the brighter end of the white scale as well as in a number of colour scales. Some banding is also apparent in colour gradients, too.


However, definition is maintained much better with darker tones, which bodes well for video playback and that’s exactly what we saw during our video playback tests. What's more, the backlight is commendably even with no significant bleed around the edges of the panel. That said, consistent as the backlighting is, it has to be said that whites are a little muddy overall.

Another strong point is pixel response, though that's no more than you'd expect from the 2ms grey-to-grey rating and TN+Film technology. Less predictable, however, are the impressive viewing angles that again back up what we experienced during our more subjective tests. Admittedly, the SyncMaster 2253LW does exhibit some vertical colour shift across the surface of the screen when rendering certain tones. But it's better than your average TN monitor in this regard.

Conclusion

Awkwardly proportioned and packed with ostensibly clever but actually rather pointless image quality enhancements, what exactly do we make of Samsung's new 21.6-inch display? In default mode—the mode we recommend you leave this display set to—it's a solid but unspectacular performer.

The real problem, therefore, is pricing. At over £200, it's not exactly cheap. Especially when you factor in the missing HDMI port and 0.4-inch shortfall in panel size. That may not sound like a lot. But in the absence of any mitigating features, it's just noticeable enough to be a significant niggle at this price point.

• Features
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• 7/10

• Image Quality
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• 7/10

• Value
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 5/10

• Overall
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• x
• -
• -
• -
• -
• 6/10

What do these scores mean?