The Sceptre C248W-1920RN is a great mainstream monitor that packs an all-essential package and best value per dollar in a sea of high-speed, high-resolution displays. It is great for basic applications in the home or office, but its 75Hz extended refresh rate adds a bit of headroom for some gaming value.
Pros
- Awesome design
- Almost edgeless bezel
- VA panel so wide viewing angles
- 75Hz Refresh rate
- 1800R curvature
Cons
- lacks futuristic ports USB Type-C
- Lacks Adaptive-Sync technology
- 1800R curve monitor the curved display delivers a revolutionary visual experience with a leading...
- Hdmi, VGA & PC audio in ports
- High refresh rate 75Hz.Brightness (cd/m²):250 cd/m2
Sceptre C248W-1920RN Specs
| Size | 24-inch Curved |
| Display | LED/ VA panel |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Refresh Rate | 75Hz |
| Response time | 5ms |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curvature | 1800R |
| Brightness | 220cd/m2 |
| Wall Mount | 75mm x 75mm |
| Dimensions | 21.3 x 8 x 15.9 inches |
| Weight | 6.61 pounds |
| Color | Black |
Design and Features
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN looks identical to the Sceptre C248B-144RN we reviewed recently. Also, the design is mostly similar to that of other Sceptre monitors we’ve had on our desks. They all share a non-imposing general look that’s indicative of a modest no-frills monitor. The 24-inch cabinet is all black supported by a stand with an oval-shaped base.
On its stands, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN measures 21.3 x 8 x 15.9 inches and 6.61 pounds which again is similar to the Sceptre C248B-144RN monitor we reviewed. The monitor has a few ergonomic adjustment options, with the help of that very stand. It allows for a -5 to 15 degrees tilt, but no height or swivel adjustments. The base is built with an oval base to somewhat increase the surface area it rests on. I have found it sturdier than most monitors I’ve seen which often tend to be tripod shaped.
Display
The panel measures 24 inches and supports a Full HD (1920 x 1080) native resolution, which works out to a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The display is also based on a vertical alignment (VA) panel which is known for its deep blacks, relatively high contrast ratio, great viewing angles, and good color reproduction.
Even so, VA panels suffer from poor response times which explains why this monitor comes with 5ms response time. The panel doesn’t support Adaptive-Sync anti-tearing technology and delivers a peak brightness of 220 cd/m2.
Considering VA panels are close to IPS panel, the viewing angles on this baby are wide (178 degrees). This means you can view from either corner and still have clear images. The 1800R curvature also helps in creating an immersive visual experience which is great for watching movies and multimedia.
Ports and Controls
Although the port selection on the Sceptre C248W-1920RN may not be comprehensive (I would have loved to see a futuristic port like USB Type-C), it does cover the basics. It’s equipped with a single HDMI, VGA, and audio port. Another port we would have loved to have here is the Display Port. Display Ports have become rarities in budget-priced monitors but I guess you’ll have to be content with the HDMI port only.
The audio jack may prove useful for connecting to a headphone as the unit has no in-built speakers. Admittedly, that may not be such a bad thing considering the middling-at-best quality of speakers in lower-priced monitors. If you truly care about sound, we would recommend getting a nice headset or external speakers.
As far as controls go, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN has a bunch of physical controls in terms of buttons. We would have loved if Sceptre would have used a joystick as is becoming common in gaming monitors. However, the buttons get the work done all the same. The right side of the cabinet holds a power button and three function buttons for accessing and navigating the settings menus. The buttons should get you to the On-Screen Display (OSD).
The OSD menu also comes with multiple color modes for different scenarios: Preset Picture Mode (Standard, User, Movie, ECO); Preset Game Mode – RTS (Real-Time Strategy), FPS (First Person Shooter) and Eye Saver Mode which is aligned to Blue light shift to prevent eye strain, alongside adjustable gamma settings.
Performance
Sceptre put their hearts and minds into the creation of this monitor. They pulled all the stops to ensure the monitor has the best features even with a budget price. Part of their efforts went into making sure the screen delivers a smooth and immersive viewing experience. Apart from having plenty of screen estate and a curved screen, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN is rated for 1800R curvature.
That means that id the panel’s curve was to continue around to form a circle, the radius formed would be 1800 mm or 1.8 meters. At 1800R, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN’s curvature is among the tightest curvatures in the market with the exception of Samsung 34-Inch CF791 Curved Widescreen Monitor which has a whooping 1500R curvature rating.
Moving on, as we earlier mentioned, the Sceptre C248W uses a VA panel. VA panels are widely known to offer accurate colors, wide viewing angles (almost comparable to IPS panels) and slightly slower response times than TN panels. Part of their abilities also revolve around keeping the display deep black, but they are also known to produce noticeable ghosting effects, which can hurt gaming performance. VA panels offer images with better picture quality than TN panels.
Response times
Also, VA panels have the VA panels best suits users looking for richer displays over fast-paced displays for gaming (image quality of pace). The Sceptre C248W-1920RN also flaunts a 5ms response time which makes this monitor a casual home and office monitor. If you’re not a gamer, none of this should matter to you. Why? Because while 5ms might not be sufficient for fast-paced games and gaming in general, it is pretty good for visuals and ordinary use.
The panel supports a 75Hz refresh rate which is also great for home and office use. Fast-moving images may appear blurry at this refresh rate and the panel may struggle with screen tearing. For this reason, this monitor is not considered a gaming monitor. Which brings us to another PC gaming-centric trend in modern gaming monitors: G-Sync and FreeSync.
Since the refresh rate isn’t enough to handle most fast-paced games, Sceptre should have included any of these Adaptive-Sync technologies to help show motion fluidly. As you will notice, this Sceptre monitor does not have one, but it’s okay considering the target audience isn’t for gamers.
Conclusion
The Sceptre C248W-1920RN has a lot going for it especially as a casual use monitor. It sports a wickedly curved 24-inch panel VA panel, 75Hz refresh rate, 5ms response time, wide viewing angles and a 1800R curvature. Throw in a great starting price point, decently bright display and Full HD resolution and you’ve got yourself a deal worth sealing.
It’s the biggest wrinkle is that it lacks a USB port and any form of Adaptive-Sync technology. But the latter is usually focused on gaming monitors which this Sceptre is not. All in all, if you’re in the market for a no-frills curved monitor with great refresh rate, response time and brightness, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN is a great option. If anything, if you can overlook its minor mishaps, it is a great value monitor that should serve you effectively for years to come. Overall, it makes it to our and Editor’s Choice top list for casual use monitors.
Are there other alternatives?
At this price point, there are other options you can go for. I’ll only give two of the best monitors at this sub $100 price point. First, you can go for the Asus VS228H-P 21.5 inch monitor because of its exceptional features and sleek design. It brags of a Full HD display, 50:1 contrast ratio, 5ms response time and 75Hz refresh rate. It sells for slightly shy of $100 which is really a great budget price for a monitor.
The second option is the HP Pavilion 21.5 Gaming Monitor which is also available for under $100. It has a host of great features including IPS panel, great viewing angles, 7ms response time, Full HD display and a 16:9 aspect ratio. Other features include 250 nits brightness, and 60 Hz refresh rate. The common denominator between these two options is the affordable price point.
Should you buy it?
No question, the Sceptre C248W-1920RN is a great value monitor. It is a great choice for users looking to use it casually at home and at the office. Its sizeable 24-inch, VA panel delivers crisps colors and good grayscale performance make it an excellent system. If the price and robust set of features keep up with your needs, then this is a monitor to get. We recommend it for family use or small office settings.
On other news, we reviewed the Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage. Check it out
- 1800R curve monitor the curved display delivers a revolutionary visual experience with a leading...
- Hdmi, VGA & PC audio in ports
- High refresh rate 75Hz.Brightness (cd/m²):250 cd/m2
