Ultra-cheap monitors are here

LCD panel production has moved almost exclusively to China over the past 5-10 years, resulting in a flood of ultra-cheap LCD monitors.

Lenovo recently launched the 24-inch Legion 24-1r and 27-inch Legion 27-1r IPS LCD monitors with 1080p resolution, 280Hz and adjustable stands. It was the suggested retail prices in China, however, that caught people's attention: 669 and 789 yuan, equivalent to $99 and $117 dollars.

Around the same time, Hisense launched a 24-inch N3G Pro IPS LCD monitor with 1080p and 180Hz for 449 yuan, equivalent to $67 dollars. Yet it still delivers 99% sRGB and 90% DCI-P3 color coverage, according to Hisense.

Flatpanels remembers when IPS LCD was synonymous with professional graphics monitors that cost upwards or more than a thousand dollars. The ultra-cheap monitors are not as good but it is fundamentally the same technology.


They are already here
The new Lenovo and Hisense monitors are available now in China but have yet to make their way to most overseas markets.

Nevertheless, these ultra-cheap LCD monitors are already here. For example, you can buy a 24-inch 1080p 144Hz IPS LCD from MSI for $80 or a 24-inch curved Sceptre also for $80. A 27-inch 1080p 100Hz can be found for $95

Similar-priced 24- and 27-inch LCD monitors can also be found in Europe and other regions if you look around.


Same trend is driving ultra-large TVs
China wresting almost all LCD panel production away from South Korea, Japan and Taiwan has meant that South Korean display panel makers such as LG Display and Samsung Display have abandoned LCD to focus fully on OLED.

China can now churn out LCD panels on an enormous scale at very low prices, reportedly backed by massive government subsidies.

 Also read: 83" OLED TVs are finally becoming affordable

The same factors are driving the development of ultra-large LCD TVs in 98, 100, 115 and soon 130 inches. 98-100-inch LCD TVs are already affordable and offered by most major TV brands. 115- and 130-inch LCD TVs remain expensive for now but it is likely only a matter of time.