Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
When comparing the Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor and the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor, the clear standout is the Alienware. Its 360Hz refresh rate is a game-changer for competitive gaming, while the Samsung's 60Hz is a letdown for serious gamers. In real-world usage, the Alienware's impressive 0.5ms response time provides smooth visuals in fast-paced games like CS2 and Valorant. The Samsung CR500, while offering a beautiful 1800R curved display, can’t compete when it comes to speed and refresh rates—making it less ideal for gaming in 2026 and beyond.
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Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
| Criterion | Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor | Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(2,830)Amazon | ★4.8(238)Best Buy |
Screen Size | 26.9" Viewable (27" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | VA (Vertical Alignment) | Fast IPS |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 360 Hz (via DisplayPort) / 255 Hz (via HDMI) |
Response Time | 4 ms (GtG) | 0.5 ms (GtG Min) / 1 ms (GtG Extreme) |
Brightness | 250 nits (Typical) / 300 nits (Peak) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 3,000:1 (Static) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 72% NTSC (CIE 1976) | 99% sRGB |
Color Depth | 16.7M (8-bit) | 16.7M (8-bit) |
HDR | No (Not supported) | Smart HDR (Accepts signal; not VESA DisplayHDR certified) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync | AMD FreeSync Premium / VESA Adaptive-Sync Certified |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | 1800R | Flat |
Speakers | No (None) | No (None) |
Ports | 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x VGA (D-Sub); 1x 3.5mm Headphone Out | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Upstream; 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Downstream (1x with Battery Charging 1.2); 1x Headphone Out; 1x Audio Line-Out |
USB C | No | No |
Kvm | No | No |
Vesa | 75 x 75 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Tilt only (-2° to 22°) | Height (110mm), Swivel (-20° to 20°), Pivot (90°), Tilt (-5° to 21°) |
Power Consumption | 35 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) | 16.3 W (Typical) / 74.5 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 4,300 g (9.48 lbs) | 5,770 g (12.72 lbs) |
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Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 1800R curvature wraps the field of view for improved immersion
- • High 3,000:1 contrast ratio delivers deep, rich blacks ideal for movies
- • Includes legacy VGA port for compatibility with older computers
- • AMD FreeSync reduces screen tearing during casual gaming
- • 3-sided bezel-less design offers a sleek, modern look
✗ Cons:
- • Limited to 60Hz refresh rate (not ideal for competitive gaming)
- • Stand lacks height, swivel, or pivot adjustments (Tilt only)
- • No built-in speakers
- • Brightness (250 nits) is standard and may not suffice in sunlit rooms
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Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 360Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) offers elite-tier motion clarity for CS2 and Valorant
- • Fast IPS panel combines speed (0.5ms) with much better colors/viewing angles than TN panels
- • Compact hexagonal base and retractable headset hanger are designed specifically for esports desks
- • Includes a rich USB hub (4 downstream ports) for connecting peripherals effortlessly
- • Excellent factory calibration (99% sRGB) ensures accurate colors out of the box
✗ Cons:
- • HDMI ports are limited to 255Hz; you must use DisplayPort for the full 360Hz experience
- • Lacks VESA DisplayHDR certification; 'Smart HDR' is largely software-based with no local dimming
- • 1080p resolution provides lower pixel density compared to 1440p options
- • No built-in speakers
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Which one is better?
The Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is the better buy for most people - its 360Hz refresh rate crushes the Samsung CR500's 60Hz. That said, grab the Samsung if you want a bigger 27" screen for casual use - it's a more budget-friendly option.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor if: you enjoy watching movies with rich blacks, prefer a larger curved display for immersion, or want a budget-friendly option. (26.9" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor if: you play competitive esports games, need ultra-fast response times for smoother gameplay, or want vibrant colors out of the box. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor and Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung CR500 Series 27" Curved FHD Monitor excels if you value 1800r curvature wraps the field of view for improved immersion. Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is better if you prioritize 360hz refresh rate (via displayport) offers elite-tier motion clarity for cs2 and valorant. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
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+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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