Alienware: The Champion of OLED Gaming Monitors
The Fear of Burn-In: Alienware Takes the Lead
It’s no secret that Alienware is known for producing some of the best gaming monitors in the market. However, when it comes to OLED gaming monitors, the fear of burn-in has always been a concern for buyers. While burn-in may not be as big of a deal as it’s often portrayed, buyers still want peace of mind. And that’s where Alienware has emerged as the clear leader.
Alienware offers three OLED gaming monitors – the 34 QD-OLED, 32 QD-OLED, and 27 QD-OLED – all equipped with a QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display. But what sets Alienware apart is its treatment of burn-in. All three monitors come with an explicit three-year warranty that covers burn-in. This sets them apart from the competition and ensures that buyers have some form of recourse if their display experiences burn-in. To further enhance the customer’s experience, parent company Dell guarantees next-day shipping for replacement monitors.
Warranty Comparison: Alienware vs the Competition
Taking a closer look at the warranty coverage for other major brands selling OLED gaming monitors, Alienware clearly stands above the rest. Only two brands – Alienware and Corsair – offer a three-year warranty that explicitly covers burn-in. The other major brands either have shorter warranty periods or provide no coverage for burn-in. It’s important to note that while some brands may not mention burn-in in their warranty information, it’s generally safer to assume that burn-in isn’t covered.
Furthermore, even brands that offer warranty coverage for OLED monitors often provide less protection compared to other types of monitors. Asus, for example, offers a three-year warranty on all its monitors except OLED panels, which are only covered for two years. Similarly, Gigabyte offers three years of coverage on LCD monitors under 40 inches, but only one year of protection for OLEDs. LG, on the other hand, initially excluded burn-in protection from its warranty until it was pressured by The Verge to include it.
Alienware’s Solid Lead and Head Start
Alienware not only excels in warranty coverage but also in availability. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED had almost a year of market exclusivity before other OLED gaming monitors hit the scene. The recently launched Alienware 32 QD-OLED and Alienware 27 QD-OLED are also readily available for purchase. This head start not only gives Alienware an edge but also affects pricing. The company has been able to drop prices on its monitors ahead of the competition. For example, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED dropped from $1,400 to $1,000 by the time Samsung released its competing Odyssey OLED G8.
As the OLED gaming monitor market continues to evolve, Alienware has established itself as the frontrunner. With a strong foundation, a commitment to warranty coverage, and a history of being the first on the scene, Alienware is poised to maintain its lead in the coming years. Although there may be changes ahead in terms of availability, warranties, and pricing, Alienware’s position remains solid for now. Only time will tell if they can maintain their dominance in the OLED gaming monitor space in the years to come.
Analyst comment
Positive news: Alienware emerges as the clear leader in OLED gaming monitors, offering explicit three-year warranty coverage for burn-in, compared to other major brands. Alienware’s solid lead and availability give them an edge in pricing and market exclusivity. With a strong foundation and commitment to warranty coverage, Alienware is poised to maintain its lead in the evolving OLED gaming monitor market.
