Sceptre Monitor Review - 24" Inch Monitor (E248W-FPRK)
Sceptre Monitor Review - this 24" inch monitor is an inexpensive, yet strong performing monitor that delivers quality but sacrifices on a few features.
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RATING: 7/10 (ABOVE AVERAGE)
Introduction
The Sceptre 24" inch monitor is a well performing, budget friendly, monitor with high definition (1920x1080p) output. It uses an In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel, which is preferential when searching for vibrant color displays with crisp images. The monitor is capable of a response time of 75hz with overdrive turned on and 60hz with it turned off. 60hz isn’t up to industry standard, but it still allows for 60+ frame rate gaming with smooth visuals. This monitors features would be most attractive to casual and/or budget gamers and console players looking to switch to PC.
For first time-buyers or those looking for a reliable monitor at a cheap price, this is a fantastic option. Because of their high color accuracy, IPS panels are on average are about $100 dollars more than other panel types. This monitor model is $160 dollars less than the average cost of an IPS panel, which is about $300 dollars. Right now, Amazon has the cheapest price amongst sellers.
Features & Specifications
Response times are as low as 7 milliseconds, with overdrive mode, which optimizes response times and refresh rates. However, the monitor will have a 14-millisecond response time with overdrive turned off. Most gamers will report noticing ghosting and blurring issues starting at 12 to 16 milliseconds. Usually, this happens with monitors that have high refresh rates and high response times. The 14 millisecond pixel response time can easily keep up with the 60hz refresh rate and avoids blurring or ghosting.
This monitors 14-millisecond response time is suitable for real-time strategies, RPG’s, and other genres of casual gaming. A 14-millisecond response time would not be recommended for competitive or league FPS players. These players are looking for a 144+hz monitor with a 1 millisecond response time.
It supports auto dynamic contrast mode, which improves image quality and delivers inkier and deeper dark colors. It also features AMD FreeSync and comes with a one-year limited warranty for parts. The monitor has a maximum power consumption of 31.5 watts, but typically averages out to 30 watts of power consumption. There is 1 HDMI port that supports up to 1920 x 1080p @ 75hz and 1 VGA port. Unfortunately this monitor does not come with USB ports or DisplayPort inputs. The monitor comes with an AC Adapter, 1 HDMI cable, and two screws for both the stand and neck.
Display & Size
The 23.8” diagonal view has a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1920 x 1080 high-definition output. Refresh rates can hit 75hz with overdrive turned on, and 60hz with it turned off. This monitor has great fresh out of the box color accuracy. Brightness levels cap at 350 cd/m2, which is typical for brighter monitors. Genuinely, this panel’s display looks fantastic for a budget monitor. While this isn’t the highest standard of picture quality, it is excellent for its value per dollar. Blue light shift mode is also available, which reduces the overall strain experienced by the eyes from blue lighting.
The bezel width is on the slimmer side at 10mm or 0.39 inches, which fits the monitors sleek design. For those looking for dual-monitor use, this panel will would be an okay option. It would be a great dual-monitor option, if its bezel width were a bit slimmer. It has a backlight life of 50,000+ hours or almost 6 years, and uses an edge-lit LED backlight. To add, this panel has great viewing angles at 178o degrees horizontal and vertical, which is as good as you’re going to get for an IPS panel at 24” inches and 16:9 ratio.
DisplayPort input, which is the most commonly used method of panel connectivity for gamers, is lacking with this monitor. Ten years ago, this would've been an issue, but today HDMI ports can provide very similar results that DisplayPort produces. Due to its tech improvements, HDMI will provide gamers with high definition outputs at a smooth refresh rates.
Audio
There are no built-in speakers within the monitor, which is by no means it’s largest downfall. This is an unfortunate sacrifice, but can be easily substituted with personal headphones or external speakers. There is one 3.5 mm audio input and one 3.5mm output on the back of the monitor. Meaning that you can plug in an external audio device to work around the lack of built-in speakers.
Design & Style
Hands down, the thinness of the monitor is its most attractive feature to the eye. Its metallic finish paired with the monitors 1.12” inch thinness makes it look more expensive than it is. The weight of the monitor and stand is 5.72 lbs, adding to the thin and light feel of the monitor. The backside of the monitor has a sleek silver finish with the sceptre logo, which feels nice to the touch. There are five buttons on the back right side of the monitor for menu and option setting. Next to it are 2 video ports, 2 audio ports and the power supply input.
The overall build of the monitor feels very sturdy, but is also prone to desk wiggle. The occasional tap against the desk will make the monitor wiggle a fair amount. While the stand remains stable against desk movements, the monitor doesn’t always. To add, the stand lacks height adjustment, but is still fairly flexible and can move 5 degrees forward and 15 degrees backward for optimal viewing. For those looking to avoid the monitor's wiggle or save space, it is VESA wall-mountable.
Verdict: A cheap, yet above average monitor
In conclusion, this Sceptre 24" Inch Monitor (E248W-FPRK) is an all-around above average monitor for cheap with some sacrifices. It has great out-of-the-box color accuracy and an attractive and slim build. This is a good choice for first-time monitor buyers on a tight budget.
Because this is a budget-monitor features such as DisplayPort input, USB ports and built-in speakers are missing. Personal headphones or external speakers are strongly recommended.
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