HP Omen 34c G2 Review: Style, Speed & Value in a 180Hz WQHD Monitor
▼ Summary
– The HP Omen 34c G2 is a 34-inch ultra-wide curved gaming monitor that significantly improves upon its predecessor with a 180Hz refresh rate, wider color gamut, and tripled HDR contrast.
– It features excellent HDR picture quality and contrast, measured at over 21,000:1, thanks to an eight-zone dimming edge backlight and over 90% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
– The monitor delivers premium video processing with smooth motion, very low input lag, and precise overdrive, making it highly responsive for gaming.
– It offers a versatile 1500R curve suitable for both immersive gaming and productive day-to-day use, effectively replacing a dual-monitor setup on a single 21:9 panel.
– Priced around $400, the Omen 34c G2 is presented as a strong value, providing high-end performance and build quality that competes with more expensive monitors.
The HP Omen 34c G2 injects fresh excitement into the 34-inch ultra-wide monitor category, delivering a compelling mix of high refresh rates, impressive HDR performance, and strong value. This curved display proves to be an addictive gaming companion while also handling everyday productivity tasks with ease.
Curved monitors have evolved from niche novelties to mainstream favorites, particularly among gamers who appreciate the immersive, wraparound view they provide. The 34-inch 21:9 format has become a popular sweet spot, offering ample screen real estate without overwhelming a desk. Many users find a curvature radius of 1500mm to be the ideal balance, providing a subtle enveloping effect without distorting images for non-gaming work.
HP’s latest offering, the Omen 34c G2, builds significantly upon its predecessor. It retains a WQHD resolution of 3440×1440 but boosts the refresh rate to a smooth 180 Hz. The color gamut is wider, and perhaps most notably, HDR contrast sees a dramatic improvement. For an approximate street price of $400, it presents a strong case for budget-conscious enthusiasts seeking premium features.
Performance and picture quality are where this monitor truly shines. Utilizing a VA panel, the Omen 34c G2 delivers excellent native contrast, measured around 3,300:1 in testing. This far exceeds typical IPS panels and, while not matching OLED, provides deep, inky blacks. The HDR experience is enhanced by an eight-zone dimming edge backlight, which pushed contrast measurements beyond 21,000:1 in HDR mode, a standout figure for its class. Coupled with over 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, HDR content appears vibrant with pronounced highlights and rich shadows.
Motion handling is equally robust. The 180 Hz refresh rate, combined with Adaptive-Sync support (compatible with both FreeSync and G-Sync), ensures fluid gameplay. A precise five-level overdrive control helps minimize ghosting, and an MPRT backlight strobing mode is available as an alternative for reducing motion blur, particularly useful if frame rates dip. Input lag is impressively low, contributing to a responsive feel.
The monitor’s design is clean and professional. Assembly is tool-free, with a sturdy stand offering 4.1 inches of height adjustment, tilt, and even a 90-degree portrait orientation. The on-screen display (OSD) is feature-rich, organized into logical menus. Gamers will appreciate dedicated options like aiming points, a frame rate counter, and alignment marks. There are eight picture modes, all adjustable via RGB sliders, though note that the monitor defaults to the sRGB color space for SDR content; selecting ‘Native’ mode unlocks the full, wide color gamut.
A minor drawback is the lack of USB ports, a convenience found on some competitors. However, it includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a pair of internal 3-watt speakers, which were noted for their above-average sound quality with clear bass and minimal distortion. Video connectivity covers the essentials with two HDMI 2.0 ports and one DisplayPort 1.4.
In practical use, the Omen 34c G2 creates an engaging experience. The gentle 1500R curve and 109 pixels-per-inch density make it comfortable for extended sessions, whether gaming or working. It effectively replaces a dual-monitor setup by eliminating the bezel gap in the middle. For productivity, the extra horizontal space is a boon for multitasking.
The overall package offers exceptional value. It isn’t the cheapest 34-inch ultra-wide available, but its combination of high refresh rate, excellent HDR performance, and robust motion processing delivers a quality often reserved for more expensive displays. It successfully bridges the gap between a dedicated gaming monitor and a versatile daily driver, making it a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
(Source: Tom’s Hardware)
