Prism+ P438 43.8" Ultrawide Monitor Review: A Giant Leap for Productivity (But is it Too Big?) - The Ultrawide and Ultrawhite Beast

The Prism+ P438 is a behemoth of a monitor, boasting a 43.8-inch flat IPS panel that demands attention. This review dives deep into whether this ultra-wide behemoth is truly a productivity powerhouse or an unwieldy giant.

Unboxing & First Impressions:

The P438 arrives in minimalist packaging, mirroring the monitor's all-white aesthetic. Inside, you'll find the monitor itself, a sleek white stand, matching cables (including DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, and USB-uplink), and a surprisingly elegant remote – a welcome addition for such a large display. While the all-white design is certainly striking, we feel black bezels would have enhanced the "bezel-less" effect.

Design & Features:

The P438 is a feast for the eyes. A vibrant RGB strip illuminates the rear, customizable with various colors and brightness levels. Connectivity is robust, featuring multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.0/1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, and even a USB-C port.

The stand offers impressive adjustability with height, tilt, and swivel options, a welcome upgrade over the more limited stands found on smaller Prism+ models.

Display Performance:

The 43.8-inch IPS panel delivers stunning visuals with 136% coverage of the BT.709 color space. Out-of-the-box color accuracy is decent, but calibration significantly improves performance, resulting in a delta E average of 1 and a maximum of 2.4 – comparable to much more expensive professional displays.

The 3840x1080 resolution offers ample screen real estate, ideal for multitasking and immersive gaming. While the resolution may seem low by today's standards, it significantly reduces the demands on your graphics card. The 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync support ensure smooth gameplay, complemented by fast response times (1ms MPRT / 6ms GtG).

HDR 600 with 24-zone local dimming enhances contrast, though its effectiveness varies depending on the content. While some scenes benefit from HDR, others appear more visually appealing with HDR disabled.

Viewing Experience:

The flat panel design, combined with the IPS technology, provides excellent viewing angles. However, the sheer size of the display might make reaching the edges a bit of a stretch for some users.

Key Considerations:

• Size Matters: The 43.8-inch size may be overwhelming for some users.
• Color Accuracy: Calibration is highly recommended for optimal color accuracy.
• Flat vs. Curved: While impressive, the flat panel might not be as immersive as a curved ultrawide.

Conclusion:

The Prism+ P438 is a feature-rich monitor with a captivating design. Its impressive color accuracy, high refresh rate, and generous connectivity options make it a compelling option for productivity and entertainment. However, its sheer size and the lack of a curved panel might not be for everyone.

Recommendation:

This monitor is best suited for users who prioritize screen real estate and require a high-performance display for demanding tasks. If you're looking for a truly immersive experience, a curved ultrawide might be a better fit.

Note:

Always use a DisplayPort cable to utilize the monitor's full potential, including 120Hz refresh rate and 10-bit color.