Katarzyna Petru
For years, users have pleaded for one thing – OLED without a matte filter that kills contrast. And it seems that in 2025 they will finally get it. Both Asus and LG are launching OLED monitors with a glossy finish that aim to bring back the true "wow" factor of this technology.
From OLED TVs to Matte Monitors
Before OLED monitors appeared, enthusiasts set up 42-inch OLED TVs on their desks – all with glossy screens that delivered perfect blacks and depth.
Then the first OLED monitors arrived, but… almost all WOLEDs had matte coatings, and QD-OLEDs were sold as “semi-gloss”, although in practice, they were closer to matte than gloss.
The effect? Lower contrast, poorer colour saturation, and that typical “milky” image that completely negated the advantages of OLED.
Why is it so important?
Matte and semi-gloss coatings scatter light, reducing reflections, but at the same time flatten blacks and blur colours. The image loses depth, and HDR no longer has the intensity that OLED is known for.
On the other hand, glossy panels can reflect light in bright rooms, but the reward is a much better contrast, more vivid colours, and that “glass” effect, which makes a difference in games and movies.
New Wave of Glossy OLEDs
The year 2025 is the moment when manufacturers finally listened to the market. At least seven glossy OLED monitors have already been announced.
Asus was the first – they showcased a total of five models in 27” and 32” sizes, including those equipped with new RGB Tandem OLED panels from LG Display:
XG27AQWMG, PG27AQWP-W, XG27AQDMG, XG32UCWMG and XG32UCWG.
LG Electronics is adding two more: 27GX704A-B and 32GX850A, both with factory glossy panels – without any modifications after production.
What next?
Now we just have to wait for these models to hit the store shelves and… see if the shiny OLED returns to the throne of image quality.
If the trend continues, 2026 could bring a real breakthrough – an era of OLED monitors that finally look the way they should have from the start.
