Katarzyna Petru
For years, users have begged for one thing – OLED without a matte filter that kills contrast. And it looks like in 2025 they will finally get it. Both Asus and LG are launching OLED monitors with a glossy finish, which aim to restore the true "wow" effect of this technology.
From OLED Televisions to Matte Monitors
Before OLED monitors appeared, enthusiasts were setting up 42-inch OLED televisions on their desks – all with glossy screens that provided perfect blacks and depth.
Then the first OLED monitors arrived, but… almost all WOLEDs had matte coatings, and QD-OLEDs were sold as “semi-glossy”, although in practice they were closer to matte than glossy.
The result? 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 finishes diffuse light, reducing reflections, but at the same time flatten blacks and blur colours. The image loses depth, and HDR no longer has the intensity for which OLED is renowned.
On the other hand, glossy panels can reflect light in bright rooms, but the reward is significantly better contrast, more vibrant colours, and that 'glass' effect, which makes a difference in games and films.
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 first – it presented as many as five models in sizes 27” and 32”, including those equipped with new RGB Tandem OLED panels from LG Display:
XG27AQWMG, PG27AQWP-W, XG27AQDMG, XG32UCWMG and XG32UCWG.
LG Electronics adds two more: 27GX704A-B and 32GX850A, both with factory glossy panels – with no modifications after production.
What next?
Now we must wait for these models to hit the store shelves and… see, whether the shiny OLED returns to the throne of picture quality.
If the trend continues, 2026 could bring a true breakthrough – the era of OLED monitors that finally look as they should have from the beginning.
