Sales of curved monitors increased significantly in August and September 2017, according to the latest data published by Conext.
Many vendors registered an uptick that came, to a large extent from sales of new models that were announced earlier in the year and are now available through distribution in Western Europe (WE).
Unit sales of curved monitors increased year-on-year by +73% in Q3 2017. The pace of growth is outstanding when compared to the decelerating total monitor market, which increased by only +2% in Q3.
The driving force in the curved monitor niche in Q3 was mainly 31,5-inch monitors: distributor sales of these grew by over +400% in Q3 and they now have an 11% share by unit compared to 4% in the same period last year.
Another screen size selling well is 34-inch, which accounts for almost 20% of the market. However, as these have a relatively high price, they have recently been challenged by slightly smaller monitors with screen sizes of, for example, 31,5-inch and distribution ASPs almost three times lower. Interest in the format is also growing thanks to smaller and more affordable 24-inch, 23,5-inch, 23,8-inch and even 21,5-inch models, with some selling for under €130.
The most popular size however, is still 27-inch and this segment of the market is dominated by Samsung. Other vendors, such as Acer, HP and Philips, also saw increased sales of their 27-inch curved models in Q3.
Revenues grew along with unit sales: by +64% in Q3 2017. This result is due not only to the increased popularity of curved monitors in general but also to successful Q3 sales of high-end 37,5-inch monitors and Samsung’s latest ultra-large 49-inch models which have an ASP of over 1 000 euros.
“Sales of curved monitors are expected to continue to grow, driving volume sales in the desktop monitor category,” says Dominika Koncewicz, senior analyst for displays at Context. “The increased competition between vendors will result in more affordable models and continue to spur interest in this niche.”
