Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.Ahead of Amazon Prime Day next week, Samsung's 27-inch Essential S3 curved monitor has dropped to $110, saving shoppers 15% on the original price and matching the lowest price of the past year. I highly recommend taking advantage of this deal while it lasts. This is one of the better monitor deals that I've found so far, especially if you're looking for a new, affordable monitor for work, streaming, or even casual gaming. There's a lot to like here. Also: The best early Amazon Prime Day deals: I found editor-approved tech already on saleIts Full HD display sits on a 1800R curved VA panel, creating an immersive viewing experience. The screen extends to the corners of your peripheral vision. That design isn't just for looks. As ViewSonic noted in a past blog post, the curvature closely matches the natural curvature of the human eye. It is more comfortable to look at than a traditional flat-screen display. The panel is also TÜV Rheinland-certified, which means it features technology that reduces harmful blue light and annoying flickering. Also: Best Buy has better gaming deals right now than Amazon's early Prime Day saleThe Essential S3 boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio for deeper blacks and highly detailed images. On top of that, it has a 100Hz refresh rate, making everyday tasks, from browsing the internet to watching videos, look and feel noticeably smooth. While you can use the display for gaming, it falls short of high-end gaming monitors. It doesn't have all the visual-enhancing software. Still, for the price, the Essential S3 provides excellent value. If you need a dependable display for productivity or entertainment, this Samsung monitor is rock solid. How I rated this deal Under ZDNET's rating system, I'd give this deal a 3/5. At $110, you're getting a large 27-inch curved monitor from a trusted brand for a lower price than many companies charge for flat-panel displays. It's an easy recommendation for remote workers, casual gamers, and anyone building a budget desktop setup. Amazon Prime Day 2026 officially runs from Tuesday, June 23, through Friday, June 26. However, you don't need to wait for the event to start saving. That's because early deals are already appearing, as Samsung is rolling out discounts well ahead of the main sale. In fact, some of the strongest price cuts typically show up in the weeks leading up to Prime Day, so expect to see a lot more in the coming weeks.