Remember the Sony InZone M9? It was a top-tier gaming monitor, offering Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) at a sub-$1,000 price point. While the InZone brand continued, it mostly focused on more budget-friendly options. But now, Sony has returned with a bang, unveiling an OLED display that boasts a groundbreaking 480Hz refresh rate on a 1440p panel, a feat unmatched by any other OLED gaming monitor. This is the InZone M10S, Sony’s first OLED monitor under its InZone brand.
This monitor utilizes the same WOLED panel found in the Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP, sourced from LG Display. But Sony isn’t simply repackaging an existing panel. They’ve invested heavily in its design, crafting a remarkably small stand in collaboration with esports pros at Fnatic. The base measures a mere 159mm (6.3 inches) in diameter and 4mm (0.16 inches) thick, making it a minimalist and space-saving addition to any setup. Sony has also addressed the cumbersome adjustment mechanisms of the InZone M9, replacing them with a refined stand that provides 30 degrees of tilt, 4.7 inches of height adjustment, and a full 360 degrees of swivel (180 degrees in either direction). Flexibility and ergonomic comfort are at the forefront here.
However, the most significant feature of the M10S is the inclusion of DisplayPort 2.1. While 1440p at 480Hz can be achieved with DisplayPort 1.4 thanks to lossless Display Stream Compression (DSC), PC gamers have been demanding DisplayPort 2.1 for its superior bandwidth. Sony has answered that call with the M10S. In addition to blazing fast refresh rates, the monitor boasts a peak brightness of 1,300 nits, a suite of burn-in prevention features, and the unique FPS+ picture mode. This mode simulates an LCD panel, catering to esports professionals making the transition to OLED. Sony also provides a 24.5-inch crop mode for competitive gamers, which utilizes the panel’s native resolution (1332p instead of 1440p) for a more focused gaming experience.
While Sony is pushing boundaries with the M10S, there is one area where it falls behind – warranty. The M10S comes with a one-year warranty, covering burn-in, but this pales in comparison to other OLED panels like the Alienware 32 QD-OLED, which offer a three-year warranty with burn-in protection. Other major monitor brands, including Asus, Alienware, MSI, Gigabyte, and Corsair, also offer three-year warranties, while LG, which initially didn’t cover burn-in, now provides a two-year warranty with burn-in protection. A more robust warranty would be a welcome addition for those considering such a significant investment.
On the bright side, the price of the M10S is competitive. It will retail for $1,100, which is in line with other monitors using the same panel. Sony is also launching the M9 II, a refresh of the original M9. This model retains the 96 local dimming zones, a 27-inch screen, and a 4K resolution, but it now features a 160Hz refresh rate and a stand similar to the M10S. However, despite the improvements, Sony is asking $800 for the M9 II, a price that may be hard to justify in 2024, given the market for high-end gaming monitors.
Overall, the InZone M10S is an exciting release for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. It offers a blend of cutting-edge technology, a unique design, and a focus on competitive gaming features. However, the limited warranty is a significant drawback, which may make some hesitant to take the plunge. Only time will tell if the InZone M10S will be able to overcome this hurdle and achieve lasting success in the fiercely competitive gaming monitor market.
