Innocn 49Q1R review: The mother of all curved monitors has just landed

The Innocn 49Q1R monitor is the largest curved monitor I’ve ever tested, surpassing the AOC AGON PRO AG456UCZD. With a 3440 x 1440 WQHD resolution and 240Hz refresh rate it was hard to find much wrong with the display.

Innocn’s latest offering focuses less on gaming features and more on raw, unrivalled resolution. The 5K QHD (5120 x 1440p) resolution might even see the HP Z34c G3 toppled as the ultimate ultrawide in our roundup of the best monitors for graphic artists.

In our testing, we focused on how the monitor performed during creative workflows including photo retouching and 4K video editing. We also put it through its paces in relation to productivity workflows. Read on to find out whether this is a monitor that defines 2025 or a flash in the pan.

Innocn 49Q1R: Key specifications

Design and build

• Solid build
• Fantastic port selection

The Innocn 49Q1R is, as the name suggests, a 49-inch panel. It is a serious whopper and I couldn’t quite believe how long the box was when it arrived on my doorstep. It’s the equivalent of having two 27-inch monitors side by side but without the benefit of location customisation that having two separate monitors affords.

It's a well-designed and expertly made monitor that makes sense of the $999 price tag. The immense 1800R curvature of the display is backed up by an equally impressive back panel which provides the necessary strength to avoid potential damage. This is no flimsy panel that’s going to struggle to hold up against the stresses and strains of regular use and movement.

The stand was incredibly easy to construct with the display panel slotting on with absolute ease. For a 49-inch panel, I was surprised by how light it was, something that helped with construction and desk placement. Height, tilt, and swivel adjustments are also easily made thanks to the smoothly operating hinge mechanism.

The monitor shines when it comes to connectivity. Computers and game consoles can be connected using HDMI and DisplayPort technology. There is also the additional benefit of a USB-C port which provides a robust 90W output for uninterrupted productivity.

Design and build score: 4/5

Features and performance

• 5120 x 1440p resolution
• Multitasking functionality

Display

A staggering 5120 x 1440p resolution and 32:9 ultrawide aspect ratio provides an abundance of screen real estate for gaming, multi-tasking, and long timeline video editing. The 144Hz refresh rate delivers for most AAA games but won’t satisfy professional gamers. HDR 400 & Adaptive-Sync ensure enhanced contrast, rich colours, and smooth frame transitions for top-level performance.

Multitasking functionality

Display content from two separate input sources on one screen using Picture-in-Picture (PIP) and Picture-by-Picture (PBP) modes. Workspace can also be maximised thanks to the Dual QHD Display.

Features score: 3.5/5

Performance

• Outstanding gaming performance
• Not ideal for creatives

The Innocn 49Q1R is billed as a gaming monitor so let’s begin there. There’s no getting away from the fact that it delivers a wonderfully immersive experience. The 1800R curvature draws you into the action like nothing I’ve experienced before. High contrast and vibrant colours made everything I displayed on it look fantastic. You’ll struggle to find a higher-performing curved monitor at this price point.

As you might expect, the visuals are let down by the built-in speakers but if you’re serious about gaming then you’ll either have a headset or a dedicated sound system. If not, you’ll need to invest in something to elevate the overall experience.

We’re looking at more of a mixed bag for creatives. The sheer amount of screen real estate makes it perfect for long-form video editing and handling complex projects. I was able to split the screen up into virtual sections which made it a breeze to handle assets, documents, and other resources.

What I wasn’t comfortable with was the curvature. What is ideal for immersive gaming is actually a hindrance to creatives who need to see their photos, videos, and artwork on a flat screen. I found myself having to move my output right into the centre of the screen to try and minimise distortion. This isn’t the fault of the monitor but just the reality of who this monitor has been designed for.

The only saving grace would be the smooth framerate for animators and the extensive colour gamut for photo editors. I don’t think they’re enough to overcome the curvature problem though. If you’re a creative working on projects all day every day then I’d recommend shooting for two individual monitors rather than one curved one.

Performance score: 3.5/5

Price

At $999, the The Innocn 49Q1R isn't the most affordable. Serious gamers might be able to justify the price but creatives would be better placed getting two more affordable 27-inch monitors. Check out our best monitors page for more guidance.

Scorecard

Who's it for?

• Primarily for gamers, secondarily for creatives

Creatives will love the extra screen real-estate, especially for editing long video timelines but where this monitor really comes into its own is with providing an immersive gaming experience. It does come at a price though, so if you’re looking for a more reasonably sized curved monitor then you’ll want something like the highly-rated Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A.

Buy it if

• You’re a gamer looking for immersive gaming
• You’re a fan of ultrawide curved monitors
• You crave top-resolution gaming

Don't buy it if

• You would prefer the flexibility of a multi-monitor setup
• You want a budget-friendly monitor setup