CES 2026 Best Product Awards - From MSI Monitor to Samsung Tri-Fold

2026 CES Best Product Awards – From MSI Monitors to Samsung Tri-Fold

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is an important event each year that allows you to glimpse the future of the technology industry. The 2026 CES was no exception, with a flood of innovative products being released, and a fierce debate ensued to select the best of them. Experts from various media outlets, including CNET, PCMag, Mashable, ZDNET, and Lifehacker, participated to thoroughly evaluate the innovation, practicality, and design of the products, and to determine the winners. Today, we will take a detailed look at the products that shone at CES 2026 in a tiered list format. From S Tier to C Tier, we will carefully analyze the strengths and weaknesses of each product to help you make informed choices.

S Tier: Pinnacle of Innovation, Setting a New Standard

• MSI MPG 341CQR X36: The MSI MPG 341CQR X36 monitor, selected as the best product at CES 2026, undoubtedly caught everyone's attention. It has a wide and smooth 34-inch curved screen (1800R) and features Samsung Display's next-generation 5th generation QD-OLED panel, delivering overwhelming image quality. QD-OLED, which is one step further than existing OLED technology, provides a wider color gamut and brightness, delivering a more vivid and immersive experience. It also excels as a gaming monitor, supporting a fast response time and high refresh rate to create the ultimate gaming environment. The exact price has not yet been officially announced, but it is expected to form a significant price range, as it is a premium product. The release schedule is expected to be late 2026 or early 2027.

A Tier: Harmonious Combination of Excellent Performance and Innovative Features

• Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Samsung’s Galaxy Z TriFold has been selected for A Tier, demonstrating new possibilities for the foldable phone market. The tri-fold display that can be expanded from 6.5 inches to 10 inches has captured both portability and usability. This is not just a design innovation, but also provides significant convenience in actual usage environments, enhancing the user experience. According to CNET's review, the product was evaluated as "giving a feeling of glimpsing the future and at the same time realizing how much effort it takes to actualize that future." The official price has not yet been announced, but it is expected to demand a considerable amount upon release. The release schedule is expected in the latter half of 2026, and it is anticipated to shake up the foldable phone market as a key product.
• LG G5 TV: LG’s G5 TV made its way into A Tier, showing a harmony of next-generation display technology and design. The slimmer and lighter design maximizes interior effectiveness, and the outstanding image quality delivers an immersive viewing experience. In particular, LG's proprietary image enhancement technology contributes to implementing clearer and more vivid screens. Prices vary depending on the model and screen size, but are expected to form a high price range, befitting a premium TV. The release schedule is planned for the second half of 2026.

B Tier: Decent Performance, Reasonable Choice

• Various Glossy Mini-LED Monitors: Various glossy mini-LED monitors, which received a lot of attention from the Reddit r/Monitors community, are classified as B Tier. They are attractive to users who prefer bright and lively screens and offer improved contrast and color reproduction compared to existing LED backlight methods. However, a drawback is pointed out that light reflection may occur due to the glossy surface. Prices vary depending on the model and are expected to be released at a popular price range. The release schedule is expected in mid-2026.
• Other Emerging Audio Devices: Various new audio devices appeared at CES 2026. They offer improved sound quality and convenient features, but are not yet considered innovative technologies, and are therefore classified in B Tier. Prices and release schedules for each product vary depending on the manufacturer.

C Tier: Average Performance, Not Worthy of Special Attention

• Incremental Updates on Existing Product Lines: Many products were released as minor improvement versions of existing products. These products focused on correcting weaknesses or slightly changing the design of existing products rather than technical progress. They belong to C Tier, and it is difficult to feel the need to purchase new products. Prices may be similar to or slightly higher than existing products, and the release schedule is expected in the first half of 2026.

The products unveiled at CES 2026 are important indicators of the direction of future technology development. MSI’s QD-OLED monitor and Samsung’s foldable phone have achieved remarkable results, and are expected to be key products that will change the space of the technology market. Carefully compare the features of each product and choose one that suits you to enjoy a more fulfilling digital life.