[Kuzuri]

Thanks for your help

So to sum up /to be clear/ sure that i understand it right:
For my usage of lets say 33% Cinema (Netflix / Disney+ & Co) 33% Gaming(PC and Console) 33 % General usage /Web etc you wouldn’t recommend a flat monitor unless it is ASUS CG32UQ or Philips 326M6VJRMB. What would be the next better alternative? And if it’s even possible to say what is the next lower priced choice?
In general you would recommend Curved Panels in this segment
With the Philips 328E1CA and Samsung U32R590C.
Again here my question what would be the next higher choice and what would be the next lower choice in quality/price?

As far as I checked these types there are all VA Panels. So would you general recommend VA for my stated usage parameters?

What if we want to switch to IPS Panels what would be your equivalent recommendations there?

Sorry to disturb you with these probably redundant questions but I am trying to create kind of an ranking to do some of an value proposition, so I can check frequently on the prices and choose the one which fits the most for its benefits.

Thanks you really do a hero’s job.

[PCM2]

Your summary of my post appears correct. I’m not going to get bogged down in any further ‘hierarchical refinement’. Monitors are far too subjective for that. I’ve given you my shortlist and own preferences, if you need further inspiration you should have a good read through this thread for my thoughts on other models. As I said, I don’t specifically recommend flat VA alternatives without ‘impressive’ HDR capability and I certainly couldn’t rank them. They’re all very similar for the most part and you need to separate them out based on features, aesthetics and other things that could be pretty individual to you.

The reason VA models are being recommended to you is that they fit your uses well and are significantly cheaper. If you have the budget for it, prefer stronger colour consistency and vibrancy (i.e. favour colour reproduction over contrast) or need to do any sort of colour critical work then you should certainly consider the BenQ EW3280U. Which we openly recommend having recently reviewed it. And before you ask, it would be absolutely impossible to ‘rank’ that alongside the other choices, it’s absolutely an apples to oranges comparison and you need to base your decision on your own preferences.

[Kuzuri]

Thanks for you help.

I will check on those recommentations again.

Maybe one more thing you could help me with your expertise. There are many sources saying 10 bit others saying 8 bit + FRC etc.

Is there a difference and how big is the impact? How does FRC works?

[PCM2]

Don’t concern yourself with this. The difference between a monitor that uses a ‘true 10-bit’ colour signal vs. one that uses ‘8-bit + FRC dithering’ is negligible. FRC (Frame Rate Control) is a method of temporal dithering (reference with hugely exaggerated example) that’s extremely common on monitors, very few 10-bit models lack this. It simply means that a monitor is unable to display certain shades. So instead, it very rapidly flicks between a slightly brighter and slightly dimmer version to produce a perceived shade between the two displayed shades. This is not to be confused with a flickering backlight or harsh and dithering which some models use. Many sources will simply state ’10-bit’ without mentioning dithering, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t used. For reference we will specifically state ‘without dithering‘ in the specifications section of a review if we know for a fact that dithering isn’t used. I believe all of the models you’re considering do actually use dithering. Some of the spec sheets and related materials we’ve seen seem to contradict each other on this matter for the flat Innolux VA panel, which is why we don’t state whether it is or isn’t used in some cases. But this should all be of little concern, otherwise we’d make more of a point about it in the reviews.

Also, unless you’re running HDR content you’re most likely going to be viewing 8-bit source material. Most users therefore have no need to leverage 10-bit capability on a monitor and the monitor will be able to display the required shades without dithering. In practice a small amount of dithering will be used regardless, the implementation is not strictly switched off even when not required. Likewise, just because a monitor doesn’t use dithering doesn’t mean the GPU won’t be using some. This is particularly true under HDR, where a 10-bit colour signal is leveraged. Either with dithering on the GPU or with the signal handled by the monitor (usually with dithering involved). As explored in our reviews, the end result is very similar in either case.

[WunDaii]

Thanks for all the advice here. I received the Philips 328E1CA and it’s fantastic, although the screen size will take some getting used to (I find I have to keep moving my head up). I like having the top of my monitor reach eye level (or as low as possible). I read in your review ‘At lowest stand height the bottom of the monitor sits ~100mm (3.94 inches) above the desk surface’ – is the height adjustable? Maybe I’m missing something but I can’t figure out a way to move the monitor down the stand, so it’s as low to the desk as possible. There’s nothing in the setup guide either.

[PCM2]

Excellent! I’m glad you’re enjoying the 328E1CA and I’m sure you’ll get more used to the large size in time. When I first used a ~32″ monitor I found it pretty overwhelming, and that was coming from a 27″ screen even” How far are you sitting from the screen?

Sorry about the confusing wording in the review, I’ve corrected it. The talk of “lowest stand height” was due to another Philips review being used as a template and that particular text was left over from that. The measurements for stand height were correct on my review sample. So as noted: “The included stand offers tilt (5° forwards, 20° backwards) as the only ergonomic flexibility.”

[WunDaii]

Oh I see, thanks for clearing that up. I’m sitting about 60cm from the screen. I’ve set the scaling to 3008×1692 (mod note: MacOS setting, similar to 125% scaling in Windows) as I feel it gives me more space for all the elements on screen whilst keeping text at a reasonable size. I also managed to get the Lenovo L28u-30 at a large discount, which is a 28″ 4K IPS display. It’s excellent, too, so I’m going to use and compare both over the course of a week and see which I’d like to keep. The Philips’ 32″ is very, very nice, so I’m leaning towards that. I’ve found that, much like phone screen sizes, once you go big, it’s hard to go to a smaller screen.

[PCM2]

An interesting alternative for those thinking they might like something a bit like the Philips 328E1CA, but without the curved screen and with better ergonomics is the upcoming Samsung F32TU87. Per the article no current word on price or release date. I’d like to see that panel used on models from other manufacturers as well and hopefully it will be. It should comfortably outperform the flat Innolux panels in the areas highlighted previously in this thread and offer an experience more similar to the curved models, without the curve of course.

[HigoChumbo]

Is there nothing worth mentioning that is on the line of the Philips 328E1CA (4k curved) with better contrast and maybe a steeper curvature?

I want to suggest a VA to my flatmate who wants a curved screen for productivity and immersive media, maybe some very occassional light gaming (non competitive), and the only thing that makes me hesitate about the Philips is the 1:2500 contrast ratio (if I go VA, I want to go VA all the way ^^). If not, anything better that is at least 1440p (that is, more focused on immersion and productivity than in gamey gimmicks?

Cheers =)

(by the way, since I’m here, any rough estimation about when your review of the new AOC CQ27G1 be ready? Is there any possible way of knowing when it’s going to be released in Australia that is escaping my Google skills?)

[PCM2]

If there was don’t you think I would’ve already mentioned it? 😉 There are no ‘4K’ VA panels that are comparable to that with stronger contrast or a steeper curvature currently available. As per the review the Philips can actually achieve closer to 3000:1 depending on settings used, it was ~2500:1 with our ‘Test Settings’ which involved some colour channel adjustments. It’s really not worth obsessing too much about 2500:1 vs. 3000:1 though.

We’re reviewing the AOC CQ27G2 (not G1) and will provide updates via Twitter when we’re ready. We’ve been delayed a bit because we had to send the first unit back as it had been handled too roughly and had some obvious signs of damage. It was deemed faulty and we had to wait a bit for the replacement to arrive. Further details on this thread. AOC AP are a separate entity, so unfortunately I can’t help with their release schedule.

[NicBathgate]

Hi PCM2, thank you for directing me to this thread in your reply yesterday to my comment on your youtube video. I’ll move the conversation here.

My original question:

Your reviews are outstanding! The most informative monitor reviews I’ve seen, thanks for all your effort!
I’m looking for a 32″ 4k monitor for general purpose use, some media consumption, some coding, possibly gaming. There aren’t a lot of options available in this range in New Zealand, but I’m looking at Samsung U32J590U, Asus VA32UQ, Philips 328P6VUBREB. I’ve not been able to find a single review on the Asus unfortunately, I notice you reviewed the CG32UQ, but I think the VA32UQ is quite a different monitor. Your review of the VUBREB was fantastic, and has made me a bit worried about the high input lag spoiling an otherwise very good option! That leaves the Samsung U32J590U, which is the best priced option and seems to have very respectable specs for a non-HDR option. Have you had any experience with the Samsung U32J590U?

Reply from PCM2:

Glad you like the reviews. I’d recommend reading through this thread on our forum – [you are here]. The long and short of it is that I don’t specifically recommend any of the flat models (like U32J590U) with flat Innolux panels, unless there are really no alternatives. The VA32UQ and U32J590U both use the same CELL (panel minus backlight) as the CG32UQ so aside from the HDR capability that review will give you a good idea of what to expect in terms of image quality etc. Input lag is an open question, but I don’t think any of these models have horribly high levles of input lag so it’s not something I’d worry about too much.

Thanks for your advice, I’ve read the whole thread and I feel much better informed now.

Just to clarify your above comment, I have a few more questions:

• You mentioned the U32J590U uses the Innolux CELL, which I’d like to avoid for all the reasons mentioned previously in this thread. You also mentioned the VA32UQ and CG32UQ use this same CELL as the U32J590U – to be certain, both these Asus monitors are using the less-than-deal Innolux panel?
• I want to avoid a curved panel, and IPS displays are out of my budget, so if the above is true I fear my only option is an Innolux monitor like the VA32UQ or U32J590U. There are two more models that I’ve discovered I may be able to source in New Zealand, do you know anything about either the LG 32UK550-B or the VIEWSONIC VX3211-4K-MHD? If so, are either recommendable?

Thanks again for your incredible help!!

[PCM2]

Hi NickBathgate,

Thanks for moving this to the forum so others can benefit from the conversation. I wish people would do this more often as often my responses to YouTube comments get buried on that platform.

All of the flat models you list in your post use the same flat Innolux CELL. The only flat models I’m aware of that don’t use that instead use a flattened Samsung SVA panel that’s similar to the curved models covered in this thread. Those are the Samsung S32R750U ‘Space Monitor’ (unconventional stand) and F32TU87 (not yet available). Given that the only options available to you all focus around the same CELL, I feel the Samsung U32J590U would be the one to go for. It’s a perfectly decent monitor in terms of contrast and of course delivers the ~32″ ‘4K’ experience.

[NicBathgate]

Thanks very much PCM2 for the quick reply.

Once again, your answer is very enlightening! Thanks for clarifying and giving me a solid recommendation between the many Innolux monitors. The U32J590U does look OK, only issue for me is it’s quite tall (53cm), I have a projector screen that hangs down to 49cm above my desk which it needs to fit under, but there’s no reason I couldn’t get a VESA arm to solve that problem.

Very interesting that you mention the S32R750U – that monitor has reviewed quite well and I really liked the look of the thin bezels, I had to cross it off my list due to the stand and lack of VESA mount compatibility though, I have a corner desk so it would need to be able to swivel to work for me. From what you say in this post above, the F32TU87 sounds like it will be a S32R750U with a conventional stand and more I/O. If that’s the case it might well be worth waiting a few more months for it to arrive – though it will be a painful wait, with my 15 year old Viewsonic 20″ VG2021m (4:3 aspect ratio) monitor and my 10 year old Samsung P2770H 😁

Have you had the chance to try a S32R750U in the flesh? I wonder if it is indeed as good as it’s curved brothers.

[PCM2]

I’m afraid I don’t have any experience with the S32R750U. I’m confident that the image characteristics will be much closer to the curved Samsung panels than the flat Innolux panels, though, since they’re just flat (or ‘uncurved’) versions of the curved Samsung panels. And having used flat and curved variants of their 27″ 144Hz WQHD panels side by side, it’s clear that many of the image characteristics remain the same. The underlying panel technology is far more important than the curve in that respect.

[NicBathgate]

Fantastic, thanks a lot! I have just 2 more questions, which I think are relevant to this topic…

1. Samsung seem to rate all of their Innolux CELL monitors at 250-270cd/m² brightness, while others with the same CELL (LG, ASUS, Philips, Viewsonic) all specify 300cd/m². The well known rtings.com even called out the U32J590 in their review of it for having ‘disappointing peak brightness’. Is the difference between 250cd/m² and 300cd/m² negligible enough not to worry about, and is 250cd/m² actually plenty bright enough, unless you’re using the monitor in direct sunlight or expecting some kind of decent HDR mode?

2. I imagine you have just as much information as I do about when the F32TU87 will become available, but based on releases of other monitors in the past, would you estimate the timeframe likely to be in the next month or so, or more like say, 6-12 months away?

Thanks again, you truly are a monitor guru!

[PCM2]

1) Most users will set the monitor to 100 – 200 cd/m² which is a suitable range for any ‘usual’ lighting conditions you’d have in a home or office. The difference between 250 cd/m² and 300 cd/m² is fairly negligible and if you’re feeling you ‘need’ more than 250 cd/m² it’s likely you’ll have issues at 300 cd/m² as well. As it would likely be due to the strength of direct light hitting the monitor which is going to cause similar issues in both cases really. Some users do prefer brighter screens, but they’re in a minority and I doubt they’d find 300 cd/m² impressive if 250 cd/m² was deemed too dim.

2) Samsung usually releases their models a few months after the product pages are released. The models with “T” after the screen size in the model code are designated for release in 2020, I’d expect to see the F32TU87 perhaps September or October at the latest. It’s difficult to say in these unusual times, but I think that’s a lot more likely than 6-12 months from release.

[NicBathgate]

Hi again PCM2. I’ve been keeping an eye out for the F32TU87 for the last few months since your reply above. I’m finally now starting to see it appear in some European retailers with model number Samsung F32TU870VU.

Hopefully in the coming months it’ll arrive in New Zealand, though currently the price (628 Euro) is pretty worrying, when the same store sells the Samsung U32J590 for less than half the price and the Samsung S32R750U (which I think has the same panel) for 2/3 the price!!

The F32TU870VU does boast very impressive stand and IO, but 600 Euro seems pretty crazy for a VA monitor with 85% Adobe RGB and no HDR (not even VESA DisplayHDR 400).

Have you heard any news about this monitor or other reasonably priced 32″ monitors lately?

[PCM2]

No further news to share on the F32TU87 or possible alternatives at this stage. There’s an awful lot of interest in 32″ UHD models, for the excellent desktop real-estate and pixel density. So I would’ve expected to see others using that panel beyond just Samsung, although nothing specific has been released yet.

[MotionGrey]

Hello everyone,

I am currently looking for a new monitor.

I mainly use it to watch movies, work (I’m a teacher), and gaming (I mostly play fighting games)

I would like a 32″, 4K panel

I was thinking about a VA panel as it seems to be the most suited for movies.

So 32″, 4K VA, If I’m not mistaking, my choice comes more or less down to :

Philips P-Line 328P6VUBREB
BenQ EW3270U

Would you guys have any recommendations between those two, or another panel that would suits my habits ?

Thanks a lot by advance

[PCM2]

Hi MotionGrey,

I’ve merged your thread with this one as it’s a suitable place. Those models and others are discussed here, so have a read through particularly from page 4 onwards. My recommendation here is clear and that’s the Philips 328E1CA. If you’re looking for an atmospheric HDR performance than neither model you listed will deliver that. The EW3270U actually offers a lacklustre HDR performance in every respect, really. The 328P6VUBREB offers nice bright scene performance but isn’t good for deep darker content, as covered in the review and reiterated in this thread.

[Author]

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