[PCM2]

Really it comes down to panel type, so the relative strengths and weaknesses are summarised in our panel types article (I linked to this in my previous post). They’re further reinforced throughout the review of the Philips as comparisons are made to IPS-type panels for all key areas of performance (contrast, colour reproduction and responsiveness). The key strength of the IPS-type models is colour consistency – they’re free from the perceived gamma and saturation shifts explored in detail in the Philips review. Secondary benefits include superior pixel responsiveness – they’re free from the weaknesses in pixel responsiveness explored in the Philips review. They also offer a smoother and lighter matte anti-glare screen surface. But the colour and gamma consistency of the 328E1CA is far from poor (it’s strong for the panel type) and most users would find the screen surface just fine. You also benefit from stronger contrast and only have ‘VA glow’ to contend with which is at a level that’s less obtrusive than ‘IPS glow’ on the alternatives.

So you need to weigh the distinct strengths and weaknesses up with respect to your own sensitivities and uses. And from what you’ve said I can’t see a more compelling choice than the Philips. The curve isn’t something I’d fear, as mentioned in the review. But it is, as with other aspects, very subjective. You will need a small adjustment period, but you’ll likely adapt to it just fine and probably quite like that feature in time. You certainly can’t judge that aspect from pictures of the monitor, videos of the monitor or even using it only briefly in a store.

[GSmy6]

Hi, ok perfect thank you! I will look further at the Philips, because value wise it really does make a lot of sense and allows me to look at something later on if time brings some technologies down to a more mid range budget.

I think my main point was less about the panel difference or technical points that are discussed extensively and very well in the articles, and more the actual subjective end experience of what you prefer, if comparing to a more expensive panel and without the value consideration. As in, if an £800-£1,000 competitor would cost similarly, would it remain a tough choice due to the differences.

[PCM2]

The panel type differences and capabilities are ultimately what shape that experience, though. 🙂

There are other differences not directly related to the panel, such as colour gamut and screen surface. The latter I’ve mentioned in my previous reply and the former depends on the exact model you’re looking at. Some give a more generous colour gamut than the Philips, others less generous. Outside of colour-critical work it entirely depends on your own preferences (reference my initial reply to you). 328E1CA offers decent extension beyond sRGB but nothing too profound. A good hit of extra vibrancy without the more ‘extreme’ oversaturation some of the IPS-type models provide.

[GSmy6]

Perfect, thank you!

[morko]

Hi, based on PCM review I bought Philips 328E1CA and very pleased 🙂 Only have one question regarding backlight bleed. In dark room and dark/black background there is certain blotchiness to be seen. Nothing really excessive, but compared to example from review is really noticeable. Unfortunately to really compare my case with the one from review I would have to take picture of my screen with the same exposure settings which I couldn’t find. Is it possible to add this kind of info to review text to help people with deciding if they should try to get replacement?

[PCM2]

I’m glad you’re enjoying the monitor.

The backlight bleed photographs are designed to be representative of what the eye sees when using our ‘Test Settings’, in a dark room. The representation depends on how your monitor is calibrated and the monitor that’s used (panel type intricacies such as ‘black crush’ and gamma shifts affect this). The photos are also taken a sufficient distance back and centrally as to avoid ‘VA glow’, as noted in the review. I don’t feel it’s constructive for you or other users to try to replicate the photographs on your own monitor and for that reason we don’t share the camera settings used to take the photos. By all means compare what you see on your own unit ‘by eye’ to the photos. But I suggest you don’t obsess over this, because there is a significant amount of inter-unit variation and you need to assess backlight bleed and what is “too much” based on how noticeable it is to you during normal use. Not when staring at a black screen in a dark room.

[ethan]

Mod note: Continuation from this thread, moved for relevance.

Thank you for the clarification on how to describe the monitor resolution properly. I come to forums like this to be educated, so I welcome any advice/teaching. I would expect to be corrected, just like if I went to a stereo forum for advice from audiophiles.

After looking at a couple monitors, I’ve decided that I need at least a 32″ ‘4K’ UHD resolution, or a 1440p 27/28″ one. Since I spent the majority of my time reading text / scrolling the web, clarity is most important to me. I’d rather have a higher PPI.

I have an old 24″ Gateway FHD2400 IPS 1080p monitor that I am planning on replacing. Once I choose the right monitor, I’ll replace my 28″ TN ‘4K’ UHD Monitor as well.

I’m looking at monitors in the $300-$450 range. The $600+ monitors don’t seem worth it. Ultrawide doesn’t seem worth it either.

I have read your reviews. What do you think of the Philips 326M6VJRMB vs the Philips 328E1CA? Is the local dimming preferable? My primary OS is Linux, which I don’t believe will use HDR to the full extent, although when I game it will be in Windows, of course. My only experience with HDR is on my 65″ Sony XG590F TV, which is an entirely different experience with that size.

I also see many different monitors that fit my size/resolution requirements on pcpartpicker. But finding panel information is difficult. Many aren’t listed on tft. Do you have any other resources?

Due to the pandemic, the wait for premium monitors is at least couple weeks out, unless I want to pay a premium to get it from a 3rd party, so I’d rather buy the right monitor, than having to buy/return/buy again.

Are there any 27-32″ ‘4K’ UHD monitors you are in the process or upcoming to review?

Thank you for all the advice!

[PCM2]

As noted in this thread and a few others, plus reflected in the reviews, the curved Samsung SVA panel is simply superior in terms of colour reproduction and gamma consistency to the flat Innolux panel. It also has a somewhat less grainy screen surface. Local dimming and HDR performance is the only real draw for the Momentum model and the two go hand in hand, so you need to decide how much you like the HDR experience described in the review. And weigh up how often you’d actually be making use of that vs. using the monitor normally. As I said in my previous reply models with the flat Innolux panel would still be a nice upgrade over your existing monitor, even if the 328E1CA is superior.

I’d recommend a site search on our site for the models you’ve listed on ‘pcpartpicker’, if you need to know more about a particular model. Because most are covered as is the panel they use – certainly the type of panel, sometimes more specifically. Be aware that we use preferred shorthand rather than extended model designations (that differ between countries) for the Samsung models. For example, the LS32R750UENXZA should be referred to as simply the S32R750. Most of the models on the list you provided are flat VA models using the aforementioned Innolux panel. Any curved VA models of the size use the aforementioned Samsung SVA panel. Even if a model uses the same panel, a different backlight can be used which will affect the colour gamut primarily. The “panels” referred to here are technically CELLS, which means the backlight isn’t included and is added separately. The website incorrectly refers to some as 32″, all of those in the list are 31.5″ and most of the flat ones are based on the same Innolux panel.

As for our upcoming reviews, you should follow us on Twitter or look at updates on the website homepage. As you can see we’re in the process of reviewing the BenQ EW3280U. It’s one of those $600+ models you might not consider worth it – but if you want an IPS-type panel, that’s what you’d need to pay for a model of this size.

[aykutozt]

Hi Guys, I would like to buy 32″ 4K monitor for regular use at home. I mostly use it for web browsing, watching videos , typical business applications like outlook, office applications, toad&soap etc.. I couldn’t make my decision among these 3 monitors. I don’t often buy monitor , so i want a monitor that will serve my needs for long time.

SAMSUNG 32” UR59C 4 ms 60 Hz 4K UHD
LG 32UK550 31.5″ 4ms 4K
Philips 328E1CA-00 31.5″ 4ms

Any help for making my decision to come end will be appreciated.

Thanks very much

[PCM2]

Then you’ve come to the right thread. I’d recommend having a read through it from this post onwards and also taking a look at this thread. Whilst the other thread focuses on text display as the main topic, more general points are covered with respect to these monitors as well and that will aid you decision for general-purpose use and media consumption. All of the models you mention are covered and my own current recommendation is clear.

[WunDaii]

I’m looking for a 32″+ 4K UHD curved monitor for less than £400. I’ve currently set my eyes on two models:

Samsung U32R590
Philips 328E1CA

They are both around the same price.

I am using the monitor for programming and browsing the web, and am looking to get a PS5 in the future, so maybe some gaming. It will mostly be used for fast-scrolling text across the screen. I realise colours/specifics might not matter here for text, but I would like to get the best monitor for my money 🙂

Thanks for any help you can provide!
(Also your reviews are great and really interesting!)

[PCM2]

Hi WunDaii,

I appreciate your kind words.

I’ve merged your thread with this one because both models are discussed here, including in my last few posts. I’d recommend reading through this thread and any relevant links provided to comparisons between the two models, just to save me repeating myself unnecessarily. This thread, for example, is another one I’d recommend reading through. You can safely ignore the information on ‘DisplaySpecifications’ when comparing these two. Whilst it can be a useful resource, it’s sometimes incorrect – as it is in this case. These models use the same CELL and therefore the same panel minus backlight. The disparities between the two you quoted from that website (now removed from your post) are incorrect, but the colour gamut certainly differs. As covered in the comparisons between the two earlier on this thread and in related threads.

Also be aware that, according to user feedback, the Samsung might have some possible text rendering issues that the Philips doesn’t share. Although the same panel is used, the text representation can be different on both due to different processing or filters used. I haven’t seen anybody else comment in this way on the Samsung, though. So I’m not entirely convinced that user set the monitor up correctly, or they may have just had some preferences for text representation which were different to what the Samsung naturally displayed. I have no concerns about text clarity on the 328E1CA, though, as I pointed out in one of my replies to the user.

Edit: Now clear that the user who provided this feedback regarding text on the Samsung just has a personal preference for an over-sharpened text and image in general. I have no concerns over text or image clarity on the Samsung.

[WunDaii]

@ PCM2

Wow, thank you for the quick and detailed reply! This thread has been really helpful, I really appreciate everyone’s advice. It looks like the Philips is the clear recommendation here for a 32″ 4K curved display in my price range and for my uses.

I did see a comment here about getting dual IPS 27″ monitors 4K, which is an entirely different question. It did make me consider it but I realised finding 2 x 27″ 4K IPS monitors would be way over my budget of £400. Plus I already have a 1080p IPS LG monitor that I can make use of.

I’ve set up an Amazon price alert for the Philips and will make sure to use your affiliate link when I buy one!

[ethan]

I got the 32″ Philips 328E1CA and I can say it’s a leap up from my 10 year old IPS monitor, especially in contrast and color. I’m still getting used to the larger size and the curved screen. But I’m happy with it so far. I find when watching something, I really need to have the window in the center to get the best effect.

[nuuub]

Hello. Actually I moved out and finally have place for desk and monitor. I’m looking for 32″ screen mostly for Netflix , casual gaming both pc 1080p and 4k on Xbox (one x and incoming series x). I do not care about high Hz, 60 is enough.
Actually I try to pick between:
– Philips 328E1CA (around 400$ in my country)
– BenQ EW3270U (475$)
– Philips 326M6VJRMB (625$, higher price and bad availability).

At the moment I using FHD 52″ tv for gaming (yep for pc too). I havent used or seen HDR yet so I dont know if really need it or not. I read the reviews and I think that most of the find will not be noticeable to me.
Forgot to mention I would sit around 100cm from the screen.

[PCM2]

I feel my recommendation is made very clear in this thread and various other pages of the website, and that is the Philips 328E1CA. The EW3270U uses an Innolux panel that is inferior in many respects, unless you’re going to be sitting slightly off-centre in which case the flat screen may be more practical. Sitting ~100cm from the screen neutralises some of the more pronounced perceived gamma and colour shifts associated with the flat models (explored earlier in this thread, various others and relevant reviews). But if you’re sitting to the side of the screen these shifts will come back into play, even from that sort of distance. The somewhat granier screen surface of the flat models shouldn’t be readily apparent from such a viewing distance. And as I note in reviews it’s something I’m particularly sensitive to and not everyone will mind.

The 326M6VJRMB is certainly an interesting option if (and only if) you’re interested in a decent HDR experience. The SDR experience is largely similar to the EW3270U as it shares the same CELL (panel minus backlight). Whether it’s worth it for the HDR experience is something you’ll have to decide – it’s covered in detail in the review, which will give you the best idea of what to expect from it short of using the monitor yourself. It’s worth setting aside some time to read that section of the review and watching the accompanying section of the video review a few times. It’s very detailed and you should be able to decide from that whether the experience appeals or not.

[nuuub]

Thanks for fast reply.
I lean towards 326M6VJRMB, hope I can get one in my country.
Could you tell me if there’s any alternatives in 500-600$ price tag with good HDR (with local dimming), 32″ but 1440p?

[PCM2]

I haven’t used it myself, but the Acer ET322QK C is a potentially cheaper alternative to consider. It uses the same sort of backlight system and similar capabilities (on paper) to the Philips. There aren’t any 2560 x 1440 models with VESA DisplayHDR 600 or above capability that I’d currently recommend.

[Kuzuri]

Hey Guys Newbe here,

Just found this forum and love how friendly and helpful you here.

I got a “major” problem finding the right monitor the past weeks. Due Corona stuff everything seems to getting higher prices, so I use the time in reasearch for the right product.

These are my criterias:
4K UHD
27-32 inch
good picture & good colors goes first of course
10 Bit
HDCP 2.2 -seems to be a must have for 4k material (not 100% sure about that)
Same goes for HDMI 2.0 & DP 1.2 at least
good ergonomic functions
HDR would be nice
I have an gtx1070 so for me free sync doesnt matter as long it’s not gsync compatible ( not a criteria at all)

I know it is a lot to consider. But since I have no experience in comparison with these parameters and their importance a little intro would be nice.

As a starting I stumbled over the Samsung U32H850 which seems to be nice. But my my pain points are No HDR afaik and No HDCP 2.2 (1x HDMI 2.0 1HDMI 1.4) But some sources say that there is a firmware update for HDCP2.2- Is that true?
But first of all are there good/ better alternatives for similar budget (or maybe lower)? I would also take a step back and go for 27 or 28 inch if it is the “better” monitor

Product Usage would be Gaming, Homeoffice and usual stuff but since I have not invested in any monitor since my BenQ V2400Eco I want to make the right choice.

BR
Kuzuri

Thanks for your help in advance

[PCM2]

Hi Kuzuri,

I appreciate the current situation makes pricing and availability very unpredictable – it makes it very difficult to recommend products that will fit all markets as well. I make my recommendation very clear on this thread and the dedicated recommendations section, and my reply to you would be exactly the same as to the last poster. To be clear, the models using the flat Innolux panel (the Samsung U32H850 is one) are simply inferior to the curved models, including the 328E1CA and Samsung U32R590C in several respects. Although I don’t have experience with the latter, it is discussed earlier in this thread.

I don’t specifically recommend any of the flat models unless you’re considering one with a ‘proper’ HDR specification which includes local dimming (VESA DisplayHDR 600 in this case). The ASUS CG32UQ and Philips 326M6VJRMB as discussed earlier, for example. I have no idea whether Samsung updated the firmware of the U32H850 to support HDCP 2.2 I’m afraid, but it isn’t a model I’d specifically recommend either way. That isn’t to say you wouldn’t enjoy the experience, plenty of users do enjoy the sort of experience that model provides. With strong contrast and an immersive pixel-dense experience being key things to enjoy. And fairly vibrant colour output due to the generous colour gamut. Although that’s also counteracted by definite perceived gamma and saturation shifts, as mentioned earlier in the thread and in our reviews of such models, With this all said, it certainly makes sense to consider if the price and availability of other options means they’re simply out of the question.

[Author]

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