[iMatt]

Looking for an upgrade from my trusty old DELL P2416D 2k model. Ideally 4k BUT may consider 2k at the right price and if the image is not too ‘grainy’. Looking at AOC which seems well priced. Would you recommend the U32E2N or the Q32E2N? Not really a gamer. Using productivity and graphics apps such as Affinity Designer, Photo and Publisher along with LibreOffice. Thanks in advance.

[PCM2]

Hi iMatt,

I have recommended the Q32E2N over in this thread as it’s essentially an updated version of the Q3279VWFD8 we reviewed a while back. And I’ve received positive user feedback. The forum user I recommended it to in that thread, senzaparole, actually ended up buying the EW3280U. They weren’t happy with the confusion AOC caused about the panel used in the Q32E2N (refer to thread) and ultimately were happy to pay the extra for the BenQ. Which they’re very satisfied with. But the recommendation for the Q32E2N remains and it’s the main lower refresh rate WQHD model I’d focus on. That BOE panel does have a bit of a grainy screen surface, though – I cover this in the Q3279VWFD8 review.

The U32E2N isn’t a model I’ve received much direct feedback on, but it essentially uses the flat version of the panel used in the Philips 328E1CA we’ve reviewed and recommend. I can’t argue with the price of the U32E2N and I’ve actually been keen to review it, but unfortunately it isn’t currently available in the US where the bulk of users who support our work are located. I rate that panel above most other competing VA models of the resolution which use an Innolux panel that I consider inferior. AOC tends to calibrate their monitors pretty well and give important adjustments including gamma settings. So I’m sure it’s a good product. The screen surface is less grainy than the BOE WQHD panel as well.

If you consider your work to be colour-critical or this is a key focus or concern for you, I’d generally recommend sticking to IPS-type panels. But the U32E2N will be a good choice as far as VA models go and if it’s mainly for mixed usage and you don’t really consider colour consistency of vital importance then you may find it absolutely fine. And as a final point, please avoid using the term ‘2K’ to describe the WQHD or 1440p resolution. Especially when used in the context of ‘4K’ (which is the intended context), it undersells the resolution and is misleading and inaccurate. Nothing personal, I point this out to everyone who uses the term on the forum.

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