Asus ProArt PA32UCXR Mini LED review: A precision instrument with reference-level color accuracy

32-inch IPS 4K Professional Monitor with HDR, Dolby Vision, wide gamut color, and reference-level image accuracy.

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Asus ProArt PA32UCXR Mini LED
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(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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In professional circles, Asus’ ProArt monitors are an excellent value. Not only do they deliver all the performance of their competition, but they do it for less money. While $2,999 is a lot for a 32-inch monitor, there are examples from JVC and Sony selling for much more.

(Image credit: Asus)

The main draw here is the PA32UCXR’s 2,304 zone Mini LED backlight. It currently represents the highest dimming zone count for any LCD panel, and it is one of the brightest displays available. My sample came very close to 2,000 nits and in my test database is second only to Samsung’s Odyssey Neo G8. The PA32UCXR is bright enough to master HDR content at 2,000 nits and to use in any indoor or outdoor environment. It can be an on-set monitor for location filming, or a post-production tool in the studio.

(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

The only spec that does not impress here is the 60 Hz refresh rate. Though Asus offers a 144 Hz ProArt Display, the PA32UCG, it isn’t quite as bright, and it only has 1,152 dimming zones. But gaming content creators will need to consider the PA32UCXR’s 60fps maximum.

For anything else though, it is perfectly suited. It supports every color gamut from Rec.709 to Rec.2020, every SDR and HDR signal format. Each color mode is precisely tuned at the factory making the PA32UCXR ready for work right out of the box. Auto calibration means you can always be assured of accuracy and if you use Calman or ColourSpace software, those packages can also access the internal test patterns and lookup tables.

Aside from hyperactive gaming, there is nothing the PA32UCXR cannot do. And it looks great doing it with richly accurate color and an image to rival OLED monitors. If you’re in the market for a flexible and adaptable professional display, the Asus ProArt PA32UCXR should be on your shortlist. Definitely check it out.

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

1 Comment Comment from the forums
  • NedSmelly
    This is going head-to-head with the Eizo ColorEdge CG319X, which costs around twice the price. It will be interesting to see if ProArt actually makes headway into design houses and studios, because so far the Asus vibe seems to be targeting the value-oriented freelance market.
    Reply