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The most impressive part of the GS32Q’s test results is on this page. I would normally use the cliché “for the money” here, but I recorded numbers that would embarrass a lot of more expensive displays. All tests below were recorded in the Standard picture mode.
Grayscale and Gamma Tracking
Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.
With all grayscale errors under 3dE, the GS32Q has no visible problems. Gray patterns appear perfectly neutral to the eye, which translates to a colorful and natural real-world image. Gamma tracking is very close to the 2.2 reference, which is also a good thing. You won’t find much better from many other monitors, regardless of price.
Since I had the ability, I calibrated the User Define color temp option and made grayscale tracking a little better. Visually, there is no difference, but pro-level numbers are always impressive when achieved. The GS32Q is a very accurate monitor whether you tweak it or not.
Comparisons
The GS32Q’s default grayscale error of 1.87dE is impressive at this price point. Note that the Asus is around $300 at this writing, so its higher accuracy will cost you. With my new settings in place, the GS32Q rises to second place, leaving all but the Lenovo in the dust. This is certainly impressive for $209.
Though the GS32Q’s gamma tracks right around 2.2 with only a 1.36% deviation, actual value 2.23; its range of values is a little larger than the others. 0.14 is a good result in the broader sense, but this group has tight gamma.
Color Gamut Accuracy
Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.
I’m a bit disappointed that the GS32Q is limited to sRGB color but at least it is very accurate. With no adjustments in Standard mode, it has a low average error of 2.04dE. That’s professional display territory. Calibration improves that number to 1.53dE but visually, there is no change. This is excellent performance. I didn’t measure the sRGB picture mode because as you can see, it would be redundant.
Comparisons
The GS32Q’s 1.53dE color score is impressive in that it is only beaten by more expensive screens. In terms of color accuracy, I have no complaints about any of these monitors.
The only bummer about the GS32Q is its sRGB color gamut. Yes, the Gigabyte is the least expensive of these budget screens, but not by a huge margin. Consider that if you bought the HP, you’d get more color but less contrast for around $40 more. Also consider that the GS32Q completely covers sRGB, which is all you need for any SDR game. And as you’ll see in the HDR tests, it tone-maps correctly and accurately hits the color points it’s able to.
Test Takeaway: Though the GS32Q is limited to sRGB, it covers that gamut completely with pro-level accuracy. No calibration is required, and you can tweak if you want to. It’s completely satisfying for any SDR gaming content.
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