It’s hard to call any product “the ultimate.” In the world of computer hardware, it’s even more difficult because something better is always just around the corner. Monitors progress at a slower pace though. We saw the first desktop 4K screens in 2013, and eight years later, it is still the highest resolution commonly available. HDR appeared a few years ago, and that too has remained unchanged since inception. Manufacturers have spent their time and resources improving these technologies rather than just replacing them. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX represents the next level of evolution in desktop video.
By adding a Mini LED backlight and quantum dot film, the PG32UQX produces the widest color gamut and the best HDR we’ve ever seen. Even the professional PA32UCX can’t quite muster the image we saw during this review. The PA32UQX is truly that good. And with its full array of gaming features, it’s not a stretch to call the PA32UQX the ultimate gaming monitor.
Though there are faster screens available, 144 Hz is the current limit for 4K. There are other FALD monitors available, but only the PA32UQX has Mini LED with 1,152 dimming zones. Its contrast and HDR presentation are second to none. And with over 117% coverage of DCI-P3, no monitor has a greater color volume.
And we can’t wrap up without another mention of LiveDash. It’s the coolest thing we’ve seen added to any computer monitor. The ability to display pertinent information, like refresh rate or timer status, in an always-visible spot below the screen rather than on it is something you currently won't find anywhere else. That, coupled with premium build quality makes the PG32UQX’s price tag a little easier to accept. Though $2,999 is a lot of money for a computer monitor, this one is unique, at least for now. You won’t find its equal in features, performance or image quality in a less expensive display.
But for that money, we expect everything including the kitchen sink. Asus should have included ULMB blur reduction, Dolby Vision and speakers here. A nice soundbar would fit just perfectly under the bezel too. And since the PG32UQX is an otherwise fully capable entertainment display, usable for gaming and movies and TV, it should be able to do everything a television can. Indeed, the cost is a big reason the PG32UQX isn't perfect.
Since we reviewed the very first FALD monitors, Acer’s Predator X27 and Asus’ PG27UQ, we have judged all subsequent HDR displays against them. Some, like the OLED-powered Alienware AW5520QF, which looked amazing but wasn’t bright enough, have come close; but none have equaled or beaten them – until now. The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX has the best image of any computer display we have ever reviewed.
