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The M32UC is a very color-accurate monitor in its default Green picture mode. Though confusingly termed, this mode is most definitely not green. It can be likened to the Standard mode of most other monitors.
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.
Only the 100% step cracks the 2dE line, which means the M32UC has no visible grayscale errors. 3dE is the generally accepted threshold where color errors can be seen with the naked eye. The gamma runs very tight but, at around 2.35 average, is a little dark. This is excusable for a VA panel due to its high contrast. You can compensate by turning up the brightness a little. If you don’t change the gamma preset, I recommend running at around 220 nits if your room is moderately sunlit like mine. Or you can set gamma to 2.0 and see an actual average of 2.10.
Calibration improves the grayscale measurement though it doesn’t look any different. Gamma is slightly lower, though, which is a good thing.
In the sRGB picture mode, grayscale tracking is equally tight, with all errors well under 3dE. Gamma is a bit wonky with a darker presentation in the mid-tones and highlights. Though this would be the correct color mode for SDR, I preferred to play games in the Green preset using the wide color gamut.
Comparisons
Whether you calibrate the M32UC or not, it presents an excellent image with correct color and gamma close to the reference mark. With no adjustment, it finishes third and after calibration, is the best of the bunch for grayscale tracking. Given the results, there are no bad screens here.
Though the M32UC is furthest from the gamma reference point, its range of values is very low. This keeps all detail fully rendered throughout the brightness range and maintains proper color saturation tracking.
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.
The default color test result for the M32UC is nearly flawless. The only reason for its average 2.46dE error level is the under-saturated green primary. It’s short by around 10%, which is not unusual for wide gamut monitors. The points track in a linear fashion, which is a good thing, and errors are minimal.
Calibration puts the magenta hue points right on target though you won’t be able to see a visual difference here. The numerical gap is too small. Basically, my calibration took the M32UC from great to really great.
The sRGB test result is also excellent, with no visible errors and a low 1.87dE average. Red is the tiniest bit over-saturated, but this is not an issue you’ll see in content. If you need sRGB for a color-critical task, this mode is perfectly usable though I’d recommend using an IEC profile to correct the gamma.
Comparisons
That the M32UC would finish last in a color accuracy comparison with a 2.20dE score speaks to the quality of all these 4K monitors. This is a premium category, and that level of performance is expected. The Gigabyte is a really good deal though at $599. Its price-to-performance ratio is very high.
The M32UC’s only weakness, and it’s a stretch to call it that, is gamut volume. Though 85.26% coverage of DCI-P3 is fine, it’s not as high as many other 4K displays. Green (the primary color, not the picture mode) is the culprit here. The other colors hit their 100% saturation targets. Pictures of grassy fields might not be as lush, but other primary hues will be strong. This is not a deal-breaker by any means. sRGB coverage is a tad over 100%, thanks to some bonus red.
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