NZXT Canvas 32Q Gaming Monitor Review: Style and Substance Meet Value

The NZXT Canvas 32Q is a 32-inch curved QHD/VA gaming monitor with 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR and extended color.

By Christian Eberle
published
NZXT Canvas 32Q
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)

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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

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NZXT Canvas 32Q
(Image credit: Tom's hardware)

VA panels aren’t known for their high brightness, but they have more than enough light for their intended uses. NZXT rates the Canvas 32Q at 300 nits, and my sample beat that. If you want searing whites, IPS can deliver that for you.

What VA does better than other technologies is black levels and the Canvas 32Q one of the very best examples. Its native contrast ratio of 3863.8:1 is one of the highest I’ve recorded. It’s only pipped here by the Viotek.

After Calibration to 200 nits

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NZXT Canvas 32Q
(Image credit: Tom's hardware)

Calibration increases the Canvas 32Q’s contrast a bit to 3953.5:1. It’s still well ahead of the other VA panels (except the Viotek, which is an over-achiever for sure), and it leaves any IPS monitor in the proverbial dust. You won’t get better native contrast in a computer monitor unless it’s an OLED.

The Canvas 32Q shows some weakness in the ANSI contrast test. Though it is still quite high at 2594.5:1, it slips to fourth place in a tight field. And the IPS monitors are still bringing up the rear. You won’t get a better picture than what a VA display provides at this price point.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

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MORE: How to Choose the Best HDR Monitor

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.

3 Comments Comment from the forums
  • digitalgriffin
    It's specs and performance remind me of the panel used by the dell s3220dgf. But the dell is a lot cheaper.
    Reply
  • WINTERLORD
    your link is broken that monitor isnt yet listed on amazon, also yall wrote a news clip bout monitor sales being down does this mean monitors will get more expinsive or will they get cheaper?
    Reply
  • dk382
    I think it's time Tom's Hardware does more comprehensive response time testing than the single value they're showing. 0 - 100% doesn't even come close to showing the whole story with response times. What are the other black and near-black rise times, for instance? Black or near-black to other near-black shades are often slower than 0 - 100% on VA panels, and you get smearing in dark shades as a result, which is something not even mentioned in this review.
    Reply