Asus's mainstream Strix sub-brand has delivered a compelling new gaming monitor with the ROG Strix OLED XG32UQWMS. This 32-inch, 4K display utilizes LG's latest Tandem Primary RGB OLED panel technology and comes with a $899 price tag, positioning it as a competitive option in the premium gaming monitor market.
Latest Panel Technology and Gaming Features
The XG32UQWMS features LG's newest Tandem OLED panel, which offers a full-screen brightness of 330 nits and a peak HDR brightness of 1,500 nits. This represents a notable increase over previous LG OLED models, with the full-screen brightness up from 275 nits. Notably, these figures surpass those quoted by MSI for its competing Samsung QD-OLED monitor, the MPG 322UR X24. The monitor also boasts VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification.
Beyond its brightness, the new LG panel provides excellent color performance, covering 99.5% of the DCI-P3 gamut. Asus also claims this generation of LG OLED tech is 60% more durable in terms of light-emitting lifespan, with burn-in issues covered by a three-year warranty. A glossy panel coating further enhances the already strong contrast inherent to OLED technology.
For gaming, the monitor offers a native 240Hz refresh rate at 4K resolution, alongside a unique 1080p dual mode that pushes the refresh rate to a remarkable 480 Hz. Pixel response time is rated at an exceptionally fast 0.03ms, a standard for modern OLED panels. Connectivity includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB-A hub, along with support for G-Sync and FreeSync adaptive refresh technologies.
Performance and Image Quality
In testing, the XG32UQWMS delivers vibrant visuals, particularly with HDR content where it can achieve its 1,500-nit peak brightness for small, bright details against dark backgrounds. However, the full-screen brightness can appear subjectively less impactful than that of competing QD-OLED monitors when a large portion of the screen is illuminated. This is partly due to the reliance on LG's additional white subpixel to achieve the 330-nit full-screen rating, which does not automatically boost brightness for colors.
Disabling the automatic brightness limiter (ABL), referred to by Asus as Uniform Brightness, can mitigate some of this dimming, but it results in a more noticeable variation in overall panel brightness depending on the on-screen content. While LG's Tandem OLED panels avoid the slight purple tint sometimes seen on QD-OLEDs in bright light, QD-OLED technology generally offers a more vibrant and color-rich experience. The variable brightness on the Asus monitor can be more distracting than on its Samsung-based competitors.
The 1080p 480Hz dual mode offers exceptional motion clarity, particularly beneficial for fast-paced esports titles. However, the utility of a 32-inch monitor for serious esports play is debatable, and the 1080p image quality, while excellent for a scaled resolution, may not be the primary draw for those seeking the absolute best in pixel definition at such a large size.
Design and Value
Despite its Strix branding, which typically signifies a more value-oriented approach, the XG32UQWMS exhibits solid build quality. While it lacks the ability to pivot into portrait mode, it includes essential adjustments for tilt, height, and swivel, rivaling more expensive monitors in its construction.
The omission of USB-C connectivity is the most significant drawback, especially for users planning to integrate a work laptop or a gaming laptop that relies on a single cable for display and power. However, for gamers prioritizing the latest OLED panel technology and high refresh rates at a competitive price, the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG32UQWMS presents a strong case. At $899, it offers a significant technological leap compared to previous generations and undercuts some competitors on price, making it a compelling choice for those seeking cutting-edge OLED gaming performance without the absolute top-tier price tag.