Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX Gaming Monitor Review

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Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX Gaming Monitor Review

The Asus ROG Swift PG32UQX is the world's first mini LED gaming monitor. As such, it is also the most expensive monitor at $3,700. Incidentally, it is $1,000 more expensive than the 65-inch LG C1 OLED TV, which is likely the best competition for this monitor. But as a very strong package that appeals to the prosumer/gamer demographic, there is a lot going on here.

For the uninitiated, Mini-LEDs use thousands of tiny LEDs to achieve full array local dimming (FALD). This means that by turning LED zones on and off, the panel can control the brightness and darkness of the image more precisely. For example, the PG32UQX has 1152 independent LED zones that can vary from near-perfect black to a blindingly bright 1400 nits.

The result is that the PG32UQX is one of the best panels I have ever used. The colors are punchy yet accurate, and the PG32UQX is DisplayHDR 1400 certified due to its insane brightness. However, since this is an LED zone and not a self-luminous pixel like an OLED, it does not provide insane blacks for infinite contrast.

In addition, Mini-LEDs get really bright, which unfortunately causes obvious halos around singular bright points, such as the mouse cursor or certain HUD elements in the game. It's not common, but it's there. Thankfully, it otherwise looks very clean and is not a concern for everyday use or gaming.

The PG32UQX boasts Adobe sRGB coverage of 160%, DCI-P3 wide color of 98%, Delta E<2 which makes it a creator's dream. Compared to my calibrated MacBook Pro 16 Retina display, the PG32UQX outpaces it with a sharpness and vibrancy to die for. And at 32-inches, the PG32UQX offers just the right pixel density to revel in its 4K resolution.

10-bit color, and Asus also supports Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate, which works well on the Xbox Series X|S VRR, which works well but is unfortunately not supported by Playstation 5. All in all, this display is absolutely gorgeous for working and gaming. I have been sucked back into the addiction that is Destiny 2, and despite its flaws, it remains one of the most beautiful games to play in HDR.

Colors are alive and bouncing, and the darkness hides sinister enemies that you'll be slaying for the latest loot. Of course, it takes a hell of a rig to get more than 60 fps in most AAA games, let alone 144 fps at 4K. I got Doom Eternal to reach the 144Hz barrier at 4K HDR using an RTX 3080 and it was fantastic.

The PG32UQX has three HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.4 port for connecting just about anything, two USB 3.1 ports, plus a USB 2.0 port on top of the monitor for connecting a webcam. Screws are also provided for easy camera mounting. A headphone jack is also provided, but this monitor does not have any kind of DAC to enhance the sound, so we ignored it.

Control of the PG32UQX is a pleasure, thanks to a chunky, tactile dial conveniently located on the monitor's lower bezel. The dial is flanked by two contextual buttons, making it easy to navigate and change settings. The menus are easy to understand and provide access to a variety of Asus Game Visual and Game Plus features.

Also on the lower bezel is the LiveDash OLED display, another cool but ultimately gimmicky display. This display can show almost anything, from frame rates to CPU temperatures or even custom logos. It's useful for monitoring, but usually gets in the way. This is a failsafe to prevent burn-in, but it cycles too often.

From a design standpoint, there is not much to see on the PG32UQX from the front, other than the flashy LiveDash panel and textured bottom bezel. The back panel, however, is quite beautiful with its etched pattern and illuminated ROG logo. Too bad the back side is rarely visible, but it would be cool for flossing at conventions or in the office.

I also like the beautiful stand, finished in a two-tone copper and matte gray color scheme; the V-shaped legs take up little desk space and are sturdy enough to keep the PG32UQX from wobbling. The stand also has an RGB light that allows you to project any image you want onto your desk.

Ultimately, the PG32UQX is one of the best 4K gaming monitors money can buy and an exciting look into the future of gaming monitors After using the PG32UQX, I have no more reservations about OLEDs. Sure, Mini-LEDs are still in their infancy and are far from perfect, but the only way left is up. But first, make it cheaper. Cheaper.

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