Best 32-inch IPS LCD monitor with 4K UHD resolution – Apple Pro Display XDR alternatives

Samuel TanBest Monitors, Monitors 0

Want a monitor that offers plenty of pixels and display goodness to go up against Apple’s Pro Display XDR? These 32-inch IPS LCD monitor may not have 6K resolution but at 4K and around a tenth of less the price of Apple’s display, you are laughing to the bank.

Controversial stand aside, the Apple Pro Display XDR is an amazing display. The 32-inch Retina 6K marvel has all the numbers. Super-wide viewing angle and Extreme Dynamic Range. But what if you don’t have five grand sitting around, a grand more if you want nano-texture glass and another for the stand bringing the total price tag to an eye watering seven thousand with change. You start to look for alternatives. But before we go any further, here is what alternative 32-inch monitors are up against:

Table of Contents

Apple Pro Display XDR Specifications

32-inch (diagonal) IPS LCD display with oxide TFT technology
Resolution: 6016 by 3384 pixels (20.4 million pixels) at 218 pixels per inch
Aspect ratio: 16:9
XDR (Extreme Dynamic Range)
Brightness: 1000 nits sustained (full screen), 1600 nits peak1, SDR brightness: 500 nits
Contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1
Color: P3 wide color gamut, 10-bit depth for 1.073 billion colors
Viewing angle: Superwide angle with high-fidelity color and contrast at 89º left, 89º right, 89º up, 89º down (that’s like saying 178º/178º wide viewing angle)
Fully laminated; 1.65% reflectivity (typical)
Refresh rates up to 60Hz

The monitor uses advanced 2D backlighting system employing 576 full array local dimming zones and timing controller chip to precisely control high speed modulation of both 20.4 million LCD pixels and 576 LEDs in backlight. This offers not only seamless synchronisation but works together with dual Ambient Light Sensors to offer True Tone viewing experience.

Top 8 Best 32-inch IPS LCD monitor with UHD resolution

Now for monitors out there that can pull off the ‘alternative’ label. Seriously speaker, none of their numbers are as high as those you find in the specification list above, but as 4K UHD monitors go, they are pretty good. Offering plenty on the table for a fraction of the price, you can’t go wrong with any of these.

1. ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32-inch Frameless 4K UHD Monitor

With its ultra slim panel and frameless design as well as a sleek designer stand, you couldn’t ask for more from a 4K monitor. But ViewSonic isn’t going to just stop there. The sleek VX3276-4K-MHD comes with a SuperClear MVA panel technology. This monitor offers ultra high dynamic contrast ratio at 80M:1 easily putting itself as one of the best in class screen. With that, it supports HRD10 Content for dynamic colour and has integrated dual speakers for stereo sound.

Elsewhere, it incorporates both flicker free and blue light filter technology to reduce eye strain from prolonged viewing. ViewSonic was also able to include its range of optimised settings or ViewMode function. There is one for every occasion from Game, Movie, Web, Text to Mono. These enhanced presets changes the gamma curve, colour temperature, contrast and brightness for optimal viewing. Finally, the monitor isn’t short of connectivity either. With HDMI 2.0, it is future proof. However, it is also backward compatible with DisplayPort and Mini Display Port inputs.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display (31.5-inch viewable)
Dynamic Range: HDR10
Brightness: 300 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio: 80M:1 dynamic 2500:1 static
Colour: 16.7M
Viewing Angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
Refresh Rate: 8ms response time typical 3ms response time Grey to Grey W/OD
Ports: HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort inputs

2. LG 32UK50T-W 32-inch 4K UHD Monitor

This offering from LG uses a colour calibrated monitor that projects 95% of the DCI-P3 colour space, the colour standard used by the film industry. This means that you are treated to the same wide range of colour as how the movies and shows are meant to be watched. And, if you are into making and editing your own movie, you get what you see on the screen.

The panel also uses Radeon FreeSync technology to reduce tearing and stuttering from high motion in game graphics. It does this by synchronising graphic card’s frame rate with its own to enable smoother motion and reducing stuttering so you can enjoy demanding games.

Finally, the on-screen control offers a host of essential monitor settings via a handy and easy to use interface. Access settings like volume, brightness, picture mode presets to Screen Split 2.0 ad Dual Controller, all by using the mouse. An app will be required but it is much better than scrolling your way through the menu via physical buttons on the monitor.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display
Dynamic Range: –
Brightness: 250 cd/m² (Min.), 300 cd/m² (Typ.)
Contrast: 3000:1 typical 2000:1 min
Colour: DCI-P3 95% Color Gamut
Viewing Angle: 178/178 with Anti-Clare 3H surface treatment
Refresh Rate: Radeon Freesync Technology 60Hz 4ms response time
Ports: HDMI x 2, Display Port input

3. Philips 328E1CA 32-inch 4K UHD Curved Monitor

A curved monitor, the Philips 328E1CA has everything going for it. Coming from the e-line, the panel features a 1500R curvature and is packed with four times the resolution of a Full HD. Like all the other panels here, it is a 4K UHD monitor with 3840×2160 pixels. But it does not stop there. It employs Philips Ultra Wide Colour technology to display up to 120% sRGB and 97.8% NTSC colour gamut. That is a wide colour range building up to over 1.074 billion colours. What this means is, you get smooth colour gradations and detail.

Having all that colour does not mean anything if the panel isn’t bright enough. With Mega Infinity dynamic contrast ratio, the panel achieves deeper blacks and brighter colours, producing superior image quality. Next is the Adaptive-Sync technology. This is a feature most sought after by gamers. It offers smooth gameplay experience. To top it off, the panel supports low blue mode and flicker free tech to go easy on the eyes.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display Curved 1500R
Dynamic Range: HDR10
Brightness: 250 cd/m²
Contrast: 2,500:1
Colour: 120% sRGB 1.07 billion (8-bits per subpixel plus dithering)
Viewing Angle: 178º horizontal, 178º vertical
Refresh Rate: 60Hz Adaptive-Sync. Response time 4ms G2G
Ports: HDMI 2.0 (x2), DisplayPort 1.2, and audio-out with built-in speakers

4. Samsung 32-inch UR590C UHD 4K Curved Gaming Monitor

A second curved monitor on our list, the UHD curved monitor was CES2019’s Innovation award winner. Like the Philips, the panel features 1500R curvature. Knowing Samsung, the manufacturer probably supplied said panel to other manufacturers, namely Philips. At this curvature, it offers an enveloping and realistic viewing experience. As for the colour, it is capable of 1 billion colours and has a contrast ratio of 2500:1. This translate to incredibly vibrant colours while keeping the black deeper and darker.

One of the key features available at your disposal is the split screen function, otherwise known as the PBP, Picture by Picture. This lets you connect two sources to the monitor and viewing them on the same screen, side by side, while maintaining its’ original resolution. You can set this up quickly with Easy Setting Box UIThat and support for game mode which will optimise image contrast for different game genre.

Finally, the unit has a sleek and stylish design with a minimalistic V-slim metal stand that also encases cables. The rear back plate has a fabric-texture and there is hardly any bezel on the top and sides of the screen. Truly a curved and bezel-less monitor. Plus, it is super slim too for a curved monitor with the slimmest part measuring 0.27 inches. Other features supported include: flicker free, eye saver mode, Samsung MagicBright and MagicUpscale.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Curved Display 1500R
Dynamic Range: HDR10
Brightness: 200cd/m2 (min) 250cd/m2 (typical)
Contrast: Dynamic Contrast Ratio Mega ∞ DCR
Colour: 1Billion
Viewing Angle: 178°(H)/178°(V)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz, FreeSync 4ms response time
Ports: HDMI and DisplayPort

5. AOC U3277PWQU 32-inch 4K UHD monitor

One clear advantage that this AOC monitor has over the rest is the stand. Not only is it height adjustable, it can tilt and rotate allowing you to change the orientation of the display from landscape to portrait. On top of that, there is a plethora of connectivity options from HDMI to DisplayPort to DVI-D and VGA so all connectivity requirements are covered. However, by modern monitor standards, the top and size bezels are rather big. Still, it supports 50M:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 4ms response time, up to 300 cd/m2 brightness and wide viewing angle.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display
Brightness: 350 cd/m²
Contrast: 3,000:1 (80m:1 Dynamic Contrast)
Colour: 1 Billion+ Colors (10-bits per subpixel)
Viewing Angle: 178/178
Refresh Rate: 60Hz. Response time 4ms (G2G)
Ports: HDMI/DisplayPort/DVI-D/VGA. Height and Pivot adjustable stand.

6. LG 32UD60-B 4K UHD Monitor

The LG 32UD60-B 4K UHD monitor has a wide colour gamut. Scoring a 95% colour gamut based on DCI P3 colour space. This is the same standard used by film industry, giving you an exceptionally wide range of available colours. The panel with mounted on a rather chunky stand. But you will quickly forgive the design judgement when the said stand lets you adjust your viewing height for that perfect viewing angle.

Features that allows the monitor to stand out includes AMD FreeSync technology to reduce tearing and stuttering that occur between a graphic card’s frame rate and a monitor’s refresh rate. Keeping you in the game with fluid motion at high resolution especially in heavy-duty games. Also for gamers is the Dynamic Action Sync that improves the responsiveness during game play by minimising input lag. Another feature most sought after by gamers is black stabiliser. This keep visibility even in dark scenes so you don’t miss anything.

Finally, the onboard UI lets you access all those features using On-Screen Control. Change the volume, brightness, picture mode presets easily. Activate Screen Split 2.0 and choose from 14 monitor layouts or enable Dual Controller with just a few clicks. You will however need to activate mouse pointer for OnScreen Control using a separate software from LG.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display
Dynamic Range: DCI P3 95% colour gamut
Brightness: Typical 300nits, Min 220nits
Contrast: 3000:1 (Typ), Mega, On/Off
Colour: 10bit (8bit + A-FRC)
Viewing Angle: 178/178 (CR≥10) with Anti glare ,3H
Refresh Rate: AMD FreeSync. Response time 4ms (Fast)
Ports:HDMI and DisplayPort. Height adjustable and tilt-able stand.

7. BenQ EW3270U 32-inch 4K HDR Monitor

The one thing that lets BenQ EW327OU 4K HDR monitor stands out from the rest here is the availability of USB-C connectivity. It also has an intelligent ambient light sensor that automatically detects surrounding lighting condition and set the colour temperature and brightness accordingly. Other features while necessary are pretty standard among panels featured here making BenQ no less impressive than the rest. They are; wide colour range with 95% DCI-P3 colour gamut and 100% Rec.709. AMD FreeSync support for intense gaming. High Dynamic Range HDR and Cinema HDR mode for content. One billion colours with 10-bit processing for more accurate and vivid colours. And, finally, a good 3000:1 contrast ratio. This native contrast ratio offers stunning colour depth and more details in dark images.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display
Dynamic Range: HDR and Cinema HDR mode
Brightness: 300 cd/m²
Contrast: 3000:1 / 20000000:1 (dynamic)
Colour: 1.07 billion colors.
Viewing Angle: 178/178
Refresh Rate: FreeSync
Ports: USB-C (for video and not power), 2x HDMI 2.0, DPI 1.4

8. LG 32UL750-W 32-inch 4K UHD LED Monitor

This relatively new entry from LG has everything you need in terms of connectivity include support for the new USB Type-C connector. This means you can connect it straight to your laptop or have a USB Type-C storage containing 4K video hooked right up for direct playback. It also supports VESA DisplayHDR 600 for clearer and brighter images, darker black and more vivid colour. This HDR 600 monitor can deliver 600 nits brightness. It is also designed for gaming, supporting Radeon FreeSync via HDMI to reduce tearing and stuttering. It does so by synchronising the graphic card’s and monitors frame rate. Finally, On-Screen Control lets user access all settings via menu driven interface including Screen Split 2.0 using the mouse instead of buttons on the monitor. How you may ask is this possible, a software is required.

Key Specifications

32-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) Display (31.5-inch Diagonal)
Dynamic Range: Vesa Certified DisplayHDR 600
Brightness: 600nits
Contrast: –
Colour: Dci-p3 95%
Viewing Angle: 178°(R/L), 178°(U/D)
Refresh Rate: Radeon FreeSync Technology
Ports: USB Type C (data, 4K video and device charging), HDMI x 2 and DisplayPort x 1 and USB x 2 (Thunderbolt 3 connectivity option available)