If you're looking for a 4K monitor to be your command centre for all your computing and gaming devices, consider the Acer Predator X32 FP. It has more input ports than most monitors, so you can connect it to everything from game consoles to PCs to USB storage drives — at the same time. This premium mini-LED monitor also offers good blacks (for a non-OLED model), but it's not entirely free of blooming and halo effects. It's pricey, though, which doesn't help its cause against OLED monitors.
Quick specs
- 32-inch IPS panel, 3,840 x 2,160 pixels
- Up to 160Hz refresh rate, 0.7ms response (GTG)
- 576 local dimming zones (Mini-LED)
- DisplayPort 1.4, 4x HDMI 2.1, Type-C (90W PD), 4x USB-A, USB-B (2 up 4 down), headphone jack
Why so dark? That was my initial impression of the X32. No matter which preset modes (Action, Racing, Sports etc) I chose, the display was simply too dim. I had to enable HDR — even for normal content, which isn't ideal — to get the screen bright enough to my liking. Well, this issue, which was my biggest beef with this monitor, was solved after a firmware update, which adds a “Max Brightness” option in the OSD. I recommend updating the monitor, and enabling this option, especially if you're using it for work. The X32 can indeed get very bright — it's VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certified, after all.
On paper, the Predator X32 sounds impressive. A 160Hz mini-LED monitor with 576 local dimming zones. But these zones seem inadequate for a 4K 32-inch display. And the X32 obviously can't hold a candle to the millions of self-lit pixels in an OLED. I still noticed blooming and halo effects in certain scenes while watching videos on the X32. However, the blacks are significantly darker than most monitors I have tested. HDR videos look good, but it's a bit of a hassle to use HDR on a Windows PC. The good thing is, you can also connect the X32 to an Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5 through one of its four HDMI 2.1 ports (supporting 4K 120Hz) to play HDR games or watch HDR videos.
In fact, the X32's connectivity options are excellent. Not only do you get four HDMI 2.1 ports, the other display inputs include a DisplayPort (up to160Hz refresh rate with a PC), and a Type-C port (with DP Alt Mode and 90W Power Delivery). To top it off, there's a USB hub with four USB-A ports, and a built-in KVM switch for multiple computers, too. I actually think you're more likely to be constrained by the number of electrical outlets rather than the X32's inputs if you're planning to connect multiple PCs and game consoles. The X32 also has tilt, swivel, and height adjustment. But it's massive, chunky, and takes up a huge chunk of space on my desk.
At S$1,998, the Acer Predator X32 FP is the most expensive of the trio of 32-inch 4K gaming monitors (others being the LG 32GQ950 and the Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ) I have tested in recent months. But I think it makes a strong case for the higher price tag. The Acer is way ahead of its competitors in terms of the inputs. It performs well for HDR content — on a par with the LG. The X32's blacks also stand out from other PC monitors. But any of these three monitors would be great in a gaming den, especially with the latest game console. Get the Acer now at Lazada, and Shopee.
Note: Review unit provided by Acer.
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