Review: Asus ROG Swift OLED PG32UCDM (QD-OLED monitor)

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Conclusion

The Asus PG32UCDM gaming monitor shows impressive color quality in both SDR and HDR modes, doing better than many other gaming screens. It has a good selection of ports for connecting devices and will soon support Dolby Vision. It also has a feature called Extreme Low Motion Blur (ELMB) (that works at 120Hz), making it stand out in its category. However, before buying this monitor for $1,300, there are a few things to consider. The coating on the QD-OLED panel could be an issue, it really is highly reflective. In a generally bright-lit room, you might find that bothersome.  It's an OLED, If you use your computer for different kinds of work or need it for productivity, you should be careful about OLED technology's burn-in risk. This risk is higher when the screen shows the same image for a long time, like with desktop applications. The PG322UCDM model tries to reduce these problems. ASUS does offer a three-year warranty that covers burn-in though, though for really peace of mind, five years should be the norm. Any burn-in prevention includes a feature to clean the pixels, which you can set to run every two, four, or eight hours. To prevent images from staying on the screen too long, the display will automatically dim static images and has a built-in screensaver. These features help the monitor last longer and keep the picture looking good. But yeah, this monitor is intended mainly for gaming where it'll be far less of an issue, realistically what I am saying is that it might not be the best choice for constant desktop use.

In terms of performance, the Asus monitor aligns with the general standards set by other QD-OLED displays. It utilizes a 3rd-generation panel, maintaining consistent performance levels with its predecessors. This performance will offer rapid response times, a broad color spectrum, excellent viewing angles, and deep black levels. The monitor primarily caters to users seeking an immersive wide HDR gaming experience, featuring per-pixel local dimming and nice (peak) brightness levels. 


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When comparing LG's W-OLED screens and Samsung's QD-OLED screens, it's noted that LG's can be brighter at their maximum, but Samsung's offer a wider range of colors and can display more intense colors, even though they might not be as bright overall. On another note, mini LED screens can be much brighter than both, exceeding 1500 units of brightness. Yet, mini LEDs can have some image issues such as glow effects, blooming around bright objects on dark backgrounds, and some light leakage around the screen edges, which you don't see with OLED screens. The third-generation panel of this monitor shows enhanced text clarity due to a modified subpixel layout. As a result the PG32UCDM was downright amazing to game on. 

Mind you that (UHD)  requires a proper GPU in combination with this monitor. Here are some results with a GeForce RTX 4090, no DLSS or AI assists are activated. 

Picture8

Screen Size31.5-inch
Resolution3840×2160 (Ultra HD)
Panel TypeOLED
Aspect Ratio16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate240Hz
Response Time0.03ms (GtG)
BFI (Black Frame Insertion)ELMB 120Hz
Adaptive-SyncFreeSync Premium Pro (48-240Hz),
G-SYNC Compatible, HDMI 2.1 VRR
PortsDisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps),
USB-C (DP Alt Mode, 90W PD)
Other PortsHeadphone Jack, 3x USB-A 3.0,
USB-B, SPDIF-out
Brightness (1 – 3% White Window)1000 cd/m²
Brightness (10% White Window)500 cd/m²
Brightness (100% White Window)250 cd/m²
Contrast RatioInfinite
Colors1.07 billion (true 10-bit)
99% DCI-P3
HDRVESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black,
Dolby Vision
VESAYes (100x100mm)

  

Concluding

The Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM is a high-quality gaming monitor priced at $1300, designed for serious PC gamers who have a well-set-up gaming system. Colors will drip off your screen, and you'll be very much impressed by the incredible dark levels. Even gaming in SDR looks so much better.  This monitor is different and travels against the trend because it has a flat-screen instead of a curved one, which some gamers prefer (yours truly as well). It also has useful features like a USB-C port, a KVM switch that lets you control multiple computers with one set of peripherals. As we look ahead to H2 2024, we know there will be more OLED monitors coming out, which might make some people think about waiting to see more options or for prices to go down. The Asus PG32UCDM is up against other high-end monitors from brands like Alienware and MSI. It stands out because of its high-quality stand and wide range of features, probably making it worth an extra $100 compared to the Alienware equivalent. When choosing a monitor, gurus might consider the brand and how long it's been on the market. Alienware, for example, is a well-known name and has been around for a while. But the features of the Asus monitor might make it a more attractive choice for some. This latest wave of OLED gaming monitors is a big step up from older models and TVs, with features like a 240Hz refresh rate for very smooth gameplay, lots of gamer-friendly options, support for DisplayPort 1.4 (but not the newer 2.1 version), the ability to charge laptops with a 90W USB-C connection, and a stand that you can adjust in height and fits standard 100x100 VESA mounts for wall hanging. The display is not perfect though with a highly glossy coating, and there always is that risk of burn-in, albeit prevention measures and a three year warranty are in place. Switching HDR modes in Games and Windows also remains a bit icky (but that's a Windows thing).  The value of the Asus PG32UCDM in the future is a bit uncertain, especially as more similar monitors are expected to come out. However, for gamers who are willing to spend this kind of money, this Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM monitor provides an unreal gaming experience and is a golden choice in the high-end gaming monitor market.

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