ZDNET’s key takeaways
- The HP OMEN 32X usually retails for $840.
- It is primarily a 4K gaming monitor, though because of Google TV, the display can be an all-in-one leisure hub.
- The built-in audio system are underwhelming, missing depth and bass.
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I’ve made it no secret that my favorite display I’ve ever owned is the HP Omen 27K, a 27-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh charge. I purchased the show years in the past whereas it was on sale, and I have been utilizing it each day since. So, once I had the prospect to check out the brand new HP Omen 32X, I jumped on the alternative as a result of it shares a lot of what made the 27K nice, however with one main distinction: it’s the firm’s first smart monitor.
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Sensible displays come outfitted with built-in streaming platforms — on this case, Google TV — so you possibly can work through the day and chill out at night time watching your favourite reveals with out switching units. What really units the Omen 32X aside is that it combines the comfort of a sensible TV with gaming-centric options.
It is a versatile, jack-of-all-trades show that well balances work, play, and leisure. I like to recommend it to anybody wanting a single display to do a little bit of all the things.
Optimized for you
There’s quite a bit to unpack with the HP Omen 32X. The monitor presents a stunning variety of options, so I am going to solely concentrate on key facets, beginning with the specs. At its core, this can be a 32-inch IPS 4K show. Whereas that decision could impress you, what actually stood out to me most was the display’s sheer measurement. The 32-inch panel supplies ample workspace, permitting customers to comfortably match a number of split-screen home windows facet by facet with out feeling cramped, one thing that is very troublesome to realize on a 27-inch display.
Due to its ultra-high decision, HP’s machine delivers sharp photographs and vibrant colours. In-game textures and shadows render with lifelike high quality, letting you catch the smallest particulars. IPS panels do not output the identical degree of distinction as an OLED monitor. That stated, the Omen 32X nonetheless manages to impress. Brightness ranges are rated at 400 nits, however I’ve sat in entrance of the machine for hours, and it feels a lot brighter. This functionality might be on account of assist for Dolby Imaginative and prescient, a kind of visible tech that additional enhances a monitor’s output.
One other energy is customization. HP’s Omen 32X has a sturdy settings menu that lets you fine-tune saturation, hue, and colour temperature, to call a number of options. Navigation is simple because of the included distant, which makes adjusting sure settings rather more handy than utilizing the buttons behind the display.
HP has additionally added 9 distinct image modes, every optimized for various makes use of. As two examples, PC Mode presents a balanced mixture of brightness, distinction, and picture high quality, and Recreation Mode enhances brightness, distinction, and response to ship a smoother gaming expertise.
Double obligation
The Omen 32X performs admirably as a gaming monitor. The machine runs at a pace and responsiveness that aggressive gamers will admire. Due to the 144Hz refresh charge and 1ms response time, on-screen movement is fluid, minimizing blurs and enter for a velvety easy expertise. Each button press is registered immediately, making a lightning-fast really feel that is excellent for sure titles. Throughout testing, I performed Monster Hunters Wilds and the just lately launched Hades 2. Each ran fantastically. Animations had been crisp, assaults had been straightforward to trace, and gameplay felt seamless even throughout chaotic moments.
I also needs to point out that the Omen 32X helps each Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. For individuals who do not know, these are adaptive sync applied sciences that match a show’s refresh charge to your graphics card. This functionality ensures tear-free visuals, it doesn’t matter what you play.
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Exterior of gaming, the monitor doubles as a sensible TV. Assist for Google TV grants entry to well-liked streaming providers, together with Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu, and to free dwell channels. The intuitive consumer interface makes looking easy to grasp, letting individuals swap from gaming to binge-watching Breaking Unhealthy with out a hitch.
Important options
There are a handful of necessary options price mentioning — some that I appreciated and others… not a lot. Inside, the HP Omen 32X has a set of built-in audio system that get lots loud. Elevating the amount to 35% is all you actually need to get pleasure from room-filling audio. Nonetheless, they lack depth and bass. The general audio expertise was simply common at greatest.
Across the again, you will discover a stable number of ports, together with two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, and an RJ-45 Ethernet connection. The actual spotlight for me is the USB-C port, which outputs 65W of energy, so you possibly can recharge your units immediately from the monitor. That characteristic is nice to have in a pinch, however 65W is not very quick. I plugged in my OnePlus Nord N20 at 29% for half-hour, and its energy solely rose to 34%.
The identical USB-C port additionally helps Multi-View, a characteristic that enables Android telephones to solid their display on to the monitor. Usually, I’d’ve examined this characteristic to inform you my ideas, however I could not. In accordance with the official user manual, Multi-View solely works with sure units, and my cellphone was not one in every of them.
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I contacted HP and requested if they may present a listing of Android telephones suitable with Multi-View. On the time of publication, I’ve but to listen to from HP. Nonetheless, as quickly as they reply with the pertinent data, I am going to replace this story.
ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation
Usually, the HP Omen 32X retails for $840, however on the time of writing, it is on sale for $740. I would advocate this monitor to anybody in search of a flexible multimedia show. The machine performs properly as a 4K gaming monitor and a succesful sensible TV, though the built-in audio system go away one thing to be desired.
For a extra premium choice, try the Alienware 34 Curved Monitor. This machine received ZDNET’s Editors’ Selection award.
