TOP 5 Affordable 32" Curved Monitors

A couple of years ago , Phillips got serious about revamping its monitor lineup and was able to get back into the big game. This time we got a Philips 322E1C model for testing, which, in addition to its low price (in some stores it is sold for $220), is distinguished by a curved matrix. The radius of curvature of the Philips 322E1C is 1500 mm, which, according to the company's logic, is the optimal geometry. This curvature of the display effectively compensates for the optical distortions that are noticeable on flat screens of large diagonals due to the imperfection of human vision.

The Philips 322E1C monitor is equipped with a 32-inch VA panel with a resolution of 1920x1080, which allows it to display a 16:9 picture with a high pixel density. The screen refresh rate of 75Hz supports a statistical contrast ratio of 3000:1. The monitor response time is 4ms. Like other Philips monitors, the 322E1C model is made in a laconic, not too catchy style: a neat square stand, a chrome-plated leg, thin bezels around the display and that's it. Visually, the eye has nothing to catch on, so the monitor does not draw attention to itself and will fit into any interior. Despite the visual fragility of the stand, in fact the monitor with it stands rooted to the spot on the table. This is a definite plus.

Well, the main disadvantage of the Philips 322E1C is the backlight unevenness, which entry-level monitors often suffer from. In the case of the Philips 322E1C, it all depends on the specific sample, some have barely noticeable glare, while others have to carry it back to the store. So be vigilant. If we put together a low price, a large diagonal, a curved matrix and generally decent picture quality and color reproduction, the Philips 322E1 seems to us an interesting candidate for the role of a large work monitor or multimedia center, which does not require miracles of color reproduction or response speed.

The Samsung C32R500FHI monitor uses a 32-inch VA matrix with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The device is based on an inexpensive, but at the same time high-quality panel with wide viewing angles, a brightness of 250 cd / m², high-quality black, uniform backlight and adequate color reproduction, which is not subject to fading even under direct sunlight.

In general, we really liked the display. Samsung monitors of recent years have been taught that they give more than they ask for, so it was the models of this company that occupied the first lines of sales in the “affordable monitors” section. The Samsung C32R500FHI is good in this regard, but also not perfect: it pleases with good color reproduction and natural shades, but it's a little frustrating due to small highlights from the bottom of the screen. If you sit not directly in front of the screen, then no graininess is evident. At the same time, the curved screen envelops the user, enhancing the effect of immersion.

According to the results of the test, Samsung C32R500FHI gets a strong five with a minus. The minus is not for the picture, but for the stand. The slender Y-shaped tripod provides a solid support for 24-inch monitors (such as the C24RG50F and S24R350FHI), but 32-inch is too much for it - sometimes the screen begins to nod off, sinking down under the pressure of its own weight. It's more secure with a bracket. Well, many users are asking for a model with DisplayPort instead of D-Sub (VGA). Although, in our opinion, this is already a matter of taste.

Experienced gamers hardly need to be convinced of the coolness of AOC monitors, which in our area are nicknamed “moose”. This Taiwanese brand specializes exclusively in the production of displays, due to which it beats many competitors. In the case of the AOC C32G2AE, the combination of a curved panel with an increased refresh rate ( 165Hz in this case) and a 1ms gray-to-gray response time was the recipe for success.

A 32-inch VA matrix with a curvature of 1500R is responsible for displaying the image on the AOC C32G2AE. Supports Full HD resolution, high contrast, especially in dynamic scenes (80,000,000:1), rich, moderately bright colors. Gamers will definitely be attracted by the presence of AMD FreeSync Premium technology and 6 display modes tailored for different gaming genres. Add to that list high-quality color reproduction (123% sRGB coverage) with smart factory calibration, and you have an excellent gaming monitor in every respect with a very, very competitive price in the $330 region. Usually manufacturers ask for $400 for such a package of pleasures, but it seems that an arms race has begun in the monitor market and the usual prices are no longer relevant.

The appearance of the monitor did not let us down either, which combines the best of both worlds - the futuristic nature of gaming gadgets and the practicality of business-class technology. From the front side, it looks rather modest, but the red edging around the display and a figured tripod with a red frame do not allow us to call the monitor boring. But on the back panel, AOC designers came off as best they could: here you have red decorative inserts and air intakes, only RGB lighting is missing.

Korean giant Samsung has developed a wealth of experience in the production of TVs, monitors and miniature smartphone displays and has become a leader in many of these areas. Particularly in the market for low-cost monitors, Samsung has put checkmate to its competitors in a game called "do it better and at the same time cheaper." In 2021, Samsung aims to reinforce its hegemony with the release of a new line of sophisticated yet affordable Odyssey gaming monitors. According to Samsung itself, Odyssey combines "superb image quality and futuristic design."

A 32-inch Odyssey G5 arrived in our lab, which occupies an intermediate position in the new hierarchy. This monitor uses a traditional 1000R VA-matrix for similar sizes. The panel has a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, a refresh rate of 144 Hz and a brightness of 250 cd/m2. The matrix response speed is traditional 4 ms GtG (1 ms MPRT technology). Throw in support for AMD FreeSync Premium with HDR10 and you have a gentleman's set of solid gaming monitors. Considering the interesting design of the monitor and the official price tag below $400 (for 32 inches, Carl!), it really is a candidate for the title of the people's gaming monitor. Or not?

In fact, everything is a little ambiguous. On the one hand, the 32-inch matrix covers any possible diagonal Wishlist. More than TVs. The dynamic contrast ratio and brightness values of the Odyssey G5 are above the average temperature in the ward. And the response speed and refresh rate are perfect for both leisurely quests and spinal shooters a la Titanfall 2, where every millisecond can cost a life. In general, for such characteristics a couple of years ago you would have to pay twice, or even three times more. However, this does not justify the inconvenient monitor control menu and mediocre viewing angles. It’s not so convenient to cut a company into a conditional MK11 on the Odyssey G5, entry-level office VA monitors immediately come to mind.

Large and beautiful, 32-inch 4K monitors are getting all the attention at trade shows and are becoming the object of desire for many gamers. But do not forget that for such a resolution you need a really powerful video card, and now only miners have such cards. Therefore, monitor manufacturers have one foot in the future, and the other is hooked on the past. This well illustrates the success of MSI's Optix series of monitors, in which the Taiwanese giant exploits the "large curved screen + gaming features" formula without rushing to push the resolution up to 4K.

A recent example is the 32-inch Optix MAG322CQR monitor with a curvature radius of 1500 mm. The panel is quite large, so in practice the dive is really deep. The VA panel has a maximum refresh rate of 165Hz (2560x1440 resolution) and a response time of just 1ms (with MPRT technology) and supports HDR high dynamic range. In addition, MAG322CQR boasts excellent color reproduction ( 124% sRGB coverage) and excellent color correction and adjustment software.

The advantages of the monitor include an interesting design with an ultra-thin bezel around the display, a massive and comfortable stand, a built-in USB hub and a modest RGB backlight on the rear panel. Gamers will benefit from the built-in gaming features that allow you to light up dark areas of the image. To connect a monitor, you can use DisplayPort, HDMI (2 pcs) and even a USB-C port in Alt Mode. According to tradition, there should be some kind of “but” in this place ... But we don’t have it. The monitor is really excellent, from which side do not look.