ASUS 32" 144Hz Review
The ASUS PG32UQR is a technically excellent 4K gaming monitor, but its $849 price tag puts it in direct competition with newer, more exciting technology. We break down who should still consider it.
The 30-Second Version
A technically proficient monitor that's lost its mojo. Great specs on paper, but the competition offers more exciting tech for the same money.
Overview
This ASUS PG32UQR is a classic case of a monitor that's technically brilliant but feels like it's stuck between two worlds. The one thing you need to know is this: it's a 4K, 144Hz IPS panel with fantastic color accuracy, making it a genuine jack-of-all-trades for gaming and creative work. But at $849, you're paying a premium for a feature set that's been surpassed by newer, more focused competitors. It's a great screen, but the market has moved on.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from the specs, and that's both good and bad. The 144Hz refresh rate at 4K is smooth, and G-Sync compatibility works flawlessly. The color performance lands in the 88th percentile, and our testing confirms those wide gamut numbers—it's a vibrant, accurate panel. Nothing here is a surprise; it's a solid, predictable performer. The only real surprise is how un-exciting that feels in 2024.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Stunning 4K clarity on a 32-inch IPS screen. 96th
- Excellent out-of-the-box color accuracy for both games and pro work. 90th
- Solid 144Hz refresh rate makes for buttery-smooth gameplay. 88th
- Full ergonomic stand with height, tilt, and swivel is included. 84th
Cons
- The HDR600 rating is mediocre—don't buy this for true HDR immersion. 8th
- Connectivity is weak (35th percentile); just the basics, no fancy KVM or USB hub. 8th
- It's a power hog at 52W, especially compared to newer OLED panels. 31th
- That $849 price tag is hard to justify with newer tech available.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 32" |
| Resolution | 3840 (4K UHD) |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Response Time | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible |
Color & HDR
| Color Gamut | 98% DCI-P3 /160% sRGB/99.5% Adobe RGB |
| HDR | HDR600 |
| HDR Support | HDR600 |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| Swivel | Yes |
| Pivot | No |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Power | 52 |
Value & Pricing
At $849, the value proposition is shaky. You're paying for last generation's premium features. It's not a bad monitor, but it's no longer a standout. For pure gamers, faster 4K options exist. For creatives, dedicated pro monitors offer better uniformity. This sits in the middle, and that's an expensive place to be right now.
vs Competition
You've got to look at the MSI MPG 321URX and the ASUS ROG Swift PG32UCDM (the QD-OLED version). The MSI offers a blistering 240Hz at 4K for a similar price, making it a no-brainer for competitive gamers. The ASUS QD-OLED, while more expensive, absolutely demolishes this IPS model in contrast, response times, and HDR. The only reason to pick this PG32UQR over those is if you need the absolute color accuracy of IPS for 8-hour graphic design sessions and you're terrified of OLED burn-in.
| Spec | ASUS 32" 144Hz | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | MSI MPG MSI 32" UHD 4K 240Hz G-Sync Compatible 0.03ms | Samsung Odyssey Neo Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | Apple Studio Display Apple - Studio Display - Standard glass - | BenQ Mobiuz BenQ MOBIUZ EX271U 27" 4K HDR 165 Hz Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 32 | 27 | 32 | 57 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2880 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | IPS | IPS | OLED | VA | IPS | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 144 | 180 | 240 | 240 | 60 | 165 |
| Response Time Ms | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | - | 1 |
| Adaptive Sync | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | - | FreeSync Premium |
| Hdr | HDR600 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10+ | ✗ | HDR10 |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS 32" 144Hz | 83.7 | 8.2 | 96.4 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 90 | 30.5 | 7.6 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| MSI MPG 32" Compare | 99 | 72.4 | 98.7 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 99.9 | 96.7 | 73.7 |
| Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 57" Dual Compare | 99.4 | 50.4 | 99.6 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 96.3 | 99.4 | 99.3 |
| Apple Studio Display Studio Display Standard glass Tilt-adjustable stand Compare | 96.7 | 80.4 | 99.4 | 99.6 | 72.3 | 22.5 | 96 | 98.1 |
| BenQ Mobiuz EX271U 27" Compare | 92 | 88.5 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 92.1 | 91.8 | 74 |
Common Questions
Q: Does it come with an HDMI 2.1 cable?
Yes. It includes what ASUS calls an 'ultra high speed' HDMI cable, which is the spec that supports HDMI 2.1 features. You're good to go for 4K 120Hz from a PS5 or Xbox.
Q: Is this good for photo editing?
Surprisingly, yes. The color gamut coverage is excellent (98% DCI-P3, 99.5% Adobe RGB), and it includes a factory calibration report. For an IPS gaming monitor, it's very capable for creative work.
Q: How's the HDR?
Manage your expectations. The HDR600 certification is the bare minimum. You'll get a brightness boost and wider color, but it lacks the local dimming zones for true HDR 'pop.' Don't buy this specifically for HDR gaming.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a competitive gazer who wants the absolute fastest pixel response, this isn't it. Go get the 240Hz MSI MPG 321URX instead. And if you want jaw-dropping contrast and perfect blacks for immersive single-player games, save up for the ASUS QD-OLED. This ASUS is for the hesitant all-rounder.
Verdict
We can't give this a full-throated recommendation. It's a very good monitor that's been lapped by the competition. If you find it on a steep sale, below $700, and you absolutely need an accurate IPS panel for mixed use, it's a fine buy. But at its current price, you should either save money with a cheaper 4K 144Hz IPS panel or spend a bit more to get into the modern era with a high-refresh OLED. This one's in a tough spot.