The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ offers a 160Hz-capable 4K gaming monitor package for both PCs and the latest console gamers. Frankly, there aren’t enough 32-inch 4K variants in the market, so we know many have their eyes set on a monitor like this. Let’s find out if it’s a must-buy or if you should go with strong competitors like the BenQ EX3210U or the value-oriented Gigabyte M32U.
Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 160Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 450 cd/m2 (600 cd/m2 Peak)
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 DSC x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 2, USB 3.2 x 2, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 28.67″ x 18.10″ x 11.02″
- Weight: 19.62 lbs
Design and Features
What initially separates the Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ from its TUF Gaming counterparts is its unique, gamer-centric aesthetic. The monitor has a matte black finish but has the distinctive ROG eye LED at the back and the helix design stand. It has a bezel-free design, but you will still see thin panel borders on those edges if you look close enough.
32-inch monitors aren’t giants, but this particular variant is dimensionally bigger than its closest competitors. That’s because of its stand, which makes it need almost a food of depth from your desk. It’s not too heavy at 19.62 pounds, so it’s still easy to move around for most people.
You can expect excellent build quality from any Asus monitor, whether from their budget line or the top-end models. The plastics used in this offering are thick and sturdy, with no signs of weaknesses or cosmetic defects. The stand is incredibly stable and firm, so the large screen won’t shake or sag while in use.
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ has an OSD joystick that’s accompanied by a few hotkeys for your convenience. It’s at the back, so you can’t see them, but they are near the right side edge when facing the monitor, so you can easily reach them.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustments for comfort and convenience. Pivoting wasn’t included since this model was not designed to be used as a secondary portrait display. You can use VESA mounts if you need more flexibility, but that’s not always necessary.
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ has a DisplayPort 1.4 DSC slot for its 4K 160Hz mode, but it also has two HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K 120Hz operation with the latest consoles. You also get two USB 3.2 ports and a 3.5mm jack for accessories. We’d like to see a capable USB-C port with monitors at this price range since adding it will make the product more flexible.
There are no speakers with this monitor, but that’s okay since Asus isn’t well-known when it comes to installing excellent audio equipment on their monitors. This model will be better served by gaming headsets anyway since they are better for immersion and focus.
Display and Performance
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ boasts a 32-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 160Hz overclocked refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 450 cd/m2 output and a 600 cd/m2 peak. This model is HDR 600-certified, but it only has edge-lit local dimming, unlike the PG32UQX.
4K at 32 inches looks easier on the eyes since visibility and legibility don’t go down with the higher pixel count. It’s not too sharp like the smaller variants, but images are still detailed and crisp compared to 1440p and 1080p screens. The only downside with it is the high GPU requirements, especially if you want to reach that 160Hz limit consistently.
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ covers more than 100% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 for stunning colors in games and movies. It was factory-calibrated, so the out-of-the-box deltaE average is only at 1.39. That’s excellent for a gaming monitor, so most users won’t need to tweak it before use.
Calibrating the display reduced that dE average to 0.89 for excellent performance in color-critical work. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve this kind of result. No amount of ICC profile swaps or copying settings can guarantee it, although we can only recommend the extra purchase if you need absolute accuracy to make money.
Its backlight reached 519 cd/m2 in SDR and peaked at 605 cd/m2 when it’s HDR mode was active. However, its contrast was limited to 1103:1 at 50% brightness and didn’t expand considerably in HDR. The screen gets very bright, but its limited backlight cannot produce the desired HDR effects.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some minor backlight leaks at the top edge of the panel. There’s also some variance in the backlight’s spread, but it is not as noticeable as the bleeding. It’s mostly visible in dark scenes, but getting a better monitor is possible if you are lucky.
One of the best things about the Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ is its excellent pixel response time. You don’t need to maximize the overdrive since setting it beyond level 3 will induce overshoot. The monitor also has ELMB for better blur reduction, but the best thing about it is it doesn’t lock some of the monitor’s important settings out.
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync, protecting you from tearing and stuttering. Dual compatibility is necessary since the GPU market can get crazy with skyrocketing prices and low supply. Input lag sits at 4ms at 160Hz, so the monitor is highly suitable even for competitive play.
Thoughts on the Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ
The Asus ROG Strix XG32UQ is an excellent 4K monitor for both immersive and fast-paced gaming. Its gorgeous IPS panel produces excellent color quality and responsiveness. It’s designed quite well, and we like how the ROG design has matured compared to the old flashy aesthetic with orange or red accents.
The only weaknesses we see on this monitor are its limited HDR capability and lack of a USB-C port despite the price. However, that’s still understandable since true HDR still costs over a thousand dollars now. We think it’s an excellent buy, especially if you consider how reliable ROG monitors are in the long run.
Pros:
- Excellent Color Performance
- Fast and Responsive
- Attractive and Robust Design
- Great for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X
Cons:
- No USB-C
- Limited HDR and Contrast
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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