The HP Z32k G3 is a high-end 4K IPS monitor for professionals who want improved image quality and functionality. It’s directly comparable with Dell’s UP3223QE which is currently one of our favorite business monitors. Let’s take a closer look at the HP Z32k G3 to know if it’s a worthy contender against one of our Editor’s Choice picks.
HP Z32k G3 Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS Black)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, DP 1.4 Out x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C Thunderbolt 4 PD100W x 1, USB-C Upstream x 1, USB-C PD15W x 1, USB 3.2 x 5, RJ45 x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 28.09” x 17.91” x 8.54″
- Weight: 22.84 lbs
Design and Features
The HP Z32k G3 has a sleek and sophisticated look, making it suitable for high-end studios and executive offices. It has a gunmetal and black combination, which sets it apart from your typical office display product. The screen is almost entirely bezel-free, giving the user a more significant perception of the 32-inch 4K panel.
It’s larger than most monitors, so you might want to set aside space or gauge your desk before buying it. It’s more than 28 inches wide, but at least its overall depth is under 9 inches. The whole thing weighs 22.84 pounds, making it heavier than most monitors in the same size class.
HP did not skimp on build quality for this model, so it’s directly comparable with its main competitors in this regard. The plastics used are thick and well-reinforced, plus there were no cosmetic defects like uneven gaps on the device. The included stand is deceptively thin, but it actually does a good job at handling the cabinet’s weight.
The HP Z32k G3 has a D-pad for its controls instead of a joystick which is quite common for high-end displays. They are easier and quicker to use than a set of mushy keys you can find on HP’s other monitors. However, not all implementations are great, like some found on Samsung with soft keys instead of a molded button.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your convenience. It’s easy to get a comfortable viewing angle with the stock configuration, especially for those who will use the monitor for a full day of work. The Z32k is also compatible with VESA mounts, but they are only necessary if you have limited space or more than one display.
The HP Z32k G3 has a myriad of connectors, so it’s best to familiarize yourself with them so you can utilize them. You get DisplayPort 1.4 inputs and outputs, an HDMI 2.0 port, and five USB 3.2 ports. You also get a USB-C upstream port and a Thunderbolt 4 slot with 100 watts of charging your compatible devices like the latest MacBooks.
However, what’s most annoying is the HP Z32k G3’s lack of video conferencing hardware, such as built-in speakers. That’s understandable since its main competitor also does not have it, but it could have been an inclusion that can put it at an advantage. This is a minor complaint, but those willing to pay for it deserve more.
Display and Performance
The HP Z32k G3 boasts a 32-inch IPS Black panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 2000:1. The monitor is HDR 400 certified, although we now know that’s a far cry from the HDR True Black 400 certification when it comes to HDR performance.
4K at 32 inches is more comfortable for desktop use since the pixels aren’t as tight as on the more common 27-inch variants. That means it’s easier to read walls of text or see smaller objects without sacrificing clarity or detail. 4K isn’t the standard for computing yet, but it’s growing exponentially, especially in enthusiast and prosumer circles.
The HP Z32k G3 covers 100% and 98% of the sRGB and DCI-P3 gamuts respectively, although its Adobe RGB output is limited to 87%. Its default accuracy has a deltaE average of 1.76 which is fantastic considering that it has an extended gamut output. Using the filters for each gamut lowered the dE scores below 1.00, so you can use those for editing work or content creation.
Calibrating the panel reduced that dE score to a fantastic 0.62, making it suitable for prosumers who want a 4K monitor for editing work. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve something close to this result. We recommend starting with the color filters instead if a colorimeter is still out of your budget range.
The HP Z32k G3 HP Z32k G3’s backlight reached 401 cd/m2 in SDR and 435 cd/m2 when it’s HDR mode is active. Its contrast ratio is fantastic for IPS, reaching as much as 1904:1 at 50% brightness. Black or dark scenes are noticeably better on this monitor, but it’s still far from what VA or OLED panels can offer.
Panel uniformity for the test sample did not have major issues except for some imbalance in the backlight’s spread. It was mostly unnoticeable during normal use, but some might be able to notice them in dark scenes. Note that this can change between every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are units with worse symptoms out there.
It is not as fast as its 4K 144Hz counterparts regarding pixel response time, but you should be fine with casual titles. You need to use some overdrive to lessen the blurs and smudges, but using the max setting will add overshoot. This model is obviously unsuited for fast-paced games like Warzone, but it’s still usable for single-player titles.
The HP Z32k G3 doesn’t have FreeSync or G-Sync, just like the Dell U3223QE, since they are not designed for gaming. That’s forgivable for the most part since the intended audience will most likely use the monitor for work. Input lag sits at 9ms at 60Hz, so it’s fast and responsive enough for most use-case scenarios.
Thoughts on the HP Z32k G3
The HP Z32k G3 is a fantastic monitor based on its performance and design. The monitor is heavily equipped with modern connectors and a crisp and impressive IPS Black panel. The extended contrast and gamut coverages make day-to-day use more pleasurable, especially if you view or work with visual media.
But on the other hand, HP missed an opportunity to gain a step ahead of its competitors with this model. Its lack of vital extras like speakers or even a built-in webcam simply puts it at the same level as the Dell U3223QE. It’s not your regular 4K monitor, but we’d like to think that the price range affords some room for valuable add-ons.
Pros:
- Great Color Accuracy
- Excellent Features and Design
- Extended Contrast from IPS Black Panel
- Thunderbolt 4 Connectivity
Cons:
- Pricey
- No Conferencing Equipment
About the Author: Paolo is 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 and he believes that it’s 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.
Leave a Reply