The KTC A32Q8 rolls entertainment and functionality in an affordable yet nicely equipped package. It’s a 32-inch 4K monitor, but it also carries Android TV capabilities like some of the modern TVs on the market. Any dual-purpose product often has middling results, but let’s see if this monitor can be considered as a top performer.
KTC A32Q8 Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution:3840 x 2160 UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: Vertical Alignment (VA)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Contrast Ratio: 3000:1
- Brightness: 300 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.1 x 1, USB-C PD64W x 1, USB 2.0 x 4, 3.5mm Jack x 1
Design and Features
The KTC A32Q8 looks simple, but it doesn’t appear cheap like some budget options out there. The monitor has a matte black finish and a gunmetal cabinet so it looks clean and sophisticated like most TVs. The screen has thin bezels on three sides, but it still has inner borders like most modern monitors.
Unboxing the monitor is a bit of a hassle since you have to slide out the massive foam shell from the box. You will be greeted by the base and the upright, plus the included cables in the package. There isn’t a lot in the box, but its expected and forgivable because of the friendly price.
It’s interesting to note that the KTC A32Q8 has a gigantic power brick. It doesn’t feel plasticky like most AC adapters, and it’s quite heavy. Most modern monitors typically use internal units, but that also means that the device itself will be bulky and heavy.
It’s a large monitor, so you might need some assistance in setting it up to avoid accidents. The whole device isn’t too heavy, but it can be difficult for some people to hold it properly because of its width and height. The base doesn’t take up much space,
Its assembly isn’t tool-free, so you have to manually put each main part together with screws. KTC did include two screwdrivers with the package, so you won’t have to run to the hardware store to grab one if you don’t have it at home. The whole device only has three screws, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to put everything together.
The KTC A32Q8’s build quality is surprisingly great compared to its predecessors. The plastic panels are thick and sturdy, plus the metal base is quite solid and reliable. There is some wobbling if you try to nudge the massive screen, but it isn’t a major issue.
This model still has an OSD joystick, but it also has a full remote since it’s basically a smart TV. The former only gives you access to basic settings, but the remote can give you the full OSD. It also has shortcuts to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, just like a TV remote.
The included stand only offers tilt, but at least it lets the monitor ride higher than most of its competitors. Its also weighted perfectly, so its able to keep the large screen upright. You have to option to use VESA mounts, but that’s an added cost if you don’t already have one on board.
What we love about the KTC A32Q8’s physical features is its connectivity layout. You get DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 with ALLM, and a 65-watt USB-C port with DP Alt mode. The USB connectors are limited to the 2.0 standard, but there are four of them in total. This makes it more flexible than most monitors since it can be used for console gaming on the couch.
The KTC A32Q8 has built-in speakers which are louder than your average built-in. However, they cannot provide detailed sound with good and stable bass response due to the limitations of the chassis. This monitor will work best with a headset or a mini soundbar if you have one in your build.
Display and Performance
The KTC A32Q8 boasts a 32-inch VA panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 21ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2, while the contrast is at 3000:1, like most VA panels. This model doesn’t have HDR certification, but it is compatible with HDR signals and content.
This model is both a smart TV and a gaming monitor, so it might be confusing at first if you initially want to use it as a PC monitor. The device boots up primarily like a regular Android TV, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Android TVs used to be locked behind a higher price point, and you’d have to make do with a clunky OS if you wanted to avoid paying the premium.
However, that capability is readily available with this package. The monitor ships with the latest Android OS, so basic TV functions like built-in Netflix or Disney+ are already included by default. You also get a full remote with it, so it’s easier to navigate and manipulate the product.
It took the device to completely initialize, and it needs a Google account to become usable due to the OS. Its not as simple as typical monitors which are plug and play, but anyone should be able to do it thanks to the remote. You have to switch inputs if you want to use it as a monitor, so we can’t help but feel that it’s just a TV at times.
The KTC A32Q8 covers 100% of sRGB and 87% of DCI-P3, enabling it to have decent vibrancy even if the results are lower than the brand’s claims. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 2.99, so it is not accurate out of the box. However, the color errors are only noticeable if you have it next to a calibrated and brighter display.
Using our Calibrite Display Plus on the KTC A32Q8 improved its dE average to 0.6, making it comparable with other prosumer monitors. Doing this gets rid of the dull and cooler appearance of the screen, giving it a warmer and more neutral appearance. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same results.
The A32Q8 also lacks many calibration options, so it’s almost impossible to fine-tune it without a colorimeter. We recommend the User preset if you want a better-balanced appearance without going through full calibration. It’s not as accurate as our best result, but it’s serviceable and better than the default level.
The KTC A32Q8’s backlight only reached 222 cd/m2 at 100%, so it can’t fight off a lot of glare. Its contrast is amazing at 4024:1 at 57% brightness, so it’s capable of deep blacks and great night scenes. Only OLED and mini-LED variants are better at this point, and those are usually more expensive.
Panel uniformity for the test sample wasn’t great since there were 10-15 cd/m2 variances in the backlight’s spread. It is not a big issue, but the “IPS glow” effect is glaringly visible in dark scenes. Note that this can vary with every monitor made, so there are better units out there.
Another weakness of the KTC A32Q8 is its slow pixel response time due to the limited refresh rate and limitations of VA technology. The monitor has an overdrive feature, but it can only do so much to alleviate the trailing. Setting it too high will add overshoot, so use it sparingly.
The KTC A32Q8 is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for tearing and stutter-free gaming. This is essential for a product that’s designed to be flexible so the suer won’t be stuck with a single brand. Its input lag sits at 10ms with ALLM on, so it should feel responsive for most users.
Thoughts on the KTC A32Q8
The KTC A32Q8 is a nice pick if you want an inexpensive and flexible monitor for mixed use. Its duality makes it invaluable for saving money and space since you don’t have to buy two displays for limited spaces like condos or dorms. Its not the most accurate, but its image quality is more than suitable for gaming and entertainment.
There is some room for improvement, but that’s always the case for most monitors from low to high-end. The OSD could be better equipped, while the image quality could use some tweaking for plug and play users. However, we can’t really complain since this monitor offers tremendous value compared to rivals like the Samsung M7 and M8.
Pros:
- Affordable and Flexible
- Excellent Contrast
- HDMI 2.1 and USB-C
- Full Remote Included
Cons:
- Poor Panel Uniformity
- Slow Pixel Response Time
- Needs Improvements in OSD
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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