The Samsung S32DG70 is a more affordable 4K gaming monitor alternative to the Odyssey OLED variants. It uses a vibrant IPS panel instead, which has its pros and cons, like the lower MSRP and considerably lower contrast. Let’s check it out to see how it stacks against its premium sibling and popular options like the Gigabyte M32U.
Samsung S32DG70 Specifications
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 144Hz
- Response Time: 1ms MPRT
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m2
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- 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 2, USB 3.0 x 2, RJ45 x 1, 3.5mm Jack x 1
- Dimensions With Stand (WxHxD): 28.1″ x 18.28″ x 10.39″
- Weight: 15.7 lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung S32DG70 sports a simpler design than the Odyssey models, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. The monitor has a matte black finish and an RGB LED ring at the back, so it doesn’t look too simple nor gaudy. The screen has a bezel-free design, but it still has inner borders like most modern monitors.
This is a 32-inch model, so it will need a lot of space, even it is still basically a 16:9 model. The whole unit needs 10.39 inches of depth, plus it’s a little over 28 inches wide. It might offset other big peripherals, but at least it is light for its size, so it’s easy to move around.
We consider this model to be in the midrange in Samsung’s lineup, but its build quality isn’t less than stellar. The plastic panels are thick and sturdy, and there are no cosmetic defects on any of their parts. The included stand has some wobble due to the screen’s size, but it was stable for the most part.
The Samsung S32DG70 has a 4-button D-pad for its OSD, but it includes a full remote since its also has Tizen Smart TV features. It’s easier to use the latter versus the D-pad simply because you don’t have to do too many keypresses while leaning in. It’s nice to have dual options, although we still prefer joysticks, which are quicker.
The included stand offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. It is easy to get a centered and comfortable angle, although the base design takes up a lot of space. You can use VESA mounts, but those only become necessary in select instances.
Its connectivity layout includes DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 slots, and a pair of USB 3.0 ports for accessories. It also has a 3.5mm jack and an RJ45 LAN port, but what it clearly lacks when compared to the M32U is a USB-C port. It would have added better flexibility, which always helps justify the cost of the product.
The Samsung S32DG70 also has speakers with 5 watts of power per channel. They can get loud enough for basic use, but details can get garbled if you raise the volume too much. It is nice to have a higher-powered backup, but we still think that you’d be happier with a dedicated headset.
Display and Performance
The Samsung S32DG70 sports a 32-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 144Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms boosted response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 output while the contrast is listed at 1000:1. The monitor has HDR 400 certification, but we know how less impressive that is compared to what the OLED model offers.
4K is much more comfortable at this size compared with the more common 27-inch offerings. Its not too sharp, so it’s easier to discern and read on it, but it may look less sharp for some users. It is great for games and productivity, but you will still need a powerful GPU to run it smoothly.
The Samsung S32DG70 covers a little over 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3, making it comparable with the vibrancy offered by OLED panels. Its default accuracy, however, isn’t as optimized as the more premium options, since the dE average is quite high at 3.29. Most gamers won’t mind, but it will be noticeable if you are coming from a better-tuned screen.
Calibrating it reduced the dE average to 1.51, making it look more natural than the default setup. However, it is not a massive improvement for color-critical work, so getting a colorimeter will not be worth it. We recommend going with a prosumer display instead if color accuracy is a priority.
The Samsung S32DG70’s backlight reached 395 cd/m2 at 100%, so it can get decently bright in a well-lit room. Its contrast, however, isn’t as great since it only reached 841:1 at 40% brightness. Brilliant HDR and true blacks are still locked behind OLED pricing, unfortunately.
Its panel uniformity also had minor issues due to backlight leaks on the top and bottom edges of the screen. They showed up as clouds in dark scenes, but are not as noticeable during lighter backgrounds. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better units out there.
What’s great about IPS is its fastest pixel response times as opposed to what VA variants, which are more common with Samsung, can offer. There is very little blurring and ghosting, so you don’t need a lot of overdrive to make it usable for fast-paced games. The monitor doesn’t offer the fastest refresh rate at 4K, but it’s still quite decent, especially when its sharpness is factored in.
The Samsung S32DG70 is compatible with FreeSync and G-Sync for stutter-free gaming. You will need VRR at 4K, so remaining compatible even when you switch to the other GPU brand is essential. Its input lag sits at 4ms at 144Hz, so it is just as fast as most of the gaming monitors in the market right now.
Thoughts on the Samsung S32DG70
The Samsung S32DG70 is a decent monitor if you don’t want to spend a lot on OLED right now. It has a big and bright IPS panel that’s practically blur-free, and it is designed quite well, even if it is not a flagship variant. The Tizen OS feature is nice to have since it allows you to utilize the screen without a PC for watching movies or general media consumption.
However, its price is quite confusing since we don’t know how to feel about it, considering what it offers and lacks. 500-ish isn’t cheap, but it is not exactly a lot when it comes to a 4K 144Hz monitor with extra features. It’s not the best value out there, but it is an excellent deal if you catch it on sale.
Pros:
- Excellent Robust Design
- Dual Purpose with Remote
- Modern Connectors
- Fast and Responsive
Cons:
- No USB-C
- Poor Color Accuracy and Contrast
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Overall
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