ZDNET Highlights
- The HP OMEN 32X typically retails for $840.
- This is primarily a 4K gaming monitor, although thanks to Google TV, the screen is also an all-in-one entertainment center.
- The built-in speakers are weak, lacking depth and bass.
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I’ve made it no secret that my favorite display is the HP Omen 27K, a 27-inch 4K monitor with a 144Hz refresh rate. I bought the display several years ago when it was on sale, and I’ve been using it every day since. So, when I got a chance to try a new hp omen 32xI took this opportunity because it shares most of what makes the 27K great, but with one big difference: it’s the company’s first smart monitor.
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Smart monitors come equipped with built-in streaming platforms – in this case, Google TV – so you can work during the day and relax at night by watching your favorite shows without having to switch devices. What really sets the Omen 32X apart is that it combines the convenience of a smart TV with gaming-focused features.
It’s a versatile, jack-of-all-trades display that deftly balances work, play and entertainment. I recommend it to anyone who wants to do everything on one screen.
customized for you
There’s a lot to unpack with the HP Omen 32X. The monitor offers a surprising number of features, so I’ll focus only on the main aspects, starting with the specifications. At its core, it’s a 32-inch IPS 4K display. While that resolution may impress you, what stood out to me was the sheer size of the screen. The 32-inch panel offers enough workspace, allowing users to easily fit multiple split-screen windows together without any hassle, something that is very difficult to achieve on a 27-inch screen.
Because of its ultra-high resolution, HP’s device delivers sharp images and vibrant colors. In-game textures and shadows are rendered with lifelike quality, allowing you to catch the smallest details. IPS panels do not produce the same contrast output as OLED monitors. That said, the Omen 32X still manages to impress. The brightness level is rated at 400 nits, but I’ve been sitting in front of the device for hours, and it feels very bright. This capability is likely due to its support for Dolby Vision, a type of visual technology that further enhances the monitor’s output.
Another strength is customization. HP’s Omen 32X has a robust settings menu that allows you to fine-tune saturation, hue, and color temperature, to name a few features. Navigation is easy thanks to the included remote, which makes it more convenient to adjust certain settings than using the buttons on the back of the screen.
HP has also added nine different picture modes, each optimized for different uses. As two examples, PC mode provides a balanced mix of brightness, contrast, and image quality, and Game mode boosts brightness, contrast, and responsiveness to deliver a smooth gaming experience.
double duty
The Omen 32X performs admirably as a gaming monitor. The device operates with such speed and responsiveness that competitive players will appreciate. Thanks to the 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, on-screen motion is fluid, minimizing blur and input blur for a velvety smooth experience. Every button press is registered instantly, giving a lightning-fast feel that’s perfect for some titles. During testing, I played Monster Hunters Wilds and the recently released Hades 2. Both went beautifully. Animations were crisp, attacks were easy to track, and gameplay felt smooth even during chaotic moments.
I should also mention that the Omen 32X supports both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium. For those who don’t know, these are adaptive sync technologies that match the refresh rate of the display to that of your graphics card. This capability ensures tear-free viewing, no matter what you play.
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Apart from gaming, the monitor also works as a smart TV. Support for Google TV provides access to popular streaming services and free live channels, including Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu. The intuitive user interface makes browsing easy to understand, allowing people to seamlessly switch from gaming to watching Breaking Bad.
important features
There are a few important features worth mentioning – some I liked and others… not so much. Inside, the HP Omen 32X has a set of built-in speakers that get quite loud. You really need to turn the volume up to 35% to enjoy room-filling audio. However, they lack depth and bass. The overall audio experience was absolutely average.
On the back, you’ll find a solid selection of ports, including two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4, and an RJ-45 Ethernet connection. The real highlight for me is the USB-C port, which outputs 65W of power, so you can recharge your devices directly from the monitor. It’s great to have this feature available instantly, but 65W isn’t very fast. I plugged in my OnePlus Nord N20 for 30 minutes at 29%, and its power only increased to 34%.
The same USB-C port also supports multi-view, a feature that allows Android phones to cast their screen directly to a monitor. Normally, I would have tested this feature to tell you my thoughts, but I couldn’t. according to official user manualMulti-view only works with certain devices, and my phone wasn’t one of them.
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I contacted HP and asked if they could provide a list of Android phones compatible with Multi-View. At the time of publishing, I have not yet received a response from HP. However, I will update this story as soon as they respond with relevant information.
ZDNET’s shopping advice
usually, hp omen 32x Retails for $840, but at the time of writing, it’s on sale for $740. I would recommend this monitor to anyone looking for a versatile multimedia display. The device performs well as a 4K gaming monitor and a capable smart TV, although the built-in speakers leave something missing.
For a more premium option, check out the Alienware 34 Curved Monitor. The device won ZDNET’s Editors’ Choice award.
