Monitor test of AOC U32U1: when design is priority

Conclusion

AOC design monitors, in collaboration with Studio F.A.Porsche, have grown by a new piece. Last tested Q27T1 attracted attention with its unconventional stand and the new U32U1 plans to continue this trend. However, it adds larger dimensions as well as resolution and wider positioning options. It also wants to show great color reproduction for graphic work and very solid port selection. But will its design be the only reason for purchase?

Conclusion

AOC U32U1 Design by Studio F.A.Porsche is another exclusive piece of hardware where attention was paid to its design, which results in my opinion as the most beautiful monitor on the market. Frameless design from all four sides, unique stand design with all positioning options and a beautiful 32″ 4K IPS display with great color reproduction, what more could you want? The port selection is also very solid and I especially praise the presence of USB-C along with charging, which will be appreciated by all owners of newer ultrabooks.

In tests, the U32U1 showed two faces. The first is the good one with excellent color reproduction and a clear focus on graphic work, design, photography, videos, etc. This monitor was made for this. At the same time, however, it proved not to be the most suitable for gaming, either due to the fluctuating input lag or intensive ghosting. However, this could be taken into account, as it is by no means a gaming monitor, but given that we are testing these features, I consider it important to point this out.

A slight dilemma is the VESA Display HDR600 certification, which should already offer a better experience than the HDR400 I have often criticized. I can say that HDR videos on YouTube looked nice, but on the black background you could see the transitions between the backlit zones, which are striped, as the monitor does not use FALD. The maximum brightness should be 600 nits, but in the tests we measured “only” 400, so 600 will probably only be for HDR content, which we unfortunately cannot measure with the color analyzer. Either way, it still doesn’t reach OLED or miniLED, but it’s definitely a step forward compared to the amounts of monitors with HDR400 displays.

I can vividly imagine the U32U1 on the desk of a designer in a modern graphic studio, or on the desk in a modern home. If you are looking for a monitor that you will not have to be ashamed of even in the living room, or if you are already sick and tired of tasteless black plastic monitors, the AOC U32U1 definitely deserves your attention.

You can buy this monitor at our partner’s website czc.cz for 21 999 Czk/815 Eur

• Contents
• Details
• Setting options
• Image properties
• Conclusion