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Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
Does a 32-inch monitor have to hit 400 nits? Not for good SDR rendering, but the overhead is useful in HDR mode and for the use of the backlight strobe. With its prodigious output, you can enjoy the Omen 32q’s full brightness potential for all content. Nearly 400 nits is a lot for a screen this big. It’ll light up your whole room if you max the slider.
I expect a last-place finish for any IPS panel put up against VA monitors. But the Omen 32q’s contrast is a bit below average. Fortunately, its gamma is accurate because this is less than the 1,000:1 I see from typical IPS monitors. I’m slightly disappointed, but since everything else about it is so good, I can forgive.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration doesn’t visibly change contrast. If this is your most important metric, VA is clearly the way to go. Note that these values are almost exactly the same in the Standard and Native picture modes.
ANSI contrast is at least consistent with the static result, even if that number isn’t terribly high. There are no quality control issues to report here.
Test Takeaway: While the Omen 32q has more light output than other 32-inch QHD panels, its contrast is below average. Since most competitors use VA panels, they have a huge advantage anyway. And the HP has other superior attributes that you’ll soon see.
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