HP is on something of a roll when it comes to hardware. From stunning laptops such as the Spectre x360 to the impressive Envy 34 all-in-one and the insane Omen X, there's something for everyone.
The Omen X is part of HP's gaming sub-brand, complete with bold red logo and aggressive styling. Away from mad desktop rigs, however, there's the Omen 32. Designed to complement your HP or any other gaming rig, it's a massive 1440p display that costs only $400.
HP Omen 32 specs
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Native resolution | 2560 x 1440 at 75Hz |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 static; 10000000:1 dynamic |
| Brightness | 300 cd/m² |
| Pixel pitch | 0.276 mm |
| Response time | 5 ms on/off |
| Signal input connectors | 2 HDMI (with HDCP support); DisplayPort 1.2 (with HDCP support) |
| Display tilt and swivel range | -5° to +21° |
| Energy efficiency | ENERGY STAR 7.0 certified; EPEAT Silver registered |
| Dimensions | 29.1 x 7 x 20.6 in (with stand); 29.1 x 2.1 x 17.1 in (without stand) |
| Weight | 21.56 lbs (with stand); 18.04 lbs (without stand) |
On price alone, the Omen 32 is extremely appealing. As you increase both the size and the pixel count, traditionally the dollar count goes up, as well. That's not the case here.
Well equipped
You also get plenty of goodies for your $400. There's a bunch of USB ports on the back, a pair of HDMI inputs and DisplayPort, all of which have compatible cables included inside the gargantuan box. The metal stand is hefty, though it only allows for angle adjustment not for height, but there's a standard VESA mount also included should you wish to hang it on the wall.
Sometimes size matters
This isn't the highest-end monitor you'll find for gaming or otherwise. For instance, the refresh rate is "only" 75Hz. For a 1440p display that's still good, but if you're in the market for 144Hz or the stupidly fast 240Hz refresh rates, you'll have to look elsewhere. Likewise, if you're in the market for an IPS panel.
Viewing angles are great, but it's so big you're unlikely to be sitting too far off center. It would have been nice to see some speakers inside the Omen 32, but that's a small gripe.
With a panel based on VA display technology, the Omen 32 looks terrific. Color accuracy isn't bad at all for a gaming monitor, though creatives will likely find it wanting. The 100 percent sRGB coverage will be plenty good enough for most, however, and personally I can already make out the difference over my older, TN panel monitor.
Talking pixels
At this size, the pixel density of a 1440p display is akin to that of a 24-inch, 1080p panel. So, it is not the absolute sharpest, but you have the benefit of sheer size. It isn't as wide as some of the larger ultrawide monitors out there, but it has the height to go with it. As a result, you've got an incredible amount of screen real estate to play with.
Using the Omen 32 for about a week now, I've not once thought about needing a second monitor, as I've used in the past. It's so big that it'll comfortably accommodate everything I need open through the course of the day, with windows big enough to actually use.
32-inches, Freesync and 1440p all for $400 is an absolute bargain
Sometimes, size matters. Perhaps more important than the size, for gamers anyway, is support for Freesync. If your PC is packing a suitable AMD graphics card then you'll be able to turn on Freesync for buttery-smooth action, tear free. But if you have an NVIDIA card, like the GTX 1070 in my desktop PC, then you're left out in the cold on that one.
Freesync not adding to the cost of a monitor really comes into its own when you see it on something such as this Omen 32. Were it a G-Sync-enabled panel, that $400 price tag would be much higher.
What about performance? The 75Hz refresh rate will immediately put some gamers off, but generally speaking it's a really pleasing experience. Especially if you're gaming at 1440p with "lower" frame rates. I've played a variety of games at the native 1440p resolution at the full 75Hz refresh rate, and I'm not disappointed. Doom is every bit as slick and terrifying as ever, and the sheer size of the display in a game like Halo Wars 2 makes it really come into its own.
If you're a serious gamer looking for a display, the Omen 32 might not be it. That 75Hz isn't bad, especially at 1440p, and neither is the five millisecond response time. But if you're looking for the absolute fastest of the fast, you'll be better served elsewhere.
For folks who want a large screen, a great-looking piece of hardware, and a solid, but more casual experience for gaming, the Omen 32 is a terrific buy. It's hard to believe you can get this much monitor for $400, and it will look very impressive at the heart of any setup. I looked at many monitors before pulling the trigger on this one, and I don't regret the purchase at all. In fact, the HP Omen 32 is my new favorite display.
Pros:
- Fantastic price.
- Huge 1440p display.
- AMD Freesync support.
- Impressive design.
Cons:
- No height adjustment on the stock stand.
- Only 75Hz refresh rate, which will put off some gamers.
- No built-in speakers.
