Review of the HP OMEN Transcend 32 OLED Monitor: Nearly Perfect

If you’ve been considering a monitor upgrade, now’s the perfect time. With the latest technology, we can enjoy stunning visuals, higher resolutions, and ultra-smooth refresh rates without having to compromise on performance. Even though HP arrived a bit later than others, their OMEN Transcend 32 has joined the new wave of OLED gaming monitors. Featuring a 31.5-inch display with crisp 4K resolution, and a super smooth 240Hz refresh rate paired with a rapid 0.03ms response time—HP has managed to create a monitor that’s versatile enough for any task.

Among its standout features is the HP OMEN Gear Switch, a nifty one-button KVM solution that lets you seamlessly transition between multiple devices without letting go of your peripherals. Plus, there’s a fantastic bonus: 140W passthrough charging capability, unlike most high-end monitors which max out at 90W. Combine all of that with an impressive display, sleek design, and user-friendly setup, and you’ve got a top contender in the monitor world. My only gripe? I wish HP had redesigned the stand from the ground up.

Why You Should Trust Me

As someone entrenched in the gaming industry, I’ve partnered countless monitors—each varying in size, features, and tech—with a range of devices from PCs to consoles. My expertise ensures accurate testing and a reliable assessment of display quality, color accuracy, and performance so you can decide if this monitor suits your needs.

For transparency: this review is based on a review sample provided by HP. HP didn’t influence or preview the content before its publication.

HP OMEN Transcend 32: Pricing and Specifications

Retailing at $1,299.99, the HP OMEN Transcend 32 aligns competitively with similar offerings from ASUS and Samsung. It’s a premium display with premium features that justify the price tag. You might even catch a sale dropping the price to around $900—a bargain for what you get.

Outline of key specs includes a 31.5-inch Quantum Dot OLED, UHD 4K resolution, a refresh rate of 240Hz, and a response time of 0.03ms. The display supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, NVIDIA G-Sync, and loads more. Notably, it also boasts versatile ports, including DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and several USB options.

From the box, expect the monitor, a two-piece stand, various cables, a magnetic headphone hook, an AC power cord, and a factory calibration report. Plus, you have a 3-year warranty for peace of mind.

HP OMEN Transcend 32: The Good

The design of the Transcend 32 is nothing short of sharp. Its two-tone look, crowned with eye-catching RGB lighting, turns heads while the built-in speakers and intuitive Gear Switch functionality distinguish it from its peers. Designed with both style and function, the center-aligned ports are conveniently placed, and elegant lighting adds to the ambiance of your setup without overdoing it.

Of course, the display is the star of the show. Measuring in at 31.5 inches with vivid colors and sharp images, it delivers a top-tier experience whether you’re gaming or streaming. The refresh rate and response time ensure a seamless viewing experience devoid of the lag or ghosting one might fear, and color accuracy almost hits the high expectations promised by HP.

Onboard, customizable features add layers to an already excellent package, from the gear switch to seamless device integration. This monitor doesn’t just enhance your workspace; it transforms it.

HP OMEN Transcend 32: The Bad

On the flip side, the lovely design isn’t without faults. The stand lacks stability and leaves something to be desired in the adjustability department, more akin to budget models than something this high-end. While you get tilt and height adjustments, its lack of swivel is noticeable and frustrating—especially for fine-tuning your ideal setup.

The build consensus also falters in how cables are supposed to be managed… or not, in this case, with a clip that barely manages the mess. Switching to a VESA mount isn’t straightforward either; it requires a bit of disassembly before you can mount it on your wall or arm.

Brightness could’ve used a boost, even acknowledging OLED’s typical limitations. More control over color tweaking would have been welcomed, especially with expansion options like gamma and saturation settings, which make a significant difference for users looking to tailor their visual experience. Lastly, while the OLED care features ensure longevity, periodic forced breaks can interrupt your flow.

HP OMEN Transcend 32: Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In conclusion, if versatility and top-notch performance are what you seek, the HP OMEN Transcend 32 has much to offer—though it comes at a premium cost. If standing aesthetics and minimal adjustability bug you, consider a different solution or invest in a better monitor arm.

This unit enters an increasingly crowded field of gaming monitors and manages to hold its ground firmly. It’s available at $1,299.99 at Best Buy, though savvy shoppers might snag it for less if they watch for sales. For those who appreciate an all-in-one powerhouse that doesn’t skimp on the latest features, this could be the display worth the investment.