AORUS FO32U REVIEW

INTRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE AORUS FO32U

We have one of the new Aorus monitors, the Gigabyte Gaming brand, which adopts the latest QD-OED panels. Herein AORUS FO32U Review We will find a 31.5 -inch screen with 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, next to an update frequency of 165 Hz aimed at its use in games.

It also supports DisplayHDR 400 True Black and AMD Freesync Premium Pro.

HDMI 2.1, Displayport 1.4 and USB-C connectivity, in addition to a USB-A hub and audio ports, end up completing the characteristics of this aorus fo32u.

Technical characteristics of the aorus fo32u

• OLED panel of 31.5 “anti-reflex.
• 4K UHD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 in 16: 9 format.
• 165 Hz of update frequency.
• Vesa Displayhdr True Black 400.
• 0.03ms of response time GTG.
• Maximum brightness:
  • 250 CD/m² (SDR APPL 100%)
  • 1000 Nits (HDR APP 3%).
• 2 x 5w speakers.
• Connectivity:
  • 1 x USB-C DP Alt Mode with Power Delivery up to 18W.
  • 2 x HDMI 2.1.
  • 1 x Displayport 1.4.
  • 2 x USB-A 3.2.
  • 1 x USB-B 3.2 (UPSTREAM).
  • 1 x 3.5mm minijack output for headphones.
  • 1 x 3.5mm minijack input for microphone.
• Special functions: Black Equalizer 2.0, OSD Sidekick, PIP/PBP, KVM, Crosshair, etc.
• Measures: 718.3 x 158.6 x 613.6 mm.
• Weight: 8.53 kg.
• Price: 1,050 euros.

Design and connectivity

As usual in most modern monitors of a certain level, this AORUS FO32U It has a very simple assembly system based on three pieces: the monitor itself, the base and the column. The column is fixed to the base by means of a single screw with a handle to be able to do it by hand, while the column is fixed to the monitor by means of a tab system and two levers that unite it with a simple click.

It is very easy to assemble and disassemble it in case we want to change support to one vesa or move it.

The rear is formed by a fine module where the panel goes, and a thicker module where the monitor hardware and connection ports are located.

This rear part has a smooth finish, except for the area of vertical lines of the main module, followed by diagonal lines and air exits that remind the nozzles of an invisible hunt, a recurrent design in the world of gaming devices.

Aorus’s logo has an iridescent finish that changes color with light.

Just below, we have a small joystick and two buttons to manage the operation of the monitor without any software. However, the AORUS FO32U It is compatible with the Gigabyte Control Center as we will see in the next section.

The base of the base allows multiple adjustments, from turn in the vertical, tilt forward and backward, modification of the height and even turn of the panel itself up to 90º. Of course, having a considerable size, to rotate 90º you have to combine the movement with the tilt of the panel back to be able to place it vertically.

The monitor has quite fine frames, the lower one is plastic, while the rest are integrated under the glass that covers the screen. This glass has a “Glossy” touch, although quite moderate to mitigate the reflexes.

We now go to connectivity, where we find a “USB 3.2” hub that really are USB 3.0 of 5 Gbps. He is accompanied by a current connector that goes to a dedicated adapter, and two minijack connectors for microphone input and audio output.

Next to it we can see a small USB-C that serves for video and also for loading 18 w, a very limited amount that will not allow us to load a laptop.

Comment that, although the monitor includes an HDMI cable and another displayport, standard cables quite simple to find, does not include a USB-C, a somewhat more complex cable to have at home, since special cables compatible with video are required.

Today, any monitor with this type of connectivity., And more if we talk about one that exceeds 1,000 euros, You should bring a USB-C cable included.

Next to him, we will find two HDMI 2.1 and a Displayport 1.4 to be able to take full advantage of resolution 4K, 165 Hz and with HDR.

OSD interface and software control

Gigabyte offers its “Gigabyte Control Center” software to be able to manage the monitor from Windows, offers all the options we have in the OSD directly and without having to walk the monitor. The software is valid for other company devices, which will be shown in the main section.

The interface is very simple and clear, although it takes a lot to recognize the monitor. He recognizes, yes, without the need to connect any USB, since through HDMI or Displayport it is possible to transfer the necessary data.

In case of not wanting to use the software, we have the same options through the OSD that is managed from the little Joystick. The menus are very simple and easy to navigate.

Panel and calibration tests of the Aorus FO32U

The 4K resolution makes its direction in large screen diagonals, and this 31.5 -inch panel far complies with that definition. When we move in these sizes is when you can better appreciate the extra sharpness that offers a greater number of pixels and is precisely, where it is worth having a powerful team that can move games natively.

In general, OLED panels usually have a “glossy” coating layer that produces enough glitters and can be annoying in very illuminated environments. In this case, the Aorus FO32U has a special layer that, even having a bright finish, reflects much less the light than conventional panels.

The experience of use is very good, we have no ghosting, there are many gaming functions to get some advantage, such as the system to “clarify” the darkest areas, while the OLED technology itself allows you to enjoy impressive contrasts and a good HDR experience; although a higher brightness level would have been ideal.

Brightness and contrast

The Aorus Fo32U brightness has disappointed us. In SDR mode, the company promises 250 nits brightness, however, the maximum measurement we have achieved has been 189.1 nits with the brightness to the maximum, either with 100% of the screen on or with only 4%.

In HDR something similar happens, our standard test to measure the HDR brightness consists of a box that takes 9% of the pixels and ignites them with a theoretical value of 2,000 nits. In this test, the monitor has shown a scarce 292 nits. Even in tests of 4% and 1% APL the brightness has remained in values that are around 280-290%. The 1,000 nits promised by 3% apply may have a very short duration so that we can measure it.

The black color does comply with what was expected in an OLED panel, with the pixels completely turned off.

• Maximum SDR shine: 189.1 CD/m².
• Maximum beak shine (9% APL): 292/m².
• Maximum black shine: 0 CD/m².
• Contrast: “Infinite”.

Ghosting

There is no trace of ghosting. A QD-OED panel with that reduced response time makes this problem of the past

Color coverage

We have good color coverage, although it is far from the 99% promised of DCI-P3. We have made the measurements in the personalized mode with the option of showing all possible colors, since there are options to limit more the set of colors shown and adjust them, for example, to the SRGB range.

Color and calibration tests

The factory calibration of this model in SRGB mode stays at a midpoint, although we must highlight the good results it has on the gray scale, with an excellent RGB color balance and an almost perfect target. They penalize some somewhat softer colors than desired in SRGB mode, and the opposite in default mode.

This is solved in a simple way with rapid calibration.

Factory VS SRGB color tests, SRGB mode without calibration

Factory VS SRGB color tests, default mode without calibration

Color tests vs SRGB after calibration of default mode

Analysis and conclusion

We always say that resolution 4K makes much more sense in large panels, and 31.5 inches of the AORUS FO32 They are a perfect example. With this size, the 1440p would have fallen short, and not to mention the Fullhd.

The brightness is a bit scarce, the OLED panels usually fall back in a maximum brightness if compared to technologies such as the Minned, but the truth is that this monitor has disappointed us a bit with a manual SDR shine of less than 190 nits, and an HDR shine that we have not seen overcome the 300 nits. In a monitor with a contrast like the one offered by an OLED is not something so serious, but it is lost quite spectacular in HDR content.

The panel has an excellent response time, without any ghosting, and is seasoned with connectivity of all kinds. Of course, they do not include USB-C cable.

It is accompanied by a 165 Hz update frequency that offers that extra fluidity, not only in games, but in any task we have to do with the PC. It is not the fastest frequency we have seen on a monitor, but it does offer a good balance with the resolution and size, the problem is that it has a price that is around 1,050 euros and there is a lot of models with similar panels that reach 240 Hz for similar or even lower quantities.

In fact, Gigabyte herself has the AORUS FO32U2 cheaper (959 euros on Amazon at the date of publication, against the 1050 euros to which this model is) with 240 Hz, so this model is in inferior conditions and It makes no sense to buy it today, much less with its price.