Review: ViewSonic 32-inch 4K monitor, Model VX3276-4K-MHD

With all the video, photo editing, writing and creative work I do on my laptop, not everything can fit on the screen. That’s why I’ve opted for an additional monitor for my set up. Lately I’ve been experimenting with a few different monitors, hoping to find one that is both clear and easy on the eyes, good quality, a solid build and lets my work be the focus. The newest monitor I’ve purchased is the ViewSonic 32-inch 4K monitor, Model VX3276-4K-MHD.

Review: ViewSonic 32-inch 4K monitor, Model VX3276-4K-MHD

In this review I’ll tell you what it’s like to set up and install, what it’s like to use for audio video photos and documents, and whether I think it’s a good pic for you.

Set up

This monitor is essentially plug and play when it comes to the set up. Simply connect the power, then use the included HDMI cable to connect to your computer or laptop. I had my ViewSonic monitor connected to my Apple MacBook Pro in seconds and things were ready to go.

The included stand: I opted for a space-saving monitor arm instead.

This monitor comes with tilt feature, but not pivot, swivel and height adjustment. For that reason I opted to connect it to a fabulous Kensington space saving monitor arm I have for my desk. This allows me to place it up and out of the way of my laptop while still keeping it centred where I want it. You can also wall mount it if you prefer, according to the manual.

The VX3276-4K-MHD supports laptops, PCs, and Macs with HDMI, DisplayPort, and Mini DisplayPort inputs

Design & size

The last monitor I tried was a widescreen monitor, and while it was pretty dazzling, it was actually a little big for my taste. This monitor is a 32-inch monitor which is a little smaller than widescreen, but still pretty large. It’s actually quite a good size for all the different work that I do. It has a great edge to edge design with no bezel on three sides, and a very small bezel across the bottom.

I will say here that the location of the cable connections at the bottom rear of the screen is a particularly terrible configuration. The way this is designed, the cables must come down from the bottom of the monitor, creating an ugly cluttered look. While my laptop helps to hide this, other users might find this ugly and distracting. It would be nice if there was a better cable management solution

Resolution

This model has higher resolution than your average computer monitor. With 4K or 3840 x 2160 resolution, it’s designed to give you incredibly sharp and detailed views, while HDR10 content support delivers a high dynamic range of vivid color and contrast.

I can definitely say that this monitor is ultra clear and sharp, very easy to breed, easy on the eyes, and overall is a joy to use.

Viewing angles: ViewSonic 32-inch 4K monitor

ViewSonic says you’re supposed to get “accurate and vivid colors with consistent levels of brightness no matter the vantage point. With SuperClear MVA panel technology, this monitor delivers the same image quality whether you are looking at the screen from above, below, the front, or the side.”

I can say I agree with that, since I was able to see clearly even off to the side, or when standing.

Optimized View Settings

This monitor has a few different preset viewing modes. There’s “Game,” “Movie,” “Web,” “Text,” and “Mono” presets. These presets are supposed to “enhance gamma curve, color temperature, contrast, and brightness to deliver an optimized viewing experience for different screen applications.”

Finding how to use them is another matter. There are a few buttons on the back but they’re not really labeled; on is power and the rest are all the same. I tried clicking things kind of at random to see what it did, but fearful I’d turn something on that I couldn’t easily undo, I abandoned this. There’s no manual in the box and I had to go online to find instructions.

Game mode is supposed to be a simple single button. I will say the manual buttons on the back of the monitor or maddeningly confusing. Even when referring to the manual for some guidance, I ended up adjusting some settings that I couldn’t seem to undo. Bottom line here, if you want to customize your monitor settings, be prepared for a lot of frustrating trial and error. If you’re cool with using the monitor straight from the box, you’ll be fine.

Mystifying monitor adjustment buttons.

Dual Integrated Speakers

This monitor has two speakers built in if you want to use them. Like the optimized view settings, I couldn’t really tell how to activate these. Even so, in previous monitors the speakers sound terribly tiny and awful, so I stuck with my existing laptops speakers.Designed with dual integrated speakers, this monitor combines incredible screen performance with stereo sound for an immersive multimedia experience.

Overall review: ViewSonic 32-inch 4K monitor, Model VX3276-4K-MHD

Overall, when it comes to using this monitor for work, it’s outstanding in quality. It’s very clear and easy to read, it’s a great size, and the edge to edge design lets me focus on what’s in front of me, not on the monitor itself. If you’re shopping around for 4K monitors this one is lovely to look into all day.

Downsides? There’s limited movement and adjustments to the monitor if you use the included legs. The cable management is visually cluttered and annoying, and trying to access or adjust the settings is nearly impossible.

In my opinion if you’re buying this monitor and you want to make all kinds of adjustments to its configuration, you’re probably not going to enjoy your experience. If you’re happy to pull the monitor from the box, set it up using default settings, you will absolutely love this monitor, and particularly for the price. 4K resolution monitors can cost hundreds of dollars more. This monitor is a great combination of 4K resolution and affordable price.

Pros:
Bezel-less edge to edge design
Excellent 4K resolution
Clear screen, colorful & true to life

Cons:
Terrible cable management
Accessing settings is a minefield