Pixio PXC32 Review: 32-Inch 1440p 144Hz Curved FreeSync Gaming Monitor

The Pixio PXC32 offers the perfect set of specifications for someone looking for a big curved screen with gorgeous image quality and smooth performance.

Image Quality

This Pixio monitor actually features a VA panel by Samsung with a superior 3,000:1 static contrast ratio, a decent 280-nit peak brightness, 178-degree viewing angles, and a 4ms response time speed.

In comparison to TN and IPS panels, the VA provides the best contrast, which results in exceptionally deep blacks. The colors may not be as accurate as of that of an IPS panel, but they are indeed rich and vibrant.

Furthermore, thanks to the 178-degree viewing angles, the picture won’t change in color or contrast when looked at from the sides or above/below.

The WQHD resolution, or 2560×1440, provides a crisp and clear picture even on a huge 32″ monitor. In fact, you’ll get roughly the same pixel density you’d find on a 24-inch 1080p monitor.

Performance

The weakest point of all VA panels is the response time speed, at least at this price range.

Once you enable the OverDrive setting in the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu, the response time speed will be set to 4ms (gray to gray).

Most of the time, you won’t notice any ghosting even in fast-paced games, however, as soon as there are more dark pixels on the screen changing into lighter shades, there will be prominent smearing and trailing of fast-moving objects.

The ghosting is an expected drawback of most VA panels. Some will be barely bothered by it, while others won’t be able to stand it.

Overall, if you are not playing competitive FPS games, you should be perfectly fine with this monitor; in fact, you’d be able to appreciate the striking visuals and details the display delivers fully.

Features

The Pixio PXC32 1440p curved gaming monitor offers plenty of useful features including Picture in Picture and Picture By Picture modes, three gamma presets (2.0, 2.2, and 2.4), FPS and RTS pre-calibrated picture presets, and four crosshairs you can place on the screen for better precision in first-person shooters.

In addition, if you have a FreeSync compatible graphics card or an Xbox One console, you will be able to unleash the full potential of the monitor.

FreeSync synchronizes the monitor’s refresh rates with GPU’s frame rates and thus removes all screen tearing and stuttering for good. Since the monitor’s refresh rates change dynamically, there’s no significant impact on the input lag.

The Pixio PXC32 FreeSync range is 48-144Hz. It also supports LFC (Low Framerate Compensation), meaning that even when your frame rates drop below 48Hz/FPS, the monitor will multiply its refresh rate for smoother performance.

It also works with compatible NVIDIA G-SYNC graphics cards, but some units of the monitor are affected by the infamous VRR brightness flickering issue.

Design & Connectivity

Moving on, the design of the monitor features a headphones hook, VESA mount compatibility, and three red LED strips. The stand is tilt-only by -5/15 degrees.

Connectivity options include HDMI 2.0, Dual-Link DVI, a headphones jack, and DisplayPort 1.2. For 1440p 144Hz and FreeSync, use either HDMI or DisplayPort inputs while the DVI port is limited to 2560×1440 at 60Hz.

While the monitor is a bit hefty, the bezels are thin and ideal for a multi-monitor setup.

Price & Similar Monitors

The Pixio PXC32 price amounts to ~$450.

At this price range, we highly recommend going with the Gigabyte G32QC instead with 1ms MPRT, wider color gamut, lower price, and additional gaming features.

Visit our always up-to-date best gaming monitor buyer’s guide for more information and the best deals available.

Screen Size	31.5-inch
Screen Curvature	1800R
Resolution	2560×1440 (WQHD)
Panel Type	VA
Aspect Ratio	16:9 (Widescreen)
Refresh Rate	144Hz
Response Time	4ms (GtG)
Adaptive-Sync	FreeSync (48Hz-144Hz)
Ports	DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, DVI
Other Ports	Headphone Jack
Brightness	280 cd/m2
Contrast Ratio	3000:1 (static)
Colors	16.7 million (true 8-bit)
VESA	Yes (100x100mm)