HP Series 5 532SF Monitor Review: 32″ FHD, 100Hz, Value for Money?
HP Series 5 532SF Monitor Review: 32″ FHD, 100Hz, Value for Money?
Table of Contents
Introduction
The HP Series 5 532SF monitor is a 32-inch FHD display aimed at budget-conscious users who want a larger screen with a smooth refresh rate for everyday computing and casual gaming. With a 100Hz refresh rate and VA panel technology, this monitor promises a balance of visual clarity and responsiveness. In this review, we’ll delve into its features, performance, and overall value to see if it lives up to its potential.
Features and Design
The HP Series 5 532SF comes with a sleek and modern design, featuring thin bezels on three sides. This minimalist approach maximizes the viewing area and gives it a more immersive feel. The stand is adjustable, allowing for tilt adjustments, and while it doesn’t offer height or swivel adjustments, it provides sufficient flexibility for most users. The display is equipped with an array of features, including:
- VA Panel: Offering high contrast ratios and deep blacks, perfect for watching movies and playing games with darker scenes.
- 100Hz Refresh Rate: Enhances smoothness in games and fast-paced content, leading to a more enjoyable experience.
- 7ms Response Time: Helps minimize motion blur, making visuals appear sharper during movement.
- HP Eye Ease Technology: Reduces blue light emissions to minimize eye strain during extended use.
- Multiple Connectivity Ports: Features both HDMI and VGA ports for flexible device connections.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display size (diagonal) | 31.5″ (80 cm) |
| Panel technology | VA |
| Display features | On-screen controls; Anti-glare; HP Eye Ease |
| Color gamut | 99% sRGB |
| Onscreen controls | Management; Information; Exit; Input; Color; Image; Power; Menu; Brightness+ |
| Native resolution | FHD (1920 x 1080) |
| Resolutions supported | 640 x 480; 720 x 400; 800 x 600; 1024 x 768; 1280 x 720; 1280 x 800; 1280 x 1024; 1440 x 900; 1600 x 900; 1680 x 1050; 1920 x 1080 |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 |
| Display contrast ratio (dynamic) | 10000000:1 |
| Brightness | 300 nits |
| Pixel pitch | 0.36 x 0.36 mm |
| Haze | 40% |
| HDCP | Yes, HDMI |
| HDMI | 2 HDMI 1.4 |
| VGA | 1 VGA |
| Minimum dimensions (W x D x H) | 71.03 x 4.02 x 41.46 cm (without stand) |
| Dimensions With Stand (W x D x H) | 71.03 x 21.66 x 49.48 cm |
| Package dimensions (W x D x H) | 82.3 x 14 x 52.7 cm |
| Weight | 5.1 kg (with stand) |
| Package weight | 9 kg |
| Screen treatment | Anti-glare |
| Tilt | -5 to +25° |
| Horizontal viewing angle | 178° |
| Vertical viewing angle | 178° |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Backlight type | Edge-lit |
| Bezel | 3-sided micro-edge |
| Curvature | Flat |
| Detachable stand | Yes |
| Display area (metric) | 69.84 x 39.29 cm |
| Refresh rate (maximum) | 100 Hz |
| Response time (typical) | 7ms GtG (with overdrive) |
| Display scan frequency (horizontal) | 30-113 kHz |
| Display scan frequency (vertical) | 48-100 Hz |
| Flicker-free | Yes |
| Hardness | 3H |
| Low blue light | Yes, HP Eye Ease (Eyesafe® Certified) |
| Panel bit depth | True 8 bit |
| Pixels per inch (ppi) | 70 ppi |
| Resolution (maximum) | FHD (1920 x 1080 @ 100 Hz) |
| Management Software | HP Display Center |
| Physical security | Security lock-ready |
| Power | Input voltage 100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Power supply type | External |
| Power consumption | 30.4 W (maximum), 24.6 W (typical), 0.5 W (standby) |
| Operating humidity range | 20 to 80% RH (non-condensing) |
| Operating temperature range | 5 to 35°C (41 to 95°F) |
| Ecolabels | EPEAT® registered |
Performance and Picture Quality
The HP Series 5 532SF delivers a solid visual experience for its price point. The VA panel offers good contrast, producing deep blacks and vibrant colors. While not reaching the color accuracy levels of IPS panels, it is still suitable for everyday use and casual gaming. The 100Hz refresh rate is noticeable, making browsing, scrolling, and gaming smoother than with a standard 60Hz display. The 7ms response time is sufficient for most games, minimizing motion blur. The HP Eye Ease technology effectively reduces blue light, leading to a more comfortable viewing experience during long sessions.
However, it’s important to note that this monitor is not ideal for professional content creation or gaming that demands high refresh rates and color accuracy. The viewing angles, while wide, aren’t as consistent as an IPS panel, leading to slight color shifts when viewed from extreme angles.
Pros and Cons
- Large 32-inch screen for an immersive experience.
- Smooth 100Hz refresh rate enhances responsiveness and visual flow.
- Good contrast ratio from the VA panel delivers deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- HP Eye Ease technology minimizes eye strain for comfortable use.
- Affordable price point makes it a value-for-money option.
- Sleek design with thin bezels maximizes screen area.
- Tilt adjustment for ergonomic positioning.
Pros:
- Not suitable for professional content creation or demanding gaming due to color accuracy limitations.
- Limited stand adjustability (only tilt).
- Viewing angles are not as consistent as IPS panels, leading to color shifts from extreme angles.
Cons:
Final Verdict
The HP Series 5 532SF monitor offers a solid combination of features and performance for its price. If you’re looking for a larger screen with a smooth refresh rate for everyday computing, casual gaming, and video consumption, this monitor is a great option. It delivers good contrast, vibrant colors, and a comfortable viewing experience. However, if you need high color accuracy or a fast refresh rate for professional work or competitive gaming, you might want to consider a higher-end monitor with an IPS panel and a faster refresh rate.
Overall, the HP Series 5 532SF is a great value-for-money monitor that’s perfect for those who prioritize screen size, a smooth refresh rate, and good visual quality without breaking the bank.
