ASUS TUF Gaming VG32UQA1A 32-inch 4K Monitor: features, specs and fit

The ASUS TUF Gaming VG32UQA1A is a 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) gaming monitor with a refresh rate that can be overclocked to 160Hz and a 1ms (MPRT) response time. It has HDMI 2.1 for current consoles, DisplayPort 1.4 for PCs and built-in speakers, which makes it a single screen for both.

Resolution and size

4K on a 31.5-inch panel gives a high pixel density, so text and game detail look sharp at normal desk distance. A 4K picture takes real graphics power to run at high frame rates, so what you gain depends on your PC or console. ASUS lists 120% sRGB coverage, which describes the range of colours the screen can show relative to the standard sRGB range.

160Hz, FreeSync Premium and ELMB Sync

ASUS says the monitor can be overclocked to 160Hz. Refresh rate is how many times the picture updates each second, and more updates generally give smoother motion if the graphics card can supply the frames. FreeSync Premium turns on variable refresh rate (VRR) by default, which matches the screen to the frame rate to reduce tearing. ASUS also lists ELMB Sync (Extreme Low Motion Blur Sync), which lets its motion blur reduction work at the same time as variable refresh rate. Many monitors can't combine the two, and ASUS says this removes ghosting and tearing at high frame rates.

DSC and HDR

Sending 4K at high refresh rates over a cable takes a lot of bandwidth. DisplayPort 1.4 DSC (Display Stream Compression) compresses the signal to make this possible. The monitor is DisplayHDR 400 compliant and supports the HDR-10 format, which helps with bright and dark areas. DisplayHDR 400 is the entry tier of VESA's HDR certification, so the HDR effect is more modest than on monitors certified at higher tiers.

HDMI 2.1 and consoles

The monitor has two HDMI 2.1 ports. ASUS says HDMI 2.1 supports native 4K at 120Hz without chroma subsampling (4:4:4) on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Chroma subsampling reduces colour detail to save bandwidth, so 4:4:4 keeps text and edges clean.

Connections, speakers and box

The listing gives DisplayPort 1.4 DSC, two HDMI 2.1 ports and a USB hub with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports. Speakers are built in. The box contains a DisplayPort cable, a USB cable, a power cord and adapter, a quick start guide and a warranty card.

Size and weight

The monitor measures about 28.2 x 19.5 x 8.4 inches with its stand and weighs 16.5 lb (about 7.5 kg).

Who it suits

It suits people who play on both a PC and a current console and want one 4K screen with HDMI 2.1, and PC gamers who want 4K with a high refresh rate and variable refresh rate. People with a lower-end graphics card may not be able to use all of its refresh rate at 4K.

What to check before you buy

• Graphics card: check it supports DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC and can drive 4K at your target frame rate.
• Overclock setting: 160Hz is an overclock, so check how it is enabled in the on-screen menu.
• Console cables: use a cable that supports HDMI 2.1 bandwidth.
• HDR expectations: DisplayHDR 400 is an entry-level certification.
• Desk space and mounting: check width and depth, and the mounting options in the manual.

The short version

• A 31.5-inch 4K gaming monitor, overclockable to 160Hz, with 1ms MPRT.
• FreeSync Premium and ELMB Sync that work together.
• Two HDMI 2.1 ports for 4K 120Hz 4:4:4 on PS5 and Xbox Series X, plus DisplayPort 1.4 DSC.
• DisplayHDR 400, HDR-10 and 120% sRGB.
• USB hub, built-in speakers; about 16.5 lb.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.