Review of the HP OMEN Transcend 32 OLED Monitor: Nearly Perfect

If you’ve been contemplating a monitor upgrade, now’s the time to dive in. The latest models offer extraordinary image clarity, stunning resolutions, and seamless refresh rates, ticking all the right boxes for any enthusiast.

Though HP joined the OLED gaming monitor race a bit late, its OMEN Transcend 32 has made quite the entrance. This 31.5-inch marvel boasts a sharp 4K resolution with the ability to keep up with fast-paced action thanks to its 240Hz refresh rate and lightning-fast 0.03ms response time. These impressive specifications make this monitor a versatile choice for an array of activities from gaming to professional use. HP has put in a commendable effort to ensure this monitor stands out among its peers.

One of its standout features is the HP OMEN Gear Switch, a single-button KVM solution that makes switching between multiple devices effortless without compromising on peripherals. Plus, it offers a generous 140W passthrough charging capability for your laptop or mobile device, outdoing most monitors in its class which typically max out at 90W. When you combine these features with its exceptional display, eye-catching design, and user-friendly experience, it becomes a top-tier choice. However, I do wish HP had opted for a fresh redesign of the stand.

Why trust my perspective? My experience spans numerous reviews during my tenure at Windows Central, where I’ve evaluated monitors across various specifications. This has equipped me with the proficiency and tools required to assess aspects like color accuracy, image quality, and overall performance, and to determine if a monitor is worth your investment.

Note: This review was facilitated by a review sample from HP, though they had no hand in the control or viewing of the review content prior to its release.

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of the HP OMEN Transcend 32. It retails for $1,299.99 but you’ll often find it on sale, positioning it competitively with equivalents from ASUS and Samsung. Yes, it’s on the pricier side, yet the premium features it offers justify the expense.

The OMEN Transcend 32’s price aligns with comparable high-tier models, such as those from ASUS and Samsung, and while it sits comfortably within its price category, I’ve seen it drop to around $900 during sales. This makes it a far more digestible option while still delivering excellent performance.

Besides its mesmerizing 4K, 240Hz QD-OLED screen, the OMEN Transcend 32 differentiates itself with unique features like HyperX-tuned speakers, comprehensive USB Type-C ports offering 140W Power Delivery, and its seamless Gear Switch functionality wrapped in a sleek duo-tone design lit with vibrant RGB. Whether you use the bundled stand or opt for a VESA mount, this monitor is versatile.

Out of the box, you’ll find a plethora of components — the monitor itself, a sturdy two-piece stand, and a suite of cables including DisplayPort 2.1, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-C — plus, it comes with a handy cable management clip, a magnetic headphone hook, and an extensive power adapter. HP backs it all with a three-year standard warranty for added peace of mind.

Let’s delve into what makes the OMEN Transcend 32 shine. The dual-tone design paired with striking RGB lighting makes it a stylish centerpiece wherever it stands. Performance is exceptional and the Gear Switch feature, alongside built-in speakers and an intuitive OSD (On-Screen Display), gives it a competitive edge.

The aesthetics, with its black-and-white color scheme adorned playfully with RGB lighting, echoes HP’s “panda” design call. It pairs nicely with matching devices and offers practical elements too. The display’s rear houses ports centrally, ensuring neatness, with vents aiding in cooling a display as sensitive as an OLED. Unlike some, this monitor’s fan whispers during operation but rarely makes its presence known.

For visuals, this monitor doesn’t disappoint. Its immense 31.5-inch screen with a sharp 4K resolution pairs beautifully with dynamic content, justifying its sheer size. While 5K and 6K options aren’t out of reach, those suited for gaming are hard to come by at this size. Its compatibility with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync adds to the appeal, ensuring it’s not just fast but visually fluid.

The display achieves striking image quality — tackling brightness with aplomb, providing precision across color profiles, and excelling in delivering true-to-life blacks thanks to its OLED panel. Whether your choice of activity involves movies or gaming, the Transcend will do your content justice with accurate, vibrant color representation. Although it may run slightly warm in terms of white balance, consistency remains its strength.

Three defining features elevate the OMEN Transcend 32: the advanced Gear Switch, Quad HyperX speakers, and HP’s OMEN Gaming Hub which complements its robust hardware. With KVM support enhanced through Gear Switch, users can switch effortlessly between multiple devices, with high-speed peripheral sharing and charging. It’s particularly notable with its ample port selection and added file-sharing capabilities.

Despite some potential downsides like the all-plastic construction, the stand’s stability issues, and limited color profile flexibility, HP has provided a closer competitor to others like ASUS with thoughtful touches that delight both gamers and professionals alike. More control over display settings and an improved stand could push this offering further into the top tier.

In conclusion, while the OMEN Transcend may not clinch the very top spot in every category, it firmly holds its ground among the best. It straddles the line between work and gaming needs deftly, making it a worthy investment for those prepared to pay for its benefits — a monitor that checks most boxes in design, performance, and innovation.

Overall, the HP OMEN Transcend 32 is a proud addition to the OLED gaming monitor market, posing as a serious contender with its blend of style, features, and performance. As always, keep an eye out for deals that might make this powerhouse even more attractive.