Investing significantly in our cameras, gear, and peripherals is crucial for capturing breathtaking images and videos. However, the real challenge arises when we can't accurately perceive the true quality of our work on our monitors. Poor color grading and subpar image quality can not only damage our reputation but also lead to missed opportunities and clients.
Many creatives believe that achieving professional results requires expensive monitors, powerful CPUs, and advanced software. Fortunately, a more accessible and straightforward solution exists. While the search for the perfect monitor can be overwhelming due to the multitude of options available, the Asus ProArt series stands out as a compelling choice.
Designed specifically for professionals and enthusiasts seeking excellence and performance, the ProArt monitors offer a high-quality, reliable, and affordable solution. With stunning visuals, true-to-life colors, and ergonomic features to enhance productivity, comfort, and creativity, these monitors address the diverse needs of users.
Recognizing that a monitor is a long-term investment, it may be worthwhile to make a more substantial upfront investment. This guide aims to demystify the process of selecting the right monitor by providing insights into crucial factors such as size, aspect ratio, resolutions, color gamut, refresh rate, connectivity, and more. By the end of this guide, you will have a clearer understanding of which Asus ProArt models seamlessly align with your unique professional requirements.
The ProArt series
The ProArt series caters to a range of needs by offering monitors in different sizes, starting from the compact 24-inch PA248QV to the curved ultrawide 34-inch PA34VCNV. These monitors seamlessly integrate into any professional setup with their sleek design, narrow bezels, and metal stand.
Equipped with a non-glare IPS panel, these monitors provide a wide 178º viewing angle and boast factory-calibrated high color accuracy of ΔE<2, as verified by Calman. Additionally, they feature a rapid 5ms response time and adaptive sync with a variable refresh rate, ensuring smooth and precise visuals.
They also have Asus proprietary technologies—ProArt Preset, Uniformity Compensation, Hardware Calibration, and Palette—allowing users to customize and calibrate colour settings precisely.
They can show multiple sources or inputs on the same screen with Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture modes. The ProArt series includes eye-care features like flicker-free and ultra-low blue light technology certified by TÜV Rheinland.
The ergonomic design of the ProArt series includes 4-way adjustable stands, a VESA mount option, a joystick and hotkeys for easy navigation, and a cable management system for desk organization.
These monitors also offer convenient connectivity options (depending on model), such as VGA, HDMI port, DisplayPorts, a DisplayPort 'out' port for daisy-chaining, a USB hub with multiple USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, a USB-C port, a USB-C port that can also serve as a USB hub, a 3.5mm audio output, and an Ethernet port.
The Asus ProArt series is brought to you by Global Brand Bangladesh Ltd, the authorized distributor in Bangladesh, with a three year replacement warranty for your peace of mind.
Exploring the entry point
The 24-inch PA248QV is an excellent choice for starting your colour journey with affordability and reliability. This monitor is the smallest in the ProArt series but offers a balance of features and performance. It has a 1920 x 1200 resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio, which gives you more vertical space and details for your images, drawings and designs.
It supports 16.7M colours with a 94ppi pixel density and a 300-nit peak brightness. This is an entry-level colour-calibrated monitor, but when I say entry-level, it does not compromise quality. It is a cost-effective, colour-accurate monitor that can easily handle images, drawings, and designs. It is perfect for those just starting their journey with a budget but still want a compact, professional, and colour-accurate monitor for content creation or design.
It covers 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709 colour gamuts, the standard colour spaces for standard-dynamic-range (SDR) content. It also covers 75% Adobe RGB and 70% DCI-P3 wide colour gamut for HDR content. It supports a 48-75hz refresh rate.
This is a great monitor where you get a decent quality and can walk up the ladder.
Perfect balance
For professionals in photography, graphic design, web design, digital art, architecture, engineering, and video editing, the 27-inch models strike a perfect balance for most professional needs. They are large enough for work and compact enough for most desktop setups. You have two options in this category: PA278CV and PA279CRV, with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
The PA278CV has a sharp 2K display with a resolution of 2560x1440 and a pixel density of 109ppi. It supports 16.7M colours and a peak brightness of up to 350 nits. It covers a wide range of colours, 100% of the sRGB and Rec. 709, as well as 95% of the Adobe RGB and 70% of the DCI-P3. It has a refresh rate of 48-75Hz and supports 65W USB-C power delivery, display, data and audio connectivity.
Conversely, the PA279CRV has a dazzling 10-bit 4K panel with a stunning 3840x2160 resolution and a pixel density of 163 ppi which also supports HDR10. It has a peak brightness of 400 nits. It covers a wide colour gamut of 100% of the sRGB, Rec. 709, and 99% of the Adobe RGB and DCI-P3.
It has a refresh rate of 48-60Hz and supports 96W USB-C power delivery, display, data and audio connectivity.
The PA278CV is a budget-friendly option with great features, while the PA279CRV is an impeccable choice with colour fidelity for precise and consistent applications. If you are a Mac user, the PA279CRV is also compatible with the USB-C port.
According to the experts, 2K is enough for most tasks in this category, but for a monitor larger than 27 inches, you should go for 4K.
Expansive brilliance
For those in search of a larger display, the ProArt series presents the PA32UCR-K, a remarkable 32-inch monitor featuring 4K resolution and state-of-the-art Mini-LED technology. Considered the epitome of monitors, it seamlessly blends a 10-bit panel with an impressive 3840x2160 resolution, delivering a pixel density of 138ppi. The factory-calibrated and Calman Verified high color accuracy, boasting ΔE<1, ensures impeccable visual fidelity.
This monitor supports HDR10 and boasts a striking 1000-nit peak brightness. Covering a vast color spectrum, it reaches 100% sRGB and 87% Rec 2020, along with 98% DCI-P3 and 99.5% Adobe RGB. With a 48-60Hz refresh rate and compatibility with 80W USB-C power delivery, it provides versatile connectivity options for display, data, and audio.
The PA32UCR-K stands out as the flagship monitor in the ProArt series, offering exceptional features and performance that justify its premium price. Ideal for professionals in video editing, animation, game design, industrial product design, or anyone seeking top-tier quality, this monitor also includes the X-rite i1 Display Pro in the package. Mac users can take advantage of its compatibility with the USB-C port.
As alternatives in the ProArt series, the PA328QV and PA328CGV come at a more budget-friendly cost. However, it's worth noting that they offer a lower 2K resolution, which may not be the optimal choice in this category. Instead, opting for the PA279CRV is recommended for a more satisfying experience.
Expand your horizon
If you're a professional searching for an ultrawide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio, a certified colour-accurate curved display, and a wide range of connectivity options, the PA34VCNV is your gateway to immersive productivity.
This advanced monitor has a 34-inch size and a 3800R curved panel design that balances curvature and flatness. You can enjoy an immersive visual experience with a stunning 3440 x 1440 resolution, 109ppi pixel density, and HDR10 support.
It has a 10-bit panel with a 300-nits peak brightness. The refresh rate can go up to 100Hz. It also supports 96W USB-C power delivery, display, data and audio connectivity.
It covers an SDR colour spectrum of 100% of the sRGB and 100% Rec. 709, making it an excellent value-for-money choice for photography, graphic design, architecture, engineering, and web design professionals.
The only drawback is that you need a much bigger, sturdy desk.
Final thoughts
Asus ProArt monitors set a high standard with superior performance, reliable quality, and affordability. Whether you're a professional or an enthusiast, they offer a variety of sizes, resolutions, and features to suit different creative fields. Each monitor is designed with a specific purpose, offering different benefits and trade-offs.
Size really does matter when choosing a monitor. The bigger the screen, the more space you have to work with. A 27-inch monitor provides 25% more screen real estate than a 24-inch monitor, a 32-inch monitor offers 18% more than a 27-inch monitor, and a 34-inch ultra-wide monitor with a 21:9 aspect ratio provides 30% more width than a standard 16:9. Size is just one piece of the puzzle.
You need to think about the resolution, which means the higher the resolution, the crisp and vivid the colour, which allows you to work with finer details. Consider pixel density, connectivity options, and refresh rate as they shape your overall experience.
Md Zahurul Al Mamun is a tech enthusiast and writer