Did you plan to buy a new monitor? And now that you’ve come across multiple screen sizes, you can’t figure out which one to go with. I understand it can be a very daunting task especially if it’s your first time.
Sadly I can’t give you a recommendation because it all depends upon your preferences. See, an online professional would have very different needs than a competitive gamer, right? But what I can do is help you find your perfect match according to your demands.
Here is a full, in-depth comparison of 27-inch and 32-inch monitors, and I’m sure that by the end of this article, you’ll be able to make your decision.
27” vs 32” monitor side-by-side features comparison
Here you can quickly skim through the features comparison of the two monitors. And then we’ll take a deep dive into these features.
| Features | 27-inch monitor | 32-inch monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Best suited for | Casual gaming, light office work, writing | Competitive gaming, graphics designing, sim racing, video editing, and other heavy-duty tasks |
| Recommended resolution | 2560 x 1440p (QHD) | 3840 x 2160p (4K) |
| Display size | 24.2” x 14.4” | 28.1” x 16.9” |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Pixel density | Approx 108 PPI | Approx. 137 PPI |
| Ideal viewing distance | 1.4 ft to 2.6 ft | 1.7 ft to 3.2 ft |
| Suitable for single-screen multi-tasking | No | Yes |
| Suitable for multiple-screen setup | Yes | No |
| Price | From 130$ to 340$ | From 200$ to 600$ |
What’s different between 27” and 32” monitors?
Here are some more featural and performance disparities between 27-inch and 32-inch monitors. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Physical size
The most obvious difference between the two monitors is the actual size, right? You might think that a 27-inch monitor would have a 27-inch wide screen and the same would go for the 32-inch monitor, but you would be wrong! A 27-inch monitor has a screen that is 24.2” in width and 14.4” in height. Quite a shocker, isn’t it? Also, you should know that the external dimension of the monitor, including the bezels, add to the size of the screen. So if you have a small space, you must take that into account.
The same is the case with 32-inch monitors. Their screens are 28.1 inches in width and 16.9 inches in height. This large screen size is great for you if you’re a competitive gamer, or you need it for some high-detail work like graphics designing or video editing. But don’t forget, they’re more expensive!
Have you thought about why choosing the right screen size is so important? Well, it’s not just for your setup space, but also because it affects the pixel density. A larger screen has less pixel density than a smaller screen if they both have the same resolution. So if you’re going for a larger monitor, you have to make sure it has a high resolution for better visuals.
Resolution
You can easily find the same size monitors with different resolutions. But how do you decide whether to go for a higher resolution or not? Well, I have some recommended resolutions for different screen sizes. You can have a look here;
| Screen size | Recommended resolution |
|---|---|
| 24 inches | 1920 x 1080 |
| 27 inches | 2560 x 1440 (QHD) |
| 32 inches | 3840 x 2160 (4K) |
You can see that the 24-inches only need 1080p while the 27 and 32-inch monitors work best at 1440p and 4K respectively. I wouldn’t suggest buying a monitor with less resolution than the recommended one unless you’re on a budget.
Aside from the screen size, your preferences also have a lot to do with how much resolution you’d need. If you want a monitor for day-to-day tasks like browsing or working on the docs, then 1440p on a 27-inch screen should be enough. But for graphic designers or video editors who need more detailed visuals, a 32-inch with 4K resolution would be the best bet.
Viewing distance and viewing angle
Viewing distance means how far the operator’s eye is from the screen. While viewing angle refers to the inclination of an imaginary horizontal line from the center of the screen to the viewer’s eye level. I’d recommend maintaining the right distance and viewing angle to avoid any Postural damage or eyestrain.
Every monitor has its specific viewing distance and angle. As for 27” and 32” monitors, they both have the same viewing angle (15 degrees or slightly lower below the horizontal line).
If we talk about the viewing distance; it’s not the same! For 27” monitors it is recommended to stay at a distance of 1.4 to 2.6 ft. In the case of 32” monitors, you need to maintain a distance of 1.7 ft to 3.2 ft. This suggests that if you’re a little tight on space then you should stick with a 27” monitor.
You can easily adjust your distance by simply sliding your monitor farther on your table or moving your chair away from the table. Such little effort can go a long way to reduce any health risks.
Image details and text clarity
Image and text quality are directly related to the pixel density which I briefed you about earlier. So a 27” monitor would have better visual details than a 32” monitor because of the higher pixel density. This is why it is recommended to buy a 32” monitor with a 4K resolution to even out the pixel density. It will cost you more but to level up your gaming experience, this is the price I’d be willing to pay. The question is, are you?
Gaming performance
Are you a gamer? And can’t decide which screen size would be ideal for you? Well, you’re not the first one. I’ve used both 27” and 32” monitors for gaming and I believe you’ll be better off with the 27” monitor.
I confess that the cinematics were quite amazing on the 32” monitor and they looked way more realistic. But I had to constantly move my eyes around on the screen which was quite uncomfortable. I even tried moving my chair away from the screen which helped in the eyestrain problem but then I couldn’t see the details as clearly. Unless you’re a competitive gamer, I’d suggest sticking with the 27” monitor.
Cost
Considering the size difference, it is pretty obvious that a 32” monitor would be on the pricier side. Aside from the size factor, larger screens usually have better panel quality so the high price is only fair. At first, you might think about saving the extra bucks and go for the cheaper option. But remember, you’ll be using that screen for years to come. Now, you might wanna reconsider your decision, no?
You can get a 32” monitor for around 200$ to 600$ and for a 27” screen you can expect 130$ to 340$. Here are some terrific options currently available in the market for both screen sizes.
Best options for 27” screens
- LG FHD Monitor 27MP450-B (150 dollars)
- LG 27GQ50F-B (180 dollars)
- SAMSUNG 27″ Odyssey G32A (205 dollars)
- SAMSUNG S80A (285 dollars)
Best options for 32” screens
- LG (38SQ780S) (497 dollars)
- LG 32QN600-B (240 dollars)
- Dell S3221QS (265 dollars)
- SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Series (600 dollars)
Why should you buy a 27” monitor?
If you want a screen for gaming or office work, a 27” monitor would be your perfect match.
Incredible for gaming
As I mentioned earlier, a 27” monitor would be a perfect pick if you need a monitor for gaming. With a 32” monitor the visuals are so big that your eyes can’t stay still just for a moment leading to eyestrain. And that is the last thing you want, right?
The 27-inch monitor packs a complete punch of quality resolution, fast response rates, excellent frame rates, and great colors. I guarantee you’ll have a way more immersive gaming experience on a 27” monitor than any other size.
Fantastic for office work and casual use
A 27-inch monitor is also an excellent choice for light-duty office tasks. For instance, if you’re looking for a screen for writing articles, editing docs, and day-to-day browsing. You won’t find a better option!
Why should you buy a 32” monitor?
A 32” monitor is best for those seeking a monitor for video editing and programming.
Excellent for programming
Are you a programmer? You must already know that you can’t manage your work on a smaller screen. So the logical way to go would be a 32” monitor as it offers more screen space for multitasking. You can easily keep multiple tabs open at a time which saves you the time of switching between the tabs.
The only problem you might face with a 32” monitor is the compatibility issue of text scaling. If your monitor doesn’t support text scaling then you’ll have to manually adjust your distance from the screen. Other than that, it’s golden for programming!
Ideal for video editing
If you make a living by video editing on heavy software then you’d want a bigger screen for high detailing work. With a 32” monitor you’ll have more room, resolution, and color accuracy. All these perks will take your editing skills to the next level. So if you’re an editor, I’d recommend you a 32” screen.
A tidy monitor setup
If you go for a 32” monitor, you won’t need multiple screens on your setup for multitasking. Thanks to the large screen, you can handle all your tasks without the need for an extra monitor. This will not only keep your setup tidy but also you’ll save a lot on your electric bills.
27 Inch Vs 32 Inch Monitor: which one should you go for?
If you’ve made it here then I’m hoping that you might’ve made your final decision. But if you’re still confused then don’t worry! I won’t let you leave until you’ve found your match. Let me make the picture more clear for you.
— If you’re looking for a monitor for casual gaming, or light office work, and you don’t have a large workspace, then opt for a 27” monitor.
— If you want a screen for competitive gaming, video editing, programming, graphic designing and you can afford to spend high bucks, then a 32” monitor would be a wise choice.
So that was the gist of the whole article. Now I expect that you’ve made up your mind on one of the monitors. If you still have any queries, I’m always here for you in the comments. Peace out!
Muhammad Allayhan, a gaming and PC hardware virtuoso, breathes life into pixelated worlds. A legendary overclocker, he unlocks hidden power in gaming rigs. Navigating from 8-bit realms to today’s masterpieces, Muhammad’s words immerse readers in an ever-evolving digital odyssey. Join him as he reveals the secrets of gaming’s cutting edge.
