Acer ProCreator PE320QXT 6K touchscreen monitor review
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Learn more about how we test.
Acer is used to doing things a little differently. The new Acer ProCreator PE320QXT PC monitor is no exception. This 32-inch beast has something that no other 6K panel we’ve seen yet can match, and that’s full touchscreen functionality.
Of course, the native 6K resolution is pretty special in itself, although in this case 6K means 6016 x 3384 pixels and therefore slightly less than the LG UltraFine 6K Evo 32U990A, which displays 6144 x 3456 pixels. Nonetheless, you still get an epic pixel density of 219 DPI. That’s much higher than the roughly 140 DPI typical of the best 4K monitors in 32-inch form factors, and even the 163 DPI of 27-inch 4K models.
Acer ProCreator PE320QXT: Design and features
Picture 1 of 3
- Sturdy hinge for touch input
- Big, ugly glasses
- Good connectivity
Specifications
Panel size: 32 inches
Panel type: IPS
Resolution: 6016 x 3384
Brightness: 400 nits SDR, 600 nits HDR
Contrast: 1500:1
Pixel response: 4ms GTG
Refresh rate: 60Hz
Color coverage: 99% DCI-P3
HDR: VESAHDR 600 screen
Vesa: 100mm x 100mm
Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x1, HDMI 2.1 x1, 1x USB-C with 90W PD, 2, USB-A
The Acer ProCreatorPE320QXT’s touchscreen functionality has some pretty big usability implications, and it’s not all good news. For starters, the bezels are quite thick, giving it a slightly dated look.
Then there is the bracket and the hinge. On the one hand, it is designed to support tilting the screen over a wide range from vertical to almost flat in order to accommodate touch functionality and, in this regard, it offers good stability. On the other hand, the hinge allows only minimal height adjustment when viewing the screen normally, and no swivel or swivel in portrait mode.
Then there’s the plastic screen cover which gives the panel a glossy finish. This could pose an issue in terms of reflectivity for creative professionals who prefer anti-reflective matte coatings.
When it comes to connectivity, the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT has you covered pretty well. In addition to the usual DisplayPort and HDMI interfaces, there is USB-C with 90W of power, as well as a two-port USB-A hub.
It’s worth noting that the preferred connectivity method is USB-C, as it streamlines support for touchscreen capabilities through a single cable. That said, it is possible to use the included USB-A to USB-B cable to connect the display to devices without USB-C to enable the touch interface.
Speaking of which, the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT comes with stylus input, although the panel’s capacitive touch interface can also be used with old-fashioned fingers and swipes. Finally, on the features side, is the 8MP webcam with a built-in mic array.
Acer ProCreator PE320QXT: performance
Picture 1 of 3
- Strong color coverage in DCI-P3
- Punchy 6K visuals but lots of streaming light
- Integrated webcam
Apparently, touch input is the defining feature of this monitor. But the 6K resolution is also pretty special. Notably, most other 6K monitors currently available use an LG-sourced IPS Black panel. However, as the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT’s very slightly lower resolution indicates, there’s something slightly different going on here.
In fact, Acer opted for the competing AU Optronics panel. This is essentially the same type of technology as the LG IPS Black element found in the LG UltraFine 6K Evo 32U990A. But because AU Optronics tends to price its products more aggressively, monitor models with this panel, as opposed to the LG alternative, are generally a bit cheaper.
Besides the resolution, the main difference is slightly lower static contrast, coming in at 1,500:1 versus 2,000:1 for the LG. In practice, you would be hard-pressed to notice the difference. In both cases, contrast is not a strong point, especially compared to an OLED panel. Thanks to HDR 600 certification, there’s plenty of punch, but also plenty of wasted light.
This is partly because this monitor doesn’t have proper full local dimming. But while light bleeding is a problem that all displays of this type suffer from, there is a very specific flaw with the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT. Due to the touch input layer in the panel, there is a very slight degradation in image quality.
This is especially noticeable upon close inspection of fonts and text, giving them a very slightly irregular appearance. How big the problem is – and, indeed, whether you notice it – is ultimately a subjective matter. However, given the high pixel density and resulting sharp visuals are at the heart of the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT’s appeal, this flaw is certainly worth noting.
As for the touch functionality itself, it’s sufficiently accurate and responsive, although the 60Hz refresh rate means there’s more latency than touchscreens with 120Hz and higher refresh rates. That said, driving a 6K monitor at very high refresh rates poses bandwidth issues and likely explains the 60Hz spec. We also had USB-C connectivity issues with our review unit, which made using the touch interface impossible with a Mac. Hopefully Acer will release firmware to fix the USB-C connectivity issues.
That said, color accuracy is definitely a strong point with the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT performing particularly well in DCI-P3 mode when connected to Apple Mac computers. For what it’s worth, the HDR mode is also well calibrated, although without full local dimming, this monitor’s HDR capabilities are ultimately quite theoretical.
As for the built-in webcam, it offers good basic image quality that is superior to most laptop webcams and also offers a physical shutter for reliable security. However, its optics give it a very wide field of vision. It offers an auto-framing feature that integrates quite effectively. However, this results in a significant loss of image quality.
Acer ProCreator PE320QXT: Final Verdict
Picture 1 of 3
We’ve already seen displays based on LG’s 6K technology. But Acer opted for an alternative panel from AU Optronics that allows for a lower price. This is especially impressive given that the Acer ProCreator PE320QXT includes full touchscreen functionality.
The problem is that the touch interface has some compromises. Firstly, the ergonomics are not ideal for normal use, due to limited height adjustment and increased reflectivity of the panels. The large bezels also make the screen look a bit bulky and dated.
The touch layer of the panel also has a very slight impact on image quality, which is a shame given that one of the main draws here is the ultra-sharp image quality of the 6K resolution and ultra-high pixel density.
We also encountered issues with the monitor’s USB-C interface that we would like to see resolved before this monitor can be recommended without major caveats. In other respects, it’s an impressive display with good connectivity and factory calibration.
Plus, if you want to combine 6K and touch support, this Acer represents a hell of a deal. But, in the end, we would probably prefer to see Acer offer this panel without touch support and with a traditional chassis and support but at an even lower price. That would really be something.
Picture 1 of 7
For more displays, we looked at the best professional instructors and the best 5K and 8K monitors.
