A 24-, 27- or 32-inch monitor – which size should you choose?

Are you looking for a larger screen, a more comfortable way of working across several programmes, or perhaps better readability? Read on to find out which monitor size to choose!

24, 27 and 32 inches – what are the benefits of each size?

Each of these sizes can be used for work and gaming. The main difference lies in the space taken up by the image and the proportion of your field of view it fills.

The change from 24 to 27 inches is approximately 27 per cent larger screen area. The difference is therefore more noticeable than the extra three inches would suggest.

Did you know that…

The dimensions given do not include the bezels or the stand. You will also come across monitors labelled as 24- and 32-inch models, whose actual screen sizes are 23.8 and 31.5 inches respectively. If space is limited, refer to the dimensions of the specific model.

A bigger screen, the same desk – how do you narrow down your choices?

When replacing a monitor, it’s easy to find several models that look equally good on paper. This will help you compare their advantages in relation to your workstation By Halsky, a helpful shopping assistant in the InPost Mobile app.

Simply describe what you’d like to improve in your day-to-day work. You could say to Von Halski: “I have a 24-inch monitor, but I don’t have enough space to have two documents side by side. My desk is 60 cm deep, and my laptop is next to the screen. I’m considering a 27- or 32-inch model.” If you have a specific budget, it’s also worth mentioning it.

The assistant will ask for any missing information if necessary. It will search through offers from partner shops and display suggestions in a carousel. You can ask it to compare selected models based on criteria that are important to you, and name your favourite and explain why. The final decision is always yours. The entire purchasing process – from browsing to payment and tracking your parcel – takes place within the InPost Mobile app.

Before buying, compare the device’s dimensions with the space available on your desk. Take into account the base, the laptop and the space needed to connect the cables.

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What resolution should I choose for 24-, 27- and 32-inch screens?

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up an image: Full HD is 1920 × 1080, QHD is 2560 × 1440, and 4K is 3840 × 2160. At the same resolution, a larger screen has larger pixels, which is why it is easier to spot jagged edges on letters when viewed up close. Pixel density is described by the PPI parameter, which is the number of pixels per inch of screen length.

For everyday work A 27-inch QHD screen will do just fine. With a 32-inch screen, it’s worth considering 4K, especially if you spend a lot of time working with text. QHD can still be a good option if you prefer larger interface elements or sit further away from the monitor.

Scaling – larger text without reducing the resolution

On a 4K screen, menus and icons may be too small at 100% scale. Scaling, for example to 150%, enlarges the interface whilst maintaining the high resolution of the image. When the text is small, Start with this feature or increase the font size. Reducing the resolution below the native resolution may result in a loss of sharpness.

It’s worth bearing this in mind when making your purchase: 4K with 150% scaling provides roughly the same amount of space for the interface as QHD at 100%, but it renders it using a higher number of pixels. The main benefit, therefore, is likely to be a clearer image. Compare monitors using the text size you actually intend to work with.

How can you tell if a larger monitor will fit comfortably on your desk?

As well as the width of the casing, the depth of the base and the position of the screen in relation to the person sitting in front of it are equally important. A large base may push the screen towards you, even if the device itself fits comfortably on the desk.

Before you buy, check three things:

1. Space for the whole set
   
   Take into account the monitor and its stand, as well as the equipment and documents you usually keep on your desk. You can trace the outline of the stand onto a sheet of paper and place it on the desk top.
2. Distance from the eyes to the screen
   
   Assess it whilst sitting in a normal position. The depth of the desk is not the same as the distance from which you will be looking at the monitor.
3. Height adjustment range
   
   Check whether the screen can be positioned low enough. With a 32-inch screen, a stand that is too high may force you to tilt your head upwards.

The length of an outstretched arm is a good starting point for positioning your monitor. Next, adjust the distance to suit the screen size, the text and your own comfort. The screen should be directly in front of you, with its top edge at eye level or slightly lower. If you find yourself leaning forward to read a document, increase the text size. If you frequently turn your head to look at the sides of the screen, try moving it further away.

Will my computer support the selected resolution?

In games, the load on the graphics card depends primarily on the resolution and graphics settings. 27-inch QHD and 32-inch QHD place similar demands on the graphics card when using the same settings. Switching to 4K, however, means more than twice as many pixels as QHD, which may reduce the frame rate. Therefore, before you buy, check your computer’s performance in games and at the resolutions you intend to use.

When connecting your laptop, make sure that its video output, cable and any docking station support the selected resolution at the expected refresh rate. A 4K screen operating only at 30 Hz will display less smooth cursor movement and scrolling than one operating at 60 Hz.

FAQ: 24-, 27- or 32-inch monitor

I have a desk that’s 60 cm deep – will a 32-inch monitor be too big?

It isn’t essential, but do check where the screen will be positioned once the stand is set up, and how far away it will be from your eyes. If a larger monitor requires more space, which you don’t have, a 27-inch model would be a more practical choice.

Will a 32-inch QHD monitor have a blurry picture?

It doesn’t necessarily look blurry. It has a pixel density similar to that of a 24-inch Full HD screen, so if you’re happy with that level of detail, a 32-inch QHD screen might also be comfortable to use. From a short distance, however, the text will appear less smooth than on a 32-inch 4K screen. It’s best to compare text at a similar size and from the distance at which you usually work.

Will switching from a 24-inch Full HD monitor to a 27-inch Full HD monitor give me more space for documents?

With the same scaling and zoom settings, you’ll be able to fit a similar amount of content on the screen. Text, icons and windows will be physically larger. If your aim is to display more lines or arrange documents side by side more comfortably, have a look at the 27″ QHD and see if the text size suits you.

Will Von Halsky help me find a monitor that will fit next to my laptop?

Yes. Please tell us the width of the space set aside for the monitor and describe how you’d like to position the two devices. Von Halsky will help you compare offers from partner shops based on dimensions and adjustment features. You can also ask them to recommend their favourite option and explain why.