HP’s new Thunderbolt 4 display uses IPS Black technology, which is rich in contrast

HP announced a 31.5-inch display aimed at workers with data-heavy configurations and strong image quality needs today at the Amplify Partner Conference. The HP Z32k G3 claims to be the first monitor to use a 4K resolution IPS black panel with a Thunderbolt 4 USB-C port.

Dell’s debut is IPS Black, while LG has tapped Display Tech for its 27-inch and 31.5-inch USB-C UltraSharp monitors. IPS Black is a type of IPS panel that is supposed to double the contrast ratio of traditional IPS, delivering black levels that are black. LG Display says IPS Black’s black levels are “35 percent deeper than existing IPS products.”

The HP Z32k G3 claims to have a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, compared to standard IPS monitors, which are typically around 1,000:1, with premium IPS examples reaching around 1,300:1. Assuming HP has shared an actual figure, it’s worth noting that the spec doesn’t match a solid VA display or compare to the more expensive backlight technology, mini LED or OLED.

We tested IPS Black on the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE and saw impressive contrast ratios of up to 1,977:1. At higher contrast settings, large black text on a white background was difficult to read, but darker colors and lighter details became clearer. Even at the default contrast settings, the monitor hit 1,873:1 and displayed more lifelike image quality than a typical IPS monitor. The HP Z32k G3 may use the same 31.5-inch IPS black panel employed by Dell’s UltraSharp 32 (U3223QE).

The HP display has a claimed brightness of up to 400 nits and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. It should also cover 98 percent of DCI-P3 with a delta E of less than 2, so color errors shouldn’t be visible to the eye. Those claims are close to what we saw when we tested the Dell 27-inch UltraSharp IPS Black monitor.

HP also claims that its IPS Black display delivers more accurate colors at lower brightness settings than traditional IPS displays.

Unlike Dell IPS Black monitors, which can connect to PCs via USB-C for a maximum transfer speed of 32.4Gbps, the HP IPS Black monitor uses 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 (according to HP, the monitor does not work with computers. Do not support Thunderbolt 4 or over 20Gbps USB-C ports ). That makes the display ideal for power users who manage up to two 4K displays at 60 Hz, a Thunderbolt 4 dock, external storage and external graphics cards.

The controller charges PCs up to 100W and has a KVM switch to switch between up to two systems. HP Display Manager is said to enable remote deployment, including asset monitoring and remote adjustment of Z32k G3 settings.

HP says it will share pricing for the Z32k G3 around the November release date.

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