Televisions/monitors can be among the most frustrating products to buy. Every company has a different name for each feature, what said features actually mean varies, not to mention a wide variety of things you might not even think to look for. It was something that occupied a lot of my time when selling televisions at Best Buy, and something I continue to see to this day.
Naturally, when INNOCN revealed their mini LED line of monitors I was both intrigued, and skeptical. Companies are pushing mini LED like it’s the next big thing, though so many options on the market feel closer to a gimmick. Given the potential upsides, is 32M2V a home run, or is it future tech held back by modern limitations?
Editor’s Note: This review is based off a refurbished 32M2V that was sent by INNOCN. Given the potential ethical concerns I will approach this review as if it’s a brand new unit. However, any abnormalities, missing pieces, or damage may be the result of the refurbish process.
INNOCN 32M2V Review Overview
Unboxing
32M2V rides the line between standard, and premium product. Instead of the usual cardboard box in black and brown, it features full color. Images are limited to the monitor itself, with the only feature set being a series of icons on the top.
Inside is a small diagram showing how to build 32M2V, along with a Styrofoam holder. Overall it does a decent job, and is more than enough to fully build the unit. Along with that, there are a number of compartments holding the included accessories.
Accessories
First and foremost, I am disappointed to say 32M2V comes with a power adapter. This makes hiding the wires, along with replacing the brick in the event something happens, a much more involved process. It’s also a rather substantial piece given the 7.5″ x 3″ x 1.5″ size. Unfortunately, this choice is also somewhat unavoidable.
At 14.2 lbs (6.45kg) for the monitor alone, it’s already riding close to the limit for a number of monitor mounts. Both Monoprice and Amazon have a number of options in the 20 lbs range, which quickly decrease as weight increases. Likewise, benefits such as 90w charging via USB-C require a larger power supply.
Amazon Listing for Included Accessories
Along with this I received the stand, base, color calibration report, quick start guide, and cables. According to the Amazon listing it’s supposed to come with a DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB-B cables. However, my unit only came with a DisplayPort, and an HDMI 2.1 cable. The real loss is the missing USB-B cable. Based off the image it’s 3.0, and is required to use the include USB-A ports. It’s only $10~ to replace, though still annoying if you didn’t plan ahead.
Design
Despite the look, 32M2V is mostly made out of plastic. This includes the stand, and base, though they’re obviously supported by a metal interior. The stand also features a hole in the middle allowing fairly small mini-PC to fit between it.
As for the monitor itself, it’s a bit bulkier than it looks given the 2.6″ depth. Beyond that it runs cool, and boasts a rather modern design. Some of the little touches also go pretty far. Like I initially didn’t notice the LED backlights until I turned off the lights.
Lights On vs Off
While I like the modern look, it comes with some distinct disadvantages. One of the biggest is the cable feedthrough position. On other monitors it’s higher, which allows me to better hide the cables. This is simply not possible at max height.
That aside, the stand allows for 3.2″ of height adjustment, forward tilting 5°, backward tilting 20°, and left/right 25°. This gives a good amount of range without needing to purchase a mount, or other accessories.
Compared to my other INNOCN monitor the buttons are more flush with the monitor. Despite this they remain easy to push, and interact with even with limited space.
Assembly
Building 32M2V was surprisingly simple. Start by connecting the base to the stand through a connected screw. This supports either screwdriver head, or can simply be twisted with the side grip. Once connected, simply slide the top part of the stand into the monitor, and let it lie flat. There should be a small click indicating it’s in place.
While that part was really easy, I did somewhat struggle with connecting things to the back. Unless you’re able to interact with the back, I strongly suggest connecting whatever you can before getting it into place. If that isn’t possible, it’s slightly easier at an upward angle.
Interface
I really like INNOCN’s user interface. To access it, simply double click the home button when a signal is connected. This will reveal a box with professional, picture, game, picture-in-picture, On Screen Display (OSD), and other settings.
Idea of the Options
Most of these are straightforward. Professional gives access to more specific modes like color range, and gamma, Picture settings has different modes, contrast, aspect ratio, HDR, and the like. Gaming controls things like active sync, picture-in-picture allows a variety of multi-screen functionality, with OSD and other settings controlling how the monitor itself functions.
In all I like how easy it is to navigate. It’s also nice how other buttons can have their controls changed to allow for more streamlined use. For example, controlling volume without having to navigate there.
Ports
32M2V includes a welcome selection of usable ports. These include two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 90w charging, one USB-B to access the two USB-A ports, and an audio out in the event you want to use it.
This is perfect for even more complicated set ups that involve a console, multiple computers, and so forth.
Performance
Let me start by saying, I love how 32M2V looks. The mini LEDs make a substantial difference in contrast. Screens with a lot of contrast were able to hit those darks, without sacrificing colors that pop.
It didn’t matter if I was playing Destiny 2, Elden Ring, or The First Descendant, the picture quality remained an absolute delight. I also love how this difference is immediately noticeable. When doing a side-by-side comparison 32M2V consistently had a richer, and more inviting picture.
In regard to gaming, it stands out in a number of ways. For starters, it supports up to 144hz, so whether it’s console (via HDMI 2.1), or PC it should look smooth. It also supports Adaptive Refresh to ensure frame rate is stable on supported devices. This, coupled with a 1 ms response time makes it an excellent choice for a gaming monitor.
As a computer monitor it does a pretty good job. Those familiar with my tech reviews know I mainly use an M1 iMac, so I was happy to see this monitor was far closer in quality to that. Not quite at the same level, but enough where I could replace it, and not regret it.
The only area I am not entirely sold on is design work. As I’ve previously stated, this field is not my expertise. I might dabble in it for projects for here/elsewhere, but I can’t say I’d notice every imperfection.
I used some monitor tests, such as Eizo, and things like the gradients were not as smooth as my iMac’s screen. How much of an issue this is will vary, though if accuracy is of the upmost importance I don’t think 32M2V is a great choice.
Sound Quality
INNOCN also included speakers with 32M2V. They won’t beat a headset, or traditional speaker, though I would put the sound above traditional TV speakers. In all, it’s an okay alternative, just not one that will replace an entry level speaker kit, or even my iMac.
INNOCN 32M2V Review Verdict
All things considered I think 32M2V is a solid product. Not only is the picture quality a noticeably step up from a basic 4K monitor, features like mini LEDS, 144hz/adaptive refresh rate, make for a package that packs a punch. I would like to see some changes, like easier to access ports, but 32M2V’s core experience is well worth the cost of entry, and something I can confidently say I am satisfied with.
Editor’s Note: 32M2V was provided to us for review purposes.
