Samsung SyncMaster 2232BW
This test session is ended with one more 22” monitor from Samsung, the SyncMaster 2232BW model. Samsung is quite prolific as concerns the amount of product models. On one hand, the customer is offered a broader choice, but on the other hand, it may be difficult to find your bearings among such an abundance of products.
The specs are similar to those of the SyncMaster 226BW: a TN matrix with Response Time Compensation and a dynamic contrast mode. While the above-discussed 226CW differed from the 226BW with the enhanced color gamut, the 2232BW doesn’t have such an advantage. In fact, it is a redesigned 226BW: the same specs but with a new exterior.
Our readers should already know this variant of exterior design: the rounded-off case made from black glossy plastic looks somewhat unusual, yet appealing. Some people don’t like this emphasized roundness. For them, the SyncMaster 225UW is offered (see above).
The designers didn’t stop at the front panel. The back panel is sleek and rounded off, too.
The stand allows to change the tilt of the screen only. It is fastened in an original way: there is a rubberized groove in the bottom of the monitor the pole of the stand is inserted into. This provides flexible fastening with an elegant side view as opposed to classic monitors in which the stand is screwed up to the back panel. Unfortunately, the default stand cannot be replaced with a VESA mount – there are no fasteners for the latter.
The monitor is equipped with analog and digital inputs, and an integrated power adapter. All of its connectors are located in a recess of the back panel which has no decorative cover for some reason.
The control buttons are centered on the bottom edge of the front panel. They are labeled on the front panel and can be read easily under normal lighting (you can’t see them in the photo above as they are placed on a protruding ledge facing upwards, at the user).
This is Samsung’s standard menu except for one item: the SyncMaster 2232BW allows you to adjust the brightness of the Power indicator from barely visible to very bright. This is very handy as many users would criticize large blue LEDs that were distracting at work and annoying in sleep mode. This model’s indicator can be set at the minimum and it won’t disturb you any longer.
By default, the monitor’s got 100% brightness and 75% contrast. I achieved a 100nit white by choosing 20% brightness and 25% contrast. The monitor regulates its brightness by means of backlight modulation at a frequency of 332Hz.
Color gradients are reproduced perfectly at the default settings. Barely visible banding appears in them at low values of contrast.
