We explore some of the best new mini LED monitors in 2022
Updated: Oct 11, 2022 11:41 pm
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Mini LED monitors have been flirting around the perimeter of the mainstream display marketplace for some time now. However, that could all be about to change as we enter into the next phase of gaming monitor technology.
Mini LED backlight monitors offer a huge range of benefits when compared to generic LED alternatives. Wider color gamuts, brighter peak luminance, richer color accuracy, and far better HDR performance (thanks to a large increase in full array local dimming support) are just some of the benefits that it brings to the table.
For that reason, we can only see mini LED monitors being a huge hit in 2022 – even more so with a number of esports-tailored options coming to market.
With that in mind, we’ll be compiling a list of only the best mini LED monitors in 2022. Whether you’re a budding esports gamer that’s looking to increase immersion or an editor that wants the highest levels of accuracy and HDR, this guide will have a monitor that suits your exact needs.
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Best Mini LED monitor video
Best mini LED monitor in 2022: top picks
01
Best mini-LED monitor overall
Acer Predator X32
02
Best super ultrawide mini-LED monitor
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (S49AG95NC)
03
Best high-end mini LED monitor
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQXE
Latest Mini LED monitor news and reviews
With mini LED monitors becoming more frequent in today’s market, we’ll be keeping you bang up to date with all the latest news on these high-end panels.
Below is the latest news stories from across the industry on mini-LED monitors:
How we test & choose
While mini-LED monitors might be fairly sparse in today’s market, we’re still bang up to date with the latest news regarding the technology. With few monitors to choose from that actually support this exciting backlight technology, it wasn’t too hard picking the best of the bunch available today. However, as time goes by and more Mini-LED panels become available, we’ll be running our own in-house tests to see which is truly best.
For this article, we’ve rounded up the best mini-LED monitors, researched them meticulously, and have concluded with the following list as our best.
Check out our complete in-house review process here.
Things to consider when buying a Mini-LED monitor
When it comes to purchasing a new monitor – regardless of price or performance – there are always considerations to be made. By having a greater understanding of the intricate features of mini-LED technology, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision on your next monitor purchase.
In this section, we’ll be highlighting all the main features of mini-LED tech so you exactly what to look for.
Price
The first thing you must realise when it comes to mini-LED monitors is they won’t be cheap. The technology is relatively new in the monitor industry and, like most new technologies that offer a large performance boost, a premium is naturally applied to monitors that utilize it.
At the time of writing this, there are only a few mini-LED monitors in today’s market – all of which lie in the upper echelons of the market. Of course, other specifications play a major role in the price of a monitor, but on average, a Mini-LED monitor will set you back over $1,000.
HDR performance
One of the big differences that separates Mini-LED and LED monitors is the HDR performance they provide. To experience ‘true’ HDR, a monitor must meet strict requirements (FALD, WCG, high contrast ratio). While only a handful of LED monitors feature these core aspects, all Mini-LED monitors should adhere to these specifications.
The design of the mini-LED backlight means that FALD is always a feature on these displays. Furthermore, users can expect a much wider color gamut (98% DCI-P3), higher overall peak luminance, and greater contrast ratio – thanks to the additional local dimming zones it provides.
See our complete HDR10 vs Dolby Vision guide here.
FALD
What is FALD?
FALD stands for full-array local dimming and refers to the number of zones in which the backlight can dynamically change brightness. If a monitor has a limited number of dimming zones, you’ll often see annoying screen artifacts like haloing around bright objects. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand why a normal LED with a lack of FALD performs poorly in HDR scenes.
Many modern Mini-LED monitors will feature a minimum of 1,152 local dimming zones, enabling the display to support much higher levels of HDR performance when compared to the 16 dimming zones (average) of LED.
Color accuracy & color gamut (WCG)
Another key feature in the arsenal of Mini-LED is the color accuracy and WCG (wide color gamut) they offer. Again, to perform HDR to a high standard, monitors must be able to reach certain gamut requirements – 95% DCI-P3 for true HDR.
Mini-LED monitors will be able to support a wider color gamut thanks to the higher peak brightness they produce – mainly thanks to 0.2mm design of the LED diodes.
Of course, color accuracy normally comes down to some form of factory calibration. However, with Mini-LED featuring strong HDR performance, we’ll likely see most with some form of calibration (to an average deltaE <2)
Mini LED vs LED vs OLED
With such a large price increase over generic LED panels, you might be struggling to see the value in the new technology. Furthermore, we’ve not even touched upon OLED and how it compares to mini LED either.
Below, we’ve made a rough graph showcasing some of the more important features and differences between Mini-LED, LED, and OLED technologies.
| LED | Mini-LED | OLED | |
| Local dimming zones | Edgelit-16zones | up to 2048 local dimming zones (FALD) | Pixels operate independently |
| Color Gamut | 100% sRGB | 135% sRGB (98% DCI-P3) | 135% sRGB (98% DCI-P3) |
| Contrast Ratio | Up to 3000:1 | Up to 3000:1 | Infinite Contrast ratio |
| Viewing angles | Good (depending on panel technology) | Good (depending on panel technology) | Excellent |
| White luminance | < 500 nits | 1000 nits | 500-600 nits |
| Black depth | >0.05 | 0.05 | True black (0.00) |
| Price | $-$$$ | $$$ | $$$$$ |
Best mini LED monitors in 2022: in-detph reviews
Acer Predator X32
Pros
- FALD
- Crisp image quality
- 160Hz refresh rate
- 4K UHD screen resolution
- VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification
Cons
- Expensive
- High-end GPU to push full refresh rate
We’ve decided to give the Acer X32 the best mini-LED monitor title and for good reason – it really does offer everything you could want for a stunning gaming experience.
Despite the Acer Predator X32 being officially announced at CES 2020, we still haven’t seen its entry into today’s market. That said, this year’s CES has offered additional information regarding the new panel, including release dates and pricing.
As far as specifications go, the X32 will deliver a 4K AU Optronics panel that features a 160Hz refresh rate, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification, 99% Adobe RGB coverage, and mini-LED backlight technology – albeit with a reduction on the originally expected 1152 local dimming zones. Don’t worry though, the Acer Predator X32 still offers more than enough local dimming to provide a stunning HDR experience.
The new high-end gaming monitor looks set to hit shelves in North America in Q3 2022 and will start at around ,999 – not too bad considering the price of ASUS’s similarly specced PG32UQX & PG32UQXE.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G8
Pros
- 240Hz refresh rate
- UHD image clarity
- Mini LED technology
Samsung’s new Odyssey Neo G8 gets our third spot for best HDMI 2.1 monitor and for good reason. Not only is it the fasted monitor in this guide, but it’s also the first 4K display with a 240Hz refresh rate.
Samsung has continued to use its tried and tested Odyssey styling for the new G8. It features the fan-favourite vortex on the rear, alongside a fully white exterior. A wide, black V-shape stand holds the 32-inch 1000R curved display in place firmly. The same G9 cable management system has also been utilized here.
As for performance, the Samsung Neo G8 really does offer some of the best gaming in this guide. The 240Hz refresh rate it uses is a world-first for the 4K screen resolution, providing liquidy smooth gaming which is great for both competitive and casual gaming. A 1ms response time can be expected from this monitor, alongside a 1000 nit peak brightness and mini-LED backlight technology.
That’s right, this will also be the first time Samsung has utilized mini-LED technology in a monitor as well – allowing the G8 to hit DisplayHDR 2000, respectively.
All being said, the Samsung G8 is a superb all-round panel. Keep in mind, however, that the G8 does retail for well over $1,000, making it one of the most expensive panels in this guide.
Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (S49AG95NC)
Pros
- High 240Hz refresh rate
- Impressive VESA DisplayHDR2000 certification
- Immersive 1000R Curvature
- Low 1ms Response Time
The new refresh of Samsung’s popular Odyssey G9 really does add performance in the right places. Instead of wasting time on increasing refresh rates, Samsung has opted to increase the backlight technology used – not only adding more immersion and better colors but a huge boost in HDR too.
The new Samsung G9 Neo comes equipped with all the latest high-end features you could imagine, including a brand new CSOT VA panel and Mini-LED backlight technology. Like its predecessor, the G9 Neo offers up a wide 5120 x 1440 screen resolution, low 1ms response time, and 240Hz refresh rate – the perfect combination of specs for a truly immersive gaming experience.
As far as colors go, users can expect a 125% sRGB gamut (equivalent to 95% DCI-P3) – meeting HDR’s WCG requirements. Furthermore, with VESA DisplayHDR 2000 certification, you’ll be blown away by the color recreation of this panel.
Of course, price is always a large factor in these monitors, and the Samsung Neo G9 is no different. It comes to shelves for north of $2500 dollars so be prepared to fork out for this beast of a panel.
ASUS ROG SWIFT PG32UQXE
Pros
- HDR1000 Certification
- 4K @ 165Hz Output
- Stunning Aesthetic Design
- FALD
Cons
- Only 576 local dimming zones
Coined the high-end mini-LED pick, the PG32UQXE offers it all. ASUS’s latest project is a refreshed version of last year’s hugely impressive (and extremely expensive) PG32UQX – a high-end 4K mini-LED 144Hz gaming panel.
While the new panel will maintain many of the core features and specifications found in the 32UQX, there are some exciting additions that should improve the overall functionality and performance of this panel.
Firstly, the PG32UQXE will offer up an increased refresh rate of 165Hz (via overclock) alongside NVIDIA’s Reflex Latency Analyzer. The new performance-tailored feature will allow gamers to record the exact input lag (delay between mouseclick and action on the screen) they receive – explained in NVIDIA’s keynote speech.
Additionally, the PG32UQXE will also offer a brand new ‘Adaptive mini-LED (AmLED) panel which should help reduce the chances of burn-in and luminance decay over time.
Like the Acer X32, the PG32UQXE will also see a reduction in local dimming zones (1,152 to 576) and peak brightness too – now offering 1000 nits compared to the 1400 luminance roof of the 2021 model.
AOC AGON AG274QGM
Pros
- Rapid 300Hz refresh rate
- 1440p image quality
- Built in G-sync hardware module
- NVIDIA Reflex analyzer
Cons
- No release date as of yet
I’ve had the pleasure of testing a tonne of AOC monitors in recent times, and it’s safe to say I’ve never seen anything like this. Like other leading monitor manufacturers, AOC’s AGON department has also vouched to bring us a new lineup of high-speed panels – the first of which is being coined the AGON Pro AG274QGM.
As far as esports-grade monitors go, this one is right up there – not only offering a blistering 300Hz refresh rate but stunning 1440p clarity too. The new panel will feature a similar set of specs found in the XG272G-2K (which is coming up shortly), including a 300Hz refresh rate, 1440p screen resolution, 27-inch screen size, and mini-LED backlight technology.
The new flagship 1440p panel from AOC will also feature a dedicated NVIDIA G-Sync hardware module, certified for G-Sync Ultimate, and the latest Reflex Latency Analyzer technology. While we don’t have any initial details regarding the price and release date of the AG274QGM, it’ll likely be a cheaper option than similar specced ASUS, ACER, and Samsung alternatives.
ViewSonic ELITE XG272G-2K
Pros
- Rapid 300Hz refresh rate
- Crisp 1440p screen resolution
- Esports-grade response
- VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification
Continuing in the esports space, ViewSonic look set to release a new high-performance 300Hz 1440p panel of its own. The XG272G-2K will deliver all the bells and whistles you could want to take your gameplay to the next level – including blistering speeds and stunning colors thanks to a new panel technology which the brand is calling ‘Indium Gallium Zinc Oxide (IGZO) display technology’. Very fancy
Like other monitors within this guide, the new panel will feature support for NVIDIA G-Sync Ultimate and Reflex Latency Analyzer, allowing gamers to constantly monitor the input lag they experience between mouse and monitor. Additionally, the panel will also deliver a rapid 1ms G2G response time for the smoothest transitions no matter how fast things are moving.
According to reports, the XG272G-2K will also feature mini-LED backlight technology (576 dimming zones) and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification.
Mini LED FAQs
What is a Mini LED monitor?
Mini LED monitors are monitors that utilize mini LED backlights. Unlike generic LED backlights, Mini LED backlighting offers up a more efficient design which allows for greater levels of localized dimming and contrast ratio.
Officially, Mini LED monitors are panels that utilize a backlight with diodes no bigger than 0.2mm – but, like most things, take the word “mini” with a pinch of salt.
Is Mini LED good for gaming?
Thanks to the qualities that mini LED backlight technology brings to the table, mini LED monitors are excellent options for gaming.
Not only do they offer greater peak brightness and localized dimming but they also provide far greater contrast ratio – allowing the panel to display better detail in extreme dark and light regions.
What are the benefits of Mini LED?
The main benefit of Mini LED monitors are their ability to display greater local dimming zones. A normal LED monitor can feature 16 local dimming zones. By contrast, a Mini LED monitor can display thousands of local dimming zones, meaning artifacts like haloing aren’t nearly as common.
It also allows the panel to display bolder, more vibrant colors in both gaming and general use situations.
Is Mini LED better than OLED?
While Mini LED monitors do offer some benefits over OLED alternatives, they still can’t match the infinite contrast and perfect blacks that OLED monitors offer.
That said, they do feature far higher peak luminance and are considered more stable that OLED technology.
Final Word
So, there you have it, our comprehensive guide to the best mini LED monitors in 2022. We hope this guide has shed a little light on a technology that is both relatively new and fairly advanced in operation.
All being said, we’ll be keeping this page right up to date with all the latest changes to the market, including any new high-end mini LED panels that crop up. Right now, there aren’t a tonne of options available. However, as we move further in 2022, they will only become more frequent.
