ASUS ProArt 6K Review: $1,399 Gets You a 32-Inch 6K Display

[Brandhaus]

The Pro XDR, at this point, just isn't worth 5 999 US$. Maybe in 2019 when it came out, but definitely not now. If we assume that 1 299 US$ is a reasonable price for the Pro Art, then the XDR would be worth 1 999 US$ at best.
The XDR is a rather old monitor overdue for an update, but Apple doesn't lower its price, so it doesn't sell well, which means it's not a priority for Apple, which in turn means Apple won't invest in R&D for a Pro XDR 2, etc. In other words, Apple is going nowhere with the XDR. Meanwhile, the company isn't ashamed to do very incremental updates to its other product lines (compare, for example, iPad Air M2 and M3).

I'm still saving money for their server mount that's 10 years old (or it seems) for $15,000 (or so that seems lol) I remember buying that black cylinder thing too! Thank goodness I sold that quickly! But I will say that Rack server mount is sexy. I'd buy an empty shell (if you can even find one in good shape) and just put a Mac mini inside of it LMAO

 

[Brandhaus]

Works really well when you need to do stuff side by side (UX or programmer). No worse than having two monitors.

It's not, but it is. Because I've done both, even had 2 of the XDR. The 32" single was too wide for me, I felt like I was constantly having to move my chair. And I used to always run two 27" monitors, because at least I can angle them to see them both at the same time. I never found a happy medium. But I'm actually thinking of getting this because I do regret selling my XDR, but now I can't afford it. And I like the look of one single monitor. The stand on this isn't as bad as I thought, but I don't know why I'm seeing cables in the front of the stand and not the rear? I mean it has to be the way it needed to be designed, unless they just didn't think it through as usual. I remember using ASUS about 20 years ago with two 15" side by side lol.

 

[Brandhaus]

Agree - the LG UltraFine 6k 32U990A is coming soon and that looks really nice.

LG UltraFine 32U990A Announced with a 6K Resolution and Thunderbolt 5 - TFTCentral

Share this contentOriginally published 9 January 2025, last updated 29 August 2025 Announced back in January 2025, LG’s latest UltraFine 32U990A monitor is the world’s first 6K high-resolution monitor to....[click link for more]

tftcentral.co.uk

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If that's 32" at 6k, wow that's beautiful I must say! If it's real! Love that blue! Please tell me it's real and affordable!

 

[fathergll]

I’m tired of waiting around for Apple to make a 32” 6k monitor at a reasonable price. I don’t produce Hollywood feature films but as a UX designer I just want a larger monitor at a high dpi. Is that too much to ask for? I would love to have an Apple logo on it, but this monitor seems to suffice at this price point. Your loss Apple.

Apple doesn't want to be in the display business. They already got out of it 10 years ago for years and they are only doing high end in limited quantities. Display business is ruthless with low margins. They have no interest trying to compete in a world where companies like ASUS can produce a 32" retina display for almost the price of what the XDR Stand cost back in 2019.

 

[iMac The Knife]

The design on that Pro Display XDR.... wow. Amazing. If I only had that kind of extra cash to throw around.

If you had $4999 today and still wanted to spend it on the nearly 6 year old Pro Display XDR, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I'd like to sell you as well.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

That means the matte-only ProArt 6K ($1,299) is $200 cheaper than standard glossy Studio Display ($1,499), and $500 cheaper than the optional matte Studio Display ($1,700). So for $200 or $500 less than what Tim Crook charges for a 27-inch 5K display, customers can instead get a 32-inch 6K display from Asus.

I compare this to Apple’s XDR . So $6,000 vs $1,400. I don’t see $4,600 extra value in the XDR. Reasonably sure many others will have the same perspective

 

[Brandhaus]

Apple doesn't want to be in the display business. They already got out of it 10 years ago for years and they are only doing high end in limited quantities. Display business is ruthless with low margins. They have no interest trying to compete in a world where companies like ASUS can produce a 32" retina display for almost the price of what the XDR Stand cost back in 2019.




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Gotcha. I do think the iMac brought them back with the integrated display, however. And I'm surprised they haven't released an actual television. But if what you say is true, I understand. But I also believe they are pretty much stuck making monitors or their designs as a whole would just go out the window. "Look at this beautiful Mac mini, paired with this plastic Dell" lol. But I get your point. BUT then again, with all the money they have, it would be pretty cool to have a display that actually has touch screen which I think they might be headed.

I dunno, for now things are OK. I've worked with large Board of Directors before. You have to make them happy. Notice how basically when Jobs passed, the commercials and marketing ads quickly changed. I'm definitely worried after Cook is gone. I think it might be time to sell stock at that point. I also bet Jonathan Ives has something up his sleeve. He might be the next Apple honestly.

 

[fathergll]

Gotcha. I do think the iMac brought them back with the integrated display, however. And I'm surprised they haven't released an actual television. But if what you say is true, I understand. But I also believe they are pretty much stuck making monitors or their designs as a whole would just go out the window. "Look at this beautiful Mac mini, paired with this plastic Dell" lol. But I get your point. BUT then again, with all the money they have, it would be pretty cool to have a display that actually has touch screen which I think they might be headed.

I dunno, for now things are OK. I've worked with large Board of Directors before. You have to make them happy. Notice how basically when Jobs passed, the commercials and marketing ads quickly changed. I'm definitely worried after Cook is gone. I think it might be time to sell stock at that point. I also bet Jonathan Ives has something up his sleeve. He might be the next Apple honestly.

Yes an iMac has a display for decades but so does a Macbook and many other Apple products.

What I mean by Apple doesn't want to be in the 'display business' is that they are not trying to compete in selling stand alone monitors to the larger world. Their monitors are basically aimed almost as accessories to their ecosystem similar to how they are not in the mouse business competing with Logitech even though Apple makes the Magic Mouse.

These monitors are last priority items and they had no issue not producing them from 2016 to the end of that decade. Monitors are a complete PIA to deal with for shipping and warranty plus they are delicate to deal with(just the handling of them with size/parts...etc.). It's the same reason they haven't pulled the trigger on releasing a TV because it wouldn't be so much of them being in the TV business like LG/TCL...etc but them releasing an integrated product who's real purpose to for their streaming business which is massive and other accessories to tie in but selling TVs is even more of a PIA than monitors which is why they've never gone beyond prototypes. They would be competing someone who can get a 65" OLED from Best Buy for less than $1500. If that market made sense to them they would have been in it already...I mean Apple as a tech company has managed to make movies and tv shows(completely unrelated to their core business) before doing a TV. That tells you how little the numbers make sense to them.

 

[omenatarhuri]

If you had $4999 today and still wanted to spend it on the nearly 6 year old Pro Display XDR, I have some ocean front property in Arizona I'd like to sell you as well.

Man, I do love the nature in Arizona 🥰

 

[tenthousandthings]

If that's 32" at 6k, wow that's beautiful I must say! If it's real! Love that blue! Please tell me it's real and affordable!

It's real but those are renders. Actual photos have leaked from a vendor-only event, but all they reveal are the actual bezels are not as narrow as those seen in the renders. It is rumored to launch this month.

The main thing to distinguish it from the others is full Thunderbolt 5 support, including (probably) daisy chain.

 

[pdoherty]

Traditional anti-glare displays give you a huge number of tiny reflections rather than hot spots like on a glossy display.

As a result blacks tend to be washed out, bright areas are often less bright. Colours can pick up from all the tiny reflections.

And what Surrylic said…

Nano texture displays offer a better compromise - the texture is at such a fine scale you don't notice.

Why are we assuming Asus' matte isn't equivalent to 'nano texture'? Because Apple gave it a nickname like "dynamic island"?

 

[drrich2]

What I mean by Apple doesn't want to be in the 'display business' is that they are not trying to compete in selling stand alone monitors to the larger world.

Evidence for that is in the port selection; Thunderbolt input only on the Apple Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Never mind that some home Mac users have a work PC with Windows they'd like to attach, and/or a video gaming console...nope. It's made to work with a Mac, and while there are ways to attach other things, it's clearly 'made for Mac.' All the more frustrating because people spending a lot of money want to use their product as they wish. And some people who like Apple's industrial minimalist design aesthetic might prefer one display serving multiple devices.

 

[MLMcMillion]

I am curious, outside gaming what exactly do you need 120HZ for? Are you really going to care if your web pages or word documents scroll faster? I have a 120HZ screen on my M3 Max MB Pro and a 60HZ monitor and can’t tell the difference, I actually care more about the difference in screen quality.

Going back to 60hz after getting accustomed to 120 or more actually gives me a headache

 

[Jeeve Stubbs]

What would you like a new ProDisplay XDR to do better than the current one that is already tailored for professionals? And how would that benefit your professional use?

Eleven suggestions. I wouldn't realistically expect all of them to be implemented, but at least some:

1. MicroLED (or at the very least MiniLED) for deeper blacks, better contrast, and more accurate color reproduction.
2. Quantum dot films (like the MacBook Pro) to enhance color range and motion performance.
3. Higher refresh rate for video editors and real-time content creators.
4. Faster response and better uniformity for precise retouching and color grading.
5. Built-in Apple Silicon chip (like the Studio Display) to get autonomous features like Center Stage, Siri, and automatic color calibration based on ambient light.
6. Integrated 4k camera for quick content capture (creators), motion capture and previewing (animation or VFX studios), and of course crystal-clear video conferencing without external set-up.
7. Integrated studio-quality microphone(s) for voice-over recording (video editors and content creators), broadcast-grade audio for calls and live sessions (musicians, directors, etc.), and sound design or pre-mixing (sound pros in post-production) without external gear.
8. High-fidelity speakers for immersive sound without compromise and need for external devices.
9. Thunderbolt 5 for ultra-fast data transfer and better compatibility with high-end Macs.
10. Improved ergonomic stand, possibly included in the price this time, with more flexibility and comfort.
11. Extended compatibility with M-series Macs for seamless integration into professional workflows.

 

[Westside guy]

Do most people need a 32" monitor ?

Unless people are sitting far away from the monitor, they have to move their head constantly to see everything.

I would think this is really the case for people who view everything in full-screen. I find my 32" LG monitor to be great when I'm writing code, or need several terminal windows open (some times tabs are great, other times not so much), or working on mutliple ansible playbooks at the same time. It's often useful to me to be able to have my various work windows (e.g. browser, terminals, Teams, email, etc.) all at least partially visible.

And if I don't need to switch back and forth between all those windows, there's no law that says I have to use 100% of my screen all the time.

 

[patthedog]

Sitting back further is going to be better for your eyes, so it just seems like a good thing to me. Plus depending on your needs you may just need that extra screen real estate.

Yes, this is my situation. I sit a bit further away from my display because I have a desk full of music production gear and usually have a guitar on my lap too. However I think my sweet spot would be 5K on 32" like the Acer Predator XB323QX (announced and eagerly awaited). 5K on 32" is a bit lower DPI than 32" 6K and therefore the UI appears larger without having to resort to macOS scaling.

 

[ZiBart]

Eleven suggestions. I wouldn't realistically expect all of them to be implemented, but at least some:

1. MicroLED (or at the very least MiniLED) for deeper blacks, better contrast, and more accurate color reproduction.
2. Quantum dot films (like the MacBook Pro) to enhance color range and motion performance.
3. Higher refresh rate for video editors and real-time content creators.
4. Faster response and better uniformity for precise retouching and color grading.
5. Built-in Apple Silicon chip (like the Studio Display) to get autonomous features like Center Stage, Siri, and automatic color calibration based on ambient light.
6. Integrated 4k camera for quick content capture (creators), motion capture and previewing (animation or VFX studios), and of course crystal-clear video conferencing without external set-up.
7. Integrated studio-quality microphone(s) for voice-over recording (video editors and content creators), broadcast-grade audio for calls and live sessions (musicians, directors, etc.), and sound design or pre-mixing (sound pros in post-production) without external gear.
8. High-fidelity speakers for immersive sound without compromise and need for external devices.
9. Thunderbolt 5 for ultra-fast data transfer and better compatibility with high-end Macs.
10. Improved ergonomic stand, possibly included in the price this time, with more flexibility and comfort.
11. Extended compatibility with M-series Macs for seamless integration into professional workflows.

I feel like most of these should be implemented into the Studio display nevermind the PDXDR. Except MicroLED is far away from mass production. Studio should be QD-OLED while XDR should be tandem OLED.

 

[joecomo]

fantastic price, lets hope the LG 6K is priced similarly and we might have a winner

that LG display really looks like a winner to me

 

[fathergll]

Evidence for that is in the port selection; Thunderbolt input only on the Apple Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Never mind that some home Mac users have a work PC with Windows they'd like to attach, and/or a video gaming console...nope. It's made to work with a Mac, and while there are ways to attach other things, it's clearly 'made for Mac.' All the more frustrating because people spending a lot of money want to use their product as they wish. And some people who like Apple's industrial minimalist design aesthetic might prefer one display serving multiple devices.

Yep exactly. If Apple wanted to actually be in the display business their displays would integrate much better with the much larger market(Windows).

iPhone and iPads are an example of Apple being in the smartphone/tablet business as clearly Apple has put effort into developing programs(iTunes/Apple Devices) for Windows users to use it and they target the entire world. Thats because thats over half of their revenue is from those two devices(from their 2024 10-k 228 billion revenue was from iPhone/iPad and the Mac was 30 billion which is mostly comprised of Macbooks. Displays are peanuts for them and niche product in the overall scheme of things and buried in the 'Wearables, Home and Accessories' subcategory).

 

[tenthousandthings]

~

Eleven suggestions. I wouldn't realistically expect all of them to be implemented, but at least some:

1. MicroLED (or at the very least MiniLED) for deeper blacks, better contrast, and more accurate color reproduction.
2. Quantum dot films (like the MacBook Pro) to enhance color range and motion performance.
3. Higher refresh rate for video editors and real-time content creators.
4. Faster response and better uniformity for precise retouching and color grading.
5. Built-in Apple Silicon chip (like the Studio Display) to get autonomous features like Center Stage, Siri, and automatic color calibration based on ambient light.
6. Integrated 4k camera for quick content capture (creators), motion capture and previewing (animation or VFX studios), and of course crystal-clear video conferencing without external set-up.
7. Integrated studio-quality microphone(s) for voice-over recording (video editors and content creators), broadcast-grade audio for calls and live sessions (musicians, directors, etc.), and sound design or pre-mixing (sound pros in post-production) without external gear.
8. High-fidelity speakers for immersive sound without compromise and need for external devices.
9. Thunderbolt 5 for ultra-fast data transfer and better compatibility with high-end Macs.
10. Improved ergonomic stand, possibly included in the price this time, with more flexibility and comfort.
11. Extended compatibility with M-series Macs for seamless integration into professional workflows.

1. MiniLED backlight, sure -- the Pro Display XDR already has that, more or less, with 576 zones. Few 4K with true MiniLED backlights have many more zones. I would hope for something like 4,096 zones in a Pro Display XDR 2 if it's not going to be hybrid tandem OLED. As has already been noted, MicroLED is not like MiniLED -- it competes with emissive technologies like OLED, not MiniLED backlights.

2. 100% likelihood for not only the Studio Display 2 (which I think will be called "Studio Display HDR"), but also any revision of the Pro Display XDR.

3. Possible for the Studio Display HDR, but I expect to be disappointed. Maybe 90Hz (72Hz and 75Hz are already here), as rumored. ProMotion (120Hz) for the Pro Display XDR revision seems likely. I think it will be hybrid tandem "Dream OLED" and it's at least two years away (the tech will appear in mobile first, then move to larger displays), but if it's just IPS Black 120Hz with a MiniLED backlight then next year is possible.

4. Either 4,096 MiniLED zones or hybrid tandem OLED will both improve uniformity/accuracy, but that's already a hallmark of the 576-zone Pro Display XDR. Response times likely to be about the same as the current 5ms GtG.

5-8. No. These are Studio Display features. You're not going to see them in a Pro Display.

9. 100% likelihood.

10. We can hope, but it probably depends on how well these stands have sold and how well they have held up over time with heavy use.

11. Is this a reference to Vivid? I'm not sure what you mean by "extended compatibility" -- isn't the Pro Display XDR already fully compatible with all M-series Macs?

 

[Brandhaus]

Apple doesn't want to be in the display business. They already got out of it 10 years ago for years and they are only doing high end in limited quantities. Display business is ruthless with low margins. They have no interest trying to compete in a world where companies like ASUS can produce a 32" retina display for almost the price of what the XDR Stand cost back in 2019.




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I’ve been thinking about your comment, and it makes sense. However I would like to see the profit (or lackthereof) margins. Say they lose money on each display. Well they have at least 3 machines that require a monitor. And if you’re a pro user, you definitely have the money for the 32” XDR. The studio and the mini will require monitors as well. I guess what I’m saying is they just need two tiers of monitors which they have. The studio, as well as the XDR. The iMac almost doesn’t even made sense anymore unless they will make one that is user upgradable. They are cranking out new chips so fast. It would make more sense to buy a refurb studio and refurb Mac Studio or Mac mini than an iMac. So even if they lose money on monitors, I’m sure they are smart enough to make up for it in their other products.

Plus their Studio monitors are 5k. For the longest time other companies have been 4k which just doesn’t cut it for me. Ive been a Mac user for around 25 years. Maybe longer if you count the Apple IIc they made us play Oregon Trail in elementary school lol. That game still haunts me.

I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed in an Apple product except for the black Mac Pro (which I sold quick enough to not lose much) and probably the Touch Bar laptop.

And I’d say the new Mac Air. I have the 2019? The one that was slanted they made for about a year or so. It was just so much thinner and lighter. I wish they would design the new airs like that again :/

Anyway, though they hate being in the display business, it is what it is. Pretty much every corporation has at least one thing they hate doing.

So I’m unsure if my comment has any merit to it, but for some reason I kept thinking about it…

Not trying to start a flame war or anything

 

[drrich2]

Well they have at least 3 machines that require a monitor.

Anyway, though they hate being in the display business, it is what it is. Pretty much every corporation has at least one thing they hate doing.

So I’m unsure if my comment has any merit to it, but for some reason I kept thinking about it…

You may be onto something there. In Apple's ads for Macs, think about it...they have a Mac Mini or Studio hooked to a display, right? In at least some of your ads, especially video, you need to show the full functional core ensemble...computer, keyboard, mouse and...display. Now imagine the embarrassment if all those Apple ads and demonstrations showing off new Macs showed them connected to Dell displays. A competitor! Oh, wow. So I imagine they'd go with someone who doesn't compete with them, like Ben Q (I presume; never heard of a BenQ-branded Windows PC), but then you've got another company's logo in your ad. They could hide the logo, but that'd create a new game for Mac enthusiasts...whenever Apple released a new Mac other than an iMac, we'd be on MacRumors and other sites trying to deduce what brand and model display was used.

They got out of the printer market years ago; you don't need an Apple branded printer or printer/fax/scanner unit in your computer ads. But if you want to portray yourself to the masses as a holistic computer system maker, you need to produce branded computer, display, keyboard and mouse.

I don't know whether they hate it, but I think you're right that they're stuck with it.

 

[XboxEvolved]

dang this sounds great! I will be awaiting reviews....and possible sales?

 

[Jeeve Stubbs]

~

1. MiniLED backlight, sure -- the Pro Display XDR already has that, more or less, with 576 zones. Few 4K with true MiniLED backlights have many more zones. I would hope for something like 4,096 zones in a Pro Display XDR 2 if it's not going to be hybrid tandem OLED. As has already been noted, MicroLED is not like MiniLED -- it competes with emissive technologies like OLED, not MiniLED backlights.

2. 100% likelihood for not only the Studio Display 2 (which I think will be called "Studio Display HDR"), but also any revision of the Pro Display XDR.

3. Possible for the Studio Display HDR, but I expect to be disappointed. Maybe 90Hz (72Hz and 75Hz are already here), as rumored. ProMotion (120Hz) for the Pro Display XDR revision seems likely. I think it will be hybrid tandem "Dream OLED" and it's at least two years away (the tech will appear in mobile first, then move to larger displays), but if it's just IPS Black 120Hz with a MiniLED backlight then next year is possible.

4. Either 4,096 MiniLED zones or hybrid tandem OLED will both improve uniformity/accuracy, but that's already a hallmark of the 576-zone Pro Display XDR. Response times likely to be about the same as the current 5ms GtG.

5-8. No. These are Studio Display features. You're not going to see them in a Pro Display.

9. 100% likelihood.

10. We can hope, but it probably depends on how well these stands have sold and how well they have held up over time with heavy use.

11. Is this a reference to Vivid? I'm not sure what you mean by "extended compatibility" -- isn't the Pro Display XDR already fully compatible with all M-series Macs?

5-8. Why not? These features could definitely be useful to some professionals as I mentioned. It would also make no sense to implement them in the Studio Display 2 but not in a monitor that is over three times more expensive. At that price, no excuses.

11. Vivid is great (and already available) but that's not what I had in mind. We can envision an XDR 2 that wouldn't just be a passive peripheral, but an active component of the Apple ecosystem: something capable of dynamically adapting to pro needs while taking advantage of the full power of M chips (which have revolutionized Macs since the Pro Display XDR came out in 2019). Specifically:

a. Hardware/software optimization: a monitor tailored for these chips could deliver maximum performance with zero latency, even during intensive multitasking (6k editing, 3D rendering, RAW photo retouching).

b. Native support for Apple tech: Pro Motion (adaptive refresh rate up to 120 Hz), True Tone and Night Shift managed by the system, Color Sync for precise and automatic color calibration, Metal (Apple's graphics API) for accelerated real-time rendering.

c. Smart connectivity: I already mentioned Thunderbolt 5 – we can also imagine automatic screen recognition and parameter adjustment without manual input.

d. Advanced macOS-driven features: pros could use the display as a capture surface (camera, microphone, speakers) integrated into apps like Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, etc., as well as automate via Shortcuts (for example, switch color profiles depending on the app in use).

 

[drrich2]

5-8. Why not? These features could definitely be useful to some professionals as I mentioned. It would also make no sense to implement them in the Studio Display 2 but not in a monitor that is over three times more expensive. At that price, no excuses.

I've seen this discussed before; it's been indicated the target customer demographic for the Pro XDR is a professional one that wasn't looking for in-display speakers and some of the other features of the ASD, which while it can be used by some professionals seems to target both demanding home users and presumably a range of office worker types (and yes, some more graphics-heavy professionals). The Pro XDR wasn't for home users who just wanted extra 'big and sharp,' but professions with access to deep pockets who needed it for productivity. Some pro.s didn't need or want a webcam and especially not built-in speakers, and those who did might prefer choosing their own higher end 3rd party products rather than Apple's built-in (that you still have to pay for).

So your posts bring up an interesting issue; if technological advances make the Pro XDR less attractive at its high price point, what should Apple do? Some options come to mind...

1.) Somehow advance it in ways that might appeal to high end graphics-intensive professionals - like 8K and maybe go to 42", higher refresh rate, etc... Price would stay out of reach for most of us.

2.) Radically cut the price to compete with the newer 6K 32" displays that target a lower end demographic, including home users willing to go as high as $2,000 for a display. Not what I think Apple would do.

3.) Keep the price high but 'Studio-ize' it. So, the display would remain largely as it is now, but add built-in speakers with special audio, a webcam with CenterStage, etc..., but then the price would be way above those new competitors targeting a lower end demographic.

If they go for 1.), that is in the spirit of the original Pro Display XDR. If they opt for 3.), it would basically be a 6K 32" ASD more so than a 2nd gen. XDR.