TCL has unveiled two new OLED monitors in China that are positioned as affordable alternatives to the Apple Studio Display. The X3B OLED+ series includes a 27-inch and a 32-inch model featuring a tandem WOLED panel, 1,500 nits of peak brightness, and up to 480 Hz. Prices for the series start at the equivalent of around 480 euros—a fraction of what Apple’s 5K monitor costs.
Key details at a glance:
- TCL 27X3B: 27 inches, QHD, 280 Hz, starting at approx. 480 euros (3,699 yuan)
- TCL 32X3B: 32 inches, dual-mode—4K at 240 Hz or Full HD at 480 Hz, starting at approximately 844 euros (6,499 yuan)
- Both feature Tandem WOLED, 1,500 nits peak brightness, and 99.5% DCI-P3 coverage
- Currently available only in China, but an international launch is considered likely
TCL 27X3B: OLED panel meets Studio Display aesthetics
The smaller model is clearly aimed at Apple. Instead of the IPS panel found in the Studio Display, TCL uses a fourth-generation Tandem WOLED panel in the 27X3B. The peak brightness is 1,500 nits, and the refresh rate is 280 Hz. However, with native QHD resolution, it’s significantly lower than Apple’s 5K.
In return, according to TCL, the display covers 99.5 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut and features an anti-glare coating—features the manufacturer hopes will appeal to professional users as well. As with the original, it features built-in speakers, which were tuned by Bang & Olufsen. “Fast Frame Technology” is designed to keep input lag to a minimum. Even the chassis design is visibly modeled after the Studio Display.
TCL 32X3B: Dual-Mode with 4K and 480 Hz
The 32X3B is the significantly more versatile model. Its tandem WOLED panel operates in two modes: either at UHD resolution at 240 Hz or with resolution reduced to Full HD at up to 480 Hz. The high-speed mode is clearly geared toward competitive shooters, where every millisecond counts.
Brightness, anti-glare properties, and color gamut coverage are on par with the 27-inch model. However, the larger display offers more connectivity options—including a USB-C port that delivers up to 90 watts of charging power, allowing it to directly power a connected laptop.
TCL X3B vs. Apple Studio Display: A Comparison
| Model | TCL 27X3B | TCL 32X3B | Apple Studio Display |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel | Tandem WOLED | Tandem WOLED | IPS (“Retina”) |
| Size | 27 inches | 32 inches | 27 inches |
| Resolution | QHD (2,560 × 1,440) | UHD/4K or Full HD | 5K (5,120 × 2,880) |
| Refresh rate | 280 Hz | 240 Hz (4K) / 480 Hz (FHD) | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,500 nits | 1,500 nits | 600 nits |
| Color gamut | 99.5% DCI-P3 | 99.5% DCI-P3 | P3 (Wide Color) |
| Price (Starting) | approx. 480 € (3,699 yuan) | approx. 844 € (6,499 yuan) | Starting at approx. 1,699 € (1,539 USD) |
For high refresh rates, we recently covered the ASUS ROG Swift with 540 Hz; in the high-end segment for Mac, the LG UltraFine Evo 6K is also an exciting option.
Price and Availability
At its market launch in China, the TCL 27X3B costs 3,699 yuan (about 480 euros), while the 32X3B is priced at 6,499 yuan (about 844 euros). A launch outside of China has not yet been confirmed. However, since TCL sells many products internationally, a launch in Europe is considered likely. Actual prices in euros are likely to be higher than a simple yuan conversion, as taxes, customs duties, and profit margins will be added.
Conclusion
The X3B OLED+ series is a serious alternative to the Apple Studio Display, provided you can live with the lower resolution. OLED contrast, 1,500 nits, and high refresh rates at half the price make for a strong package—especially for anyone who also wants to use the monitor for gaming. On the other hand, those who need the maximum pixel density for image editing or text work are better off sticking with Apple’s 5K panel. It will be interesting to see if—and at what price—TCL brings these monitors to Europe.
Sources: TCL on JD.com, Wccftech
