By With its Ultrasharp display series, Dell is experiencing some success. The U3223QE, the first monitor with a new IPS Black screen that enhances contrast over earlier IPS displays, was released in 2022. The U2724DE, an IPS Black business monitor with a 1440p 120Hz panel and a wide range of connectivity options like Ethernet and Thunderbolt 4, came next. With its revolutionary 4K 120Hz IPS Black panel, the Dell U3225QE is now the first to hit the market. To top it off, it offers up to 140 watts of USB Power Delivery.
Specs and Features
The IPS Black panel is the standout feature of the Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE. Dell claims that it is the most recent iteration of IPS Black and quotes a contrast ratio of 3000:1, which is better than the 2000:1 stated by the previous panel. Additionally, it has a 31.5-inch 4K panel with a 120 Hz refresh rate. Earlier IPS Black panels came in 1440p 120Hz or 4K 60Hz.
- Ports: 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 DisplayPort 1.4, 1 DisplayPort 1.4-out, 1
- Upstream Thunderbolt 4/USB-C with 140 watts of power
- One Thunderbolt 4 downstream with 15 watts of power is sent.
- One USB-C 10Gbps upstream, one USB-C 10Gbps downstream, and delivery
- downstream, six USB-A 10Gbps ports, and one 3.5mm audio line-out
- downstream, one RJ45 with Ethernet at 2.5Gbps.
- Mounting VESA: 100×100 mm
- Size of display: 31.5-inch widescreen 16:9
- Resolution in native: 3840 x 2160
- Type of panel: IPS Black
- 120 Hz is the refresh rate.
- HDMI VRR adaptive synchronization
- VESA DisplayHDR 600 Certified, yes
- No audio
- Extra features: The MSRP for an ambient light sensor is $999.99.
The IPS Black panel, however, is only half the picture. With Thunderbolt, USB-C, Ethernet, and USB Power Delivery up to 140 watts, the U3225QE’s connectivity makes up the other half. It has six USB-A ports in total and supports daisy-chain display connections. What a large number of ports!
When the monitor first comes out, it costs $999.99 at retail. It is comparable to other premier 32-inch 4K office and productivity monitors with Thunderbolt connectivity, despite its high price. At the time of writing, the prices of the HP Series 7 Pro, BenQ’s PD3225U, and Dell’s older U3223QE—the direct predecessor to the U3225QE—were $879.99, $999.99, and $669.99, respectively.
While I tested the 32-inch model, I anticipate this review to be representative of the 27-inch model as well. The U2725QE is a 27-inch version of this monitor that will retail for $699.99 and has the same display panel technology, resolution, refresh rate, connectivity, and roughly similar design.
Design
Although it works in its favor, the Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE doesn’t innovate the company’s design. Ultrasharp displays have decided on a polished appearance that combines thin black bezels on the front with plain silver plastic on the rear. Although it’s not as enticing as Samsung’s new Odyssey OLED series, it’s functional and gives off a premium vibe.
The ergonomic stand, which can rotate 90 degrees into portrait mode and has height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, is a similar story. Although the stand is sturdy, its compact base reduces the amount of space it takes up on your desk. There is a 100x100mm VESA mount that can be used with an external monitor arm or stand.
Cable management is provided by a little hole in the stand. It works well for a few connections, but you won’t be able to fit all of the wires through the display at once if you intend to use every port.
Features
Alongside its wide range of connectivity, the Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE has several features that might be helpful in a home office. Although not unusual, the flicker-free panel’s ability to control brightness without the usage of PWM is praised. The monitor’s ambient light sensor is unique; it can automatically change the brightness depending on how bright your environment is. By making sure the monitor isn’t too bright, it can lessen eyestrain.
A joystick that is hidden around the right side of the monitor allows users to adjust its settings. Compared to other competitors, Dell’s on-screen menus are significantly larger, making them easier to see. In addition to default presets for sRGB, DCI-P3, and AdobeRGB, the image quality options include adjustments for color temperature, hue, and saturation.
Additionally, Dell’s Display and Peripheral Manager (DDPM), which has been updated, allows you to modify options. With its ribbon-like quick menu and more streamlined design, DDPM 2.0 keeps frequently used choices handy.
Built-in speakers are one thing you won’t find, though. Their absence is a little odd because Dell Ultrasharp monitors usually do not have the two 2-watt speakers that workplace monitors do. Although it’s something to consider, the absence of speakers isn’t a deal breaker because monitor speakers are typically rather poor.
Performance
About a year ago, Dell changed some of its Ultrasharp screens, such as the Dell U2724DE, to a refresh rate of 120Hz; nevertheless, the resolution of those screens was 1440p. With 4K at 120Hz, the U3225QE eliminates the need to compromise between motion performance and refresh rate.
Having said that, the refresh rate of monitors is increasing, and your perception of the U3225QE’s refresh rate will vary. The U3225QE will blow you away if you’re a professional accustomed to a 60Hz monitor, which is still a very popular refresh rate in the category. Windows feels more responsive, and text is easier to read when moving.
But the U3225QE can still let you down if you’ve recently seen a lot of 240Hz or 360Hz OLED monitors. The motion clarity of a 4K OLED gaming monitor, such as the HP Omen Transcend 32 or Acer Predator X32 X3, is far superior. On the U3225QE, fast-paced games appear quite clear, but small details (such as a name or spell effect above a moving enemy) can be difficult to see.
Nevertheless, I commend Dell for their ongoing efforts to improve Ultrasharp display refresh rates. It has an advantage over rivals who are still using 60Hz. If you want a single monitor that can run Marvel Rivals after you clock out and Microsoft Word while you’re logged in, it also makes Dell’s monitors more alluring.
Conclusion
The Dell Ultrasharp U3225QE maintains the company’s position as a leader in office monitors and professional productivity. The incorporation of Thunderbolt 4 with 140 watts of power delivery gives the U3225QE a minor edge in image quality and a significant advantage in connection when compared to its counterparts. Additionally, the U3225QE boasts 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz, which is almost unprecedented for an office and productivity monitor.
Additionally, the U3225QE has favorable pricing. Although the flagship monitor’s retail MSRP of $999.99 is pricey, it has some features that you won’t find anywhere else. Many of the features of the U3225QE, such as the Ethernet, Thunderbolt 4, and 120Hz refresh rate, are usually absent from competing monitors, such as the BenQ PD3225U and the Asus ProArt PA329CV. Because of this, the U3225QE is a clear choice if you’re looking for a premier office and productivity monitor.
