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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a higher quality display for gaming and HDR content with deep blacks and vibrant colors, the Asus PG32UCDM with its QD-OLED technology is a superior choice despite the higher cost. However, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW offers a wider screen with an ultrawide aspect ratio which may be more suitable for multitasking and productivity tasks, plus it costs less. The Asus excels in gaming due to its faster response times and is great for HDR video, thanks to its high contrast and color performance. The Dell, though less exceptional in contrast and color, provides more screen real estate which can enhance your work and gaming experience. Consider what’s more important for your use: superior color and gaming performance or a wider screen for productivity at a lower price point. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED)
- Best in class for casual gaming
- Good for productivity
- Best in class for media consumption
- Very good refresh rate
- Best in class contrast
- Best in class color volume
- Best in class response time
Advantages of the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS)
- Good text clarity
- Good brightness
Key differences
Casual Gaming
9.8
6.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
Inf:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
883:1
250 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
250 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
660 nits
99.0 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.6 %
Glossy
COATING
Matte
The Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
6.4
4.5
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
0.0 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
10.8 ms
48 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
250 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
The Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
9.7
6.2
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
Inf:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
883:1
250 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
250 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
660 nits
Glossy
COATING
Matte
The Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) is best in class for media consumption, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$1,300
$749
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) has a price of $1,300 and the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) costs $749.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
Yes
No
The Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Key similarities
Productivity
7.0
6.6
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
111 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Glossy
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) to be good for productivity, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) and the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Asus PG32UCDM (QD-OLED) | Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$1,300 | $749 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 31.5" | 38" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 1600 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | OLED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | QD-OLED | IPS | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | N/A | 32 | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | Inf:1 | 883:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 250 nits | 495 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 250 nits | 660 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | Yes | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 100 % | 133 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 0.03 ms | 10.8 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 48 - 240 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | Yes | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 10/10 | 7/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 140 PPI | 111 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Glossy | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 6.9/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 8/10 | 7.2/10 | |
PORTS & CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HDMI 1.4 Ports | |||
HDMI 1.4 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.0 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.0 Ports | 0 | 2 | |
HDMI 2.1 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.1 Ports | 2 | 0 | |
Micro HDMI Ports | |||
Micro HDMI Ports | 0 | 0 | |
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | |||
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Christian Eberle | April 2021
"The Alienware AW3821DW isn’t perfect, but right now, it’s the best value in 38-inch ultrawide gaming monitors. It delivers a solid gaming experience with a bright and saturated image that’s color-accurate. With premium styling and build quality, it’s sure to satisfy gamers looking for a jumbo display."
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This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
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Monitors evaluated
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Recommendations made
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
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