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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a higher refresh rate and faster response for competitive gaming, the Dell AW2721D would suit you better, although its smaller screen size may limit immersion for media consumption. On the other hand, the Dell AW3821DW offers a larger, more immersive display for media and productivity, but with a lower refresh rate, it's not as optimized for competitive gaming. Both will deliver good image quality for casual gaming and general use, but neither is ideal for serious HDR gaming or professional color work due to limited peak brightness and color volume. If budget is a concern, consider the slightly less expensive AW2721D for its gaming performance, keeping in mind the tradeoff in screen size and media immersion. 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 Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS)
- Very good for competitive gaming
- Very good refresh rate
Advantages of the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS)
- The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS).
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
8.0
4.5
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
10.8 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$902
$1,099
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
$1,600
$1,800
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) has a price of $902 and the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) costs $1,099.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.5
6.0
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
883:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
660 nits
71.9 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.6 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
Productivity
6.5
6.6
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
111 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.2
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
883:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
495 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
660 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) | Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$902 | $1,099 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 27" | 38" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 1600 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | IPS | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | 32 | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 1088:1 | 883:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 474 nits | 495 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 788 nits | 660 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 136.9 % | 133 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 7.1 ms | 10.8 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 240 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7.9/10 | 7/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 109 PPI | 111 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Semi-Gloss | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7.2/10 | |
PORTS & CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HDMI 1.4 Ports | |||
HDMI 1.4 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.0 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.0 Ports | 2 | 2 | |
HDMI 2.1 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.1 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Micro HDMI Ports | |||
Micro HDMI Ports | 0 | 0 | |
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | |||
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
PC Mag
Chris Stobing | July 2021
"If cost isn't an issue and you want a gaming monitor that will give your content all-new life for years to come, the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor defines the upper echelon of what gaming monitors do best today. This display does everything the HP Omen X 27 tried to do, but does it a whole lot better for just a slight bump in price. If you're choosing between the two, the Alienware is the clear winner, and that story repeats itself again and again no matter which 1440p contender we put the Alienware 27 up against."
Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS)
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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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We're constantly perfecting our model
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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.
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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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