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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you're a competitive gamer who prioritizes fast response times and high refresh rates for smooth gameplay, the Dell Alienware monitor is a strong choice despite its higher cost. Its performance in digital photo editing is also commendable. However, for media consumption and enjoying content in a wide, immersive format, the Dell S3422DWG with its larger screen and ultrawide aspect might be more appealing, especially at a midrange price point. The VA panel offers deeper blacks and higher contrast, which is beneficial for watching videos and general use, but it might not be as responsive as the Alienware for fast-paced gaming. 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
- Good text clarity
- Good image clarity
- Good brightness
Advantages of the Dell S3422DWG (VA)
- The Dell S3422DWG (VA) 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
9.2 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.7
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) and Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is somewhat better.
Cost
$902
$330
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) has a price of $902 and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) costs $330.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.5
6.7
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
71.9 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
86.8 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) and Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
Productivity
6.5
6.2
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are both only fair for productivity.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) | Dell S3422DWG (VA) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$902 | $330 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 27" | 34" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3440 x 1440 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | VA | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | N/A | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 1088:1 | 2725:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 474 nits | 344 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 788 nits | 528 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 % | 98.5 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 7.1 ms | 9.2 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 240 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 8/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7.9/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 109 PPI | 108 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Semi-Gloss | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7/10 | 7/10 | |
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 S3422DWG (VA)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
IGN
Whitson Gordon | August 2021
"The Dell S3422DWG is, overall, a great monitor that delivers on most of its promises, providing a sharp ultrawide experience with smooth motion. It is, however, not as great of a value proposition, costing a bit too much compared to similar competitors."
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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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