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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 12, 2024·
If you prioritize a larger screen and sharper text and image clarity for productivity and digital photo editing, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW with its IPS panel could be worth the premium price. However, if you are looking for better contrast and value, the Dell S3422DWG with its VA panel offers deep blacks and is less expensive, although it may not be as color accurate as the Alienware. Neither is particularly suited for HDR gaming and media consumption due to their limited HDR peak brightness, but both provide a smooth gaming experience with their refresh rate and fair overall gaming performance. 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 AW3821DW (IPS)
- 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 AW3821DW (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.0
6.7
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
86.8 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming, though the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is somewhat better.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.7
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is somewhat better.
Cost
$749
$330
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) costs $330.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Competitive Gaming
4.5
4.5
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.2 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Productivity
6.6
6.2
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are both only fair for productivity.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (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 AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) | Dell S3422DWG (VA) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $330 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 38" | 34" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 | 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 | 883:1 | 2725:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 495 nits | 344 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 660 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 | 133 % | 98.5 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 10.8 ms | 9.2 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 144 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 6.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7/10 | 7.3/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 111 PPI | 108 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 7/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 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 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."
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."
Give feedback
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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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