If price is a significant concern for you, the LG 34GN850B provides a more affordable option while still offering a decent gaming experience with a high refresh rate and fairly good image clarity. However, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW, while more expensive, offers a larger screen size and higher brightness, which can enhance your experience during productivity tasks and media consumption. As neither monitor is especially suited for HDR gaming or video editing, your decision should be guided by how much you value screen size and brightness over cost savings. 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 LG 34GN850B (IPS)
Very good response time
Key differences
Productivity
6.6/10
5.9/10
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) is only fair for productivity, while the LG 34GN850B (IPS) is poor.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the LG 34GN850B (IPS) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.0/10
5.9/10
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
950:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
359 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
436 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
94.5 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) to be only fair for casual gaming, while the LG 34GN850B (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
4.5/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.2 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 160 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
359 nits
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 34GN850B (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Media Consumption
6.2/10
5.9/10
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
950:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
359 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
436 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) to be only fair for media consumption, while the LG 34GN850B (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$749
$750
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the LG 34GN850B (IPS) costs $750.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 34GN850B (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 34GN850B (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 34GN850B (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and the LG 34GN850B (IPS) compare to other monitors
"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."
"Mid-range 3440 x 1440 144Hz VA monitors are ~$500 to $600 these days. You are getting a much better product for the higher price of the LG, with faster response times and better colors (outside of the contrast ratio), but this is definitely a monitor that is reserved for those that want the best of the best and are willing to pay for it."
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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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.