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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If budget is a concern and you're looking for a monitor that is a bit easier on the wallet, the Dell Alienware AW3821DW could be the right choice for you. However, if you'd prefer a monitor with slightly higher brightness and color performance, which could enhance the experience for tasks like digital photo editing, the LG 38WN95C might be worth the extra investment. Both monitors have similar features, such as large ultrawide displays that are great for an immersive gaming experience and productivity, but neither are particularly optimal for HDR gaming and media consumption due to their limited HDR peak brightness. If competitive gaming is your priority, you wouldn't go wrong with either choice, as both have comparable refresh rates and response times to keep up with fast-paced games. 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)
- The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has no clear advantages over the LG 38WN95C (IPS).
Advantages of the LG 38WN95C (IPS)
- The LG 38WN95C (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS).
Key differences
Cost
$749
$1,600
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the LG 38WN95C (IPS) costs $1,600.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.0
6.1
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
898:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
477 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
692 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
94.1 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The LG 38WN95C (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
Competitive Gaming
4.5
4.5
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.1 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
477 nits
The LG 38WN95C (IPS) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Productivity
6.6
6.6
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
111 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.2
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3840 x 1600
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
898:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
477 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
692 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and LG 38WN95C (IPS) 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 LG 38WN95C (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) | LG 38WN95C (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $1,600 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 38" | 38" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 | 3840 x 1600 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | IPS | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | 4 | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 883:1 | 898:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 495 nits | 477 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 660 nits | 692 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 133 % | 100 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 10.8 ms | 7.1 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 144 Hz | 20 - 144 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 6.6/10 | 6.6/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7/10 | 7.9/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 111 PPI | 111 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 7.2/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 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 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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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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