If you're looking for a high-quality HDR gaming and media consumption experience and work in digital and print photo editing, the Philips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) offers exceptional color and contrast at a more affordable price than the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS). However, the Dell monitor has a larger screen and is suitable for a good range of tasks including productivity and casual gaming, but doesn't shine as brightly for HDR content. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize color accuracy and HDR capability for creative work and entertainment, or a larger display for multitasking, despite the higher cost. 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
Advantages of the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Best in class for media consumption
Good refresh rate
Best in class contrast
Best in class brightness
Best in class color volume
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.0/10
9.9/10
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
175Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.3 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
4.5/10
5.8/10
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
175Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.1 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 175 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
The Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is somewhat better.
Productivity
6.6/10
5.9/10
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.2/10
9.8/10
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is best in class for media consumption, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$749
$800
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) costs $800.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
Yes
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading while the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) are suitable for digital photo editing.
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How the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and the Phillips 34M2C8600 (QD-OLED) 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."
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Joe Golden, Ph.D
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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
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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.