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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 23, 2024·
If you prioritize a more immersive and ultra-wide gaming or multitasking experience, the Dell Alienware with its larger, curved screen and wider aspect ratio is well-suited for you. However, if image quality for HDR video editing and closely matching print colors are essential for your work, the ViewSonic, with its Mini LED panel and higher color accuracy, would be the better option despite the higher price. Keep in mind that the Dell offers a wider screen for spacious viewing, while the ViewSonic provides sharper images and more advanced features for professional color work. 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 ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED).
Advantages of the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED)
- Good for productivity
- Very good response time
Key differences
Productivity
6.6
7.9
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 2160
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
137 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) is good for productivity, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.2
6.7
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 2160
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1400 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for media consumption, though the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) is somewhat better.
Cost
$749
$2,300
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) costs $2,300.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.0
6.4
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 2160
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1400 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
Competitive Gaming
4.5
4.6
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
3.6 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48,144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
400 nits
The ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and the ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) | ViewSonic XG321UG (IPS Mini LED) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $2,300 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 38" | 32" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 | 3440 x 2160 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | Mini LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | IPS | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | 1152 | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 883:1 | 1000:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 495 nits | 400 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 660 nits | 1400 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 133 % | ||
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 10.8 ms | 3.6 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 144 Hz | 48,144 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 | 8.4/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 111 PPI | 137 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 | |
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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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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