A comparison of specs, key information, reviews, and best pricing from top retailers
Last updated -- hours ago | Report incorrect information
Company ProductName Specs
Company ProductName Specs
What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 23, 2024·
If you're focused on a broad range of activities including gaming, productivity, and media consumption without spending as much, the Dell Alienware might suit you, albeit with a lower performance in high dynamic range (HDR) content. The ViewSonic, while more costly, offers superior contrast and is designed specifically for high-quality imaging, which might be preferable if you prioritize print photo editing or want enhanced image clarity. However, it has a lower refresh rate which could affect the gaming experience compared to the Dell, particularly in fast-paced games where that performance is valued. Choose the Dell for versatility and cost savings or the ViewSonic for specialized, high-contrast visual tasks. 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 XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED).
Advantages of the ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED)
- Excellent for casual gaming
- Good for media consumption
- Good refresh rate
- Good contrast
- Very good brightness
- Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.0
9.3
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
200Hz
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3000:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
720 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1400 nits
95.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
97.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) is excellent for casual gaming, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Competitive Gaming
4.5
5.4
144Hz
REFRESH RATE
200Hz
10.8 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
1.0 ms
20 - 144 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48,200 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
720 nits
The ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) is somewhat better.
Media Consumption
6.2
7.4
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
883:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
3000:1
495 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
720 nits
660 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1400 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) is good for media consumption, while the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$749
$1,499
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) has a price of $749 and the ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) costs $1,499.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA 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 XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Productivity
6.6
6.9
3840 x 1600
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
111 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) and Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA 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 XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) and the ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) | ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$749 | $1,499 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 38" | 34" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 1600 | 3440 x 1440 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | Mini LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | VA | |
Local Dimming Zones | |||
Local Dimming Zones | 32 | 1152 | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 883:1 | 3000:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 495 nits | 720 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 % | 97 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 10.8 ms | 1 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 20 - 144 Hz | 48,200 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 6.6/10 | 7.5/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 7/10 | 9.6/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 111 PPI | 109 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 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.1 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.1 Ports | 0 | 2 | |
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."
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
More comparisons for you
Compare Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) vs. Asus PG279QM (IPS)
VS
Compare Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) vs. LG 34GP83A (IPS)
VS
Compare Dell Alienware AW3821DW (IPS) vs. LG 34GN850B (IPS)
VS
Compare ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) vs. Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB (QD-OLED)
VS
Compare ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) vs. LG 39GS95QE (W-OLED)
VS
Compare ViewSonic XG341C-2K (VA Mini LED) vs. AOC AG456UCZD (W-OLED)
VS
FAQs
Why trust us
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
210
Monitors evaluated
10,500
Monitors stats compiled
15
Proprietary Monitors ratings developed
108,500
Recommendations made
16,275
Consumer hours saved
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.
Featured in
