If you prioritize high refresh rates and better color accuracy for tasks like digital photo editing, the Dell S2721DGF with an IPS panel is the better choice. However, it has lower contrast which can affect the depth of blacks in your images. On the other hand, if you prefer a wider screen for enhanced immersion in games and movies along with better contrast, then the Dell S3422DWG with a VA panel would suit you better. Do note, the VA panel may not provide the same level of color precision as the IPS panel, and the response rate is not as fast, which could be a downside for competitive gaming. 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 S2721DGF (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Very good response time
Advantages of the Dell S3422DWG (VA)
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) has no clear advantages over the Dell S2721DGF (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
6.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
882:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
485 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
97.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
86.8 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) is only fair for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
5.8/10
4.5/10
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
144Hz
6.3 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.2 ms
20 - 165 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is somewhat better.
Media Consumption
5.9/10
6.7/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
882:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2725:1
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
344 nits
485 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
528 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) is only fair for media consumption, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$300
$330
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
$500
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) has a price of $300 and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) costs $330.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the Dell S3422DWG (VA) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Productivity
6.2/10
6.2/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
3440 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3422DWG (VA) and Dell S2721DGF (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and Dell S3422DWG (VA) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and the Dell S3422DWG (VA) compare to other monitors
"The Dell S2721DGF checks all the boxes for an upper-mid priced display that can take on the best gaming monitors, and you might even be able to find it for under $500 (it's $450-$500 as of writing). The monitor's 1440p, runs at 165 Hz without overclock, has AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatibility, covers a large portion of the DCI-P3 color gamut and includes a lighting effect on the back."
"The Dell S3422DWG is, overall, a great monitor that delivers on most of its promises, providing a sharp ultrawide experience with smooth motion. It is, however, not as great of a value proposition, costing a bit too much compared to similar competitors."
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.