If you primarily focus on productivity and prefer sharper text and clearer images, the Dell S2721DS (IPS) with its IPS panel might be more suited for you. On the other hand, if you're into casual or competitive gaming, the Dell S3222DGM (VA) would be a better pick due to its higher contrast ratio, which provides better visuals in dark scenes, and its support for a higher refresh rate and variable refresh rate (VRR) that can improve your gaming experience. However, this model might not be as good for tasks that require color accuracy, such as photo editing. Both are budget-friendly, but neither is particularly well-suited for HDR gaming or media consumption. 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 S2721DS (IPS)
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Advantages of the Dell S3222DGM (VA)
Good refresh rate
Very good contrast
Good response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.8/10
6.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
75Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1015:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
4365:1
334 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3222DGM (VA) is only fair for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721DS (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
5.9/10
5.1/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
93 PPI
No
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are both poor for productivity, though the Dell S2721DS (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$354
$250
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) has a price of $354 and the Dell S3222DGM (VA) costs $250.
Key similarities
Competitive Gaming
5.0/10
4.6/10
75Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
17.4 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
10.6 ms
48 - 75 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
334 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming.
Media Consumption
5.9/10
5.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1015:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
4365:1
334 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are both poor for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are not suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S3222DGM (VA) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the Dell S2721DS (IPS) and the Dell S3222DGM (VA) compare to other monitors
"Aside from its omission of HDR, the Dell S3222DGM has no flaws of consequence. For a surprisingly low price, it delivers premium quality gaming performance with 165 Hz and Adaptive-Sync through a high-contrast curved VA panel with a wide and accurate color gamut."
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.
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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
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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.