If you're on a budget, the Dell S2721QS offers good productivity and digital photo editing capabilities with its IPS panel, which generally has better color accuracy and viewing angles. However, for a more immersive gaming and media experience, the larger Gigabyte M32UC would be preferable due to its higher contrast ratio and potential for smoother gameplay with its higher refresh rate and variable refresh rate feature, but it tends to be pricier. Keep in mind the Gigabyte's VA panel may not offer the same color precision for photo editing as the Dell's IPS panel. 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 S2721QS (IPS)
Very good text clarity
Very good image clarity
Advantages of the Gigabyte M32UC (VA)
Good for casual gaming
Best in class for productivity
Good for media consumption
Good refresh rate
Good brightness
Good response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
7.3/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
160Hz
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2776:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
506 nits
85.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
85.4 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is good for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
7.9/10
9.6/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
164 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
139 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is best in class for productivity, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is good.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
7.3/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
2776:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
506 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is good for media consumption, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$230
$550
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) has a price of $230 and the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) costs $550.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is suitable for digital photo editing while the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Key similarities
Competitive Gaming
4.9/10
4.7/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
160Hz
14.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
8.7 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 144 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) and Gigabyte M32UC (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and Gigabyte M32UC (VA) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and Gigabyte M32UC (VA) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and Gigabyte M32UC (VA) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and the Gigabyte M32UC (VA) compare to other monitors
"The Dell S2721QS 4K monitor brings IPS-level colors and some handy features, like a versatile stand with height adjustments and picture-in-picture for connecting dual systems. But don’t get it for HDR."
"The Gigabyte M32UC is a terrific value. For around $600, you get a full-featured 4K gaming monitor with top-shelf video processing, a colorful bright image and a form factor suited for both work and play."
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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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.