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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
The Dell S3221QS with its higher resolution is better for productivity and media consumption, providing clearer images and more workspace. However, for gaming, the Gigabyte M32Q's higher refresh rate and better response time offer a smoother experience, which is especially beneficial in competitive gaming. The Gigabyte also has a wider variety of connectivity options, including more USB ports and a higher USB power delivery, which could be convenient. If HDR content is a priority, neither is ideal for HDR gaming or video editing; however, Dell's slightly higher HDR peak brightness may be slightly better for casual HDR media viewing. 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 S3221QS (VA)
- Very good for productivity
- Good for media consumption
- Good text clarity
- Good image clarity
- Good contrast
Advantages of the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS)
- Good refresh rate
- Very good response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.6
5.8
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
460 nits
90.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
87.5 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is only fair for casual gaming, while the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
3.8
4.7
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
20.9 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.1 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 170 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
The Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.5
5.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
93 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is very good for productivity, while the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
7.2
5.5
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
333 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
460 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is good for media consumption, while the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$320
$455
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
The Dell S3221QS (VA) has a price of $320 and the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) costs $455.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S3221QS (VA) and the Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell S3221QS (VA) | Gigabyte M32Q (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$320 | $455 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 32" | 32" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | VA | IPS | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 170Hz | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 3194:1 | 1195:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 300 nits | 333 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 371 nits | 460 nits | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 99.7 % | 100.6 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 20.9 ms | 6.1 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 40 - 60 Hz | 20 - 170 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 5/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 6/10 | 8.1/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 140 PPI | 93 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 8/10 | 6.3/10 | |
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 | 1 | 1 | |
Shopping
Dell S3221QS (VA)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Anj Bryant | May 2021
"The Dell S3221QS offers a 4K, 32-inch panel that’s great for streaming videos and casual gaming, with an effective, gentle curve. But color accuracy and HDR performance leave much room for improvement."
Gigabyte M32Q (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Display Ninja
Rob Shafer | July 2023
"Thanks to its IPS panel with a wide color gamut and fast pixel response time speed, the Gigabyte M32Q offers both an immersive and responsive gaming experience. Additionally, it has an ergonomic stand, plenty of connectivity options, and a lot of useful features – all at a reasonable price."
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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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