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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a larger screen and higher resolution for tasks such as productivity and media consumption, the Dell S3221QS with its crisp 4K resolution might be well-suited for you. However, the lower refresh rate and slower response time make it less ideal for competitive gaming. On the other hand, the LG 27GP850 offers a higher refresh rate and quicker response time, which are great for competitive gaming. But, it has a smaller screen size and lower resolution, which could be less satisfying for productivity and media consumption, and has less impressive contrast and brightness compared to the Dell. Both monitors offer good color coverage, suitable for digital photo editing, but neither is a top pick for HDR gaming or HDR video editing. If competitive gaming is a priority and you're okay with a smaller, lower resolution screen, the LG could save you money while meeting your needs. If you prefer a more immersive visual experience for work and watching videos at the cost of gaming performance and price, the Dell is the better option. 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 contrast
Advantages of the LG 27GP850 (IPS)
- Good refresh rate
- Very good response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.6
6.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
180Hz
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
807:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
472 nits
90.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.6 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming, though the Dell S3221QS (VA) is somewhat better.
Competitive Gaming
3.8
6.0
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
180Hz
20.9 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.8 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 180 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
The LG 27GP850 (IPS) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell S3221QS (VA) is poor.
Productivity
8.5
6.2
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is very good for productivity, while the LG 27GP850 (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
7.2
5.9
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
807:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
472 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is good for media consumption, while the LG 27GP850 (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$280
$250
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Dell S3221QS (VA) has a price of $280 and the LG 27GP850 (IPS) costs $250.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG 27GP850 (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 LG 27GP850 (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell S3221QS (VA) | LG 27GP850 (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$280 | $250 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 32" | 27" | |
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 | 180Hz | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 3194:1 | 807:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 300 nits | 365 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 371 nits | 472 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 % | 101.4 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 20.9 ms | 6.8 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 40 - 60 Hz | 20 - 180 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | Yes | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 5/10 | 7.3/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 6/10 | 8/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 140 PPI | 109 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 8/10 | 7/10 | |
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 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell S3221QS (VA)
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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."
LG 27GP850 (IPS)
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Dig into reviews and images
TechSpot
Tim Schiesser | May 2021
"In my opinion, the LG 27GP850 is the best in its class from the monitors I've tested, with the combination of great response times and a functional sRGB mode pushing it over the edge. It's generally worth the price premium and its overall balance of features with few weak areas makes it a monitor you won't be disappointed to have."
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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 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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