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The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a large screen and a budget-friendly option, the Dell S3221QS (VA) with 32 inches display and a strong contrast ratio could serve well for media consumption and productivity. However, if the ultra-high screen resolution and exceptional image clarity for tasks like digital photo editing are more important to you, and you're willing to invest in a premium monitor, the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) offers a higher resolution and superior text quality. Be mindful that neither of these monitors are optimal for competitive gaming due to their lower refresh rates. The LG's glossy coating may also reflect more light compared to the Dell's matte finish, affecting visibility in brightly lit rooms. 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)
- Good contrast
Advantages of the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS)
- Best in class text clarity
- Best in class image clarity
- Good brightness
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.6
6.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1200:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
90.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.0 %
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming, though the Dell S3221QS (VA) is somewhat better.
Competitive Gaming
3.8
5.0
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
60Hz
20.9 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
14.0 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
N/A
No
STROBING / BFI
No
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$360
$1,179
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Dell S3221QS (VA) has a price of $360 and the LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) costs $1,179.
Key similarities
Productivity
8.5
8.7
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
218 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are both very good for productivity.
Media Consumption
7.2
7.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
5120 x 2880
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1200:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
500 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Glossy
The Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are both good for media consumption.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (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 UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell S3221QS (VA) | LG UltraFine 5K 27MD5KL (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$360 | $1,179 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 32" | 27" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 2880 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | VA | IPS | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 3194:1 | 1200:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 300 nits | 500 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 371 nits | Unknown | |
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 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 20.9 ms | 14 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 40 - 60 Hz | N/A | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 5/10 | 5/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 6/10 | 6/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 140 PPI | 218 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Glossy | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 8/10 | 10/10 | |
PORTS & CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HDMI 1.4 Ports | |||
HDMI 1.4 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.0 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.0 Ports | 2 | 0 | |
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)
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."
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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
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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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