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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 11, 2024·
If you prioritize a larger screen, higher resolution for detailed work and better image clarity, as well as a nicer experience in casual gaming and media consumption, the Dell S3221QS with its curved VA panel might suit you well. However, if competitive gaming is a focus due to higher refresh rates and quicker response times, and you also engage in digital and print photo editing where consistent colors are key, then the MSI G274QPF-QD with its IPS panel offers advantages despite a smaller screen and lower resolution. Assess what's more important for your workflow, entertainment, and budget to determine the best fit. 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 MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS)
- Good refresh rate
- Good response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.6
5.9
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
90.6 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is only fair for casual gaming, while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
3.8
5.8
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
20.9 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
8.0 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 170 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
The MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) and Dell S3221QS (VA) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.5
6.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
140 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is very good for productivity, while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
7.2
5.9
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
3194:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
300 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
371 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is good for media consumption, while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$360
$270
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell S3221QS (VA) has a price of $360 and the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) costs $270.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell S3221QS (VA) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S3221QS (VA) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S3221QS (VA) and the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell S3221QS (VA) | MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$360 | $270 | ||
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 | 170Hz | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 3194:1 | 1000:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 300 nits | 300 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 % | 154 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 20.9 ms | 8 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 40 - 60 Hz | 48 - 170 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 5/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 140 PPI | 108 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)
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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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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