Dell UltraSharp 4K Monitors Debut IPS Black Tech to Boost Contrast
Contrast doubling technology was unveiled by LG Display at CES last month.
PC Goliath Dell has listed the first IPS Black technology monitors to become available to consumers, joining the UltraSharp range in its web store. The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U2723QE at $779.99, and the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor U3223QE at $1,149.99 both feature LG's contrast doubling IPS technology for improved clarity and colors. LG first showcased its IPS Black technology last month at CES 2022, and it will produce its own branded monitors using these display panels.
Whichever of the two monitors you might be interested in, the specifications are the same (except obviously the physical screen size, and thus PPI, and weight). The headlining quality, stemming from the use of LG's new IPS Black technology, is a max contrast ratio of 2000:1, twice the value a standard IPS can typically muster.
These 3840 x 2160 pixel panels also feature a max brightness of 400 nits. In terms of color coverage, they support 100% of the Rec 709 and sRGB color gamuts, and 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Unfortunately, Dell's new monitors aren't going to find favor with gamers who enjoy fast-paced titles, as these otherwise desirable screens offer a max refresh rate of 60Hz, and GtG response time ranging from 5 to 8ms.
As per the monitor names, they feature USB connectivity. This is an extensive implementation; using USB Type-C for display data, power delivery, and computer data is possible. With one USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 connection cable to your PC, you can basically enjoy the screen and a dock with six USB 3.2 downstream ports, one with 15W charging), plus an Ethernet port and 3.5mm audio. There are also more traditional video inputs if you don't utilize the USB-C DP 1.4 Alt Mode, such as HDMI or DisplayPort. KVM switching functionality, PiP, and PbP is present too.
Rounding off these anti-glare coated UltraSharp offerings, users get a fully adjustable stand that allows adjustments to height, pivot (rotation), swivel, tilt. In addition, Dell's new monitors can be used with any 100x100 VESA mount if you prefer.
|
Dell Ultrasharp USB-C Hub Monitor |
27 inch, U2723QE | 32 inch, U3223QE |
|---|---|---|
|
Display size / ppi |
27 inch diagonal 3840 x 2160 pixels / 163 ppi |
32 inch diagonal 3840 x 2160 pixels / 140 ppi |
|
Contrast / Brightness |
2,000:1 / 400 nits |
2,000:1 / 400 nits |
|
Color |
100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 |
100% Rec 709, 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3 |
|
Performance |
5ms (fast mode), 8ms (normal mode), 60Hz |
5ms (fast mode), 8ms (normal mode), 60Hz |
|
Connections |
1 × DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), 1 × DP Out, 1 × HDMI 2.0, 1 × USB-C (upstream, DP1.4, 90W), 2 × USB-C (downstream, 10Gbps), 5 × USB-A (10Gbps), 1 × RJ45 (1GbE), 1 × audio |
1 × DisplayPort 1.4 (DSC), 1 × DP Out, 1 × HDMI 2.0, 1 × USB-C (upstream, DP1.4, 90W), 2 × USB-C (downstream, 10Gbps), 5 × USB-A (10Gbps), 1 × RJ45 (1GbE), 1 × audio |
|
Misc |
Supplied stand can tilt, height adjustable, pivot or VESA-mount. KVM-Switch, PiP/PbP |
Supplied stand can tilt, height adjustable, pivot or VESA-mount. KVM-Switch, PiP/PbP |
|
Pricing |
$779.99 |
$1,149.99 |
Pricing premiums over other 27- and 32-inch 4K IPS monitors in the UltraSharp range aren't excessive. Checking today, the 27-inch IPS Black monitor is $190 more than its IPS sibling (but the older monitor is on sale at $150 off at the time of writing). Meanwhile, the 32-inch IPS Black monitor is $200 more than its IPS sibling. Cables for USB-C, DP, and SuperSpeed USB come standard in the box. Buyers also get a 3-year warranty.
If you are interested in monitors, please check out our recently updated Best Monitor Deals 2022: 4K, Gaming and More article.
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Mark Tyson is a news editor at Tom's Hardware. He enjoys covering the full breadth of PC tech; from business and semiconductor design to products approaching the edge of reason.
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alithegreat Will IPS Black be applicable to gaming monitors? Is IPS Black + High refresh rate / low latency + HDR 1000 possible?Reply -
Soul_keeper Seems odd that they are only 60Hz, I think the LG ones using the same panel are 144Hz.Reply
https://www.lg.com/us/ces2022/ultragear-gaming-setupUnless they are infact not the same panel(or running in a different configuration). -
forum111 Tuan Do on TechWalls did a review of the 27" model dated March 2, which I am just seeing now, and one of the few cons he listed was more backlight bleeding than on his previous Dell monitors - He noted he previously used a P2721Q. This is concerning to me as I am quite sensitive to backlit bleed and would expect a newer, next gen panel would have at least as good if not better performance than a previous gen.Reply
I have some existing, lower res Dell UltraSharps using LG panels that I am fairly happy with, but I'm considering upgrading them. I was just about ready to pull the trigger on an order of multiple U3223QEs when I stopped because of the possible backlight bleed. I do wonder if this is something that might be worked out in early batches and corrected in later revisions/production runs. It wouldn't be the first time I have seen such things happen, although I've also experienced it as a "within spec" manufacturing variation that leaves you to simply gamble on what you might get from one unit to the next, all things being equal. I guess I will hold off until I can see more real world reviews.