Dell G3223Q 32-inch 4K Gaming Monitor Review: Exceptional Color Accuracy And Speed

A 32-inch 4K IPS gaming monitor with 144 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR 600 and extended color

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Dell G3223Q
Editor's Choice
(Image: © Dell, Shutterstock)

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The G3223Q handles HDR10 signals by switching modes automatically and quickly, whether coming from a PC or console. Four HDR modes are available, each with its own particulars.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

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Dell G3223Q
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)

After measuring all four HDR modes, I settled on DisplayHDR 600 as the best for gaming and video. It has the best color and luminance accuracy and the largest contrast ratio. The G3223Q uses a zone dimming edge backlight array to increase contrast. I ran a few test patterns and determined there are eight zones in operation. This isn’t enough to make a huge difference, but 5,270.1:1 is a clear improvement over SDR. Though the Dell’s HDR black level is higher than the other screens, it is still quite dark when compared to SDR.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

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Dell G3223Q
(Image credit: Portrait Displays Calman)

The G3223Q’s HDR white balance, EOTF and gamut accuracy are all exemplary. HDR grayscale tracking shows no visible errors with all values under 3dE. The EOTF is a bit darker than reference until the soft transition to tone-mapping at 65% brightness. This gives the image a bit more punch because the black levels are darker than the target. Some fine shadow detail might be hard to see, but I did not experience this in the content I viewed.

In the gamut test, the G3223Q tracks DCI-P3 very well except for the 100% green and red points which are under-saturated. This would only be visible in very bright images. Rec.2020 tracking shows a similar result where all inner points are on target until the display runs out of color around 90% for red and green and 95% for blue. This is excellent performance. The G3223Q is a very colorful and accurate HDR display.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

14 Comments Comment from the forums
  • saunupe1911
    Dang I want one! Dell monitors have the best value and decent support too. They will replace it even if it has 1 dead pixel.
    Reply
  • cknobman
    I am struggling to see the appeal of such an expensive monitor when it has such poor contrast, edge lit lighting, and fake "HDR".
    With FALD, mini LED, and OLED out there now these edge lit monitors just dont cut it anymore.
    Reply
  • saunupe1911
    cknobman said:
    I am struggling to see the appeal of such an expensive monitor when it has such poor contrast, edge lit lighting, and fake "HDR".
    With FALD, mini LED, and OLED out there now these edge lit monitors just dont cut it anymore.

    Ok sooo who makes a 32 inch gsync compatible monitor with those technologies? Especially one under $1k with HDMI 2.1 and display port?
    Reply
  • blppt
    I'm skeptical that any IPS panel can do even decent HDR. Any one I've ever seen does "blue/grey" blacks, which makes HDR entirely unacceptable.
    Reply
  • wifiburger
    why are all these 4k high refresh panels still crazy expensive after being on the market for years and years ?
    Reply
  • cknobman
    saunupe1911 said:
    Ok sooo who makes a 32 inch gsync compatible monitor with those technologies? Especially one under $1k with HDMI 2.1 and display port?

    Well under $1k is hard to find in this specific size.
    But if I was buying today there are several LG OLED 42-48 inches in size under $1k that would be worlds better than this dell.

    For $1300 I'd personally get the Samsung Neo G7. Mini LED and completely worth the extra money.
    Reply
  • 10tacle
    cknobman said:
    Well under $1k is hard to find in this specific size. But if I was buying today there are several LG OLED 42-48 inches in size under $1k that would be worlds better than this dell.

    ^That is exactly what I did, bought the Gigabyte Aorus 48" OLED monitor for $799 ($999 with a $200 rebate which I received finally 3 months later). It is the LG C1 OLED panel which is native 120Hz and has more input options like a real monitor. I'll never go back to LCD/LED now. The deep black levels are what I remember from the plasma and CRT days - best option for gaming with a lot of night scenes or in my case, using MSFS to fly at night a lot. Even my very good LG 4K 32" VA monitor just looks too washed out.
    Reply
  • saunupe1911
    cknobman said:
    Well under $1k is hard to find in this specific size.
    But if I was buying today there are several LG OLED 42-48 inches in size under $1k that would be worlds better than this dell.

    For $1300 I'd personally get the Samsung Neo G7. Mini LED and completely worth the extra money.

    Yeah still too expensive and too large. I don't want a monitor larger than 32 inches as I run dual setups. 32 inches is the sweet spot...that's what makes this monitor special. I love LG OLEDs being a 77 inch CX owner but I'm really waiting on Mini LED to get cheaper or for QD OLED to makes it's way to monitors before I upgrade my dual S3220DGF setup.
    Reply
  • Kridian
    I was expecting $275.
    Reply
  • Makaveli
    Kridian said:
    I was expecting $275.

    You would be lucky if this is $500 by Christmas 2023.
    Reply