It’s a constant that as monitors get larger and faster with higher resolution, they will cost more. But sometimes there is an exception. As much as I enjoy gaming on an ultra-wide 21:9 screen, my favorite form factor is 16:9 in the 32-inch size. It’s much taller than a 34-inch ultra-wide and has a more immersive feel.
These monitors have been relatively rare until recently. Though the QHD gaming monitor category is dominated by 27-inch screens, a 32-inch will deliver more fun in every way.
Dell’s S3222DGM is one of those rare exceptions. The price may be different by the time you read this review, but at this point in time, it’s only $5 more than its 27-inch counterpart. And it isn’t just a larger version of the S2722DGM; it’s a better display in most of the ways that matter.
Its VA panel delivers an honest 4,000:1 contrast ratio, one of the highest I’ve measured. The color gamut is over 85% of DCI-P3, average for the category and larger than the 27-inch model’s 75%. These two factors alone put its picture quality among the best premium displays. Though it doesn’t offer HDR, it really doesn’t need it. I’ve tested plenty of screens that can’t deliver 4,000:1 in HDR mode. Only a premium FALD panel, or one that has an aggressive dynamic contrast feature, can match image depth with the S3222DGM.
In the video processing category, it excels. With a reliable 165 Hz and flawless Adaptive-Sync, it keeps games moving smoothly with high motion resolution. And its QHD resolution makes it a lot easier and cheaper to maintain high frame rates. Fans of blur reduction will enjoy using the MPRT feature for even smoother gameplay.
There is little to complain about here, especially given the S3222DGM’s low street price of $300. If you lust for a large screen, but your budget couldn’t accommodate one before, the opportunity has arrived. Definitely check it out.
