To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.
Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
The U3224KB isn’t as bright as the Mini LED-equipped ViewSonic and Asus screens, but it offers plenty of output for a standard LED edge-lit panel. I came close to the claimed 450 nits and as you’ll see later in the HDR tests, the monitor is fully capable of 600 nits with a full-screen white pattern. You won’t need more light than this for its intended use and thanks to decent black levels, contrast is very good. It’s the blackest of the IPS screens here and manages to top 1,500:1. That’s a little short of Dell’s 2,000:1 claim, but I have no complaints about the U3224KB’s picture quality. It has excellent saturation and depth.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration doesn’t alter the result, with the U3224KB maintaining its 1,500:1 ratio. It should be noted that the Samsung G8 employs dynamic contrast that cannot be switched off. That’s the reason for its very high ratio.
The U3224KB scores well in the ANSI test with a 1,438.6:1 result. It doesn’t get better than that for any IPS panel, in my experience. This is excellent performance.
MORE: Best Gaming Monitors
MORE: How We Test PC Monitors
MORE: How to Buy a PC Monitor
