Dell UltraSharp U4919DW Monitor Review: Two 27-inch QHD Screens in One
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Conclusion
We struggled with the star rating for the Dell UltraSharp U4919DW. As a general-use monitor, it has no real flaws in its features or color accuracy. It’s the ideal size and resolution for those wanting to expand their screen real estate without looking at a black bezel dividing two 27-inch QHD monitors. It also plays games very well and is suitable for all but the most skilled and competitive players. So, for everyday use with business apps or graphics, the U4919DW would earn five stars.
But at this price point, we sorely wish it had HDR and DCI-P3, hence the half-star deduction. Those elements are not only important when loading up the latest first-person shooter; they’re crucial when viewing the latest 4K / UHD video either from UHD Blu-ray or streamed. Major carriers now support 4K / UHD with HDR and DCI-P3 color, and it really is a great way to watch movies.
There’s no question that working with the U4919DW is a revelation. I’m currently writing this article on a 32-inch UHD monitor, but if I wanted to engage in some hardcore multitasking, as in three or four open windows, a 32:9 screen would be a great tool. It equals two 27-inch QHD monitors in both size and resolution, so it hits our sweet spot for performance and pixel density. The fact that it adds professional-quality color accuracy to the mix is just icing on the cake.
If you’ve considered a 32:9 monitor but found the Samsung C49HG90’s resolution a bit low, the Dell U4919DW might just be the ticket. However, the Samsung does offer more gaming-oriented features, if that’s your focus. Yet, while the U4919DW may not be a gamer’s first choice, it’s capable of casual play with low input lag and almost no motion blur. Contrast is better than many other IPS screens, and color is exemplary.
With it’s 5120x1440 pixel count giving it an ideal 109ppi density, plus super-accurate color and an impressive feature set, we highly recommend the U4919DW.
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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.