Dell S3225QC 32″ 4K QD-OLED Monitor: Ultimate Gaming Value?
▼ Summary
– The Dell S3225QC is a 32-inch 4K OLED monitor with a 120Hz refresh rate, HDR10, Dolby Vision, and wide DCI-P3 color gamut coverage.
– It features an integrated soundbar with five 25-watt speakers and spatial audio that tracks the user’s position for immersive sound.
– While its 120Hz refresh rate results in slight motion blur and higher input lag compared to faster gaming monitors, it supports Adaptive-Sync for tear-free gameplay.
– The monitor offers premium build quality, ergonomic adjustments, and a relatively low price of $800 for its feature set.
– It excels in audio performance and is well-suited for entertainment, casual gaming, and productivity tasks, though it may not satisfy competitive gamers.
The Dell S3225QC 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitor offers a compelling blend of premium visuals and groundbreaking audio performance, making it a standout choice for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one entertainment solution.
Most monitors treat built-in speakers as an afterthought, delivering sound quality that barely surpasses a kitchen timer. Dell takes a radically different approach with the S3225QC, integrating a legitimate five-speaker soundbar with spatial audio technology. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade, it’s a complete reimagining of what monitor audio can be.
A head-tracking sensor sits at the center of the soundbar, actively following the user’s position to create a convincing three-dimensional soundstage. With 25 watts of amplification, the system produces rich, directional audio that genuinely seems to come from around and behind the listener. For gaming and movie watching, this creates a level of immersion typically reserved for high-end headphones or dedicated speaker setups.
Visually, the monitor doesn’t disappoint. The 32-inch Quantum Dot OLED panel delivers vibrant colors with over 105% DCI-P3 coverage and exceptional contrast thanks to its self-emissive pixels. With 4K resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, it provides sharp, fluid imagery suitable for both gaming and productivity. While hardcore competitive players might prefer higher refresh rates, the S3225QC’s motion handling remains more than adequate for most users.
HDR support includes both HDR10 and the less common Dolby Vision, which dynamically adjusts tone mapping based on content metadata. This results in superior highlight preservation compared to static HDR10 mapping. The monitor carries VESA’s DisplayHDR 400 True Black certification and can hit 1,000 nits peak brightness in HDR mode.
Design-wise, the S3225QC exudes premium quality with its white finish, sleek stand, and clean lines. The bezels measure a slim 8mm on top and 10mm on the sides, while the bottom bezel houses the speaker grille and measures 56mm. Build quality feels substantial, with the monitor weighing 22.1 pounds thanks to its robust stand and internal components.
Connectivity includes HDMI 2.1, USB-C with DisplayPort alt mode, and additional USB ports, one cleverly hidden in a pop-out compartment beneath the panel. The stand offers tilt, swivel, and height adjustment, though it doesn’t support portrait orientation.
The on-screen display menu, controlled via a rear joystick, provides comprehensive customization options. Users can choose from multiple picture modes, adjust color settings, and fine-tune the spatial audio experience. Factory calibration data is accessible directly through the OSD, confirming the monitor’s excellent out-of-box color accuracy.
During testing, the monitor demonstrated slight motion blur in fast-paced scenarios, though most casual gamers will find the experience thoroughly enjoyable. Where it truly shines is in its audio performance, the spatial sound creates an enveloping experience that enhances gameplay and media consumption dramatically.
For productivity, the 32-inch 4K screen provides ample real estate for multitasking, with Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture modes adding flexibility for multiple input sources. The combination of stunning visuals, innovative audio, and thoughtful design makes the S3225QC a unique proposition in its price range.
While it may not satisfy professional esports players seeking ultra-high refresh rates, the Dell S3225QC delivers an exceptional balance of performance, features, and immersion that sets a new standard for what a gaming monitor can offer. Its audio capabilities alone make it worth serious consideration for anyone tired of compromising between great visuals and great sound.
(Source: TomsHardware)
