Hey everyone, welcome to my Dell S3221QS review. Now, this 31.5-inch curved monitor offers a solid 4K experience without breaking the bank. The colors are vibrant, the edges are crisp, and you won’t experience any screen tearing in videos or games – even with FreeSync turned off.
The Dell 32-inch Curved 4K S3221QS monitor boasts versatility for various uses, including gaming.
The Dell S3221QS may not be revolutionary in any aspect, but it certainly delivers a consistently solid performance in various areas. So, if you’re on the hunt for a versatile monitor that can tackle a range of tasks, you should definitely give this one some thought.
However, if exceptional, high-refresh gaming performance is what you’re after, it might be worth considering other options tailored more towards that specific need.
Read also: Best Curved Monitors for Office Work
Dell S3221QS Review
One of the standout features of this monitor is its curved design, which helps to reduce eye strain as your eyes don’t need to travel as far across the display.
This makes it a comfortable choice for a viewing distance of about 60 to 70 centimeters.
That being said, the viewing angles could do with some improvement. When browsing dark websites or watching videos, the corners can appear brighter unless you tilt the screen upward.
Additionally, you might notice some washed-out dark scenes in games or movies, an issue that becomes more apparent in dimly lit rooms. But overall, the Dell S3221QS is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable 4K curved monitor with solid performance.
Design and Features
At the back of the monitor, you’ll find a prominent Dell logo in metallic silver, adding a touch of elegance to the design. The S3221QS’s wide base features a subtle curve at the back that seamlessly complements the 1800R curvature of the monitor, along with a stylish slanted design on each side — a perfect fusion of form and function.
Adjusting the 3221QS to your preferred viewing angle is a breeze, with tilt provisions ranging from -5 to 21 degrees and a 2.8-inch height adjustment. I found it effortless to raise, lower, or tilt the 32-inch display to suit my needs, and the monitor remained sturdy and stable throughout the process.
However, the limited slant movement between -4 and +4 degrees feels somewhat restrictive. Additionally, there’s no pivot or swivel functionality, which means portrait viewing isn’t an option. But considering the thickness of the curved chassis, that’s probably for the best.
Regarding connectivity, the 3221QS has two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort 1.2. Unfortunately, a DisplayPort cable isn’t included, but you do get an HDMI cable.
Once you’ve got the necessary cables, this monitor is great for hooking up multiple PCs, made even simpler by the built-in Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) functionality accessible through the on-screen display (OSD) menu.
Sadly, there’s no USB-C port available on this display (I mean, shouldn’t all monitors have USB-C connectivity by now?).
Additionally, the monitor features two USB Type-A ports, a USB 3.0 cable, and an audio port for plugging in your favorite gaming headset or external speaker.
And if you prefer built-in audio, there are two speakers located at the bottom of each side of the frame, which can be easily adjusted using the OSD’s volume controls.
Performance
While Dell claims that this monitor supports HDR content, it doesn’t quite live up to expectations, as it merely makes the picture a tad bluer without effectively increasing the dynamic range.
This isn’t entirely surprising, given that it’s not Vesa-certified DisplayHDR and lacks an in-house rating. So, if HDR is a priority for you, it might be best to explore other options.
On the bright side, the Dell 4K S3221QS’s multitasking features more than make up for its HDR shortcomings. With Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture capabilities, you can view content from two different computer sources simultaneously.
Plus, the EasyArrange mode allows you to organize and snap all your tabs and apps into place in up to 38 configurations – a massive advantage for those looking to optimize their digital workflow.
You can access the EasyArrange feature through the downloadable Dell Display Manager app, which also enables you to fine-tune your monitor usage.
This includes automatically changing the screen preset mode (for games, movies, etc.) based on the app you’re using and creating shortcut keys for PIP and PBP.
However, the app doesn’t allow you to control all your monitor settings – a feature we’ve enjoyed on other monitors tested previously.
Dell s3221qs Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Panel Type / Backlight | VA / W-LED |
| Screen Size, Aspect Ratio & Curve | 31.5 inches / 16:9 |
| Curve radius: 1800mm | |
| Max Resolution & Refresh Rate | 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz |
| AMD FreeSync (range not specified) | |
| Native Color Gamut | sRGB, DCI-P3 |
| Response Time (GTG) | Extreme: 4ms; Fast: 5ms; Normal: 8ms |
| Max Brightness | 300 nits |
| Contrast | 3,000:1 |
| Speakers | 2x 5W stereo |
| Connectivity | 2x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 2x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x 3.5mm |
| Power Consumption | 38W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD w/base) | 27.9 in x 8.1 in x 20.4 inches |
John follows everything happening in the tech industry, from the latest gadget launches to some of the big-name moves in the industry. He covers opinionated pieces and writes on some of the biggest names in the industry. John is also a freelance writer, so he shares articles on freelancing every now and then. email: john@tekpip.com Learn more about tekpip and the team here on our about us page.