The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED S3225QS monitor is not a dedicated office or gaming monitor, and my two weeks of use made that abundantly clear. This Dell monitor is capable of much more than a typical gaming or business monitor, and one feature that really stands out is the 3D spatial audio system with powerful sound.
I’ve tried everything on this monitor, from writing and day-to-day work to gaming and video editing. So let’s break down whether Dell’s extra effort is really worth it.
design and build
Dell has ditched the usual silver and black aesthetic with this monitor, which is a welcome change. This monitor looks premium from every angle. The entire unit has a white finish that has a slightly rough, grainy texture even when it’s on its stand. While it looks premium, it could feel better in the hand. A smoother surface will feel better and be easier to clean.
The speaker is on the front, covered in fabric, and the camera and sensors are in the center. It gives the monitor a unique identity compared to typical desktop monitors.
The stand is simple but very powerful. You get full adjustability including height, tilt, swivel, and swivel. There’s a VESA mounting bracket on the back as well as neatly placed ports. Dell also added cable management clips and pass-through holes to the stand to keep your desk clean and tidy.
These buttons are located in the lower right corner of the back (when viewed from the front). There is also a hidden Type-C port under the display that supports up to 18W charging and data synchronization.
The display is very glossy, so glare may be an issue if your workspace has a lot of ambient light.
The setup process is quick and easy. You just assemble the stand and secure it to your monitor. There’s also enough in the box to get you started right away, so you don’t have to hunt around for extra cables or accessories.
Image quality
Let’s talk about image quality first, because there’s a lot more to talk about in terms of features. The 32-inch OLED panel is suitable for almost every use. It supports HDR and Dolby Vision, which when paired with the built-in speakers, makes for a very immersive experience watching movies.
The monitor also supports 120Hz refresh rate, which is suitable for gaming. I’ve played a lot of single-player games like Silent Hill, Doom Eternal, and Forza Horizon, and the experience has been very enjoyable and smooth.
There are tons of customization options, including multiple color profiles, allowing professionals to calibrate the monitor to their specific workflow.
On paper, the peak brightness of 250 cd/m² may seem low, but in actual use, especially when you’re sitting a few feet away from a 32-inch screen, it feels completely adequate for SDR content. With HDR, brightness can reach up to 1000 cd/m², which makes a noticeable difference in games and movies.
sound quality
The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED monitor comes with a soundbar below the display and features five 5W speakers for loud audio. In addition to this, you can also see a camera paired with some sensors for spatial audio capabilities. The volume can be adjusted from the monitor itself in the OSD menu using the joystick on the back.
The sound quality is full and provides an overall balanced sound, but don’t expect strong bass. If you do have this monitor, you don’t need desktop speakers. The surround sound is the main attraction and I thought it worked really well, with face detection accurate and almost instantaneous. Whether it’s music, movies or games, the surround sound experience is amazing.
Connectivity
Connectivity is one area where this monitor feels slightly limited. You have 1 HDMI port and 1 Type-C port for video input. There are two additional Type-C ports, one on the back and one hidden under the display, but they are only used for data transfer and charging, supporting up to 15W.
If you plan to connect multiple devices, such as PCs, laptops, and game consoles like PlayStation, you may need to manually switch cables or rely on an external HDMI switch. I tested the monitor on both Windows and MacBook, and compatibility remained consistent on both platforms.
One feature that really stands out here is the picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes. It also supports KVM functionality, allowing you to use a single keyboard and mouse with multiple connected devices.
This is definitely one of my favorite features. I often have my MacBook and another laptop connected at the same time, and even in split mode, both screens are large enough to work comfortably.
Advantages and Disadvantages
advantage:
- Stunning 4K QD-OLED panel with outstanding color and contrast
- 120Hz refresh rate for smooth gaming and usage
- Unique 3D spatial audio and powerful built-in speakers
- Premium design with good ergonomics and adjustability
- KVM and picture-in-picture capabilities add real productivity value
shortcoming:
- Limited video input options
- Glossy panels can produce glare in bright environments
- The surface treatment looks high-end, but it doesn’t feel that refined to the touch.
- Charging output via USB-C is relatively low
Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED Monitor: Conclusion
The Dell 32 Plus 4K QD-OLED S3225QS monitor stands out for its blend of entertainment, productivity and audio. It’s not for everyone, especially if $81,799, but it offers a unique experience if your needs align with what it offers. You’re essentially paying for a feature-rich OLED display that goes beyond what you’d expect from a traditional monitor and brings more versatility to your entire setup.
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