Dell Alienware AW3225QF review: the best 32-inch QD-OLED for UK buyers

Alienware AW3225QF Review: A Compelling 32-inch QD-OLED Option

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to review the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCDM, a 32-inch QD-OLED gaming monitor that boasts a 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, impressive HDR capabilities, and minimal downsides for an OLED panel. While the Asus model undoubtedly impressed me with its technical prowess, I couldn’t help but notice that another 32-inch QD-OLED monitor was offering similar performance at a more affordable price point. Enter the Dell Alienware AW3225QF, priced at £940 in the UK – a whole £410 cheaper than the Asus alternative while utilizing the same QD-OLED panel.

Dell Alienware AW3225QF

£940 w/ code TECHFEST5, $1200

Pros:

Consistently stellar gaming on PC, PS5, and Series X
Panel improvements make for a better all-rounder
Most affordable 32-inch QD-OLED in the UK

Cons:

Dolby Vision HDR doesn’t work well on PC, by no fault of Dell
Curved screen not to all tastes
Fewer burn-in countermeasure controls than MSI or Asus

Despite the significant price difference, the Alienware AW3225QF is far from being a compromised budget option. It offers many of the same features as the more expensive Asus model, including Dolby Vision support and a curved design that complements its immersive gaming experience.

Curved Design and Build

Unlike some of its competitors, the Alienware AW3225QF features a gentle 1800R curvature that enhances immersion without distorting straight lines in productivity applications. The white plastic back, teal backlit Alienware logo, and ergonomic stand contribute to a sleek and functional design that is both stylish and practical.

Dell Alienware AW3225QF seen from the front — I’m a fan of the swoop-y curves and white/black colour scheme of Dell’s Alienware monitors, represented here by the stand – the back is a bit more extraordinary. | Image credit: Dell/Digital Foundry

Connectivity and Features

The AW3225QF offers DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports for high refresh rate gaming, with the added bonus of eARC support on one HDMI port for high-res audio transmission. However, the monitor lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack or built-in speakers, which may be a downside for some users.

aw3225qf ports — Image credit: Digital Foundry/Dell

Performance and Display Quality

The AW3225QF excels in delivering vibrant colors, crisp details, and deep blacks thanks to its QD-OLED panel. With full coverage of sRGB, impressive color accuracy, and HDR capabilities, this monitor offers an immersive gaming and multimedia experience. While Dolby Vision support may be limited in Windows, it shines with select games and streaming services on Xbox and other HDMI devices.

benchmark results for dell 32-inch qd-oled: gamma 2.2, colour accuracy, and overall rating from SpyderX Elite — This monitor scored extremely highly in our colorimeter-based testing, with a Delta-E score of 1.0 – the lowest we’ve ever recorded. | Image credit: Digital Foundry

Verdict

In conclusion, the Dell Alienware AW3225QF stands out as an excellent choice for UK consumers seeking a premium 32-inch QD-OLED monitor at a more accessible price point. While it may lack some features found in pricier competitors, its performance, design, and affordability make it a compelling option for gamers and multimedia enthusiasts alike.