Today, we’re going to be doing a review of the Alienware AW 3225 QF. The PPI would be approximately 140 pixels per inch on this monitor, which has a 31.6-inch, slightly curved screen with a resolution of 3840×2160 or 4K. As a result, the image seems to the eye extremely crisp and sharp.
QD OLED Technology
This monitor’s QD OLED (Quantum Dot OLED) technology, which is produced by Samsung, is its greatest feature. It’s the Gen 3 version of this panel. OLED text clarity has always been an issue, but the Gen 3 panels have made significant improvements. The 32-inch version of this monitor essentially eliminates this problem, even with the increased resolution.
Viewing Experience and Text Clarity
With the increased screen size and 4K resolution, the PPI is much denser, and from my typical viewing distance, it’s almost impossible to notice any issues. If you do closely examine text, you might see slight color separation, but overall, it’s a non-issue. It’s much better than the 27-inch variant, which was already a big improvement over previous models.
Eye Strain and Comfort
For those concerned about eye strain, especially with OLEDs, I think you’ll be fine with this monitor. The improvements in text clarity have all but eliminated that issue.
Finish and Glossy Panel
The finish on this monitor is glossy, and it looks absolutely stunning. The clarity is phenomenal due to the lack of a matte finish, which can degrade picture quality. However, it does lack a polarization layer, which causes the screen to appear purple when light hits it. In a dim room, the OLED’s true blacks are visible, but direct reflections can make this less noticeable.
Ports and Connectivity
The monitor comes with one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1, and USB ports. This allows you to easily charge accessories without needing an upstream connection.
Refresh Rate and G-Sync
The display is endorsed by a 240 Hz refresh rate for hi-end gaming; however, it will require a powerful graphics card. Probably, the most noticeable one will be the RTX 4090 to be fully used. Nvidia G-Sync certified but does not support FreeSync.
Flickering and Firmware
I never saw any flicker with this particular panel, even with the latest firmware download. Some users may be more sensitive to flicker, though, so this may not be an issue for everyone.
Brightness and HDR
In terms of brightness, the SDR and HDR performance is excellent. It reaches mid to high 200s nits in brightness, which is more than enough for typical gaming and productivity. While I would love 400 nits, I never found the brightness lacking. The HDR True Black mode is my go-to, as it offers a more consistent and enjoyable experience compared to the HDR1000 mode.
Dolby Vision
There were some initial issues with Dolby Vision, but Alienware quickly implemented a fix. You can now toggle Dolby Vision on and off via the monitor’s menu, which resolves the issue that Windows had with forcing it incorrectly.
Color Accuracy and Coverage
Outstanding color accuracy provides more than 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The 32-inch monitor was pretty well-calibrated out of the box, unlike the smaller 27-inch variant, which initially proved less accurate.
Response Time and Ghosting
Since this is an OLED, the pixel response time is incredibly fast, offering crystal-clear visuals. While IPS panels are fast, OLEDs are a step above in terms of response time.
Screen Durability and Scratches
A concern with OLED screens is their potential to be prone to scratches. While my unit was flawless, the panel does feel more delicate than other monitors, and I recommend using compressed air instead of a microfiber cloth to clean it.
Stand and Build Quality
The stand is fully adjustable with height, tilt, and swivel, but it does not rotate. The cable management is excellent, with cables exiting from the bottom and a cover to keep things looking tidy. The RGB lighting on the back is a nice touch but is only visible if the monitor is facing outward.
Menu System and Controls
The menu system uses a joystick and has a dedicated on/off switch. While it’s functional, the graphics are not particularly special and could use an update.
Mounting Options
The monitor can be mounted using a 100mm x 100mm VESA mount. It also features RGB lighting on the rear, which looks great if visible, but may look a bit awkward against a wall setup.
Burn-In Concerns
As with any OLED, burn-in is a potential issue. Alienware has included features like pixel refresh and pixel shift to help mitigate this, but you should be aware that OLEDs may have a shorter lifespan compared to IPS panels. This monitor is best for those who can afford to replace it in a few years.
Price and Value
The Alienware AW 3225 QF is priced at $1,999. While this isn’t cheap, the value is immense given the 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, stunning color accuracy, and overall performance. If you have the money and the right graphics card, this is an excellent monitor to consider. Follow for more information on Tech Education.
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Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one!
It’s on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same
page layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!