The Dell P3223DE is a lower-priced alternative to the U3223QE which was designed for productivity and appreciable visuals. This model has a lower 1440p screen versus the latter’s 4K, but it is too pricey if we’re basing our review on its $729.99 launch price. Let’s see how the Dell P3223QE to know if it lines up with prosumer monitors in performance to justify its high price.
Dell P3223DE Specifications
- Screen Size: 32 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 8ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 350 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, DP 1.4 Out x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1, USB-C PD90W x 1, USB 3.2 x 4, RJ45 x 1
- Dimensions With Stand(WxHxD): 28″ x 24.31″ x 9.1″
- Weight: 25.79 lbs
Design and Features
The Dell P3223QE doesn’t look that different than its higher-tiered twin, so the quickest way to distinguish one from the other is to check the screen’s resolution. The monitor has a matte black and silver combination which looks elegant and timeless, so it would not look out of place in studios or a high-end office. The display isn’t entirely bezel-free, but the top and side edges have thinner borders which are less noticeable while using the screen.
It’s a large monitor, so you might want to consider your available desk space before pulling the trigger. Its 28 inches wide so it can cover large speakers if your table is narrow, and it is quite heavy at 25.79 pounds. Dell reduced its overall size and thicknesses for environmental reasons, so its actually slimmer and lighter than previous models.
Of course, build quality isn’t sacrificed even if Dell had to use fewer materials for the product to become more sustainable. The plastic panels are still thick enough to prevent cracking, and there were no cosmetic defects on the product when it was unboxed. The included stand is stable and firm so the large screen won’t sag or wobble suddenly while you are using it.
The Dell P3223QE has an OSD joystick and a dedicated power button at the back for easy navigation of its OSD. You can also use Dell’s Display Manager app which gives you quick access to some of its features and settings directly from your OS. This monitor can also be managed remotely if it is connected to your workplace’s IT network, so there are numerous ways to optimize it.
The stand included with the monitor offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your convenience. it visually completes the professional appeal of the monitor, and its base doesn’t take up too much space since it’s flat. You can use VESA mounts, but they are only necessary if your desk is small or if there are multiple monitors in your setup.
The Dell P3223QE’s connectivity layout is its primary draw since it offers a lot of connectors that can maximize its usability. You get DisplayPort 1.4 and a DP 1.4 Out slot for daisy chaining, an HDMI 1.4 slot, and a 90-watt USB-C with DP Alt Mode for docking your laptops. There’s enough juice for a high-spec workstation device like a MacBook Pro, so you can charge it while it’s transmitting video to the monitor via a single cable.
You also get four USB 3.2 slots for accessories and an RJ45 LAN connector for networking. There are no speakers or audio jacks since the monitor was designed to be used with the company’s SB521A mini soundbar. It’s a great design, but the bad news is that you have to buy it separately if you want built-in audio on the monitor.
Display and Performance
The Dell P3223QE sports a 32-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and an 8ms normal response time. The backlight has a 350 cd/m2 maximum while the contrast ratio is listed at 1000:1 like most IPS panels. This model’s other big difference from the U3223QE is it doesn’t have an IPS Black panel, so it doesn’t have the extended contrast the latter provides.
1440p isn’t as crisp as 4K screens at this size and its pixel density is quite close to what a 24-inch 1080p monitor has. However, you still get the higher pixel count, so images still have more details and crispness versus the latter. 4K is arguably better if you are buying a 32-inch monitor, but you still can’t go wrong with a QHD model especially if you consider its lower price.
The Dell P3223QE renders more than 100% sRGB and 87% DCI-P3 so it’s capable of rich and eye-popping colors. However, it is not accurate out of the box like its UltraSharp counterparts even if it is marketed as a professional or business display. Most users won’t notice the deltaE average of 3. 88, but those who edit and create content will.
Calibrating it reduced the deltaE average to 0.65 for better color fidelity and an overall natural appearance. However, you need the help of a colorimeter to achieve something like this, and no amount of copying a settings template will guarantee the same results. Each panel has different color properties, so only a colorimeter can get more or less identical results.
Its backlight reached 348 cd/m2 at 100% so it can fight off glare in well-lit rooms with plenty of windows. The monitor contrast ratio went up to 1277:1 at 60% brightness so it is considerably better than most IPS monitors in this regard. However, it’s still unable to produce deep blacks like VA or OLED panels, so dark scenes will still look washed out or grayish when viewed in the dark.
Panel uniformity for the P3223QE sample did not have any considerable backlight bleeding or clouding issues. There was some variance in the upper quadrants of the display, but it was only noticeable during dark scenes and when the monitor is used at night. Note that this can change between every P3223QE made due to tolerances, so there are better and worse units out there.
Its main weakness is its slower pixel response time which results in blurring and smudges during fast transitions. The monitor’s overdrive isn’t effective as well since using anything higher than normal will add overshoot while reducing the smudges. However, it’s fine since the monitor was not designed for fast-paced games plus it is limited to 60Hz.
The Dell P3223QE is not compatible with FreeSync so Nvidia’s G-Sync Compatible mode is also out of the question. Variable refresh rates are necessary for gaming products, but this monitor was not meant for that. But on a positive note, its input lag is only at 9ms so it is still snappy and responsive enough for casual play.
Thoughts on the Dell P3223QE
The Dell P3223QE is a decent choice if you want a large vibrant display for work from home or business use. Its vibrant IPS panel offers plenty of room, although it needs calibration if you require accurate colors for your work. is well-designed with plenty of features so it can keep up with the modern computing times and its more complicated requirements.
However, the Dell P3223QE is quite expensive for a 1440p business monitor if you consider its performance. It needs calibration and it’s quite slower in the pixel response department, plus it has a lower resolution than similarly-priced variants. We’d only buy it if it’s discounted, but there is very little reason to stay with a 1440p variant if you want a 32-inch monitor.
Pros:
- Attractive and Functional Design
- 90-Watt USB-C
- Vibrant IPS Panel
- Excellent Calibrated Accuracy
Cons:
- Expensive
- Poor Default Accuracy
- Slow Pixel Response Time
- No Adaptive Sync
About the Author: Paolo is a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations and he believes that it’s every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.</span
Eric Canha says
Specs in the review do NOT match the specs posted by Dell. Dell lists this as a 4k monitor on their site
Paolo Reva says
Hi, Eric! You might have confused this monitor with the Dell P3223QE. Cheers