CHOICE verdict
The Dell S3225QS is a solid 4K, 32-inch computer monitor with a relatively affordable price tag that can also perform as a 32-inch TV replacement if you watch all your content via Streaming (Apple TV, Netflix etc) or optical media (Blu-ray, DVD). Colours are accurate, edges are sharp and the 4K resolution is solid when reproducing graphics as well as streaming video. Viewing angles are not great but more than acceptable for a few people watching content in a small room. Overall, a solid all-round performer for office work, media and gaming as well as for enjoying the latest bingefest. Picture quality, choice of refresh rates and a clean design make it a good option for most home environments.
Price: $599
Contact: dell.com/en-au/shop/dell-32-plus-4k-monitor-s3225qs/apd/210-bqwg/monitors-monitor-accessories
On this page:
- What is the Dell 32 Plus 4K monitor?
- Performance as a computer monitor
- Performance as a media monitor
- Specifications
If you're going to be staring at a screen for hours on end each day (for work and play), then you want it to be a comfortable experience. Something that's not harsh on the eyes, with comfortable brightness, smooth motion, and high levels of clarity. The Dell 32 Plus 4k Monitor (S3225QS) ticks all the boxes at an affordable price.
What is the Dell 32 Plus 4K monitor?
The Dell S3225QS is a monitor with a 31.5in screen with a 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) that has support for 60Hz or 120Hz refresh rates. The ability to alter the refresh rate means you can create the right environment depending on what you are doing.
Once you have finished your work for the day, you can switch from 60Hz (which is often the best option for flicker free document reading) to the higher refresh rate of 120Hz so movies will be streamed at their best quality.
The monitor is not technically a TV (as there is no digital tuner), but given many users these days predominantly enjoy their video entertainment online via streaming, or via Blu-ray or DVD, you can simply plug a streaming device (Apple TV, Google Chromecast) or Blu-ray player into one of the two HDMI ports to watch what you want, whenever you want.
Performance as a computer monitor
Because of the high resolution, you can use this monitor for a lot of handy multitasking – you can even work and play at the same time, with the ability to have your work and entertainment applications open side by side, or even split into four windows at the same time.
You can watch the latest movies and shows in 4K through your favourite streaming service or optical media, such as a Blu-ray player or gaming device, while answering emails and working on your Office document.
The addition of a display port further adds to the versatility of the monitor by allowing you to plug your laptop in to extend your display work area, while keeping the other two HDMI connections free for your streaming device and/or media player.
The downside of the 4K resolution on the 31.5 inch screen area is that text can look really small. This is where Windows' scaling can come in handy. The operating system recommends scaling to 150%, but you could go bigger if you wanted, depending on how far away from the screen you are sitting.
Reflections and glare are minimised thanks to the matte finish of the screen, and the stand's ability to tilt the screen can also help reduce any unwanted background lighting issues.
Increasing the brightness can help make the screen more viewable in light environments. You'll need to adjust this manually as there isn't an ambient light sensor. Full brightness was measured to be about 330 lumens in the middle of the screen at 100% brightness, while the standard out-of-the-box brightness setting (75%), was closer to 200 lumens.
The stand also allows the slant of the screen to be adjusted, and the height can be adjusted from 4cm to 13.5cm from the desk or surface you place your monitor on, but it can't swivel. It can also be mounted to a wall or desk bracket via a 100x100 VESA mount.
Performance as a media monitor
When viewing from the sides or from a height, the screen may look a bit washed out or pale. That's to do with the vertical alignment (VA) screen technology used. While it claims a wide viewing angle of 178 degrees, in reality, you do lose a bit of detail from the extremities.
Connections on the rear include one DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 ports. Speakers are included and while the audio detail is reasonable, you could easily add a pair of external speakers or even a soundbar to the mix, particularly if you want to enjoy any audio with a bass-heavy sound. At a low volume, the detail and bass response is fine.
From a conventional seat in front of the monitor, the picture exhibits excellent contrast and brightness, with plenty of detail shown in shadows and brightly lit areas.
In our viewing test, in which a panel of three people reviewed SD, HD, and 4K content, the consensus was that it was excellent for all three. Of note was the colour reproduction, which was shown to be very close to our reference screen, and the detail, which was crisp, with plenty of depth and punch.
Power consumption was measured at 30W during typical usage when using a 120Hz refresh rate, and a bit lower at 27W when using 60Hz. Both tests were with the default brightness level. Standby power was measured at 0.2W, and it goes into this mode within a few seconds when you turn off the computer.
Specifications
- Screen size: 31.5 inches
- Aspect ratio: 16:9
- Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160)
- Refresh rate: 120Hz
- Response time: 4ms
- Panel: LED Edgelight System
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Contrast: 3000:1
- Colour: 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3
- HDR (high dynamic range)
- AMD FreeSync Premium
- Audiovisual input: 2x HDMI (HDCP1.4 and 2.2), 1x DisplayPort (all capable of 4K at 60Hz)
- Speakers: 2x 10-watt
- USB hub: 1x USB 3.0 upstream, 2x USB 3.0 downstream
- Stand: height adjustable, no tilt or pivot
- Weight with stand 8.8kg
- Dimensions (with stand): Height (55cm – 41cm) x Width (71cm) x Depth (23cm)
We're on your side
For more than 60 years, we've been making a difference for Australian consumers. In that time, we've never taken ads or sponsorship.
Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family. And our recent sunscreens test showed just how important it is to keep business claims in check.
So you'll never be alone when something goes wrong or a business treats you unfairly.
Learn more about CHOICE membership today
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
