The S3225QC gives the space below its OLED panel to five speakers. That makes an unusual difference on a desk shared between a laptop and a game console. Both sources can use the same screen and sound system without a separate speaker bar.
In depth
Dell Plus S3225QC review
Published
Best forSomeone who watches films, listens at the desk and wants a 4K monitor with its own substantial speaker array.
At a glance
- Screen size
- 31.6 inches
- Panel technology
- QD-OLED
- Native resolution
- 3840 × 2160
- Refresh rate
- 120 Hz
Pros
- 4K QD-OLED and Dolby Vision suit a desk used for films.
- Five built-in speakers save space beside the screen.
Cons
- 120 Hz ceiling is relatively modest for a gaming OLED.
- Desktop PCs with only full-size DisplayPort need a compatible connection solution.
Display
- 31.6 inches
- 4K QD-OLED
- 120 Hz
A large 4K panel gives a film fine detail while keeping text usable on a mixed-purpose desk. OLED can keep the background black around small bright objects in a night scene. For prolonged static desktop use, allow the display’s care routines to run between sessions.
Picture Modes
- Dolby Vision
- HDR10
Tom’s Hardware noted a useful distinction in the color menu. The cinema DCI-P3 setting and the Display P3 setting use different white points and tone curves. Choose the mode your material calls for if this monitor is also where you review photos. 1
Audio & Connectivity
- 5 × 5 W speakers
- USB-C with up to 90 W
- HDMI
The head-tracking system steers sound toward the person at the screen. That is particularly relevant to a solo listener seated close by. Check your two video sources before buying: a laptop with USB-C video and a console with HDMI work neatly, while a desktop with only a full-size DisplayPort output needs more planning.
Alternatives
For a shared editing workstation, Dell’s UltraSharp U3225QE puts the emphasis on Thunderbolt and docking. For a PC that routinely delivers well over 120 fps, a 240 Hz gaming OLED gives more of those frames a chance to appear.
Verdict
Consider the S3225QC when movies and sound carry as much weight as gaming. The five-speaker design solves a real desk problem if you would otherwise buy separate speakers.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- Tom’s HardwareDell S3225QC 32-inch 4K QD-OLED Monitor Review: Compelling gaming value (opens in a new tab)https://www.tomshardware.com/monitors/gaming-monitors/dell-s3225qc-32-inch-4k-qd-oled-monitor-review
Different white points and gamma targets in the DCI-P3 and Display P3 modes.