Dell S3222DGM QHD 165 Hz Gaming Monitor Review: Solid Color and Lots of Contrast

Dell’s S3222DGM is a 32-inch curved VA/QHD gaming monitor with 165 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, extended color and a surprisingly low price.

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Dell S3222DGM
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(Image: © Dell, Shutterstock)

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It’s a constant that as monitors get larger and faster with higher resolution, they will cost more. But sometimes there is an exception. As much as I enjoy gaming on an ultra-wide 21:9 screen, my favorite form factor is 16:9 in the 32-inch size. It’s much taller than a 34-inch ultra-wide and has a more immersive feel. 

These monitors have been relatively rare until recently. Though the QHD gaming monitor category is dominated by 27-inch screens, a 32-inch will deliver more fun in every way.

(Image credit: Dell)

Dell’s S3222DGM is one of those rare exceptions. The price may be different by the time you read this review, but at this point in time, it’s only $5 more than its 27-inch counterpart. And it isn’t just a larger version of the S2722DGM; it’s a better display in most of the ways that matter.

Its VA panel delivers an honest 4,000:1 contrast ratio, one of the highest I’ve measured. The color gamut is over 85% of DCI-P3, average for the category and larger than the 27-inch model’s 75%. These two factors alone put its picture quality among the best premium displays. Though it doesn’t offer HDR, it really doesn’t need it. I’ve tested plenty of screens that can’t deliver 4,000:1 in HDR mode. Only a premium FALD panel, or one that has an aggressive dynamic contrast feature, can match image depth with the S3222DGM.

In the video processing category, it excels. With a reliable 165 Hz and flawless Adaptive-Sync, it keeps games moving smoothly with high motion resolution. And its QHD resolution makes it a lot easier and cheaper to maintain high frame rates. Fans of blur reduction will enjoy using the MPRT feature for even smoother gameplay.

There is little to complain about here, especially given the S3222DGM’s low street price of $300. If you lust for a large screen, but your budget couldn’t accommodate one before, the opportunity has arrived. Definitely check it out.

Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • Cartrover
    One minor correction:

    A joystick handles most of the navigation duties along with four control keys. Two of them can be programmed by the user.

    Actually 3 of the buttons can be customized.

    You guys just missed the 300 USD discounted price at Dell.com, but it will probably see a discount again.
    Reply
  • coloradoblah
    I still havent seen any applications that really do HDR well, pretty much has been off the entire time Ive had my monitor. Except for maybe media content but that’s what my tv is for.
    Reply
  • shaolin95
    How does this one compare to the s3220dgf?
    Reply
  • petrv
    32" seems too big for FPS gaming. If I lower the resolution for games to Full HD, can the display show smaller image with black borders? That would make playing games comfortable and I could still use 32" for office work. Thanks!
    Reply