Alienware is well known for its exceptional gaming gear, and the two monitors on our radar today are no exception.
These two ultrawide beauties are packed with features that will leave you feeling like an intergalactic conqueror. Enter – Alienware AW3423DW and Alienware AW3821DW, integral parts of the prestigious monitor dynasty which is known for its futuristic design and powerful performance.
Alienware AW3423DW vs Alienware AW3821DW: Specifications
Alienware AW3423DW
Refresh rate
175Hz
Response time
0.1ms GtG
Screen size
34″
Resolution
3440 x 1440
Aspect ratio
21:9
Panel type
IPS
Brightness
350cd/m2
Contrast ratio
1,000,000:1
Color depth
8 bits
Viewing angle
178°/178°
Color gamut
135% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 100% Adobe RGB
Backlight technology
W-LED
Panel coating
Anti-Glare/Matte (3H)
Curvature
1800R
VESA
100 x 100mm
Dimensions (WxHxD)
813 x 364 x 117.9mm (without stand) 813 x 560 x 273mm (Stand at max height) 813 x 429 x 273mm (Stand at lowest height)
Inputs
3 x USB 3.0, 1 x USB 3.0 (downstream; BC 1.2), 1 x USB 3.0 (Type-B), 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x DisplayPort 1.2, 1 x 3.5 mm audio jack (line out), 1 x 3.5mm audio jack (headphone)
894 x 399 x 130 mm (without stand) 894 x 449 x 293 mm (With stand)
Inputs
1 x USB 3.2 (Type-B; Gen 1; upstream), 4 x USB 3.2 (Type-A; Gen 1; downstream), 2 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x 3.5mm audio out (headphones), 1 x 3.5mm audio out (line-out for speakers)
Firstly, let’s talk about the Alienware AW3423DW. It boasts a stunning 34-inch 1800R curved ultrawide display with 3440×1440 resolution, which means you’ll be immersed as soon as you sit before it. The 175Hz refresh rate ensures smooth as a pancake gaming experience, and with G-Sync Ultimate certification, screen stuttering, and tearing will remain way in the past.
QD-OLED panel is what sells this monitor the most – it’s really something to be in awe of. Vibrant hues and imagery that seem to jump out of the screen at every moment, coupled with 0.1ms response time, put Alienware AW3423DW on the almost unreachable pedestal when it comes to picture quality and color accuracy.
Alienware AW3821DW is much less illustrious though, even though it’s a great machine, it just falls short compared to the sheer might of the AW3423DW. It has a 38-inch display, with a slightly bigger resolution of 3840×1600 and a lower 2300R curve. It has “only” a Nano IPS panel though, which is amazing by itself but cannot be compared to QD-OLED in any case. It has a refresh rate of 144Hz and an unusually high response time of 4ms – both worse than the AW3423DW. And the latter shows 99.3% DCI-P3 color coverage, while the AW3821FW has 95%.
Alienware AW3423DW vs Alienware AW3821DW: Performance
Alienware AW3423DW has better specifications, and it reflects on the performance levels compared to the AW3821DW. In its own league, Alienware AW3821DW makes for a great display that can handle everything you throw at it. However, the AW3423DW is just better. The QD-OLED display delivers mesmerizing colors and an incredibly detailed picture, a bigger refresh rate and a lower response time make for grander gaming performance, and the 1800R curve is just right for maximum immersion. So, Alienware AW3423DW is a clear winner here.
Alienware AW3423DW vs Alienware AW3821DW: Price
You could assume, reading to this point, that the prices would also reflect the difference in quality – but no. Alienware AW3821DW retails for $1199 on Amazon, while the AW3423DW is available at just $1299 on Dell’s official website.
Alienware AW3423DW vs Alienware AW3821DW: Which is best
Alienware AW3423DW is the one to go for, definitely. It’s better in all key specifications, performance-wise, and most incredibly, they’re priced about the same. So really, it’s a no-brainer. The QD-OLED panel alone could make Alienware AW3423DW a better pick, and the gap is far greater when we consider the whole picture.
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