Let's compare these two powerhouse monitors
WePC is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Monitors, monitors, monitors. What’s the difference, you may ask? Well, it’s like comparing apples to oranges – both are fruit but have unique characteristics. The same goes for monitors. Whether you’re gaming or working, having the right monitor can make a world of difference. Today, we’ll be pitting two heavyweights against each other – the Alienware AW3423DW and the ASUS PG42UQ. So, get your popcorn ready, and let’s dive into the showdown.
Read Now: Alienware AW3423DW Vs Samsung Neo G9
Refresh Rate
138Hz (overclockable)
Response time
0.1ms GTG
Screen size
41.5″ display
Resolution
3840 x 2160
Aspect ratio
16:9
Panel type
OLED
Brightness
450cd/m2
Contrast ratio
Infinite
Color Depth
10 bits
Viewing angle
178/178
Color Gamut
130% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3
Backlight technology
OLED
Panel Coating
Anti Glare (in matte)
Curvature
Flat
VESA
300 x 300
Shop on Amazon
CHECK PRICE
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)
Shop on Amazon
CHECK PRICELet’s get into the core – specifications. Alienware AW3423DW comes with a 34-inch 1800R curved display, a 3440×1440 resolution, and a 175Hz refresh rate. On the other hand, the ASUS PG42UQ boasts a giant, TV-like 42-inch display, a lower refresh rate of 138Hz, and a nice UHD (3840×2160) resolution. But, it’s nothing next to these monitors’ true power. ASUS PG42UQ and Alienware AW3423DW both have stunning OLED panels – the AW3423DW has QD-OLED, to be exact. This allows both displays to display colors that are more colorful than whatever landscape you can see out of your window, and what’s best, they both have 0.1ms response time.
Connectivity-wise, Alienware AW3423DW is disappointing if you plan to game on a console. Its lack of HDMI 2.1 ports renders playing on PS5 and Xbox Series X unavailable. ASUS PG42UQ, though, makes for an unforgettable console experience. Its humongous sizing is tailored for that.
As you could expect, both monitors are magnificent in terms of performance. Alienware AW3423DW edges it out though due to its bigger refresh rate, and the Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate certification, which, unlike the ASUS PGR2UQ’s basic G-Sync, offers HDR support. It’s incredible – tear-free, stutter-free HDR gaming, right in front of your eyes.
Regarding productivity, both monitors excel, with Alienware AW3423DW offering a wider workspace, thanks to its ultrawide aspect ratio. ASUS PG42UQ, on the other hand, offers a massive 42-inch display, making it great for multitasking or content creation. The 4K resolution also provides an otherwordly level of detail, priming it for photo and video editing. The bad thing is the ergonomics – ASUS PG42UQ has no height and swivel adjustments, and only a limited tilt option.
Alienware AW3423DW also beats the PG42UQ when it comes to cost. The latter has a retail price of $1399, while the AW3423DW goes for $1299 with a 10% discount available on checkout on Dell’s official website. Maybe it’s not much of a difference for you, but it’s still around $200 we’re talking about.
So, all things considered, we pick Alienware AW3423DW as the better of the two. Its lack of HDMI 2.1 support hinders this machine a bit, but if you don’t plan to game on a console, it’s largely irrelevant to you. ASUS PG42UQ, though, is one of the best monitors for console gaming out there – its size and OLED screen totally make it the most illustrious candidate. But it’s predominantly PC gaming out there, and Alienware AW3423DW has better performance and ergonomics, a more affordable price, and you’re poised to get the highest level of immersion possible due to its curved ultrawide screen – something ASUS PG42UQ, with all its qualities, cannot provide at the same level.
Trusted Source
WePC’s mission is to be the most trusted site in tech. Our editorial content is 100% independent and we put every product we review through a rigorous testing process before telling you exactly what we think. We won’t recommend anything we wouldn’t use ourselves. Read more
