{"id":4510,"date":"2014-01-16T12:32:11","date_gmt":"2014-01-16T17:32:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.nccomputertech.com\/?p=4510"},"modified":"2014-01-16T12:32:11","modified_gmt":"2014-01-16T17:32:11","slug":"dell-ultrasharp-32-ultra-hd-monitor-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/2014\/01\/16\/dell-ultrasharp-32-ultra-hd-monitor-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD Monitor Review"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"masthead_back\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.techspot.com\/review\/769-dell-ultrasharp-32-uhd\/\"> <img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"max-width:100%;\" alt=\"Dell UltraSharp 32 Ultra HD Monitor Review\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/dell-up3214q-monitor-review.jpg\" \/> <\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"review_detail\">\n<p>Although still in its early days, consumer 4K UHD is here. While 720p and 1080p are destined to become anachronisms akin to 8-tracks and punch cards, our present day is the awkward transitional period between these old and newly evolving high definition standards.<\/p>\n<p>No stranger to the business of high-end displays, long-time monitor manufacturer Dell has lunged into the UHD market with some solid offerings. The company has released two UltraSharp displays capable of ultra high-definition: a <a href=\"http:\/\/www.techspot.com\/news\/54868-dell-introduces-new-32-and-24-inch-4k-ultra-hd-resolution-monitors.html\" target=\"_blank\">24-inch at $1,299<\/a> and a <a href=\"http:\/\/accessories.us.dell.com\/sna\/productdetail.aspx?c=us&amp;cs=04&amp;l=en&amp;sku=210-ACBL&amp;dgc=BA&amp;cid=271006&amp;lid=4970696&amp;acd=12309188680294295\" target=\"_blank\">32-inch for $3,499<\/a>. Dell has also been teasing us with a third 4K UHD-capable 28-inch model, but this in-betweener is <a href=\"http:\/\/www.techspot.com\/news\/55261-dell-prices-28-inch-4k-ultra-hd-monitor-at-just-699.html\" target=\"_blank\">worlds cheaper<\/a> at $699. Too good to be true? Indeed. This aggressively priced display has the \u201csame quality\u201d panel as its more expensive cousins, but its refresh rate is limited to just 30Hz. Yuck.<\/p>\n<p>For this review though, we\u2019ll be taking a look at Dell\u2019s monstrous 32-inch flagship, the UltraSharp UP3214Q.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/1b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"float:right;width:330px;margin:5px 10px 0;\"><span style=\"margin-left:25px;font-weight:bold;font-size:15px;\">Dell UltraSharp 32 UP3214Q &#8211; <a href=\"http:\/\/accessories.us.dell.com\/sna\/productdetail.aspx?c=us&amp;cs=04&amp;l=en&amp;sku=210-ACBL&amp;dgc=BA&amp;cid=271006&amp;lid=4970696&amp;acd=12309188680294295\" target=\"_blank\">$3500<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:square;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:square;\">\n<li>Viewable Size: 31.5&#8243; diagonal (16:9)<\/li>\n<li>Panel: IGZO LCD IPS, anti-glare with hard coat 3H, LED backlit<\/li>\n<li>Optimal resolution: 3840 x 2160<\/li>\n<li>Contrast Ratio: 1000: 1 (typical), 2 Million:1 (Max Dynamic)<\/li>\n<li>Brightness: 350 cd\/m2 (typical)<\/li>\n<li>Response Time: 8 ms (gray to gray)<\/li>\n<li>Viewing Angle: 176\u00b0 vertical \/ 176\u00b0 horizontal<\/li>\n<li>Color Gamut: Adobe RGB 99%, sRGB 100%<\/li>\n<li>Colors: 1.074 Billion colors (10 Bits)<\/li>\n<li>Pixel Pitch\/PPI: 0.182 mm \/ 140<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Connectivity:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:square;\">\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:square;\">\n<li>1x HDMI, 1x Mini DisplayPort, 1x DisplayPort (1.2a), 4x USB 3.0 ports downstream, 1x USB 3.0 upstream, 1x media card reader<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Physical Specifications:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul style=\"list-style-type:square;\">\n<li>Dimensions (with stand):<br \/>\n19.0-22.5&#8243; x 29.5&#8243; x 8.4&#8243;<\/li>\n<li>Dimensions (display only):<br \/>\n17.5&#8243; x 29.5&#8243; x 2.0&#8243;<\/li>\n<li>Weight (with stand\/without): 25.3\/20.3 lbs<\/li>\n<li>Height-adjustable stand, tilt, swivel and built in cable-management, VESA mount capable<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p>Knowing the reputation (and price) the UltraSharp moniker commands, there would normally be little more to say than \u201cimmense IPS display\u201d, \u201cgreat image\u201d but \u201cprosumer price tag\u201d. However, the UP3214Q\u2019s defining feature isn\u2019t its enormity, IPS panel, nor certainly the $3,500 sticker price. Rather, its most distinct feature is a glorious spread of 3840 x 2160 pixels which is, ironically, also the source of its biggest issues. More on that shortly.<\/p>\n<p>Consider this hands-on to be as much a review of early-gen UHD monitors as the UP3214Q itself. Hopefully, the experiences outlined here will answer questions you may have regarding the value, compatibility, performance and practicality of this display and displays like it.<\/p>\n<h3>Unboxing and Accessories<\/h3>\n<p>Even for such a large monitor, the box was quite hefty at just past 35 pounds. Like many of its monitors, Dell shipped the UP3214Q in packaging made entirely from corrugated cardboard &#8212; no foam here. Avoiding the use of foam (extruded or otherwise) is part of Dell\u2019s eco-friendly strategy.<\/p>\n<p>Inside the box lives a sturdy, rotating aluminum stand equipped with Dell\u2019s prototypical screwless VESA mount design. Dell also included the following cables: DisplayPort (mini to standard), USB 3.0 (A to B) and a C13 power (standard PC desktop) cable. HDMI is notably missing. Additionally, owners will find a color calibration report. Like certain other UltraSharp offerings, each UP3214Q is factory-calibrated to reproduce colors as accurately as possible (Delta E &lt; 2) out of the box. No complaints here.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/2b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>First Impressions<\/h3>\n<p>I\u2019ll cut to the chase: the UP3214Q is impressive to behold. The screen is expansive, the picture is bright, the color is rich and everything about it appears well-designed. The monitor itself (without the stand) weighs a hefty 20 pounds &#8212; that doesn\u2019t include the aluminum stand which adds a good 5 pounds.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/3b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s little question this is a premium display. Considering its retail price ($3,500) though, I\u2019m certain consumers won\u2019t tolerate anything less than perfection.<\/p>\n<h3>Features, Adjustments and OSD<\/h3>\n<p>The aluminum stand offers some basic adjustments including height, tilt and horizontal swivel; however, the display cannot be vertically rotated (i.e. no portrait mode). The UP3214Q\u2019s screen can be adjusted 1.75 to 5.25 inches high, tilted 20 degrees backward and rotated 45-degrees left and right. All adjustments feel solid and smooth; however, horizontal rotation is very stiff and the stand will move unless you hold it down.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/4b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>There are few connectivity options (DisplayPort 1.2, mini-DP and HDMI 1.4), but the inclusion of 4 x USB 3.0 ports and a 9-in-1 media card reader are welcome accoutrements. Of the four USB ports, three are located at the bottom rear alongside HDMI and DP inputs. This area is difficult to access and isn\u2019t practical for USB drives. The fourth USB port is located in plain sight on the rear of the display.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/5b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The OSD (on-screen display) \u201cbuttons\u201d are located along the bottom right edge. Quotes are necessary here because the controls &#8212; except the power button &#8212; are actually touch-sensitive and not old school push buttons. The menus and controls are intuitive and simple to navigate. Most people won\u2019t spend much time here, which manufacturers know, so they often load primitive-looking, painful-to-use OSDs &#8212; a common sighting amongst bargain monitors. The UP3214Q\u2019s OSD though is pleasant and very similar to other UltraSharp displays.<\/p>\n<h3>Image Quality and Performance<\/h3>\n<p>As with most larger IPS monitors, the screen is matte with non-reflective coating. It\u2019s thoroughly matte and not somewhere between, like satin or semi-gloss. This is particularly good for brightly lit office environments where evenly distributed fluorescent lighting is the norm.<\/p>\n<p>Subjectively, the UP3214Q\u2019s coating is unobtrusive. Very occasionally manufacturers apply matte finishes that are so aggressive though, they become distracting (e.g. Dell\u2019s four-year old UltraSharp U2711). Anti-glare coatings are great for reducing reflections, but intense ones create a grainy effect &#8212; sometimes perceived as \u201cshimmering\u201d &#8212; which is particularly noticeable for bright images. The visibility of this shimmer can vary widely, but the UP3214Q seems very middle of the pack: not very noticeable but not quite invisible either. As a point of reference, it fares far better than the U2711 (prominent shimmer), but isn\u2019t as transparent as Dell\u2019s own U2713HM (hardly noticeable).<\/p>\n<p>The UP3214Q\u2019s image is bright, rich and uniform. Subjectively, it lives up to its impressive specs and it definitely compares well to Dell\u2019s other high-end IPS offerings. Additionally, the 140 PPI density (~50-percent higher than many common displays) really lends itself to sharply rendered text and a smooth image overall.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/6b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>One noticeable imperfection on our unit is a very slight yellow tinge around the edges of the panel. When I say slight, I do mean barely perceptible. I was unable to capture this with a camera and is only somewhat noticeable on a 100% white background.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIPS glow\u201d is present, but definitely with an acceptable range and certainly not unique to the UP3214Q. In fact, all large panels I\u2019ve seen (including TN and PVA) exhibit a similar \u201cglow\u201d, so as commonly as this term gets thrown around, I consider it a misnomer. This glowing effect is most visible when a black image spans the screen, but the UP3214Q performs similarly to other high-end IPS panels.<\/p>\n<p>The UP3214Q\u2019s advertised 8ms (gray to gray) is fairly typical with larger IPS these days. Bigger G2G values tend to indicate more \u201cghosting\u201d, an undesirable phenomenon where fast-moving elements leave ghostly remnants of past frames due to slow pixel refresh times. As with many IPS-based displays, a detectable amount of ghosting is present. Subjectively though, this was a non-issue during gaming sessions and only became obvious during synthetic tests. The UP3214Q provides a solid gaming experience in this regard.<\/p>\n<p><a><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.techspot.com\/articles-info\/769\/images\/7b.jpg\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Input lag is the delay between the output of your graphics card and the image which appears on your screen. I attempted to objectively capture input lag by cloning a digital timer across two displays: the Dell UP3214Q and a TN-based LG Flatron E2771. I enabled \u201cThru-mode\u201d (a.k.a. game mode) on the E2771 which effectively eliminates input lag. The result? The Dell showed about 20ms of input lag. Okay &#8212; that\u2019s not phenomenal. However, enabling \u201cGaming Mode\u201d completely eliminated input lag. Visually speaking, the trade-off for gaming mode was a slight change in color reproduction. Gaming mode did not affect ghosting.<\/p>\n<p>Oh, and backlight bleeding? Not an issue here.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.techspot.com\/review\/769-dell-ultrasharp-32-uhd\/page2.html\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Although still in its early days, consumer 4K UHD is here. While 720p and 1080p are destined to become anachronisms [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3,10],"tags":[266,706,1122],"class_list":["post-4510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-hardware","category-technology","tag-dell","tag-monitors","tag-ultrasharp"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/papNkV-1aK","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":9940,"url":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/2025\/05\/16\/the-blue-and-the-gray-m4-macbook-air-m4-max-mac-studio-apple-intelligence\/","url_meta":{"origin":4510,"position":0},"title":"The Blue and the Gray &#8211; M4 MacBook Air, M4 Max Mac Studio, Apple Intelligence","author":"NCCT","date":"May 16, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/e_K-4_7i08k Is Apple's 'Sky Blue' really blue? Apple is delaying its 'more personalized Siri' Apple Intelligence features. Is anyone excited about RollerCoaster Tycoon coming to Apple Arcade? And Dropbox now supports Live Photos! ... after ten years. \u2022 Sky (blue)\u2019s the limit: M4 MacBook Air offers lower price, improved camera,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Apple&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Apple","link":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/category\/apple\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/e_K-4_7i08k\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9812,"url":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/2024\/11\/08\/slow-and-steady-m4-macbook-pro-apple-q424-pixelmator\/","url_meta":{"origin":4510,"position":1},"title":"Slow and Steady &#8211; M4 MacBook Pro, Apple Q424, Pixelmator","author":"NCCT","date":"November 8, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/etW5-oInyGA As expected following the end of last week's MacBreak Weekly, Apple announced the new M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max MacBook Pros. Jason recaps the results of Apple's Q424. And Apple acquires Pixelmator. \u2022 Early Apple M4 Pro and M4 Max benchmarks hint at a massive performance boost. \u2022\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Apple&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Apple","link":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/category\/apple\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/etW5-oInyGA\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":9291,"url":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/2018\/01\/22\/this-week-in-tech-650-frumpy-rump\/","url_meta":{"origin":4510,"position":2},"title":"This Week in Tech 650: Frumpy Rump","author":"NCCT","date":"January 22, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HSn_18byc6k EVs and self-driving cars at CES and the Detroit Auto Show. The first cashierless Amazon Go shop opens January 22nd. Apple HomePod is nearly here. Apple hands out $2500 employee stock bonuses as part of its huge cash repatriation plan. Google wants your selfies. Facebook wants you to tell\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Technology&quot;","block_context":{"text":"Technology","link":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/category\/technology\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/HSn_18byc6k\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4510"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4510\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nccomputertech.com\/techtalk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}