Dell S3222DGM 32" LED Curved Review
The Dell S3222DGM offers massive 32-inch curved immersion and 165Hz gaming for a shockingly low price. Just don't expect color-accurate work from this VA panel.
The 30-Second Version
A giant, curved 1440p gaming monitor that punches way above its weight class on price. Just don't buy it for photo editing.
Overview
The Dell S3222DGM is a big, bold, and surprisingly affordable curved gaming monitor that gets the fundamentals right. It's a 32-inch, 1440p screen with a 165Hz refresh rate, and it's built like a tank. The one thing you need to know? This is a workhorse monitor for people who want a massive, immersive view without paying a premium for the latest OLED tech. It's not the flashiest panel on the block, but it delivers solid gaming performance and decent ergonomics for a price that often dips under $400.
Performance
The performance is exactly what you'd expect from a mid-range VA panel: strong contrast and decent speed, but don't expect OLED-level color. The 165Hz refresh rate is smooth, and FreeSync Premium works as advertised to eliminate screen tearing. What surprised us, looking at our database, was just how strong the connectivity and social proof scores are. This thing is near the top of the charts for having the right ports and a ton of positive user reviews. The actual display quality is well above average, but the color accuracy sits in the bottom third of monitors we track, which lines up with the typical VA panel trade-off.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Huge 32-inch curved screen is incredibly immersive for gaming and movies. 98th
- Fantastic value, especially when it's on sale below $400. 98th
- Build quality and stand adjustability are a cut above many competitors. 83th
- Near-perfect connectivity score means you'll have all the ports you need. 75th
Cons
- Color performance is mediocre. Creative work on this is a no-go. 28th
- It's a massive, heavy beast. This isn't a monitor you'll move around.
- The VA panel's viewing angles aren't great if you're not sitting dead center.
- No built-in speakers. You'll need your own audio solution.
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 32" |
| Resolution | 2560 (QHD) |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Curved | Yes |
Performance
| Refresh Rate | 165 Hz |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium |
Connectivity
| HDMI Ports | 2 |
| DisplayPort | 1 |
| Thunderbolt | 0 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes |
Ergonomics
| Height Adjustable | Yes |
| Tilt | Yes |
| VESA Mount | 100x100 |
Features
| Webcam | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Weight | 10.2 kg / 22.4 lbs |
Value & Pricing
This is where the S3222DGM absolutely shines. With prices ranging from $383 to $705 across different vendors, you need to be smart. At the low end, around $400, this monitor is a steal. At $700, you're getting ripped off. Shop around, because for the right price, the value proposition is fantastic. You're getting a lot of screen and smooth gaming for not a lot of cash.
vs Competition
Stacked up against the competition, the Dell's value is its weapon. The ASUS ROG Swift 32" is faster and has better color, but it costs significantly more. The Samsung Odyssey G95C is an ultrawide beast, but again, you're paying a huge premium. The LG UltraGear 27" might have a slightly better panel, but you're giving up 5 inches of screen real estate. If your budget is tight and you want maximum immersion per dollar, the Dell is a compelling choice. If color accuracy or the absolute fastest response time is your top priority, look at the ASUS or MSI OLED options and open your wallet wider.
| Spec | Dell S3222DGM 32" LED Curved | LG UltraGear LG - UltraGear 27" IPS Dual Mode (4K UHD 180Hz, | MSI MPG MSI 32" UHD 4K 240Hz G-Sync Compatible 0.03ms | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS ROG Swift 32" 4K OLED Gaming Monitor PG32UCDP | Samsung Odyssey Samsung Odyssey G95C 49" Dual 1440p HDR 240 Hz | Apple Studio Display Apple - Studio Display - Standard glass - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 32 | 27 | 32 | 32 | 49 | 27 |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 5120 x 1440 | 5120 x 2880 |
| Panel Type | VA | IPS | OLED | OLED | VA | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | 165 | 180 | 240 | 240 | 240 | 60 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | 0 | - | 1 | - |
| Adaptive Sync | FreeSync Premium | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | - |
| Hdr | - | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR10 | HDR10+ | ✗ |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Color | Compact | Display | Feature | Ergonomic | Performance | Connectivity | Social Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell S3222DGM 32" LED Curved | 28.1 | 50.4 | 74.9 | 64 | 82.5 | 70.2 | 98.1 | 98.1 |
| LG UltraGear 27" Dual Mode Compare | 89.8 | 80.4 | 90.5 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 94.1 | 99.9 | 97.3 |
| MSI MPG 32" Compare | 99 | 72.4 | 98.7 | 82.4 | 96.5 | 99.9 | 96.7 | 73.7 |
| ASUS ROG Swift 32" Compare | 99.9 | 72.4 | 98.7 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 81.3 | 96.7 | 97.3 |
| Samsung Odyssey G95C 49" Dual Compare | 97.2 | 50.4 | 87.6 | 82.4 | 87.8 | 96.3 | 98.1 | 94.8 |
| Apple Studio Display Studio Display Standard glass Tilt-adjustable stand Compare | 96.7 | 80.4 | 99.4 | 99.6 | 72.3 | 22.5 | 96 | 98.1 |
Common Questions
Q: Does this monitor have speakers?
Nope, it doesn't. You'll need to use headphones or external speakers. Plan for that in your setup.
Q: Is the color good enough for photo editing?
Not really. Its color performance is in the bottom 30% of monitors we track. It's fine for games and movies, but get an IPS panel for serious creative work.
Q: How does FreeSync help?
It syncs the monitor's refresh rate with your AMD graphics card's frame rate. This gets rid of screen tearing and stuttering, making gameplay look much smoother.
Who Should Skip This
If you're a graphic designer, video editor, or anyone who needs accurate colors, this isn't it. Go get an IPS monitor like a good Dell Ultrasharp instead. Also, if your desk is tiny, the sheer size and heft of this thing will overwhelm it.
Verdict
We recommend the Dell S3222DGM, but with a clear condition: buy it on sale. If you can snag it for around $400, it's an easy yes for gamers and general users who want a big, curved, no-fuss display. It's built well, performs smoothly, and the immersion is legit. Just know you're compromising on color accuracy and viewing angles. For the price, that's a trade-off many will happily make.