Dell's first pro 2,000-zone mini-LED monitor joins fall monitor lineup
Dell's got new large monitors for 2021.
Dell is refreshing much of its monitor lineup with 2021 models that all have one thing in common: USB-C with power delivery. Otherwise, there's something new at most prices, from the $5,000 32-inch UltraSharp HDR PremierColor display boasting a 2,000-mini-LED array and a couple of 34-inch curved updates.
The 4K professional HDR UP3221Q display stands out for the first incorporation (at least that I know of) of a 2,000-dimming zone mini-LED array, which generates its typical HDR brightness level of 1,000 nits. All the other 32-inch models, like the Asus ProArt PA32UCX-PK, use the 1,152-zone array. (Except for the Apple Pro XDR Display's even lower 576-zone array.) It's one of Dell's Calman Powered displays with a built-in "windshield wiper" calibrator. It's $5,000 and starts shipping Nov. 5.
Dell claims accuracy of less than 2 Delta E for all relevant standard definition color spaces and a Delta E ITP of less than 3.5 for ST2084(PQ) and HLG; it's the first monitor I've seen quoting Delta E ITP accuracy numbers. This is definitely intended to be an HDR-primary use display, given its gamut of only 93% Adobe RGB but 99.8% P3. It has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, one of which supports daisy chaining. In addition to the built-in colorimeter, you can also connect your own (as long as it's supported, which usually means just an X-Rite i1Display Pro).
One disappointment for its class and for the money: It doesn't support HDMI 2.1. Nor does the panel support more than a 60Hz refresh rate for even basic gaming.
Joining the HDR display is a 3,440x1,440-pixel UltraSharp 34 Curved USB-C Hub monitor (U3421WE). It's an update to the 2019 version with Dell's more recent, modern stand design and a panel with a larger color space. It's slated to ship in early December for $1,200.
A new non-UltraSharp, business/mainstream 34-inch curved display, the P3421W, provides up to 65 watts of power via USB-C and integrates a KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switcher to connect to dual systems. It has a much smaller 99% sRGB color gamut, but it's also a lot cheaper at $800. It will ship Oct. 21.