Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub: The Ultimate IPS Monitor Review

Can you imagine a Dell product without the unmistakable DELL logo glaring at you? Well, times are changing as the PC manufacturer advances in its quest to create the ultimate office monitor. The UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U3225Q) marks another outstanding addition to Dell’s prestigious monitor lineup, and I wholeheartedly welcome the more understated branding.

But is this monitor the best on the market? Although it doesn’t utilize OLED technology, which is currently trending, the “enhanced” IPS (in-plane switching) Black panel, extensive connectivity options, and elegant design make it one of the finest flagship office monitors available.

A Refined Dell Monitor

If you’re familiar with high-end Dell monitors, this one will look quite similar. It features a 32-inch, 16:9 screen with a sleek silver back, stand, and base. However, there are several elements that I find particularly appealing.

First, its relatively thin black bezels stand out. Typically, Dell (including UltraSharp) monitors come with a plastic strip for the bottom bezel displaying the Dell logo, which is always in plain sight. Fortunately, that’s not the case here, allowing for a cleaner aesthetic. It possesses all the essential features you would expect, like a wide range of adjustable settings, including the ability to tilt for vertical orientation, effective cable management built into the stand, and VESA support.

However, it’s the image quality that sets it apart. Dell has been promoting “IPS Black” for several years, utilizing LG technology to enhance the contrast of IPS panels, offering an alternative to OLED, which tends to be pricier and can sometimes suffer from drawbacks like screen burn-in. Initially, Dell was the sole provider of IPS Black, but now competitors like BenQ and HP have joined the fray.

The U3225Q, nonetheless, features the latest generation of IPS Black, which significantly boosts the contrast even further. Just how much? From 2,000:1 to an impressive 3,000:1. While that doesn’t match OLED contrast levels, it represents a substantial upgrade from previous IPS models. Although you may not achieve that contrast ratio at maximum brightness, the U3225Q still offers exceptional contrast for an IPS panel. I didn’t have the previous year’s U3223QE model available for a direct comparison, but the figures speak volumes. This is undoubtedly the finest IPS panel I’ve encountered, particularly regarding its enhanced contrast capabilities. The result is darker, more profound blacks that don’t appear gray. Additionally, colors are noticeably more vibrant.

Regarding brightness, the U3225Q can deliver up to 417 nits. Generally, anything above 300 nits is adequate for office tasks, but the extra 150 nits ensures it remains bright enough, even if your workspace is flooded with sunlight in the afternoons.