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Dell S3219D Review | A Multi-Purpose Monitor With Solid Specs!

Having recently seen another major discount, the Dell S3219D monitor is now available at its lowest ever price. In which case, what better time to review this super affordable Dell QHD monitor and see how it stands up against the competition?

Key Takeaways

  • The Dell S3219D is a decent 1440p VA monitor with average picture quality.
  • The monitor has excellent color gamut for normal use, good gray uniformity, and responds quickly to your actions due to its low input lag
  • The refresh rate is limited to 75Hz, which will deter most serious gamers
  • This model is a decent choice if you are after a large screen for entertainment purposes without breaking the bank.

The Dell S3219D monitor is a 2560 x 1440, 16:9, 60 Hz piece of gaming hardware that takes no prisoners.  Boasting a generous 32-inch screen, AMD FreeSync technology, and a solid 5ms response time, it certainly ticks all the right boxes on paper for this kind of price. As an added bonus, you also get two 5W speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio for your money, Dell's ComfortView feature to keep things comfortable when playing for hours on end and even a100 x 100mm VESA mount included in the kit for wall mounting.

Covering 99 percent of the sRGB color palette, the Dell S3219D monitor boasts a rock-solid 3,000:1 contrast ratio (CR), courtesy of a quality VA panel. Two x HDMI cable 1.4, one DisplayPort 1.2, and three USB 3.0 ports and all the connectivity you will ever need, whether using it for work or gaming purposes. 

Dell S3219D: Basic Specs (Refresh Rate, Response Time, Native Resolution Etc.)

Screen Size

32Inches

Resolution

2560 x 1440 QHD

Aspect Ratio

16:9

Panel Technology

Vertical Alignment(VA)

Refresh Rate

60Hz (75Hz Max)

Response Time

4ms

Contrast Ratio

3000:1

Brightness

300cd/m²

Speakers

Yes

VESA

Yes

Stand: Height

No

Stand: Tilt

Yes

Stand: Swivel

No

Connectivity

 DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 2, USB 3.0 x 3, 3.5mm Jack x 1

Dimensions

29.05” x 20.60” x 78”

Weight

22.33 lbs

Design and Features

I will try not to jump directly to the conclusion, but I would honestly recommend this in a heartbeat - it is a great monitor for almost no money.

At a glance, you get the idea you are looking at something premium - and you are. There is something slightly different about the exterior aesthetic of the Dell s3219d monitor, which combines a glossy black finish with relatively thin bezels and great overall build quality in general. Top to bottom, the panel of this Dell monitor is clearly a quality product and has been built to last, with excellent attention to detail and all the usual HDMI cable and VGA ports where you would expect them.

The Dell S3219D monitor is lightweight enough to be practical and convenient to handle but nonetheless feels reassuringly robust.

dell tilt

Along with DisplayPort 1.2 and dual HDMI ports 1.4 for video signals, you also get a trio of USB 3.0 slots for accessories. This was my only slight issue with the design and layout of the monitor, as the USB ports are in a slightly awkward place on the rear chassis.

The in-built speakers of this monitor are more or less as you would expect - decent enough for work, movies, and light gaming, but not exactly mind-blowing in terms of output of quality. Still, far better than nothing and definitely better than those you would find in many comparable monitors for this kind of price. 

Display Quality

For the most part, the spec sheet shows everything you need to know about the performance of the Dell S3219D. This low-cost monitor is fitted with a 32-inch VA panel with 2560 x 1440 resolution, which boasts a 60Hz refresh rate and approximate 4ms response time. The backlight of Dell S3219D goes as high as 300cd/m2 according to the manufacturer’s official specifications rundown, while its contrast ratio of 3000:1 is spot on.

The refresh rate can be pushed as far as 75hz, which should be more than enough to satisfy most gamers.

Pixel density is also pretty decent - QHD 2560x1440 been more than enough to pack the large screen with plenty of crispness. You basically get the same kind of picture quality and sharpness you would expect from a 1080p monitor with a 24-inch screen, which is by no means a bad thing.

Hardcore gamers shopping for a new monitor might not be satisfied with some of its features and specifications, but it is worth remembering how cheap the Dell S3219D is right now.

other side

Out of the Box Issues

Perhaps the most common criticism thrown the way of the Dell S3219D is how it doesn't perform particularly fantastically right out of the box. Though to be honest, this isn’t what you’d call a deal breaker - especially when considering this monitor's low purchase price.

In any case, it is not exactly difficult to alter a few settings for an altogether better experience. Sort out the brightness, contrast, and so on manually with your own custom profile and you will be looking at an entirely better picture than when first powering it up.

This could be why there is a scattering of negative reviews here and there about the quality and performance of the Dell S3219D - it does leave a fair bit to be desired prior to being calibrated. Though again - and even if you don’t know the first thing about setting up and calibrating a gaming monitor - it really could not be easier with the Dell S3219D.

Gaming Performance

Whatever you use the Dell S3219D for, it looks fantastic. It covers viewing angles you will ever need and has more than sufficient pixel density and brightness to provide a quality experience from start to finish.

For gaming, in particular, the picture quality and performance of the Dell S3219D are outstanding.  While the majority of VA panels may be prone to image retention and blurring, the S3219D handles motion blur way better than most screens available for this kind of price. Even when running the most demanding games, it has a snappy and punchy quality about it that’s hard to deny.

boy playing games

Then there is the welcome inclusion of Dell Comfort View feature, which is designed for minimizing harmful blue light and flicker for a better and more comfortable viewing experience. Ideal for those planning to use the S3219D for hours at a time.

The only slight niggle with its performance (in my opinion at least) is how I found the screen to be slightly prone to glare. This was only the case in extremely bright daylight conditions, during which I would not expect an awesome monitor for this kind of price to have performed any better.

In any case, a slight adjustment to the viewing angles here and there (courtesy of the convenient stand) is all it takes to bring this less-than major headache under control.

Is Dell S3219D Worth It?

Much as there is more to buying a new monitor than price alone, it is the affordability of this excellent screen that stands out more than anything else. Traditionally, shopping for a 32-inch QHD panel that was capable of handling even the most demanding games would have meant paying over the odds for the privilege. Monitors like these (with picture quality like this) were once priced well in excess of $1,000 - way out of reach for most gamers.

Today, the kind of money you’d expect to pay for a standard business monitor would easily net you a fantastic gaming screen. The Dell S3219D is one of an entirely new segment of affordable monitors for gaming, combining great features with a solid performance and a low price.

dell screen

If you ask me, the only reason the S3219D hasn’t received 5 Stars from every reviewer is that some people have OTT expectations. They want a $1,000 gaming monitor for $300 or less, which just isn’t going to happen.

When you consider the spec sheet of the Dell S3219D (a reminder below), what you get for such little money is great. Feel free to spend a fortune on a top-end gaming panel if you like, but personally, I would rather stick with something like this and keep more money in my wallet!

Full Specs and Hardware Features

Dimensions (WxDxH)

29.1 in x 7.8 in x 20.6 in - with stand

Display Type

LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix

Aspect Ratio

16:9

Native Resolution

QHD 2560 x 1440 at 60 Hz

Contrast Ratio

3000:1 / 8000000:1 (dynamic)

Color Support

1.07 billion colors

Horizontal Viewing Angle

178

Vertical Viewing Angle

178

Viewable Size

32"

Pixel Pitch

0.27675 mm

Panel Type

VA

Brightness

300 cd/m²

Screen Coating

Low haze screen 3H hardness

Backlight Technology


LED backlight

Vertical Refresh Rate

48 - 75 Hz

Manufacturer

Dell, Inc.

Interfaces

2 x HDMI cable

Display Port

USB 3.0 upstream ports

USB 3.0 downstream

USB 3.0 downstream with Battery Charging 1.2

Audio line-out

Built-in Devices

USB hub 3.0

Flat Panel Mount Interface

100 x 100 mm

Image Brightness

300 cd/m2

Image Contrast Ratio

3000:1

Video Format (Non-standard)

QHD

Type

LED-backlit LCD monitor

Is Dell a Good Monitor Brand?

Dell is a reputable monitor brand (see also Asus and Benq). Most monitors from Dell come with a sturdy design and high-quality build. They offer incredible pre-calibration results and accurate colors.

If you are looking for gaming monitors, Dell is one brand you can trust. Most of the monitors offer a fast refresh rate and response time that reduces input lag. This enables you to enjoy your games without ghosting effects, even when playing fast-paced games.

Are Dell Monitors Compatible With Mac?

Yes, they will work with Macs, but you may need to do a little adapting depending on which model computer you have. If your Mac has HDMI ports, then the connection is simple. 

If you have a newer Mac, you’ll likely want to use DisplayPort over USB C port to get the best possible performance out of the screen, though have in mind that some USB C ports on a system may support video-out connectivity, while other USB C ports may not

FAQs

1. What is the top Dell monitor?

1. Dell ALIENWARE 25 AW2521HF 24.5 inch Gaming Monitor

Are you in the market for the best Dell IPS monitor? It enables you to have a taste of the best there is in IPS panel. With the IPS panel, you enjoy the clearest and accurate images from any viewing angle. Plus, the Dell Alienware monitors come with 99% sRGB color coverage, such that you have a wide range of colors at your disposal to ensure you get the most realistic images.

2. Dell P2419H 24 Inch LED-Backlit

If you were searching for the best Dell 24” monitor, Dell P2419H is a perfect pick.
The monitor stands out due to its minimal monitor base and thin design. Thus, you enjoy valuable desk space, which gives you more room for you to work.

3. Dell U-Series 38" Screen LED-Lit Monitor (U3818DW)

Dell U-series is an solid alternative if you are looking for a Dell curved monitor.
With the 38 inches curved display, you can immerse yourself fully to enjoy an incredible streaming or gaming experience. Plus, the 4K UHD Ultra-Wide 1600p high resolution ensures that you enjoy home entertainment or work with accurate colors and vivid image qlarity.

2. Does Dell make good computer monitors?

It is no secret that Dell is a leading computer and technology company. However, does Dell make good computer monitors? The answer is yes. Dell makes some of the best computer monitors on the market. They offer a wide range of screen real estate, resolutions, and features to choose from. Their monitors come with a reasonable price, which makes them a great option for shoppers looking for best prices.

3. Is Dell or HP monitor better?

To be fair, both are excellent monitors. Most Dell displays have a glossy surface, while HP monitors have a matte surface. I prefer the design of the HP monitor, but I prefer the glossy surface. When you're close to the monitors, you'll notice the difference in their glossy surfaces - the Dell monitor will provide sharper images than the HP monitor.

4. Is Dell made in China?

No, they are not manufactured in China; however, its components are manufactured or assembled in China. Dell is an American company, and similarly to Apple, all phones are assembled in California but manufactured in China. They use Chinese components because they are superior and more affordable than those from other countries. Dell is a company headquartered in the United States of America.

About Dusan Stanar

I'm the founder of VSS Monitoring. I have been both writing and working in technology in a number of roles for dozens of years and wanted to bring my experience online to make it publicly available. Visit https://www.vssmonitoring.com/about-us/ to read more about myself and the rest of the team.

2 thoughts on “Dell S3219D Review | A Multi-Purpose Monitor With Solid Specs!”

  1. With this being a very recent review, do you know where I can find one of these? I already have 1, but would like to purchase a 2nd one as well and am having trouble locating one.

    Reply

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