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Head-to-head · Best 4K Monitors

Dell UltraSharp U3225QE vs Samsung ViewFinity S9

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Dell UltraSharp U3225QE and Samsung ViewFinity S9 score essentially the same (4.0 vs 4.0). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Dell UltraSharp U3225QE
Ranked #3 in Best 4K Monitors
Dell UltraSharp U3225QE
$950as of Apr 25

The Dell UltraSharp U3225QE is a 32-inch 4K productivity monitor built around Dell's second-generation IPS Black panel, offering a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 134% DCI-P3 coverage, and a Thunderbolt 4 hub with 140W power delivery. PCWorld calls it a new high bar for office monitors and TechRadar gives 4.5/5 stars, while LaptopMag praises the color but flags 339-nit brightness and panel wobble. Best for desk warriors who want the U2723QE's hub layout in a larger 32-inch IPS Black canvas.

Strengths
  • — IPS Black panel hits a measured 3,000:1 contrast ratio — best in class for office IPS
  • — Thunderbolt 4 hub with 140W PD, RJ45 Ethernet, and full USB-A/C complement
  • — 134% DCI-P3 coverage with strong factory calibration for color-critical work
Watch-outs
  • — Peak brightness of ~340 nits is underwhelming for a flagship at this price
  • — Panel exhibits noticeable wobble on minor desk movement (per LaptopMag)
  • — No built-in speakers — surprising omission at the $950+ MSRP
$950 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Samsung ViewFinity S9
Ranked #4 in Best 4K Monitors
Samsung ViewFinity S9
$1,599as of Apr 25

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 (model S90PC / LS27C900PANXZA) is a 27-inch 5K (5120x2880) IPS productivity monitor explicitly built to challenge the Apple Studio Display, with a matte coating, 99% DCI-P3 coverage, integrated Thunderbolt 4 hub, and a detachable 4K SlimFit camera. TechRadar and TechPowerUp credit its hardware-calibrated color and Tizen smart-TV apps, though 9to5Mac and Six Colors call out backward-facing ports and middling speakers. Best for users who want Apple-class pixel density on Windows or Mac.

Strengths
  • — Native 5K 5120x2880 resolution at 218 PPI matching the Apple Studio Display
  • — Hardware-calibrated to 99% DCI-P3 / 100% sRGB with matte anti-glare coating
  • — Single-cable Thunderbolt 4 with 90W power delivery plus DP/HDMI for non-Mac users
Watch-outs
  • — Backward-facing ports between display and stand are awkward to cable up
  • — Built-in speakers are tinny — Trusted Reviews and 9to5Mac both flag audio as weak
  • — Frequent retail discounts to ~$900 mean buyers at $1,599 MSRP overpay
$1,599 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Dell UltraSharp U3225QE

The Dell U3225QE is the natural step-up from the 27-inch Dell U2723QE in this category — same IPS Black DNA and KVM-style hub, but a larger 32-inch panel rivaling the BenQ PD3220U's footprint. Versus the BenQ it offers higher 140W PD (vs. BenQ's 85W) and RJ45 networking, though the BenQ retains its built-in KVM hardware switch. Versus the Apple Studio Display and Samsung ViewFinity S9, the Dell trades 5K pixel density for a much larger workspace and significantly better port flexibility.

Samsung ViewFinity S9

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is the only 5K option in this category; the BenQ PD3220U and Dell U2723QE both stop at 4K UHD (3840x2160), giving the Samsung roughly 60% more pixels in a similar 27-inch footprint. Versus the BenQ's KVM and the Dell's IPS Black contrast, the Samsung trades on raw pixel density and Tizen smart-monitor extras, though its connectivity hub is less generous than the Dell's RJ45-equipped offering.

Specs side-by-side

SpecDell UltraSharp U3225QESamsung ViewFinity S9
Panel Type31.5-inch IPS Black27-inch IPS LCD with matte anti-glare coating
Resolution3840 x 2160 (4K UHD, ~140 PPI)5120 x 2880 (5K, 218 PPI)
Refresh Rate60 Hz (120 Hz at lower depth)60 Hz
HDR SupportHDR400—
Color Gamut100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, 134% DCI-P3 measured99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, hardware calibrated
Connectivity1x Thunderbolt 4 (140W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 1.4, 1x RJ45, USB-C/A hub1x Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD), 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, USB hub
Brightness450 nits peak HDR (~340 nits sustained)600 nits peak
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