Sharon Harding
On Tuesday, Dell listed the UltraSharp U3223QZ monitor for $1,600. The screen would like to justify its price with a generously sized 32-inch IPS panel that claims twice the contrast of typical IPS monitors, an integrated 4K webcam and 4K resolution. The four-digit asking price, along with the built-in camera, USB-C connectivity and sleek finish set it up with Apple’s 27-inch 5K Studio Display. Both monitors offer unique options for those with a bigger budget looking for higher image quality, especially Mac owners. But despite identical price tags, their best audiences differ significantly.
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ vs. Apple Studio Display Specifications
While appealing to Windows users with ultra-lightweight PCs with USB-C power connections, Dell’s UltraSharp monitor line is also popular among Mac owners because of USB-C Power Delivery (PD), a stylish silver color and thin bezels that enhance the Complementing Apple aesthetics.
But a quick look at the specs of the two monitors will already give you an insight into the different experiences you can expect from the $1,600 displays (note that all specs are manufacturer claims):
| Specifications | Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ | Apple Studio screen |
|---|---|---|
| Mate | 31.5 inches | 27 inch |
| Solution | 3840×2160 | 5120×2880 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Panel type and backlight | IPS Black, LED | IPS, LED |
| Panel type and backlight | IPS Black, LED | IPS, LED |
| Contrast | 2,000:1 | Not known |
| Maximum brightness | 400 nits | 600 nits |
| Colour | 98 percent DCI-P3, 100 percent sRGB, 100 percent Rec. 709 | Display P3 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0 DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort out USB-C upstream (90W PD), USB-C upstream, USB-C downstream (15W PD) 5x USB-A RJ45 3.5mm jack |
Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD) 3x USB-C downstream |
The Studio Display of conferencing monitors?
When you hear “Studio Display,” chances are you’re also thinking about 5K. After all, it is the most touted feature on the Apple monitor. In contrast, with its 4K resolution, the U3223QZ has a built-in webcam as its main feature, among other things for frequent video streaming or conferences.
U3223QZ vs Studio Display Webcam
The U3223QZ has a 4K webcam that supports recording videos up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps). It is equipped with a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor and has AI power features such as auto frame and the ability to adjust color to deal with “hard lighting” as Dell puts it. It also uses 3D and 2D video noise reduction to counteract motion blur, although we’ll have to try it in person to see how effective that is. You can also set the camera to automatically log you in or out via Windows Hello, depending on whether it detects your presence.
Thanks to the integrated webcam, you don’t have to sacrifice port or edge space and it is adjustable. According to Dell, you can tilt it 0-20 degrees for a field of view of 65, 78 or 90 degrees. The webcam also has a physical shutter which is said to work in video conferencing applications, but we won’t know if it’s reliable until we try it.
Finally, Dell offers its Peripheral Manager app (Windows 10 and above) for adjusting the webcam’s image.
