Dell UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED Monitor U3226Q review: Perfect for creatives

If you've found your way to this review then it's likely that you're looking for one of the best 4K monitors in the business for colour calibration, graphics and design work, and general computing use – and that's exactly what the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q delivers.

The first QD-OLED display in Dell's UltraSharp range, the U3226Q suits studio and creative professionals after a high level of colour precision, or anyone who wants a premium office monitor and has the budget to consider something that stands out from the crowd.

I've been testing this Dell for several weeks to put together this review, and you'll find everything you need here to decide if this is the monitor for you: details on its performance, setup, features, and the all-important pricing information.

Price & Availability

The Dell UltraSharp U3226Q is out and available to buy now, and the widgets embedded on this page will direct you to the best prices currently available on the web.

At the time of writing, the monitor can be picked up for in the region of £2399 / $2599 / AU$3699, though this seems to be a model that's often discounted.

In the UK, you can currently get it at outlets including Dell directly or from Laptops Direct.

Design & Setup

Putting the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q together couldn't be any easier, and you'll be done in a minute or two, with no tools required.

The base slots into the stand, then the stand slots into the screen. That's it!

There's also an optional hood included in the box, and fastening it to the edges of the display and taking it off again is all very straightforward, thanks to magnetic attachments. It also stays firmly in place if you move the monitor.

There's a lot of play and flexibility in terms of tilt, swivel, rotation, and height adjustment, so with a few pushes and pulls you can get this configured just right for your desk and eye level.

The monitor can stretch as high as 624 mm (that's almost 25 inches), while you can rotate the screen around a full 90-degrees if you're after that tall, narrow look that coders are particularly fond of. Wall-mounting is an option too.

In terms of ports, there are two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4 port, two USB-A 10Gbps downstream ports, one USB-C 10Gbps upstream port, one Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps upstream port, one Thunderbolt 4 40Gbps downstream port, and one Ethernet 2.5GbE port.

There's also a handy pop-out hub panel, with a USB-A 10Gbps downstream port, and two USB-C 10Gbps downstream ports. This pop-out function makes it simple to attach peripherals and charge devices without having to reach around the back, but you can hide it away if you're not using it.

Overall, I'm a fan of the aesthetics of the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q. Unlike many monitors in its class, it manages to be subtle and minimalist by design, without being boring, and you certainly get a lot here in terms of flexibility and versatility.

Features & Performance

The Dell UltraSharp U3226Q offers a QD-OLED screen (think of it like an OLED with a richer colour upgrade), with a native resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, a refresh rate of 120Hz, and a maximum brightness of 300 nits across the entire screen (or 1000 nits for HDR highlights).

Those specs are decent rather than remarkable, but they translate into a visual experience that's very easy on the eyes. Details are sharp, colours are vibrant, and text and graphics are crisply defined all across this screen – it's a pleasure to look at across its 31.5 inches.

That QD-OLED panel ensures deep blacks and excellent contrast, and it's the kind of panel quality you'd expect from a company that's been in the monitor business as long as Dell has.

As good as the monitor is in general though, it's the colour gamut and calibration where it really stands out – and where it's going to appeal to users who are serious about creative workflows.

In terms of gamut coverage, you've got 100% sRGB, 100% BT.709, 99% DCI-P3, 99% Display P3, and 94% Adobe RGB, and there are seven pre-tuned, industry-standard profiles you can quickly switch between.

Colour calibration is available out of the box too, with no need for an external tool or separate software. There's a little colourimeter that swings up from the bottom of the bezel, making sure that the colours you're seeing really are the colours you want to be seeing, and you can even schedule it to run overnight when the monitor's not in use (though it only takes a maximum of 30 minutes anyway).

It's this colour performance that puts the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q above its peers and justifies that extra price, compared to the mass of other standard 32-inch/4K office monitors you'll find on the market. It's an intriguing middle ground between your run-of-the-mill monitors and those aimed at professionals who require precise calibration – with a price that reflects that.

This monitor functions as a KVM (Keyboard-Video-Mouse) switch too, which means you can connect a keyboard and mouse to it and use them (as well as the screen) across multiple computers and other devices plugged into the back. It's another plus point for what's already a very impressive and versatile unit.

It's not quite the perfect monitor though. There are no built-in speakers here, which is something I always like to see – just so you can hear audio at a pinch if you need to, without separate devices. T

If I were nitpicking, the standard brightness levels could be a little higher, and the price is above what a lot of people are going to be willing to pay at this size and spec.

The value-for-money proposition here really depends on whether you're comparing it against a standard consumer screen or a professional mastering display. As it's far more leant towards the latter.

Dell UltraSharp U3226Q review: Verdict

I've reviewed a lot of 4K computer monitors over the years for T3, and I can confidently say the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q is one of the best I've come across in recent times.

The picture it produces is genuinely great, particularly in terms of its clarity and colour performance, which is where it really excels.

Clearly it's the colour-accuracy features that will attract prospective buyers – and help justify its massive price. If you need the extra configuration tools and precision that the U3226Q offers – including the hood you get in the box – then it's all easy to operate.

It's not just about the colour though. This monitor has several features, including the pop-out hub and the built-in KVM capability, that really I wish many other monitors included – as they're great.

There's clearly nothing average about this monitor – and it's certainly not for an average user. But niche or not, it's a perfect pro stunner that'll be hard to ignore for a select audience.

Also Consider

If you're after something more suitable for gaming, then can I direct you towards the Alienware AW2725Q, which is an excellent 27-inch 4K display that's going to appeal to serious gamers. There's a QD-OLED panel here as well, but the refresh rate gets bumped up to 240 Hz – and it's going to cost you significantly less than the Dell UltraSharp U3226Q.

Another option is the Sony Inzone M10S, which is also aimed at gamers but can easily do double duty for office work and creative tasks too. This is a screen that shows off just how good OLED technology can be: it's great value for money, with some very appealing specs to offer, though the 27-inch panel is limited to a 1440p resolution.