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Head-to-head · Best 4K Monitors

BenQ PD3220U vs Dell UltraSharp U3225QE

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

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The short answer

BenQ PD3220U comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Multi-computer users needing a KVM switch and Thunderbolt 3 — read the strengths below before deciding.

BenQ PD3220U
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 4K Monitors
BenQ PD3220U
3 sources$400as of May 8

Aimed at creative professionals, the BenQ PD3220U is a 32-inch 4K display with excellent picture performance, a deep set of inputs including Thunderbolt 3, and a KVM switch built in. The design and build quality are a step above. Weak points: the built-in speakers, and brightness that is only adequate for HDR.

Strengths
  • — Excellent display performance with 4K resolution, high pixel density, and HDR capability
  • — Wide range of connectivity options including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C
  • — Built-in KVM switch for easy control of multiple computers
Watch-outs
  • — Built-in speakers are not great
  • — Brightness is only 350 cd/m2, which is not ideal for HDR content
$400 · Buy at benq.comFull review →
Dell UltraSharp U3225QE
Ranked #3 in Best 4K Monitors
Dell UltraSharp U3225QE
4 sources1 derived$799.99as of Aug 1

Dell's second-generation IPS Black panel is the foundation of the UltraSharp U3225QE, a 32-inch 4K productivity monitor with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 134% DCI-P3 coverage, and a Thunderbolt 4 hub rated for 140W power delivery. PCWorld calls it a new high bar for office monitors and TechRadar gives it 4.5/5 stars, while LaptopMag praises the color but flags 339-nit brightness and panel wobble. Get it if you want the U2723QE's hub layout on 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
$799.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BenQ PD3220U

The BenQ PD3220U offers a unique advantage with its built-in KVM switch, allowing seamless control of multiple computers, a feature absent in the Dell U2723QE, LG UltraFine 32UN880-B, and ASUS ProArt PA279CRV. It also boasts Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which is more advanced than the USB-C on the LG and ASUS, though its brightness is less ideal for HDR than some competitors, and it doesn't match the 5K resolution of the Samsung ViewFinity S9.

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.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBenQ PD3220UDell UltraSharp U3225QE
Panel Type31.5" IPS31.5-inch IPS Black
Resolution3840x21603840 x 2160 (4K UHD, ~140 PPI)
Refresh Rate60Hz60 Hz (120 Hz at lower depth)
HDR SupportHDR10HDR400
Color Gamut95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB100% sRGB, 99% DCI-P3, 134% DCI-P3 measured
ConnectivityThunderbolt 3 (85W), HDMI 2.0, DP 1.41x Thunderbolt 4 (140W PD), 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DP 1.4, 1x RJ45, USB-C/A hub
Brightness350 cd/m2450 nits peak HDR (~340 nits sustained)
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