Dell sold the UltraSharp U3223QZ monitor for $1,600 Tuesday. The display would like to justify its price with a large 32-inch IPS panel that has twice the contrast ratio of regular IPS monitors, a built-in 4K webcam and 4K resolution. A four-figure asking price, as well as an integrated camera, USB-C connectivity, and a sleek finish put it on par with Apple’s 27-inch 5K Studio Display. Both monitors provide a unique experience for those on a budget who require enhanced image quality, especially for Mac owners. But despite the same price tags, their best audiences differ significantly.
Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ vs. Apple Studio Display Specs
Attractive to Windows users with ultra-lightweight PCs with USB-C power connectors, the Dell UltraSharp monitor line is also popular with Mac owners for its USB-C (PD) power delivery, stylish silver color and slim bezels that complement the Apple aesthetic.
But a quick look at the dual monitor specs already gives you an idea of the various features you can expect from $1,600 displays (note that all specs are manufacturer’s claims):
| Specification | Dell UltraSharp U3223QZ | Apple Studio display |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 31.5 inches | 27 inches |
| Permission | 3840×2160 | 5120×2880 |
| Update frequency | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Panel type and backlight | IPS black, LED | IPS, LED |
| Panel type and backlight | IPS black, LED | IPS, LED |
| Contrast | 2000:1 | Undisclosed |
| Maximum brightness | 600 nits | 400 nits |
| Color | 98 percent DCI-P3, 100 percent sRGB, 100 percent Rec. 709 | Display P3 |
| Ports | HDMI 2.0 DisplayPort 1.4, DisplayPort output USB-C upstream (90W PD), USB-C upstream, USB-C downstream (15W PD) 5x USB-A RJ45, 3.5mm jack | Thunderbolt 3 (96W PD) 3 USB-C downstream ports |
Studio display monitors for conference calls?
When you hear “Studio Display”, chances are you also think of 5K. After all, this is the most advertised feature of an Apple monitor. In contrast, the 4K U3223QZ has a built-in webcam as its main feature, among other features, for frequent video streaming or conference calls.
U3223QZ vs. Studio Display webcam
The U3223QZ is equipped with a 4K webcam capable of capturing video at up to 4K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). It’s equipped with a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor and has AI features like auto-framing and the ability to adjust color to work with “harsh lighting,”Dell says. It also uses 3D and 2D video noise reduction to combat motion blur, though we’ll have to try it out for ourselves to see how effective it is. You can also set the camera to automatically sign you in or out with Windows Hello, depending on whether it detects your presence.
An integrated webcam means you don’t have to sacrifice port or front panel space, and it’s customizable. You can tilt it 0-20 degrees to get a 65-degree, 78-degree, or 90-degree field of view, according to Dell. The webcam also has a physical shutter, which is said to work in video conferencing apps, but we won’t know if it’s reliable until we try it.
Finally, Dell offers its Peripheral Management app (Windows 10 and up) to customize the webcam image.
