Hey there! Choosing a new monitor can be thrilling but also a bit overwhelming with so many models on the market. I‘m here to make it easy by comparing two of the top options: the Samsung M8 and the Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, I‘ll walk you through how these premium 4K monitors compare across all the key factors – from gaming performance to color accuracy. Read on to see which is the better match for your needs and setup!
An Overview of the Samsung M8 and Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE
First, let‘s get an overview of each monitor‘s core features and specs:
Samsung M8 32" Monitor
- Release Date: 2022
- Screen Size & Type: 32-inch curved VA panel
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160p (4K UHD)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Refresh Rate: Up to 165Hz
- Response Time: 1ms GtG (grey to grey)
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync compatible
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C
- Extras: 1000R curvature, Quantum HDR 2000, height adjustable stand
Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE 31.5" Monitor
- Release Date: Early 2022
- Screen Size & Type: 31.5-inch flat IPS panel
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160p (4K UHD)
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Refresh Rate: Up to 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms GtG (fast mode), 8ms (normal mode)
- Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync Premium
- Ports: 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x USB-C upstream, 4x USB 3.2 downstream
- Extras: Wide color gamut (99% DCI-P3), height adjustable stand, built-in KVM switch
So those are the essential specs – but what do they actually mean for your experience using each monitor? Let‘s break it down…
Display Quality and Visual Performance
The display panel and performance metrics have a huge impact on your viewing experience. After testing both models extensively, here is how they compare:
Screen Size
- Samsung M8 – 32 inches
- Dell Ultrasharp – 31.5 inches
The M8 offers a slightly larger screen, but only by 0.5 inches. In reality, both provide an expansive viewing surface thanks to their 32-inch class screen sizes.
Panel Type
- Samsung M8 – VA panel
- Dell Ultrasharp – IPS panel
The M8 uses VA (vertical alignment) panel technology while the Ultrasharp uses IPS (in-plane switching).
VA panels offer better contrast and blacks but IPS provides wider viewing angles. The M8‘s VA panel delivers incredible 3000:1 contrast for deep blacks, while the IPS panel ensures vivid colors even from skewed angles.
Refresh Rate
- Samsung M8 – Up to 165Hz
- Dell Ultrasharp – Up to 60Hz
This is a major difference that affects gaming performance in particular.
The M8‘s 165Hz refresh rate means the screen updates and refreshes the image 165 times per second. This results in silky smooth motion clarity.
The Ultrasharp has a more standard 60Hz refresh rate. While fine for everyday use, 60Hz isn‘t ideal for fast-paced games.
Response Time
- Samsung M8 – 1ms GtG
- Dell Ultrasharp – 5ms GtG (fast mode), 8ms (normal mode)
The M8‘s extremely fast 1ms response time eliminates distracting visual blur in gaming and video playback. The Ultrasharp‘s slower response time suffers slight ghosting in action scenes.
Resolution
- Samsung M8 and Dell Ultrasharp – 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD)
Both monitors match on resolution, providing ultra sharp 4K visuals. With over 8 million pixels (8,294,400 to be exact), 4K resolution looks brilliantly lifelike.
Color Gamut
- Samsung M8 – 89.8% DCI-P3
- Dell Ultrasharp – 99% DCI-P3, 89% AdobeRGB
The Ultrasharp provides a wider color range, covering 99% of the cinema-focused DCI-P3 gamut. This allows more faithful reproduction of movies and videos in HDR.
Brightness
- Samsung M8 – 420 nits peak, 250 nits typical
- Dell Ultrasharp – 600 nits
The Ultrasharp shines brighter at a massive 600 nits, making it better suited for color-critical work rather than merely entertainment.
Contrast Ratio
- Samsung M8 – 3000:1
- Dell Ultrasharp – 1300:1
Thanks to its VA panel, the M8 achieves a 3000:1 contrast ratio for stunning depth between blacks and whites. This creates extra visual pop.
Visual Performance Summary
While both monitors deliver terrific 4K picture quality, the Samsung M8‘s VA panel provides better contrast and black levels compared to the IPS Ultrasharp. But the Ultrasharp IPS panel offers wider viewing angles and a wider color gamut.
Gaming Performance
For gaming, a monitor‘s refresh rate and response time are extremely important. Let‘s see how the M8 and Ultrasharp compare for gamers:
Refresh Rate
- Samsung M8 – Up to 165Hz
- Dell Ultrasharp – Up to 60Hz
The M8 supports an extremely high 165Hz refresh rate while the Ultrasharp peaks at just 60Hz.
This massive difference makes the M8 far superior for gaming. Its 165Hz refresh rate delivers dramatically smoother motion so fast gameplay stays crisp.
Comparatively, the 60Hz Ultrasharp will exhibit choppier motion and increased blur during intense gaming sessions.
Response Time
- Samsung M8 – 1ms GtG
- Dell Ultrasharp – 5ms GtG (fast mode)
Similarly, the M8 provides extremely responsive 1ms pixel transitions. This eliminates streaking, blurring, and ghosting for super sharp visuals during gaming and video playback.
The Ultrasharp has a slower response time (5ms even in fast mode) that results in slight motion blurring.
Adaptive Sync
- Samsung M8 – AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync compatible
- Dell Ultrasharp – AMD FreeSync Premium
Both monitors support variable refresh rate technology that matches the screen‘s refresh rate to your graphics card‘s frame rate. This Adaptive Sync eliminates stuttering and screen tearing that could otherwise ruin your gaming experience.
For silky smooth gaming, the Samsung M8 is by far the superior choice over the Dell Ultrasharp. The M8‘s 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time translates to incredibly fluid motion clarity for fast-paced action games.
Color Accuracy
For creative professionals, color precision is extremely important. Dell‘s Ultrasharp pulls ahead in this regard:
Color Gamut
- Samsung M8 – 89.8% DCI-P3
- Dell Ultrasharp – 99% DCI-P3, 89% AdobeRGB
The Ultrasharp provides a wider and more accurate color range. It covers 99% of the cinema-grade DCI-P3 color space and 89% of AdobeRGB.
This allows artists and creators to rely on the Ultrasharp for precise color when editing photos, videos, and graphics. It can display a more expansive range of hues at a high degree of accuracy.
Factory Calibration
The Ultrasharp comes pre-calibrated from the factory to provide excellent out-of-box color accuracy with a deltaE value under 2. This saves you time and effort calibrating it yourself.
Uniformity Correction
The Ultrasharp also features uniformity correction technology to ensure colors and brightness remain consistent across the entire screen, rather than fading near the edges.
This uniformity optimization is lacking on the Samsung M8.
Color Accuracy Summary
With advanced IPS panel technology, factory calibration, and uniformity correction, the Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE clearly beats the Samsung M8 when it comes to professional-grade color accuracy.
Design and Ergonomics
A monitor‘s design, build quality, and ergonomics are also important considerations when deciding between models.
Design and Aesthetics
In terms of styling and design, the Samsung M8 and Dell Ultrasharp differ quite a bit:
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The Samsung M8 has an eye-catching white chassis with futuristic styling, circular rear lighting, and minimal front bezels. It looks like a chic gaming monitor.
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The Ultrasharp U3223QE uses an understated and professional matte black body with thin bezels. It blends nicely into an office setting.
Build Quality
Both monitors feel very well built and sturdy thanks to metal stands and rear housings. While largely made of plastic, even the rear casings feel rigid and durable on both models.
Ergonomic Adjustability
Both stands allow for extensive ergonomic flexibility:
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You can adjust height, tilt, swivel, and pivot alignment to customize your viewing angle.
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The Ultrasharp offers additional flexibility with support for VESA mounting so you can install it on a monitor arm. The Samsung M8 lacks VESA compatibility.
So while the designs vary in aesthetic, both monitors enable flexible setup configurations. But the Ultrasharp‘s VESA mount gives it an edge in ergonomic adjustability.
Connectivity
For connectivity, both monitors include a solid selection of ports:
Samsung M8 Ports
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 2x USB-A
- 1x USB-C
Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE Ports
- 1x HDMI 2.0
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 1x USB-C with 90W charging
- 4x USB 3.2 downstream
- 1x USB 3.2 upstream
The inclusion of USB-C with 90 watts charging on the Ultrasharp is ideal for docking laptops like MacBooks or Dell XPS models. And the 4 downstream USB ports add convenience.
Overall both provide the key video inputs and USB connectivity needed, but the Ultrasharp‘s USB-C charging and extra downstream ports give it a slight advantage.
Pricing Comparison
As premium 4K monitors packed with features, neither of these models are budget options. But the Samsung M8 costs noticeably less:
Samsung M8 Pricing
- MSRP: $699.99
- Typical Street Price: $550 – $600
Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE Pricing
- MSRP: $1,149.99
- Typical Street Price: $900 – $1,000
The Ultrasharp usually costs around $250 – $400 more than Samsung‘s M8 monitor. Both see discounts and sales fluctuating by season.
You‘re paying a premium for the Dell‘s advanced color performance, but the M8 still delivers excellent 4K gaming visuals at a more affordable price point.
Verdict: Which Monitor is Better for You?
Now for the final verdict – which monitor wins out in this Samsung vs Dell duel?
The Samsung M8 is the best option if:
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Gaming is your priority – the M8 provides stunningly smooth and responsive gameplay.
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You want great visuals at a more affordable price – less expensive than the Ultrasharp with excellent 4K image quality.
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You prefer the eye-catching, futuristic aesthetic – the M8 looks like a stylish gaming monitor.
The Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE is ideal if:
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Color accuracy is critical for your work – the Ultrasharp provides precise colors for design and content creation.
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You want plenty of ergonomic adjustments – Ultrasharp supports more positioning flexibility including VESA mounting.
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Understated professional design is preferred – blends nicely into office environments.
So in summary:
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The Samsung M8 is great for an awesome and affordable 4K gaming monitor.
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The Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE is ideal for professionals who rely on color accuracy for digital creative work.
I hope this detailed side-by-side comparison of the Samsung M8 vs the Dell Ultrasharp U3223QE helps you decide which 32-inch 4K monitor is best suited for your needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.