Dell U3415W 34-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor Review (2024)

Early Verdict

Curved monitors may still leave some buyers scratching their heads but in our opinion, they’re quite useful and worth the extra money. The U3415W offers quality and accuracy that easily justify its price so we consider the ultra-wide aspect and curved screen to be bonuses. If you really want to know what they’re all about, try one out before buying. We have no trouble recommending this one to professionals or enthusiasts alike

Pros

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    Out-of-box accuracy

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    Brightness

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    Sharpness

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    Full-featured OSD

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    Build quality

  • +

    Screen real estate

  • +

    Curved screen

  • +

    Input lag

  • +

    Viewing angle

Cons

  • -

    Minor gamma flaws

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Introduction

  • Page 1: Introduction
  • Page 2: Packaging, Physical Layout And Accessories
  • Page 3: OSD Setup And Calibration
  • Page 4: Brightness And Contrast
  • Page 5: Grayscale Tracking And Gamma Response
  • Page 6: Color Gamut And Performance
  • Page 7: Viewing Angles, Uniformity, Response And Lag
  • Page 8: Conclusion

Introduction

CES saw the announcement of a new category in displays, monitors with curved screens. Since LG makes most of the parts for this category, it’s only fitting that the company should be the first to market with the 34UC97, which we reviewed in January. It’s a 21:9-aspect IPS panel with 3440x1440 resolution currently selling for around $1000.

Dell U3415W 34-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor Review (1)

Samsung, HP and Dell also announced curved monitors back in January and today we’re taking our first look at Dell’s entry, the U3415W. Coming in at the same price point, it sports professional credentials with factory calibration, a large and flexible OSD, high contrast from an IPS panel and premium build quality.

Specifications

Reaction to the advent of curved monitors has been mainly centered on one question, “why?” When 21:9 screens first appeared in 2013, we wondered if they were the answer to a question no one had asked. Of course, that was a reference to the 29-inch AOC Q2963PM, which has a less-useful 2560x1080 pixel resolution. That panel tends to squeeze desktop height a little too much for our tastes.

Then LG shipped us its 34UM95. With 3440x1440 pixels, it offers the same 109ppi density and the same screen height as our favorite 27-inch QHD form factor, plus the added width. That makes for a truly versatile display that can redefine how you multi-task, and it easily accommodates dual-source picture-by-picture setups. And well-heeled gamers can set up two or three ultra-wide displays for an incredibly immersive experience.

By curving the screen just a little, the extra width fits better into the user’s peripheral vision, and reduces the amount of head-turning necessary to see the entire desktop. Product photos seem to exaggerate the curve somewhat. In reality, it’s fairly subtle — the image is not distorted in any way.

Dell has upped the ante just a bit with the U3415W. A factory calibration is the first major feature that leaps out, confirmed by a data sheet included with, and unique to, each display. You’ll see in our tests that this monitor is one of the most accurate we’ve ever tested, before and after calibration.

There are also four video inputs and two USB upstream ports, which makes it easy to connect two computers and have them share a single monitor, keyboard and mouse. MHL support allows the mirroring of smartphone and tablet content, as well as charging of those devices, and there’s even an HDMI 2.0 port which accepts a native 3440x1440 signal at 60Hz.

MORE:Best Computer MonitorsMORE:Display Calibration 101: Step-By-Step With Datacolor's Sypder4Elite

MORE:Display Calibration 201: The Science Behind Tuning Your Monitor
MORE:All Monitor ArticlesMORE:Displays on the Forums

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Current page:Introduction

Next Page Packaging, Physical Layout And Accessories

Dell U3415W 34-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor Review (2)

Christian Eberle

Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

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31 CommentsComment from the forums

  • tom10167

    "3440x2160" Anyone else getting tired of seeing this site report glaring errors in almost everything they publish?

    Reply

  • It's 3440x1440 pixels @ 60 Hz refresh rate. It's also $899.99 on Amazon not $1199.00.

    Reply

  • SirGCal

    Unless I missed it, no mention of sync of either flavor. I'm not buying a new display without one or the other. I've noticed it so much nicer in every enabled task, not just gaming.

    Reply

  • oj88

    Judging by its size and price, Dell could have made U3415W a 4K (4096x2160) monitor.

    Reply

  • HideOut

    Thats not 4K. and no, it has no sync. This is more of a pro grade monitor, not a high FPS gamer

    Reply

  • GoZFast

    2x9w speakers o.o That a lot for integrated speakers My samsung tv 27'' has 2x2w.

    Reply

  • GoZFast

    Dell already have 5K monitors but this one is aimed at artistic professionals.

    Reply

  • CORRECTION:
    Newegg has it for $799.99 with coupon code:
    EMCAVKK33

    Reply

  • GoZFast

    Well, too bad, its 1220$ here in Canada. I guess I will add it to my list when shopping in NY next time lol Dell brand 34'' ~4K monitor 10bit pro panel with ok speakers is pretty decent for 799$. Its a good tv with those inputs for a small room.

    Reply

  • Tanquen

    IPS = :)

    Curved = :(

    21:9 = :(

    34” = :( It’s too darn short for a widescreen display. My 30” 2560x1600 already has a taller res.

    “By curving the screen just a little, the extra width fits better into the user’s peripheral vision, and reduces the amount of head-turning necessary to see the entire desktop.” Wow, just wow! This is just so wrong.

    “the image is not distorted in any way.”
    It may not be enough to notice but it totally distorts the screen and nothing you view on it will be shot in such a way. The larger TVs totally have a bowtie effect going on and it’s a total gimmick.

    Reply

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Dell U3415W 34-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor Review (2024)

FAQs

Is 34-inch curved monitor good? ›

For gaming and multimedia/everyday use, we recommend getting a curved monitor if you want an ultrawide display, especially if it's 34″ or larger – though there are some good flat-screen models available too. As far as the widescreen models are concerned, it's just a matter of personal preference.

What is the resolution of the Dell U3415W? ›

The Dell U3415W flat panel display has an active matrix, Thin-Film Transistor (TFT), Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and LED backlight. The monitor features include: • 86.5 cm (34-inch) viewable area display (measured diagonally). 3440 x 1440 resolution, plus full-screen support for lower resolutions.

What is the resolution of the Dell 34 wide? ›

Your most productive view. Immersive productivity: See more and achieve more at home or in the office on this 34-inch ultrawide WQHD (3440 x 1440) curved screen.

What is the spec of Dell Ultrasharp 34? ›

Clearly vibrant Experience an amazingly clear viewing experience with 3440 x 1440 resolution, and a high pixel per inch of 109. Colors are vivid and vibrant with over one billion colors and a wide 99% sRGB color gamut. More connectivity features allow you to multitask on-screen or game without interruption.

How far should I sit from a 34-inch curved monitor? ›

The ideal viewing distance for a 34-inch ultrawide monitor is typically between 2.5 to 3 feet. This distance allows you to comfortably view the entire screen without straining your eyes.

Why not to buy curved monitor? ›

No desk space

Curved monitors are bigger than their flat counterparts because of their wide aspect ratios, so they tend to occupy more desk space as a result. If you're strapped for desk space, you may want to invest in a traditional flat monitor. The Dell G2724D, for example, is PCWorld's best budget gaming monitor.

What is the best resolution for Dell monitor? ›

Now, if you want the best in image quality, 4K or Ultra HD is your best choice.

What is the difference between 1800R and 3800R? ›

Q: How do I choose the right curvature for a curved monitor? A: The choice of curvature depends on personal preference and the intended use. Generally, a larger curvature (e.g., 1800R) is more immersive, while a smaller curvature (e.g., 3800R) offers a gentler curve and is often preferred for productivity tasks.

How do I change the resolution on my Dell monitor? ›

Select Start > Settings > System > Display, and look at the section that shows your displays and select the display you want to change. In the Display resolution row, select the list and choose an option. It is best to stick with the one that is marked (Recommended).

What is the best resolution for 34-inch monitor? ›

A 3440 x 1440 monitor can offer a great gaming experience with its immersive ultrawide aspect ratio and sharper visuals compared to 1080p. It's ideal if you have the hardware to support it, ensuring smooth performance for games that support this resolution.

Is WQHd the same as 4K? ›

Can I watch 4K content on a WQHD monitor? Yes, you can watch 4K content on a WQHD monitor, but it will be downscaled to fit the lower resolution. While it won't be true 4K, you'll still get a high-quality viewing experience due to the monitor's sharp display.

How big is a 34-inch ultrawide monitor? ›

34 inch 21x9 display vs 27 inch 16x9 display
StatsUse cm34 inch 21x927 inch 16x9
Width31.25 inches23.53 inches
Height13.39 inches13.24 inches
Area418.55 inches²311.50 inches²
As a 4:3 Display22.32 inches22.06 inches
3 more rows

What is special about Dell UltraSharp monitors? ›

Information at a glance: More screen estate and better resolution allows you to see more and multitask efficiently * , making UltraSharp the perfect monitor to increase performance. With features such as Easy Arrange on Dell Display Manager you can easily organize multiple applications across your screen * .

What is the refresh rate of the Dell UltraSharp? ›

Unparalleled visual comfort

A smoother visual experience: A 120Hz refresh rate delivers less flicker, more seamless scrolling and smoother motion than 60Hz monitors.

What is the response time of Dell UltraSharp 34? ›

∞ 86.42 cm (34.0 in.) viewable area display (measured diagonally). 3440 x 1440 resolution, with full-screen support for lower resolutions. ∞ Supports the high refresh rates of 100 Hz and 144 Hz and a rapid response time of 1 ms in MPRT mode.

At what size is a curved monitor worth it? ›

Not necessarily, but generally speaking, wider curved monitors are better. The additional width delivers more depth, a wider viewing angle and a more immersive viewing experience. Monitors with smaller aspect ratios just can't match up. We recommend purchasing a screen of at least 30 inches or more.

Is 34 inches big for a monitor? ›

The most common screen size is a 34-inch ultrawide, but there are also even larger 38 to 45-inch monitors available. You can even find 49-inch super ultrawide monitors with a 32:9 aspect ratio, and these are the equivalent of placing two 27-inch displays side-by-side.

What inch is best for curved monitor? ›

For most, a 32-inch curved monitor is the ideal size for an average-sized work or gaming space. You still get the immersion and multitasking benefits, but the monitor doesn't require an inordinate amount of space. We like that it's a very sharp, OLED display that's equipped with a nice collection of ports.

What is a 34 monitor equivalent to? ›

What is the ultrawide equivalent in 2 monitors? The 21:9 ultrawide monitor (34-inch) is equivalent to one and a third of a 16:9 monitor (27-inch).

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