Alienware AW3226Q Tandem WOLED 32-Inch Review
Alienware's $700 AW3226Q makes RGB stripe Tandem WOLED more affordable, with superb text clarity and deep blacks. But its 165Hz refresh rate faces tough competition from similarly priced 240Hz OLEDs. Read Entire Article
The Dell Alienware AW3226Q is a 32-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor that offers an RGB stripe subpixel layout, making it one of the most affordable 4K OLED monitors available at just $700. This price makes it the cheapest 4K OLED on the market, and it provides the RGB stripe configuration, a feature that is highly sought after for text clarity and higher color brightness compared to the more common RGWB subpixel layout.
Despite using Tandem WOLED technology, which is a newer variant of the 32-inch 4K panel found in the Asus ROG Swift PG32UCWM, the Alienware version does not include the dual refresh mode found in the Asus model. Instead, it maintains a 165Hz refresh rate at 4K, making the price significantly more accessible.
The AW3226Q maintains the glossy screen coating found in other WOLED monitors, which helps to achieve excellent black levels and reduces gray banding, contributing to overall screen uniformity. However, the glossy coating also means that the monitor is more prone to reflections, especially in brighter environments. The RGB stripe layout allows for full compatibility with subpixel font rendering, resulting in superior text clarity and a more precise white-light emission technology, although it sacrifices some peak white brightness compared to the RGWB layout.
Despite this, the RGB stripe layout ensures that text appears exceptionally sharp and clear, thanks to the glossy screen coating that minimizes the haze typically associated with matte surfaces.
When it comes to HDR performance, the AW3226Q delivers perfect black levels and per-pixel lighting control, which are essential for high dynamic range content. The display offers three HDR modes, including DisplayHDR True Black, which maintains accurate exposure tracking in both bright and dark scenes, albeit with a limited peak brightness of 400 nits.
This level of brightness is a trade-off for the monitor's ability to deliver consistent performance across a wide range of HDR content. Another option, HDR Peak 1000, allows the monitor to reach its full brightness potential but at the cost of potentially compromising certain HDR details. Overall, the AW3226Q balances cost, technology, and performance to offer a compelling option for gamers and professionals looking for an advanced WOLED monitor without the premium price of higher-end competitors.
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