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Scharon Harding - Jun 1, 2022 7:38 pm UTC

On Tuesday, Dell listed the UltraSharp U3223QZ monitor for $1,600. The display would like to justify its price with a generously sized 32-inch IPS panel that claims twice the contrast as typical IPS monitors, an integrated 4K webcam, and 4K resolution. The four-figure asking price, along with the built-in camera, USB-C connectivity, and sleek finish put it in company with Apple's 27-inch, 5K Studio Display. Both monitors provide unique options for people with larger budgets seeking elevated image quality, particularly Mac owners. But despite identical price tags, their best audiences significantly differ.

While appealing to Windows users with ultralight PCs with USB-C power connections, Dell's UltraSharp monitor line is also popular among Mac owners due to USB-C power delivery (PD), a stylish silver color, and thin bezels that complement the Apple aesthetic.

But a quick overview of the two monitors' specs already provides insight into the different experiences you can expect from the $1,600 displays (note that all specs are manufacturer claims):

When you hear "Studio Display," there's a good chance you also think of 5K. After all, it's the most touted feature on the Apple monitor. By contrast, the U3223QZ with its 4K resolution has a built-in webcam as its top attribute, among other features, for frequent video streaming or conferencing.

The U3223QZ has a 4K webcam that supports shooting videos at up to 4K at 30 frames per second (fps). It's equipped with a Sony Starvis CMOS sensor and has AI-power features, like autoframe and the ability to tweak color to deal with "harsh lighting," as Dell puts it. It also uses 3D and 2D video noise reduction to combat motion blur, although we'd have to try it in person to see how effective that is. You can also set the camera to automatically log you in or out via Windows Hello, based on whether it senses your presence.

The integrated webcam means you don't need to sacrifice a port or bezel space, and it's adjustable. You can tilt it 0-20 degrees for a field of view of 65, 78, or 90 degrees, according to Dell. The webcam also has a physical shutter that's said to work in video conferencing applications, but we won't know if it's reliable until we try it.

Finally, Dell offers its Peripheral manager app (Windows 10 and up) for tweaking the webcam's image.

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