The Alienware 34 QD-OLED took the world by storm. As the first really great OLED gaming monitor, it had little in the way of competition.
But in 2024, that’s not true. And to keep its lead, Alienware has launched two new QD-OLED gaming monitors that take things even further. There is now a 32-inch 4K model (AW3225QF) and a 27-inch QHD model (AW2725DF), both of which use the second-generation QD-OLED tech from Samsung Display. I got to see both models in person at a preview event ahead of CES 2024, and I came away extremely excited for these new gaming monitors.
| Alienware 32 QD-OLED (AW3225QF) | Alienware 27 QD-OLED (AW2725DF) | |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3440 x 1440 |
| Refresh rate | 240Hz | 360Hz |
| Curve | 1700R | Flat |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Screen tearing | G-Sync compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Brightness | 250 nits SDR, 1,000 nits of peak brightness | 250 nits SDR, 1,000 nits of peak brightness |
| HDR certification | DisplayHDR True Black 400, Dolby Vision | DisplayHDR True Black 400 |
| Speakers | No | No |
| Dimensions | 27.54 x 15.54 inches | 23.24 x 13.14 inches |
| Ports | 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1 (VRR, eARC to support Dolby Atmos), 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen downstream, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 downstream | 2x DisplayPort 1.4, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 upstream, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 downstream, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 downstream port, 1x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 downstream |
| Price | $1,200 | $900 |
Unlike the Alienware 34, the 32- and 27-inch models both have a 16:9 aspect ratio. The 32-inch model takes things up in terms of both resolution and refresh rate, now at 4K and 240Hz, respectively, making it the first OLED gaming monitor with those specs. The 27-inch model takes the opposite approach, aiming for a QHD resolution with a 360Hz refresh rate.
Alienware intends for the 27-inch AW2725DF to be a stronger esports display, opting for a faster refresh rate with a flat panel. It also has a redesigned base that takes up a bit less space on the table. The 32-inch AW3225QF, meanwhile, looks nearly identical to the Alienware 34, just in a different form factor. It has a 1700R curve as well.
The QD-OLED panel is what matters most, of course. According to what Alienware has stated, these new displays look every bit as bright and beautiful as the first generation of screens, sporting a peak brightness of 1,000 nits. They’re both DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified, and the AW3225QF even comes with Dolby Vision support. Of course, we’ll have to wait for independent testing to know about color performance and coverage. Like with the Alienware 34, it maxes out at 250 nits of SDR brightness.
The AW3225QF has one last trick up its sleeve: some excellent console gaming support. The HDMI 2.1 port on the back has eARC for full Dolby Atmos support, while the screen has Dolby Vision. There’s even a dedicated console mode for HDR tone mapping.
Like the Alienware 34, Dell offers a three-year warranty on these new monitors to put to ease concerns about OLED burn-in.
The AW2725DF costs $900, while the AW3225QF costs $1,200. Both monitors will be available in the first quarter of 2024, and Alienware has said it will yet again be first to market with these Samsung panels.
