We tested the P3425WE extensively, measuring brightness, contrast ratio, and color-gamut coverage using our standard test gear: a Klein K-10A colorimeter, a Murideo Six-G signal generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman for Business calibration software.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Dell rates this ultrawide monitor at 350 nits (candelas per square meter) of brightness, though in our tests, the monitor reached a peak luminance of just 265 nits. That’s more than bright enough for its intended productivity and business roles, though it might not be your first choice when viewing photos or video editing. Like the 27-inch 4K Dell Pro, the P3425WE does not support HDR.
Moving on to the contrast ratio, we measured it at 1,012:1, a ways off from the 1,500:1 ratio on the monitor’s spec sheet. The measured contrast also pales in comparison with the contrast ratio ratings of OLED monitors and even with those of other IPS displays like the U3225QE, which is rated for 3,000:1. (However, in testing, the U3225QE also fell short of its rating, achieving 2,577:1.)
(Credit: Portrait Displays)
Our color gamut test proved more positive, as the P3425WE managed to display 110.4% of the sRGB color space (shown in the chart above), 78.4% of Adobe RGB, and 81.4% of DCI-P3 (shown in the chart below). Those are fine results, but note that the 27-inch variant scored better (117.3% sRGB, 81.2% Adobe RGB, and 86.2% DCI-P3).
(Credit: Portrait Displays)
The P3425WE has a 100Hz refresh rate, which improves video quality a bit over the old 60Hz standard for productivity monitors by eliminating flicker and smoothing motion. Higher refresh rates are especially great when gaming, though the monitor doesn’t support VRR, Nvidia G-Sync, or AMD FreeSync. While we didn’t test the monitor with an Apple device, Dell claims the monitor is compatible with Macs.
In the subjective, ad hoc portion of our testing, video and images looked good, and while the display lacks the piercing brightness that comes with HDR, it’s more than capable for casual, everyday work and play.
