Premium performance and near-flawless color representation characterized by Alienware's AW3425DW QD-OLED monitor, as reviewed.
The Alienware AW3425DW monitor, a low-priced option for a color-accurate OLED gaming monitor, has been making waves in the tech world. Its exceptional grayscale and gamma performance, as well as its superb color volume and accuracy, make it a standout choice for gamers and creators alike.
Out-of-the-Box Performance
Right out of the box, the AW3425DW's grayscale and gamma settings are nearly perfect in the Standard picture mode. Grayscale errors are below 2 dE, and the gamma tracking is close to the 2.2 standard, with a tight 0.06 range of values and a 1.36% deviation from the reference. This means that the monitor's visual gamma tracking is perfect right from the start.
Customizable Options
For those seeking more precise grayscale control, the Custom Color mode offers two-point RGB controls for grayscale adjustment and hue/saturation sliders. Using just the RGB gains, it's possible to get all grayscale errors below 1 dE. However, gamma settings cannot be changed beyond the default 2.2 choice in this mode.
In the Creator mode, gamma settings can be changed, even though grayscale adjustments are not available. This mode targets good gamma tracking, with the monitor naturally leaning towards a 2.4 gamma when set at 2.2. You can adjust it closer to 2.2 by selecting 2.0 gamma in the menu.
Other Modes
Other modes like Standard do not expose detailed grayscale or gamma settings for user adjustment, but their out-of-the-box calibration is already very accurate. The gamma can be changed in Creator mode, but grayscale control is not available in this or other presets.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for precise grayscale control, use the Custom Color mode with RGB gains. However, gamma adjustment is only possible in the Creator mode. The monitor’s Standard mode performs excellently without tweaking. If you need a color-accurate OLED gaming monitor, there's none better than the AW3425DW.
[1] Data obtained from Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays during testing.
The Alienware AW3425DW's exceptional performance extends beyond gaming, as it also excels in smart-home-devices integration, thanks to its compatibility with various gadgets and technology. Its vibrant and color-accurate display makes it an ideal smart-home hub, capable of displaying alerts, notifications, and even controlling connected devices with ease.
Moreover, with its customizable mode options that cater to both gamers and creators, the AW3425DW stands as a versatile partner in the realm of technology, offering flexibility in adjusting grayscale and gamma settings to meet individual needs, transforming it into an all-rounded gadget for various tasks.
