Compare Dell Alienware AW3426DW vs ASUS ROG Strix OLED XG27ACDNG

There is no integrated KVM switch for sharing peripherals between computers, a notable compromise compared with more fully equipped competitors.

The integrated KVM is a practical benefit for using one keyboard and mouse with a desktop and laptop, even if initial configuration is needed.

The five-layer panel is noticeably brighter in SDR and produces vivid, high-impact HDR highlights. Large bright HDR scenes remain more constrained than small specular effects.

It stands out among several QD-OLED competitors in SDR and can deliver striking small HDR peaks, but broad bright HDR scenes remain comparatively dim.

PiP/PbP options are genuinely useful for split-screen viewing and working across two inputs, with convenient positioning controls.

Viewing more than one source is useful, though some accounts distinguish between available picture-in-picture and missing side-by-side options.

Adaptive Sync, G-SYNC, and FreeSync keep gameplay fluid and largely tear-free. A few accounts distinguish this smoothness from occasional OLED VRR flicker.

Adaptive sync generally keeps games tear-free and responsive, although fluctuating frame rates can introduce OLED flicker and mitigation tradeoffs.

OLED contrast and brighter highlights produce outstanding HDR overall, with the usual tradeoff between full-scene brightness and extreme peaks.

Deep blacks and vivid QD-OLED color create dramatic HDR images, particularly in dark scenes; bright full-screen scenes and some tone-mapping choices are less convincing.

Desktop brightness is fairly steady, but high-peak HDR modes can dim brighter full-screen scenes. The modes trade consistency against dramatic small highlights.

Uniform Brightness can tame distracting changes as windows or bright scenes change, though it reduces peak output. Several tests find the default behavior less intrusive than on rival QD-OLEDs.

Factory sRGB calibration can be exceptionally accurate, particularly in Creator mode. The default wide-gamut setting may oversaturate standard SDR material.

Some tests find near-reference accuracy without calibration, while others recommend tuning specific modes for the best sRGB or HDR results.

The Dark Stabilizer can reveal enemies and objects in shadowy games without lifting blacks completely. Higher levels sacrifice some dark-scene atmosphere.

Adjustable Shadow Boost can expose dark gameplay details without excessively washing out highlights.

The newer QD-OLED panel combines vivid color, richer contrast, stronger brightness and cleaner text into an impressive all-round image.

Its combination of deep blacks, bright accents and vivid color makes both SDR and HDR images exceptionally appealing.

The joystick is responsive and the menu generally easy to navigate, although its numerous layers and sometimes jagged text draw occasional complaints.

The joystick-based menus offer lots of control and are generally easy to navigate; desktop software adds a more convenient alternative.

Near-perfect OLED contrast lends depth to dark games and HDR scenes, especially compared with conventional LCD panels.

Pixel-level light control delivers exceptionally strong dark-scene contrast and convincing image depth without LCD-style backlight halos.

Pixel-level control makes bright and dark areas coexist cleanly without the blooming associated with zone-based backlights.

Individual OLED pixels eliminate the zone-transition and halo artifacts associated with conventional local-dimming backlights.

Preset calibration is strong, but locked white-balance controls and limited per-mode adjustments frustrate some advanced tuning workflows.

Extensive gamut, gamma, color-temperature and saturation adjustments make the image highly configurable; the best presets differ according to the task.

Multiple HDR modes are available, but limited brightness-curve adjustments and locked controls restrict fine tuning.

Unusually extensive HDR menus let owners adjust brightness, contrast and color rather than accepting a locked preset; tweaking can alter accuracy.

The True Black mode tends to preserve accurate scene brightness, while peak modes can dim bright scenes or overbrighten dark ones. Careful mode choice matters.

True Black mode can track its target well, but higher-peak modes trade accuracy and brightness behavior, with occasional clipping or dimming complaints.

Two HDMI 2.1 inputs and DisplayPort cover core video needs, while limited USB, no audio jack and no video-capable USB-C leave the hub side basic.

Two HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort, USB-C and multiple USB connections form a flexible setup for PCs, consoles and peripherals.

A cutout in the stand keeps power and video cables tidier, though the solution is simple rather than elaborate.

Routing behind the stand is basic, and one hands-on setup found cables hanging visibly when the monitor was raised.

Dark-shade handling is usually good and can be improved with presets, though some HDR modes crush or coarsen the very darkest steps.

Fine shadow nuances remain visible alongside bright accents, taking advantage of OLED's pixel-by-pixel light control.

The revised anti-reflective coating noticeably cuts the old magenta tint and distracting glare. Direct reflections still matter more than on some WOLED alternatives.

The coating keeps some reflections under control but cannot entirely overcome direct light, and stronger illumination can raise black levels.

4K 120Hz console signals, VRR and HDR can work with the right settings, but the ultrawide ratio introduces side bars and the lack of audio output complicates hookups.

PS5 and Xbox can take advantage of HDMI 2.1, 120Hz and compatible VRR/HDR modes, though accepted 4K signals are displayed at native 1440p.

The downstream USB-C port can top up small devices at 15W, but cannot replace a charging laptop dock.

Up to 90W charging is a meaningful convenience for laptops and portable devices and a welcome addition to a fast gaming monitor.

Unlike some higher-priced rivals, this model omits a black-frame-insertion option for further reducing perceived blur.

Black-frame insertion sharpens motion at 120Hz or 180Hz, but the substantial brightness loss and inability to combine it with VRR or HDR limit its appeal.

Improved text rendering and strong factory color modes help with editing, but color-critical Adobe RGB workflows may need outside calibration.

Photoshop images appear detailed and richly colored, while calibration and sRGB options help make the display suitable for serious image work.

The new RGB-stripe structure largely fixes the colored outlines around fine text that bothered older QD-OLEDs, although one tester still noticed some fringing.

Third-generation QD-OLED reduces colored outlines around letters, but fine text remains less clean than on a conventional LCD and sensitivity varies.

Fast response and a simulated smaller-screen esports option are real strengths. Players who prioritize 16:9 layouts or refresh rates above 280Hz may prefer a dedicated esports monitor.

360Hz operation, near-instant response and low lag are excellent for shooters and esports when the PC can deliver high frame rates.

Useful game presets, dark-scene enhancements, crosshairs and an esports layout cover the essentials. Flagship extras such as strobing are absent.

There is a substantial collection of crosshairs, frame counters, shadow enhancements and custom controls, with more tuning options than several competitors.

Small HDR highlights can be unusually bright and finely defined, although the most aggressive modes may sacrifice detail or overall scene brightness.

Small HDR lights pop against true black, while larger highlights can dim or roll off, depending on the mode and content.

The flat stand is generally practical for keyboards and other peripherals, although its broad base and the display's width still need desktop space.

The 27-inch flat screen balances gaming immersion with a manageable amount of desk space, and its size is praised as practical for QHD pixel density.

Automatic pixel shifting and a stronger panel help address OLED image retention, but the menu exposes few manual care settings. The warranty provides additional reassurance.

ASUS supplies extensive pixel cleaning, shifting and static-logo controls plus burn-in warranty coverage, but none removes the inherent risk of permanent marks.

3440×1440 suits immersive gaming and side-by-side windows without 4K's graphics demands, but it cannot match the text detail of higher-density 4K screens.

QHD strikes a useful balance between visual detail and the frame rates needed for high-refresh gaming, but it cannot match native 4K sharpness.

Deep blacks, striking highlights and a wraparound field of view make story-driven and atmospheric games a particular strength.

OLED contrast and color make story-driven games striking, but 360Hz is often unnecessary and bright-scene HDR can be less compelling than higher-resolution alternatives.

Genre presets and Creator mode offer accessible ways to tune the picture, although the default options sometimes work better than extensive adjustments.

Racing mode receives praise for natural balance, while certain stylized presets look exaggerated or poorly calibrated without adjustment.

Small illuminated Alienware accents are customizable and subtle. They will disappoint anyone seeking dramatic desk-filling RGB effects.

The illuminated rear logo gives the chassis a distinctive gamer look and offers customizable effects, but it is too subtle to meaningfully light up a wall.

Most real-world gradients look smooth with little banding, but near-black fades can reveal coarser steps in some HDR settings.

The 10-bit panel delivers fine tonal steps and smooth gradients that complement both gaming and creative work.

At 280Hz the screen feels extremely smooth and offers a useful step up from older models. It deliberately stops short of pricier 360Hz esports-focused options.

The native 360Hz panel delivers wonderfully fluid motion, especially over 240fps; that advantage shrinks in slower games or on consoles.

The 3440×1440 resolution is easier to drive than 4K, though reaching 280 frames per second still calls for a capable gaming PC.

The 1440p resolution is more achievable at high frame rates than 4K, but taking full advantage of 360Hz still demands fast games and a suitably capable PC.

Native 3440×1440 PC gaming is this display's strongest role, pairing wide-screen immersion with excellent motion and rich HDR.

High refresh, flexible video inputs and adaptive-sync support suit powerful PCs particularly well, with access to the monitor's full 360Hz speed.

The small hub is handy for peripherals and light charging, but two downstream ports and one upstream connection are basic for the class.

Three USB-A ports and the upstream connections add useful peripheral access, especially alongside the KVM for a two-computer desk.

A direct power cord avoids a bulky external brick, helping keep the desk and floor tidier.

A standard power cable connects directly to the monitor, avoiding a separate external power brick and making cable replacement straightforward.

The monitor earns enthusiastic recommendations as an approachable high-end OLED ultrawide, with connectivity and some specialist features trimmed to contain the price.

The overall experience is strongly praised for fast, gorgeous gaming and abundant features, with lighting, HDR brightness and value providing the principal caveats.

Mode changes can require occasional manual intervention, and a few reports describe signal interruptions or mismatched color settings.

Changing certain HDR or flicker controls can unexpectedly exit HDR and require re-enabling it in the game, a frustrating setup quirk.

Height, tilt and swivel adjustments are smooth and flexible enough for most workstations, but portrait rotation is not a stand option.

Height, tilt, swivel and full portrait pivot are generous and generally smooth, although one assessment finds the maximum height merely average.

At its full refresh rate, input responsiveness is excellent and generally imperceptible in play, though one measurement set found somewhat higher low-refresh latency.

Controls feel immediate, with measured low processing delay that makes the monitor highly responsive in fast games.

Self-lit OLED pixels produce strikingly deep blacks in dark rooms, while the new coating reduces the old purple-black tint under room lighting. Strong direct light can still wash blacks somewhat.

Truly deep blacks are a highlight in dark rooms, but ambient light can turn them grayish or purple on this QD-OLED panel.

RGB-stripe pixels improve the clarity of text and fine UI elements, although 110 PPI remains softer than a 4K alternative and one test recommends reducing default edge enhancement.

Games and photos look crisp at QHD, and VividPixel can assist text; native 4K screens remain sharper for desktop fine detail.

The stand supports the broad screen securely with little wobble, even during menu navigation and some vibration-heavy testing.

The stand feels solid during adjustments, with smooth travel and little reported looseness or wobble.

The semi-gloss surface keeps images crisp and avoids a grainy matte look even as it improves glare resistance.

The semi-glossy finish keeps images crisp and colorful without the grain of heavy matte coatings, though it trades off some glare resistance.

Standard 100×100mm VESA support makes swapping to a monitor arm simple, useful for saving space or custom setups.

A supplied VESA adapter and standard 100×100mm support make monitor arms and wall mounting straightforward.

Wide DCI-P3 coverage delivers brilliant, saturated game and film color, and well-chosen presets can keep standard content natural.

The broad QD-OLED gamut produces exceptionally vivid reds and rich colors, with sRGB clamping available when restraint matters more than saturation.

Per-pixel illumination avoids the bright halos and blooming that can surround highlights on LCD and mini-LED displays.

Pixel-level OLED illumination keeps bright objects crisp against dark surroundings, without the glowing halos common to some backlit LCDs.

Extremely fast OLED transitions keep motion clean, with little smearing, overshoot or visible ghosting even in fast games.

Moving objects remain clean and well defined, with minimal smearing or overshoot even during rapid action.

True Black, Peak 1300, Peak 1300 Bright and Dolby Vision give users several looks to choose from. None perfectly balances peak punch with accuracy in every scene.

Multiple HDR modes make it possible to prioritize peak highlights or a steadier image, but none is ideal for every brightness level.

Fast OLED pixels and 280Hz refresh deliver exceptionally crisp movement, even if 360Hz alternatives offer a small competitive edge.

Fast transitions and 360Hz make moving detail look unusually sharp and stable, with little visible smearing.

The fifth-generation Penta Tandem QD-OLED panel is central to the appeal, providing brighter HDR, deeper-looking blacks under ambient light and far more legible text than older designs.

QD-OLED's self-emissive contrast, vivid color and responsiveness are central to the appeal, though brighter rooms can expose its characteristic raised blacks.

Near-instant OLED pixel transitions keep fast action clear and make the monitor feel exceptionally responsive.

Near-instant OLED transitions keep action crisp with exceptionally low blur and very little meaningful pixel-response delay.

The panel is consistently even across the screen, without the gray banding or dirty-screen effect seen on some rivals.

Measured white and dark-field uniformity is impressively consistent, with little visible discoloration across the tested panels.

Color and uniformity hold up well off axis, as expected from a strong QD-OLED panel.

Colors and contrast hold up impressively from off-center positions, giving a forgiving viewing sweet spot.

G-SYNC, FreeSync and VESA VRR provide broad PC support and smooth frame pacing across suitable devices.

FreeSync, G-SYNC Compatible and HDMI VRR give good support across modern hardware, though some settings require care to avoid disabling the feature.

Some dark scenes, menus and a video-editing app showed VRR flicker or gamma shifts, although several users did not find it distracting during games.

Flicker can be visible during fluctuating frame rates in dark games or menus; the mitigation settings may narrow VRR's operating range and cause other compromises.

The 34-inch width offers a sweet spot for immersion and multitasking, though its limited height may feel smaller to owners of taller 32-inch displays.

The 27-inch format is comfortable for normal desk gaming, though some users want a larger, higher-resolution option.

The understated dark-indigo shell looks sleek and office-friendly, though opinions divide on its blue color and lack of the older Alienware styling.

A futuristic ROG rear shell and customizable lighting look distinctive, while the comparatively plain plastic stand divides opinion.

The chassis feels solid and well assembled, with a stable stand despite a restrained plastic exterior.

The screen housing and mechanical parts generally feel solid; some find the stand's plastic finish less premium than similarly priced rivals.

Clearer text reduces reading fatigue for some owners, but the menu lacks a dedicated low-blue-light mode and flicker-sensitive users should take care.

Flicker-free and low-blue-light options offer flexibility, while OLED anti-flicker settings can help some situations at the expense of VRR behavior.

The newest QD-OLED image quality at around the original $800 launch price impresses many testers, though some would pay more for richer connectivity.

Feature-rich 360Hz OLED performance is appealing at a discount, while full-price comparisons with cheaper 240Hz panels and newer OLEDs require care.

The included three-year coverage for OLED burn-in is a valuable reassurance for long-term ownership.

A three-year burn-in-inclusive warranty offers reassurance, but actual coverage and conditions depend on the buyer's region.

Tool-free stand assembly is quick, while the physical adjustments make positioning straightforward.

Stand parts snap or screw together quickly, and the included mounting adapter eases the move to a monitor arm.

Well-calibrated Creator modes track their targets closely, while some default or boosted modes can appear slightly too dark or too contrasty.

Some measurements show impressively accurate gamma in the right preset, while others find noticeable errors in several alternative modes.

The central joystick and straightforward physical controls make ordinary setup and adjustment quick.

The 21:9 canvas creates a wide, cinematic view and extra horizontal working space. Not every game or console output fills it cleanly.

There are no integrated speakers, so games and videos require an external audio solution. Several testers consider that an inconvenient omission.

The gently curved 34-inch screen gives games a wider, immersive feel without the distortion of more aggressive curves. A few people would prefer an even deeper wraparound.

One detailed hands-on sample arrived with its protective film intact and no shipping-related micro-scratches.

Its OLED black-frame insertion can improve clarity at 120Hz and 180Hz; the loss of brightness, HDR and variable refresh makes it a niche alternative to normal 360Hz operation.

With no headphone or audio-out connection on the monitor, wired audio must run directly from a computer, console or another device.

Passive cooling avoids fan noise; one side-by-side tester measured more warmth at maximum output but found better temperature behavior at matched brightness.

Static logos, taskbars and other fixed elements still present a risk of image retention or eventual burn-in, despite the monitor’s protective routines.

Sending it 4K for desktop use produces softer text than native QHD, so the higher accepted input resolution is not a substitute for a native 4K panel.

The package is generous, with multiple video and USB cables, cleaning supplies and a mounting adapter that make first setup easier.

The extremely fast OLED pixels reduce smearing and ghosting, keeping movement crisper than typical LCD screens at comparable refresh rates.

A phone slot in the stand is surprisingly useful and can accommodate even some large handsets with cases.

1440p at 27 inches looks sharp in games and photographs, but text is not as finely defined as on higher-density 4K OLED displays.

The integrated power supply uses a standard, easy-to-replace mains cable rather than a proprietary external adapter.

The latest OLED stack offers higher brightness without conspicuous power penalties; practical consumption is reasonable for this size and speed.

The screen assembly looks and feels sturdy, but opinions split over the more ordinary plastic stand and its fit with the premium ROG aesthetic.

The KVM, docking-friendly USB-C and strong color make light creative and desktop work feasible, despite the static-content tradeoff.

A top-mounted threaded socket is convenient for placing a compatible microphone, camera or light above the display.

A wider field of view and gentle curvature add real immersion in compatible PC games, with black bars or unsupported scenes remaining occasional frustrations.

Bottom-edge USB-A and USB-C ports are easy to reach without feeling behind the monitor, though permanently attached cables can be visible.

Common 24, 25, 50 and 60 fps video plays without obvious skips or cadence judder.

The harder new surface is less susceptible to fine scratches during cleaning than earlier generations of QD-OLED coatings.

DisplayPort 1.4 with compression handles native gaming well, but enthusiasts miss the newer DisplayPort 2.1 bandwidth and uncompressed option.

A simulated 25-inch active area makes fast competitive play easier to focus on while retaining 280Hz. A few testers saw dimmer output or questioned whether the smaller image was worth it.

Fanless ventilation avoids the whir that can accompany some actively cooled OLED competitors.

Many PC titles benefit from the wider view, but unsupported games, menus and cutscenes still introduce black bars, cropping or smaller active images.

Dolby Vision adds useful flexibility for compatible games, consoles and movies, although PC support is spotty and mode behavior sometimes needs attention.

Full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 connections are a genuine advantage for modern consoles and PCs, adding flexibility over some competing OLED monitors.

One test found a PWM frequency that may bother especially sensitive viewers, even while typical gaming looked fine.

Thin top and side borders make the monitor look tidy and help it sit neatly next to a second display.

The stronger coating should stand up better to routine wiping and incidental contact than earlier scratch-prone QD-OLED surfaces.

DisplayWidget offers a convenient desktop interface for settings and shortcuts, making frequent picture adjustments easier than joystick-only navigation.

Alienware Command Center provides convenient desktop control of display settings, with reported stability improvements over earlier versions.