If you want better local dimming performance
Choose Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF. It scores 5.0 vs 1.0 for local dimming performance, with a 4.3 overall score.
Dell Alienware AW3225DM Monitor Review
Bottom Line
A roomy curved screen, bright SDR picture and smooth 180Hz gaming make this a strong value. Its weak HDR system, visible motion smearing and modest 32-inch pixel density are the tradeoffs.
Budget-minded PC and console players who want a large, curved 180Hz screen for SDR adventures, racing games and everyday gaming; also suitable for a combined work-and-play desk.
Competitive esports players sensitive to smearing, people prioritizing high-quality HDR or very crisp 32-inch text, and shoppers who need easy shared-screen viewing or built-in audio.
Verdict
The Alienware AW3225DM delivers the appeal of a large, curved gaming monitor without the cost of 4K or OLED. Its bright SDR picture, vivid colors and deep VA-panel blacks make everyday games feel spacious and immersive. A 180Hz refresh rate, useful dual HDMI inputs, USB passthrough and a compact, adjustable stand round out a surprisingly capable package. It also works well for office tasks and ordinary video editing. The tradeoffs matter, however. At 32 inches, 1440p looks less finely detailed than it does on a smaller display, and quick motion can show VA smearing. The most serious concern is HDR: some hands-on impressions are positive, but the technical assessment strongly criticizes its forced local dimming. This is an easier recommendation for budget-focused SDR gaming, racing and immersive adventures than for competitive esports, color-critical work or demanding HDR entertainment.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
64 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.027 (42%)
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Positive 3.5-4.421 (33%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.49 (14%)
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Negative 1.5-2.46 (9%)
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Very negative below 1.51 (2%)
Pros highlights
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A 32-inch curved QHD panel, 180Hz refresh and good ergonomics make the package attractive for its price, especially for SDR gaming.
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The big screen and good value earn broad approval, although the most critical evaluation highlights weaker pixel density and HDR as meaningful compromises.
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A bright, colorful SDR picture with deep blacks is a recurring strength, balanced against comparatively soft 32-inch QHD detail and underwhelming HDR.
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PC games run smoothly and look inviting, especially in a big SDR presentation, though hard-core competitive players may prefer faster, smaller panels.
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The expansive 32-inch screen makes games and work more immersive and spacious, though it can feel oversized at close competitive-gaming distances.
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The stand is compact for such a large screen and leaves room for a mouse, though the full panel still feels physically imposing on smaller desks.
Cons highlights
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HDR is the clearest point of disagreement. Some enjoy its vivid scenes and visible shadow detail, while technical testing finds local dimming so poor that SDR is preferable.
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There is no 3.5mm audio passthrough, an inconvenient omission for console players hoping to connect external speakers or headphones directly to the monitor.
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Shooters can be very smooth at 180Hz, but dark or bright smearing and the sheer 32-inch size make this a conditional choice for demanding competitive play.
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Fast motion remains the biggest gaming compromise: some tests show visible smearing, and the fastest overdrive preset can introduce ghosting.
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Two HDMI inputs, DisplayPort and a useful USB hub cover most gaming needs, but there is no dedicated audio passthrough and no KVM.
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VA off-axis color loss can be noticeable, particularly for co-op, even though one user found the angle range surprisingly good.
Use Cases
Best for
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Most everyday games look vibrant, run smoothly and make good use of the large curved screen; demanding esports is a less convincing fit.
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This is a compelling way to get a large 180Hz curved gaming display without paying OLED or 4K prices, provided HDR is not a priority.
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This is a convincing all-rounder for switching between games, office programs and basic creative projects on one large screen.
Not ideal for
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Shared-screen viewingOff-axis results vary, and the VA panel can lose color richness when two people sit to either side; it is best viewed head-on.
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Multi-computer workflowsThere is a picture-in-picture option, but the missing KVM means swapping between computers still requires separate keyboard-and-mouse handling.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Monitors, this product is above average in GPU demands, gaming image presets, Shadow detail, near average in panel type, HDR performance, below average in local dimming performance, Headphone output quality, Image scaling.
Comparison summary
64 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher24 (38%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts23 (36%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower17 (27%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| local dimming performance | 1.0 | 3.6 | -2.6 |
| GPU demands | 5.0 | 2.8 | +2.2 |
| Headphone output quality | 1.5 | 3.3 | -1.8 |
| Image scaling | 1.5 | 3.2 | -1.7 |
| viewing angles | 2.7 | 4.4 | -1.7 |
| Pixel density | 2.8 | 4.2 | -1.4 |
| gaming image presets | 5.0 | 3.7 | +1.3 |
| Packaging presentation | 3.0 | 4.3 | -1.3 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better KVM switch performance
Choose Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, U5226KW. It scores 4.4 vs 2.0 for KVM switch performance, with a 4.3 overall score.
If you want better HDR performance
Choose TCL 32R84. It scores 4.8 vs 3.1 for HDR performance, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better viewing angles
Choose MSI MPG 341CQR QD-OLED X36. It scores 5.0 vs 2.7 for viewing angles, with a 4.4 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Better: HDR, colors, motion and size The AOC is the better HDR and motion choice, while the Dell wins on sheer screen size.
- Similar: industrial design and lineup The two models share Alienware’s rounded blue design language but are separate monitors.
Dell Alienware AW3425DW
- More expensive: value and general video-editing performance Despite trailing the 34-inch OLED on specifications, the AW3225DM impresses in real use at nearly half the price.
- More expensive: QD-OLED performance versus price The Dell gives up some of the QD-OLED model’s visual performance at roughly half the price.
FAQ
Is the Alienware AW3225DM good for gaming?
Yes for most SDR games, with a spacious 32-inch curve and smooth 180Hz refresh. Very fast competitive games can reveal VA smearing.
How good is the HDR?
HDR impressions differ, but the forced local-dimming system is a major weakness in technical testing. It is safer to buy this for its strong SDR performance.
Does 1440p look sharp on a 32-inch screen?
It is usable and saves GPU power, but the lower pixel density can make fine details and text softer than on 27-inch QHD or 32-inch 4K monitors.
Can it be used with a PS5 and other consoles?
It supports console gaming and useful PS5 VRR, and its two HDMI inputs accommodate multiple systems. There is no 3.5mm speaker or headphone passthrough.
Can it work for office tasks and editing?
The large screen works well for documents, browsing, spreadsheets, Photoshop and ordinary YouTube video editing. It is not established as a color-critical reference display.
Does it have speakers or a USB hub?
It has no built-in speakers or headphone output, but includes two USB-A ports activated through a USB-B upstream connection.
How adjustable is the stand?
The compact stand offers useful height and tilt adjustments, while stock-stand portrait rotation is not available.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Evetech
- Review score
- 3.7
Article Reviews
futurefive.co.nz
The Dell Alienware AW3225DM is a 32-inch curved gaming monitor offering 180Hz, 1ms response, HDR400 and rich features at a reasonable price...
- Review score
- 4.2
rtings.com
The Dell Alienware AW3225DM is a budget 1440p curved gaming monitor. As part of Dell's 2025 Alienware gaming lineup, it shares its rounded...
- Review score
- 3.6
antelope-decagon-jbkk.squarespace.com
A great blend of price and features
- Review score
- 4.4
mkaugaming.com
Back in April, Sammy checked out the Alienware 34” 240Hz QD-OLED (AW3425DW) Gaming monitor. He gave it top marks, so when the Alienware 32”...
- Review score
- 4.3
tweaktown.com
Alienware has released the AW3225DM, a 32-inch QHD 180Hz gaming monitor priced at $319, which is aimed at both console and PC gamers.
- Review score
- 3.5
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