This article provides a detailed benchmark and comparison of the AW3426DW monitor, primarily focusing on its performance relative to its predecessor (likely the AW3425DW) and competitors in terms of grayscale accuracy, color gamut, and HDR capabilities.
Here is a summary of the key findings:
1. Grayscale and Calibration Accuracy
Grayscale Score: The AW3426DW has a default grayscale score of 1.46dE, but after calibration, it is brought down to 0.44dE.
Comparison: Even with calibration, the result is slightly behind its predecessor by 0.01dE, indicating extremely tight performance across all tested monitors.
Gamma Performance: Gamma performance is rated as excellent, showing a very tight range of values and excellent deviation (2.73% actual average).
2. Color Gamut and Visual Quality
Quantum Dot Advantage: The testing, conducted using Portrait Displays’ Calman software, clearly shows the advantage of Quantum Dot technology. The AW3426DW fully covers primaries and provides a very colorful yet well-balanced picture.
Hue Tracking: Calibration results show slightly better hue tracking in cyan, magenta, and yellow compared to other monitors.
sRGB Accuracy: The sRGB chart is generally good, though there is some slight undersaturation in the midrange red tones—an extremely small error.
3. HDR Performance
Brightness & Contrast: The AW3426DW offers higher brightness than its predecessor for both SDR and HDR content.
HDR Rating: It is certified by VESA for DisplayHDR 500 and supports Dolby Vision.
Peak Brightness: In one specific test, the AW3426DW achieved a 70-nit higher peak over the previous model when measured in a 25% window pattern, suggesting more impactful HDR visuals.
4. Speed and Physical Specifications
Refresh Rate & Input Lag: The monitor has been upgraded to 280 Hz from 240 Hz, resulting in a 4ms drop in input lag (approximately 22%), which benefits skilled gamers.
Design: It features a 34-inch 21:9 curved aspect ratio, offering a good balance between screen real estate and physical footprint.
Price Point: The monitor is priced at $800, making it a solid value among OLED gaming monitors.
Test Takeaway
The overall conclusion is highly positive:
> “The AW3426DW has exemplary out-of-box color, grayscale, and gamma accuracy. It does not need calibration, but a couple of tweaks generated awesome numbers in my tests. Its color volume is on par with other Quantum Dot screens at a hair shy of 105% of DCI-P3. No one would complain about its colorful and clear image.”
In essence, the reviewer concludes that the AW3426DW is a worthwhile upgrade for anyone who enjoys HDR content, offering superior brightness and speed without significant color accuracy compromises.
Credit: Tom’s Hardware
