Alienware’s AW3225DM might not arrive with the fanfare of its QD-OLED sibling, but don’t mistake it for a budget compromise.
This 32-inch, curved VA-panel display strikes a sweet spot between performance and price, offering immersive visuals, quality build, and ergonomic design at a surprisingly affordable $699.60AUD.
Certainly not the cheapest offering, for those seeking a larger screen without splashing out on 4K or OLED, this monitor delivers an outstanding QHD experience that comfortably transitions between work and play.
In a market where true value is increasingly rare, the AW3225DM makes a strong case for itself.
Performance
The AW3225DM is built around a 31.5-inch VA panel with a 2560 x 1440 (QHD) resolution, a 180Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms GtG response time. It supports AMD FreeSync and holds a VESA Adaptive Sync certification, so you can expect gameplay that’s responsive, tear-free, and consistently smooth. Gaming looks and feels great, while working has never felt better.
Colour performance is strong, covering 95% of the DCI-P3 gamut. While it doesn’t quite reach the accuracy of higher-end OLEDs, it’s more than capable for most use cases, including gaming, video streaming, and casual creative work.
The colours appear rich and well-saturated without going overboard, and the contrast benefits from the VA panel’s naturally deeper blacks. OLED really leads the charge in the colour space, but I think most people would be incredibly happy with the results from this one.
The 1500R curvature enhances immersion with a subtle but noticeable wrap-around effect that’s particularly effective in racing games, shooters, and open-world adventures.
At the same time, it doesn’t hinder general productivity. Writing, browsing, and spreadsheet work all feel just as comfortable as they would on a flat display, and the 32″ screen real estate makes daily tasks a dream.
I used to think curved displays—whether TVs or monitors—were a gimmick. But after reviewing the 4K QD-OLED AW3225QF, I’ve really started to change my mind. And now, with extended time on the AW3225DM, I’m fully converted.
The added sense of depth and presence while gaming has made it hard to go back, and that 32-inch size? Game-changer. Like buying your first big TV, it’s tough to return to anything smaller once you’ve lived with this much screen real estate.
Design and Build
Alienware’s signature sci-fi-inspired design language is toned down to near non existent. The monitor ships in a soft navy blue with a more refined visual presence than the neon sign, RGB lit styles synonymous with the brand.
The joystick, centrally positioned on the underside edge of the display, is fairly standard fare—but it’s a welcome inclusion. It makes menu navigation feel intuitive and quick.
I’ve never enjoyed blindly reaching underneath a monitor, trying to guess which button does what, only to accidentally change the input source or adjust the brightness. With the joystick, those frustrating moments are few and far between.
One of my favourite features—shared with Alienware’s higher-end displays—is the tool-less stand setup. The base clicks into place straight out of the box, no screwdriver needed. It might seem like a small detail, but it makes the unboxing and assembly process a breeze—and it keeps fingerprints off the panel, which is always a win.
Once assembled, the stand feels solid and has a relatively compact footprint for a 32-inch screen. You get decent height adjustment and tilt options, making it easy to dial in a comfortable setup. Whether I was gaming or switching to a standing position, I never struggled to find that sweet spot.
There’s also thoughtful attention paid to cable management, withthe stand includes a cable routing tunnel to keep your desk tidy. It’s small touches like these that elevate the overall experience.
Connectivity
Despite its budget-friendly price, the AW3225DM offers a well-rounded selection of ports:
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2x HDMI 2.0
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1x DisplayPort
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1x USB 5Gbps Type-B upstream
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2x USB 5Gbps Type-A downstream (one with Battery Charging 1.2)
Functionality
The 1500R curve feels well-judged—immersive but not aggressive. At 1440p, this panel hits a nice balance between sharpness and GPU-friendliness. While 4K gaming still demands a workhorse graphics card, QHD at 180Hz pairs perfectly with most mid-range setups.
For everyday use from browsing, editing documents, watching videos—the AW3225DM holds its own. The matte finish helps reduce glare, and the overall screen real estate makes multitasking and split window working feel intuitive. The previously mentioned adjustable height, tilt, and swivel is smooth, and helps dial in the perfect angle for extended sessions.
Verdict & Value
With so many displays chasing premium buyers, it’s refreshing to see Alienware deliver a monitor like the AW3225DM. A product that feels premium with enough inclusions to not feel like a consolation prize with it’s more moderate price tag.
It won’t replace a QD-OLED for elite-level visuals, but it doesn’t need to. For a smidge under $700 AUD, it’s simply one of the best value 32-inch curved monitors on the market right now.
If you’re running a less demanding PC setup, chasing a larger screen, or just need a solid all-rounder for work and play, this is an easy recommendation. I would put my money where my monitor is and snap this one up, no hesitation.
FOUR AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Excellent 1440p 180Hz VA panel; Thoughtful design and easy setup; Fantastic value and immersive curvature
Lowlights: An IPS panel would have been ideal for the price
Manufacturer: Dell
Price: A$699
Available: Now
Review based on a retail unit provided by Dell and is available now via Dell and select Australian retailers.
