Dell released their newest Ultrasharp model ,U2723QE, U3223QE Ultrasharp monitor

[5425642]

If you are ok with the U2723QE not hitting close to the rated 400 nits of brightness in SDR modes and get a sample without contrast <1500 or excessive backlight bleed then yes it's "great at SDR"

If I get a display that has contrast ratio of 2000 and 380 bits I’m fine with it as the calibration from factory is great etc
But then I did not buy it for HDR either so.

 

[Degrader]

If you are ok with the U2723QE not hitting close to the rated 400 nits of brightness in SDR modes and get a sample without contrast <1500 or excessive backlight bleed then yes it's "great at SDR"

Try the Game mode in SDR, it should give you the maximum peak brightness of around the 450 nits. But I'm not sure if local dimming is disabled in that mode.

By the way, the native gamut of the display is DCI-P3, so it will use the entire color gamut in SDR. In HDR mode the only difference is that content is being tone mapped.

 

[Mac Hammer Fan]

Unfortunately the occasionally flickering problem of my new Dell U3223QE monitor isn't completely solved after uninstalling the Dell Display Manager. It seems to happen with the usb-c cable connected to my mac studio, once or twice a day for 30 seconds, but not with the display port cable connected to my Mac Pro 2009 with Radeon 580 Pulse. I am desperate.

 

[lowimpact]

Try the Game mode in SDR, it should give you the maximum peak brightness of around the 450 nits. But I'm not sure if local dimming is disabled in that mode.

By the way, the native gamut of the display is DCI-P3, so it will use the entire color gamut in SDR. In HDR mode the only difference is that content is being tone mapped.

Sort of. The display can absolutely use the entire color gamut in SDR modes for creator workflows.

*But* in SDR modes you will only be served UHD video streams with rec.709 color (sRGB). If you want the highest quality UHD video streaming with rec.2020 wide gamut color your display needs to be in Smart HDR mode.

Good tip about the Game mode. Is this mode clamped to a specific color gamut or unclamped?

EDIT: Some streaming services are actually even worse in this regard in that if your 4k display isn't presenting as an HDR capable display they'll just serve you an upscaled 1080p rec.709 stream.

 

[RabidMacFan]

Try the Game mode in SDR, it should give you the maximum peak brightness of around the 450 nits. But I'm not sure if local dimming is disabled in that mode.

By the way, the native gamut of the display is DCI-P3, so it will use the entire color gamut in SDR. In HDR mode the only difference is that content is being tone mapped.

Interesting point about game mode. Are there any preferences or recommendations for how to setup this monitor in MacOS for different use cases? I'll share my config first.

My Settings for General Purpose Use
Monitor Settings:
Mode: Preset Modes > Color Temp > 6500K
Input Color Format: RGB
Brightness/Contrast: 75 / 75
Sharpness: 50
Response Time: Normal
Smart HDR: Off

MacOS Settings:
Resolution: Default for Display (1080p) or sometimes Scaled 2560x1440
Color Profile: DELL U2723QE Color Profile, D6500, Native_V2 (Downloaded from Dell Website)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
HDR Enabled: Disabled - Setting not shown unless Smart HDR mode is enabled on display

 

[Degrader]

Interesting point about game mode. Are there any preferences or recommendations for how to setup this monitor in MacOS for different use cases? I'll share my config first.

My Settings for General Purpose Use
Monitor Settings:
Mode: Preset Modes > Color Temp > 6500K
Input Color Format: RGB
Brightness/Contrast: 75 / 75
Sharpness: 50
Response Time: Normal
Smart HDR: Off

MacOS Settings:
Resolution: Default for Display (1080p) or sometimes Scaled 2560x1440
Color Profile: DELL U2723QE Color Profile, D6500, Native_V2 (Downloaded from Dell Website)
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
HDR Enabled: Disabled - Setting not shown unless Smart HDR mode is enabled on display

I think you should be just fine with these settings.

I'm using Custom mode (in SDR) with the RGB channels set to R: 100, G: 93, B:95. This gives me a real color temperature of 6600K and a low DeltaE for the colors (measured with a SpyderX). Brightness is set to 82 (gives 234 nits) and contrast to default value of 75 (if you set contrast any higher clipping will occur).

Remember that every sample is unique, so you cannot apply mine settings to your screen. I've tested 5 different samples and every sample were slightly different compared to each other, but noticeably with the naked eye.

 

[Degrader]

Sort of. The display can absolutely use the entire color gamut in SDR modes for creator workflows.

*But* in SDR modes you will only be served UHD video streams with rec.709 color (sRGB). If you want the highest quality UHD video streaming with rec.2020 wide gamut color your display needs to be in Smart HDR mode.

Good tip about the Game mode. Is this mode clamped to a specific color gamut or unclamped?

EDIT: Some streaming services are actually even worse in this regard in that if your 4k display isn't presenting as an HDR capable display they'll just serve you an upscaled 1080p rec.709 stream.

Game mode uses also native color gamut of the display: DCI-P3. So I think you'll call that unclamped, right?

 

[5425642]

Got me replacement now and it's a A01 with a contrast ratio of 1840:1 at 160cd/m2 (70% of brightness) I can turn this one up to 430cd/m2 and the IPS Glow/leak are only a little and not so bad so this one is a keeper.

It does seem like the A00 (I did have two) has a low contrast (1400:1) and that's not OK as they do advertise it as 2000:1.

My 160:1 that's missing at my reading can be leaks from windows or similar as I did not measure it in a dark room now as it was just in the middle of the day

 

[Degrader]

Got me replacement now and it's a A01 with a contrast ratio of 1840:1 at 160cd/m2 (70% of brightness) I can turn this one up to 430cd/m2 and the IPS Glow/leak are only a little and not so bad so this one is a keeper.

It does seem like the A00 (I did have two) has a low contrast (1400:1) and that's not OK as they do advertise it as 2000:1.

My 160:1 that's missing at my reading can be leaks from windows or similar as I did not measure it in a dark room now as it was just in the middle of the day

Well, initially that was my thought also, but according the measurement of the following review it seems that even some A00 revisions can have a high contrast ratio of 2000:1:

https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/dell-ultrasharp-27-4k-usb-c-hub-monitor-u2723qe

 

[lowimpact]

Another U2723QE quirk: SDR modes all appear to be limited to 8-bit bit depth. You have to enable Smart HDR to get access to full 10-bit.

Unsure why this monitor is so half baked. Does Dell have a good record of resolving all these new product issues over time or is what gets delivered more or less what you have to live with?

 

[5425642]

Another U2723QE quirk: SDR modes all appear to be limited to 8-bit bit depth. You have to enable Smart HDR to get access to full 10-bit.

Unsure why this monitor is so half baked. Does Dell have a good record of resolving all these new product issues over time or is what gets delivered more or less what you have to live with?

My guess is that hdr flickering and the issue your describing above can be fixed with firmware

 

[lowimpact]

My guess is that hdr flickering and the issue your describing above can be fixed with firmware

The HDR "flickering" is caused by local dimming and the local dimming implementation on this unit can't be "fixed" since it's a hardware limitation (4x backlight zones is simply too low for local dimming to work properly). Dell's firmware options are (1) disable local dimming entirely in all modes, (2) provide an entirely new Smart HDR mode with local dimming disabled or (3) provide an option to disable local dimming manually.

Dell's best option here is simply to disable local dimming entirely - they don't advertise it as a feature, don't mention it in their product documentation and definitely don't need it for HDR400 certification. The other two options seem unnecessarily complicated, would require updated documentation and won't stop the flurry of customer complaints about the issue since they'll still default to broken HDR modes.

The big question is does Dell have a track record of adequately supporting it's monitors after launch?

 

[5425642]

The HDR "flickering" is caused by local dimming and the local dimming implementation on this unit can't be "fixed" since it's a hardware limitation (4x backlight zones is simply too low for local dimming to work properly). Dell's firmware options are (1) disable local dimming entirely in all modes, (2) provide an entirely new Smart HDR mode with local dimming disabled or (3) provide an option to disable local dimming manually.

Dell's best option here is simply to disable local dimming entirely - they don't advertise it as a feature, don't mention it in their product documentation and definitely don't need it for HDR400 certification. The other two options seem unnecessarily complicated, would require updated documentation and won't stop the flurry of customer complaints about the issue since they'll still default to broken HDR modes.

The big question is does Dell have a track record of adequately supporting it's monitors after launch?

If they disable it then they have fixed it.

Yes dell use to release few update

 

[Degrader]

The HDR "flickering" is caused by local dimming and the local dimming implementation on this unit can't be "fixed" since it's a hardware limitation (4x backlight zones is simply too low for local dimming to work properly). Dell's firmware options are (1) disable local dimming entirely in all modes, (2) provide an entirely new Smart HDR mode with local dimming disabled or (3) provide an option to disable local dimming manually.

Dell's best option here is simply to disable local dimming entirely - they don't advertise it as a feature, don't mention it in their product documentation and definitely don't need it for HDR400 certification. The other two options seem unnecessarily complicated, would require updated documentation and won't stop the flurry of customer complaints about the issue since they'll still default to broken HDR modes.

The big question is does Dell have a track record of adequately supporting it's monitors after launch?

I'm curious what Dell is going to do to fix this issue. I'm not sure if it is caused purely by the very limited local dimming zones. If I look closely, then it looks like that whenever a dark part is on the screen the particulary zone dimms first for a fraction of a second and quickly turns on. I think that's why it causes the flickering.

By the way, I still don't have had an answer from Dell regarding this issue. Did you already had?

 

[dstyp]

Any love for U3223QE here? Couldn't find a thread and it's similar to U3223QE but gaming oriented with higher refresh rate but less accuracy of course. Picked it up as I needed it quick and U3223QE was not available here at the moment. I see it as a transition device waiting for Apple to get the XDR promotion treatment.

Anyway, the high refresh rate of U3223QE feels like promotion which is nice and matches the MBP 16" M1 I got well. But of course it doesn't match the brightness and other qualities of miniled but it's close enough!

 

[Degrader]

I have now the HP Z27xs G3 in house. Comparable to the U2723QE (27 inch, IPS Oxide, 4K, DCI-P3), but not as high contrast (1300:1). However the HDR peak brightness is really awesome for a DisplayHDR 600 monitor, I've measured up to 895 nits, that is double the U2723QE! Therefore highlights in HDR content are very bright and detailed. Instead of the limited 4 zones, the HP has 16 zones and delivers a better dynamic contrast and no flickering.

 

[lowimpact]

Dell seems to have recognized how bad the HDR issues are and have escalated the issue internally. I own this monitor, but I definitely wouldn't recommend anyone else buy it until Dell actually rolls out an effective fix.

"This is under investigation with our monitor vendor. We are waiting to hear from them and it can 3-4 business days. As soon as we get an update we will keep you posted."

 

[lowimpact]

I have now the HP Z27xs G3 in house. Comparable to the U2723QE (27 inch, IPS Oxide, 4K, DCI-P3), but not as high contrast (1300:1). However the HDR peak brightness is really awesome for a DisplayHDR 600 monitor, I've measured up to 895 nits, that is double the U2723QE! Therefore highlights in HDR content are very bright and detailed. Instead of the limited 4 zones, the HP has 16 zones and delivers a better dynamic contrast and no flickering.

I considered buying the HP Z27xs G3 over the U2723QE, but was concerned about the specs. HP says 266 nits in SDR modes (vs U2723QE 400 rated, +/-340 actual) - is your HP Z27xs G3 noticeably dim at max brightness in SDR / for regular desktop use like the 266 nit rating would suggest?

Also, where do you see it being specced at 16 local dimming zones? Only 27" with 16 local dimming zones I'm aware of is the LG 27GP950-B - everything else has 4 (like the U2723QE) or 8.

 

[Degrader]

I considered buying the HP Z27xs G3 over the U2723QE, but was concerned about the specs. HP says 266 nits in SDR modes (vs U2723QE 400 rated, +/-340 actual) - is your HP Z27xs G3 noticeably dim at max brightness in SDR / for regular desktop use like the 266 nit rating would suggest?

Also, where do you see it being specced at 16 local dimming zones? Only 27" with 16 local dimming zones I'm aware of is the LG 27GP950-B - everything else has 4 (like the U2723QE) or 8.

Well, I'm not sure what the max brightness is at 100 in SDR, not tested yet. But on 88 I've measured 234 nits. The native peak brightness in SDR should be 450 nits according the spec's, but I don't know if that can be reached at 100, maybe just the 266 nits due to uniformity compensation. I'll measure tomorrow the brightness at 100. And if only 266 I will have a look in the OSD if there's an option to disable the uniformity compensation.

The number of zones are indeed not specified, but I just counted them while moving the mouse cursor from one side to the other on a black screen in HDR mode. Based on my experiences with the HP monitor I have a strong suspucion that it uses an AHVA panel.

 

[Mac Hammer Fan]

A very interesting comparison between the Dell U3223QE and the Apple Studio Display

Dell U3223QE vs Apple Studio Display Side-by-Side Monitor Comparison

The Dell U3223QE and the Apple Studio Display are both high-end monitors meant for different uses. The Apple monitor is geared towards people who own a Mac, as it has features you can only use with macOS, like its accurate sRGB mode. It has other features the Dell doesn't have, like a higher 5k...

www.rtings.com

 

[Degrader]

I considered buying the HP Z27xs G3 over the U2723QE, but was concerned about the specs. HP says 266 nits in SDR modes (vs U2723QE 400 rated, +/-340 actual) - is your HP Z27xs G3 noticeably dim at max brightness in SDR / for regular desktop use like the 266 nit rating would suggest?

Also, where do you see it being specced at 16 local dimming zones? Only 27" with 16 local dimming zones I'm aware of is the LG 27GP950-B - everything else has 4 (like the U2723QE) or 8.

There is no way to disable the uniformity compensation, even not in the hidden service menu (I've discovered you can access this menu when pressing and holding the 4 cursor button and while turning on the screen). So 266 nits is the max in SDR unfortunately.
In the service menu I saw that the monitor uses a LG Display panel, the LM270WR8, the postfix is not visible, but this could be the LM270WR8-SSC1.

 

[RabidMacFan]

There is no way to disable the uniformity compensation, even not in the hidden service menu (I've discovered you can access this menu when pressing and holding the 4 cursor button and while turning on the screen). So 266 nits is the max in SDR unfortunately.
In the service menu I saw that the monitor uses a LG Display panel, the LM270WR8, the postfix is not visible, but this could be the LM270WR8-SSC1.View attachment 2021446

Any details on how you popped up the menu? I followed the steps and didn't get it.

What if you set the monitor the HDR, but don't enable HDR in the MacOS Display settings?

 

[Degrader]

Any details on how you popped up the menu? I followed the steps and didn't get it.

What if you set the monitor the HDR, but don't enable HDR in the MacOS Display settings?

That hidden service menu on the picture is from the HP Z27xs, not the U2723QE. I did not discover yet how to enter that menu for the Dell monitor unfortunately.

Regarding your question about setting the monitor to HDR, then it is just disabled. I think that Dell disabled the HDR setting by default in OSD to be compliant with some energy norms. Hence the message that warns about the high power requirement when enabling HDR in the OSD.

 

[lowimpact]

For the HDR implementation issues - has anyone been able to get a more detailed response from Dell than "we'll probably update the firmware at some point, but won't indicate when that might be or what issues it will attempt to fix"?

Strongly leaning towards just returning mine at this point and getting the LG 27GP950-B instead although I much prefer the U2723QE's design and higher contrast (2000 vs 1200).

 

[Degrader]

For the HDR implementation issues - has anyone been able to get a more detailed response from Dell than "we'll probably update the firmware at some point, but won't indicate when that might be or what issues it will attempt to fix"?

Strongly leaning towards just returning mine at this point and getting the LG 27GP950-B instead although I much prefer the U2723QE's design and higher contrast (2000 vs 1200).

They asked me to test a developmental update under NDA last week, but received today still a message that it still takes some time. I'll try to return mine too, but that will be hard as I have it already for 4 months. I find the HDR performance of the Z27xs much better, so I want to stick with that one.

I've also tried two samples of the 27GP950 and found the IPS glow really distracting, but maybe there are samples which might do better.