Dell 34 Plus vs LG 37G800A: Monitor Picks

So, you’re in the market for a new monitor, and you’ve narrowed it down to two compelling options: the Dell 34 Plus USB-C Curved Monitor (model S3425DW) and the LG 37G800A-B 37-Inch Ultragear 4K UHD Curved Gaming Monitor. Both promise immersive experiences and a wealth of features, but they cater to slightly different needs and priorities. It can be tough to decide when both sound so good on paper, right?

This comparison is for anyone feeling that decision paralysis. We’re going to break down what makes each of these monitors tick, looking beyond the spec sheets to help you understand which one will truly elevate your daily workflow, gaming sessions, or creative endeavors. We’ll dive into their core features, explore what real users are saying, and ultimately help you figure out which one is the perfect fit for your desk.

By the end of this, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and potential weaknesses of both the Dell 34 Plus USB and the LG 37G800A, empowering you to make a confident purchase. Let’s get started and find the monitor that’s right for you!

In-Depth Look: Dell 34 Plus USB

The Dell 34 Plus USB is designed with a keen eye on productivity and a smooth, comfortable visual experience, whether you’re deep in spreadsheets or enjoying some casual gaming. Its 34-inch ultrawide display with a 21:9 aspect ratio offers a generous canvas for multitasking. You can easily have multiple windows side-by-side, which is a game-changer for anyone who juggles several applications at once. This ultrawide format is particularly fantastic for creating a more immersive workspace, and it’s something I always recommend if you’re looking to boost your productivity. If you’re curious about how this size compares, you might find our article on is 34-inch monitor too big helpful.

One of the standout features here is Dell’s ComfortView Plus technology. It’s engineered to reduce harmful blue light emissions to less than 35% without really messing with the color accuracy. This is huge for those long workdays where eye strain can become a real issue. Coupled with a VA panel that boasts a 3000:1 contrast ratio and 99% sRGB plus 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, you get really vibrant and true-to-life colors. This means your photos, videos, and even just text will look sharp and clear. The VA panel also brings deeper blacks compared to standard IPS panels, adding a nice sense of depth.

For gamers, or even just users who appreciate smooth motion, the 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium support are excellent. Combined with an ultra-low 0.03ms response time, it means you’re going to get a tear-free, fluid experience. This is important even for non-gamers, as it makes scrolling through web pages or timelines feel much more responsive. And let’s not forget the convenience of a single USB-C cable for connectivity, which can deliver up to 65W of power to your laptop. This simplifies your setup immensely, reducing cable clutter and making it easier to connect and disconnect your devices. The re-engineered sound quality is also a nice touch, offering more detailed audio than previous generations.

Pros:

• Excellent for Productivity: The 34-inch ultrawide format is perfect for multitasking and immersive work.
• Eye Comfort: ComfortView Plus significantly reduces blue light for comfortable extended use.
• Vibrant Colors & Deep Blacks: VA panel with high sRGB and DCI-P3 coverage, plus a strong contrast ratio.
• Smooth Visuals: 120Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time with AMD FreeSync Premium for tear-free motion.
• Simplified Connectivity: Single USB-C cable for video, data, and up to 65W power delivery.
• Improved Audio: Enhanced built-in speakers for more detailed sound.
• No Burn-in Risk: As a VA panel, it doesn’t have the burn-in concerns associated with OLEDs.

Cons:

• Resolution: While WQHD is good, it’s not as sharp as the 4K offered by the LG.
• Viewing Angles: VA panels can sometimes have slightly weaker viewing angles compared to IPS panels, though this is less of an issue on a curved display.

Customer Reviews Highlight:
One user shared, “Very happy with the color and text display quality of this VA panel and no fear of burn-in as this is not an OLED. But still deeper blacks than IPS Black Panels. Was worried about excessive heat generation like in my old plasma TV, but it’s minimal. Much better power/heat efficiency than Mini LED and OLED panels. Have not tested it for gaming but from what I’ve read, it’s great for casual gaming. Excellent value for $ with the USB-C connection to laptop for a clutter-free desktop. Very happy with t”. Another reviewer mentioned, “This is an excellent monitor for my purposes. It was very easy to set up (it took less than 15 minutes), it is nice looking, filled with features, and has a great picture. I am sure I will use it a lot, and can even envision purchasing another.” A third customer loves it for creative work: “Love this monitor! Great picture! I use it for astrophotography and editing pictures. Works great with my MacBook and it’s large enough to run 2 windows at the same time.”

Best For:
The Dell 34 Plus USB is an outstanding choice for professionals, students, and home users who prioritize productivity, eye comfort, and a clean, minimalist desk setup. It’s ideal for multitasking, coding, general office work, and even casual gaming, thanks to its excellent visual quality and smooth performance. If a single-cable USB-C solution is a major selling point for you, this monitor delivers exceptionally well. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for a great 34-inch USB-C monitor for office use.

In-Depth Look: LG 37G800A

The LG 37G800A is an absolute beast when it comes to gaming and high-fidelity entertainment. Its massive 37-inch curved display with a 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) is designed to pull you right into the action. The sheer size and clarity of this monitor are stunning, offering incredible detail that you just don’t get on smaller or lower-resolution screens. This is particularly noticeable in games where you can spot finer details in textures and environments. If you’re considering a larger display, it’s worth thinking about how it fits your space, and our guide on how to choose monitor size can help.

For gaming, the LG 37G800A really shines. It boasts a blazing-fast 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms Gray-to-Gray (GtG) response time, which means incredibly smooth motion and virtually no ghosting or motion blur. This is crucial for fast-paced games where split-second reactions matter. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro ensures that your gameplay is free from screen tearing, even during intense sequences. LG also throws in some gamer-centric features like Dynamic Action Sync to reduce input lag, Black Stabilizer to brighten dark scenes so you can spot enemies lurking in shadows, and a Crosshair overlay for improved aiming accuracy in FPS games.

Beyond gaming, the visual quality is top-notch. With up to 95% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification, you can expect vibrant, bold colors and impressive contrast. This means HDR content will look spectacular, with deeper blacks and brighter highlights, adding a significant layer of realism. The curved design, especially on a larger 37-inch screen, helps to draw your eyes towards the center and can make the viewing experience feel more enveloping and comfortable, reducing the need to constantly move your head to see the edges. It also features USB-C connectivity, though one reviewer noted it didn’t provide power to their phone, suggesting its power delivery capabilities might be limited or specific.

Pros:

• Immersive 4K Gaming: Stunning 37-inch 4K UHD resolution for incredible detail and clarity.
• Ultra-Fast Performance: 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for exceptionally smooth gameplay.
• Vibrant HDR: VESA DisplayHDR 600 and wide color gamut (95% DCI-P3) for breathtaking visuals.
• Gaming-Specific Features: AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, and Crosshair.
• Immersive Curve: The 37-inch curve enhances the viewing experience, especially for gaming and movies.
• Versatile Connectivity: Includes USB-C alongside other ports.

Cons:

• USB-C Power Delivery: One user reported it didn’t power their phone, suggesting it might not offer significant power delivery for laptops or other devices.
• Menu Navigation: Some users find the on-screen menu button placement and navigation to be less user-friendly.
• Resolution Demands: 4K resolution requires a powerful PC to truly take advantage of its capabilities, especially for gaming.
• VA Panel Limitations: While good, viewing angles can still be a slight concern for some compared to IPS, though the curve mitigates this.

Customer Reviews Highlight:
A satisfied gamer raved, “Awesome monitor! One usb-c cable provides power, video and audio. Works great on Linux Fedora 43 and macOS Tahoe. Built-in speakers are decent. Picture is great. Curved is a necessity for a 37″ monitor, and this one nails it.” Another user praised its visual quality: “Sharp. Detailed. Great color. Non-reflective screen. Fast and Smooth. Ample I/O with both USB-C & HDMI. Easy setup.” However, one reviewer mentioned a setup challenge: “After taking about an hour to unbox, set up, and connect to my system, I turned it on, The screen briefly came to life, and it was a nice looking screen, wide bright and clear. The on screen menu button located at. the back of the screen not user friendly, you’d have to experiment to get to the right menu. Upon plugging in my phone to the USB C on the back of the monitor, my phone did not power up. After spending 2 hours with a confused bunch of tech support who offered confusing and inaccura”.

Best For:
The LG 37G800A is tailor-made for serious gamers and multimedia enthusiasts who demand the best in visual fidelity and performance. If you’re looking for an immersive 4K gaming experience with ultra-smooth motion, vibrant colors, and advanced gaming features, this monitor is a top contender. It’s also excellent for enjoying movies and other HDR content. For those seeking a visually stunning, high-refresh-rate display that can handle the most demanding games, this LG UltraGear is a fantastic choice. It’s a prime example of a best LG 4K monitor for those who want top-tier gaming performance.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Let’s pit these two impressive monitors against each other in a direct comparison across key areas.

Screen Size and Aspect Ratio

The LG 37G800A takes the lead with a larger 37-inch screen compared to the Dell 34 Plus USB’s 34-inch display. Both are curved, which is a definite plus for immersion, especially on larger screens. The LG’s larger size can offer a more expansive field of view, which is great for gaming and media consumption. The Dell, at 34 inches, is still a substantial ultrawide, offering plenty of screen real estate for productivity without feeling overwhelmingly large for some desk setups. If you’re wondering about monitor size, our article on how to choose monitor size might be helpful.

Resolution and Clarity

This is a clear win for the LG 37G800A. It features a native 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160), offering significantly sharper and more detailed images than the Dell 34 Plus USB’s WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440). While WQHD is excellent for a 34-inch ultrawide, 4K on a 37-inch screen provides a pixel density that makes text incredibly crisp and fine details in games and media pop. For pure visual clarity and sharpness, the LG is superior.

Refresh Rate and Response Time

Both monitors offer smooth motion, but the LG 37G800A edges out the Dell 34 Plus USB here. The LG boasts a 165Hz refresh rate and a 1ms GtG response time, which is ideal for competitive gaming. The Dell offers a very respectable 120Hz refresh rate and an extremely fast 0.03ms MPRT response time. For most users, including casual gamers, the Dell’s performance will be more than sufficient. However, for hardcore gamers seeking the absolute smoothest experience with minimal blur, the LG’s higher refresh rate and slightly different response time metric (GtG vs. MPRT) give it a slight advantage.

Color Accuracy and HDR

Both monitors deliver excellent color performance. The Dell 34 Plus USB boasts 99% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage, combined with a strong 3000:1 contrast ratio. The LG 37G800A offers up to 95% DCI-P3 coverage and a VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. The Dell’s strong contrast ratio and wider sRGB coverage might make it slightly better for general productivity and color-sensitive work where sRGB accuracy is paramount. However, the LG’s DisplayHDR 600 certification means it can produce a more impactful HDR experience with brighter highlights and deeper contrast in compatible content, making it the winner for HDR enthusiasts.

Connectivity and Convenience

The Dell 34 Plus USB truly shines with its single USB-C cable solution, offering up to 65W of power delivery. This is a massive convenience for laptop users, allowing for a clean, clutter-free desk with just one cable connecting everything. The LG 37G800A also features USB-C, and while it provides video and data transfer, its power delivery capabilities seem less robust based on user feedback. If a true one-cable solution for charging and display is your priority, the Dell is the clear winner. For those who need robust connectivity options beyond USB-C, both monitors should offer sufficient ports, but the Dell’s USB-C integration is particularly well-executed for productivity. This makes the Dell a strong contender for the best USB-C monitor with power delivery.

Gaming Features

While the Dell 34 Plus USB offers AMD FreeSync Premium and a fast response time suitable for casual gaming, the LG 37G800A is built from the ground up for gaming. It includes AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, a higher refresh rate (165Hz vs. 120Hz), a 1ms response time, and specific gaming aids like Dynamic Action Sync, Black Stabilizer, and Crosshair. If gaming is your primary focus, the LG 37G800A provides a more complete and high-performance gaming package.

Ergonomics and Build

Both monitors are curved VA panels, which generally offer good contrast. The Dell emphasizes ComfortView Plus for eye comfort, which is a significant plus for long work sessions. The LG’s curve on a larger 37-inch screen is designed for immersion. User feedback suggests both are generally well-built, though the LG’s OSD menu navigation might be a point of frustration for some.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which monitor is better for gaming?

A: The LG 37G800A is generally better for gaming due to its higher 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and dedicated gaming features like Black Stabilizer and Crosshair, along with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support. The Dell 34 Plus USB is still good for casual gaming with its 120Hz and FreeSync Premium, but the LG is purpose-built for a more demanding gaming experience.

Q: Which monitor is better for productivity and office work?

A: The Dell 34 Plus USB is typically the better choice for productivity. Its ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, comfortable WQHD resolution, and especially the single-cable USB-C connectivity with 65W power delivery make it incredibly convenient for multitasking and keeping your workspace clean. The ComfortView Plus feature also enhances comfort during long work hours.

Q: Does the LG 37G800A have good USB-C power delivery?

A: User reviews suggest the USB-C power delivery on the LG 37G800A might be limited or not as robust as hoped, with one user reporting it didn’t power their phone. While it likely handles video and data, it might not be sufficient for charging a laptop. The Dell 34 Plus USB explicitly offers up to 65W, making it a much more reliable option for a one-cable laptop solution.

Q: Which monitor offers a sharper image?

A: The LG 37G800A offers a sharper image due to its 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) compared to the Dell 34 Plus USB’s WQHD resolution (3440 x 1440). The higher pixel density on the LG provides more detail and crisper text.

Q: Are VA panels good for both gaming and productivity?

A: Yes, VA panels, like those used in both the Dell 34 Plus USB and LG 37G800A, offer an excellent balance. They provide superior contrast ratios and deeper blacks compared to IPS panels, which enhances image depth for both work and entertainment. Their response times have improved significantly, making them highly capable for gaming, though IPS panels might still have a slight edge in viewing angles and color consistency for some professional color work. For more on panel types, check out our IPS vs VA for office and coding comparison.

Q: Which monitor is better for HDR content?

A: The LG 37G800A is likely better for HDR content due to its VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. This means it’s capable of producing brighter highlights and a wider dynamic range, leading to a more impactful HDR experience than the Dell 34 Plus USB’s “HDR Readiness.”

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Dell 34 Plus USB and the LG 37G800A ultimately comes down to your primary use case.

If your focus is on productivity, a clean desk setup, and comfortable extended use, the Dell 34 Plus USB is the standout choice. Its 34-inch ultrawide display is perfect for multitasking, the single USB-C cable simplifies connectivity and charges your laptop, and ComfortView Plus ensures eye comfort. It’s a fantastic all-around monitor for professionals and home users who value efficiency and a streamlined workflow. It’s a prime example of a monitor that excels as a best ultrawide monitor with USB-C.

However, if you are a hardcore gamer or a multimedia enthusiast who craves the absolute best in visual performance and immersion, the LG 37G800A is likely the monitor for you. Its massive 37-inch 4K display, blistering 165Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and vibrant HDR capabilities create an unparalleled gaming and entertainment experience. The dedicated gaming features further solidify its position as a top-tier gaming monitor. It represents a powerful option if you’re looking for a best LG curved monitor with gaming prowess.

Both monitors offer a curved VA panel, excellent color coverage, and AMD FreeSync support, making them visually pleasing for a variety of tasks. The Dell prioritizes the convenience and efficiency of a USB-C workflow, while the LG prioritizes raw gaming performance and visual fidelity.

Consider your budget and your PC’s capabilities as well. Driving a 4K 165Hz display smoothly, especially for gaming, requires a powerful graphics card.

Before making your final decision, I highly recommend checking the latest prices and user reviews for both: