Dell U3423WE Ultrasharp Curved Monitor review

Dell's U3423WE Curved Ultrasharp monitor is a truly incredible display for multitasking and business use

Dell U3423WE
(Image: © Future)

TechRadar Verdict

The Dell U3423WE UltraSharp is a productivity hub built into a beautiful 34-inch curved display that is fantastic for multitasking, business use, and professional desks.

Pros

  • +

    Great IO

  • +

    Beautiful picture quality

  • +

    Striking curved display design

  • +

    One cable connectivity

  • +

    Built-in KVM

Cons

  • -

    Cable passthrough in the stand is too low

  • -

    Not able to output HDR

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The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a 34-inch curved USB-C monitor with a built-in productivity USB-C hub that connects everything from USB-A to USB-C, Ethernet, and more. Further, thanks to the USB-C Hub built-in, we can easily see this being considered for our guide to the best monitor for MacBook Pro.

We have used the UltraSharp U3423WE as our primary business monitor for the last few weeks and have loved the effortless increased productivity. This monitor has been a fantastic boost for our main desk setup, allowing us to work with a test computer constantly plugged in and rotate our individual laptops depending on who is working at the desk

Dell U3423WE

Curved Display (Image credit: Future)

Unboxing and First Impressions

The setup for this monitor is remarkably straightforward. We were able to open up the box and get the monitor set up in a matter of minutes without any help. We chose the DisplayPort cable for our testing computer and grabbed the USB-C cable, knowing we would use that quite a bit for our laptops.

We mostly used this monitor on the included adjustable stand, though right out of the gate, we tried this monitor on an external monitor arm utilizing the VESA Bracket. In both cases, this monitor looks beautiful and works even better.

Dell U3423WE

Power button and control Joystick (Image credit: Future)

Design and Build Quality

The UltraSharp U3423WE's design is clean and minimalist. The border of the display is black on the front and matted silver on the back and stand, with the high-end materials that make up this monitor fit the premium monitor's quality.

Due to the 21:9 aspect ratio and 34-inch display, this is a very wide monitor, and we had to adjust some things on our desk to ensure this would fit. However, once we rearranged the desk around to accommodate, the width was easy to get used to.

Dell U3423WE

Ports below the monitor (Image credit: Future)

In Use

Thanks to a built-in KVM, this monitor can run up to two computers simultaneously, switching the mouse, keyboard, and video display with a simple button press. Interestingly, the integrated RJ45 Ethernet port locks to a single computer, keeping a continuous connection regardless of which computer is active on screen.

While working with content on the screen, we love the horizontal real estate available to us with this aspect ratio and resolution. We can put three to four web pages side by side on this screen without feeling too cramped. 

Specs

Resolution: 3440 x 1440

Refresh Rate: 60Hz

Response Time: 5ms

Panel Type: IPS

Viewing Angle: 178/178

Aspect Ratio: 21:9

Brightness: 300cd/m2

Connectivity: 2 x HDMI, 1 x DisplayPort, 3 x USB-C, 1 x Audio Line Out, 5 x USB-A Ports

Dimensions: 32 x 15.5 x 9.3 inches / 81.28 x 39.37 x 23.62 cm

Weight: 25.22 lb / 11.44 kg

The multiple windows are super helpful when we are researching and writing, making it possible for us to write on one window, have our notes on another, and still have plenty of space for release notes and more. Another handy use case of this monitor was when we use it with large (and wide, with many columns) spreadsheets.

Dell U3423WE

Back ports (Image credit: Future)

Outside of heavy research time or detailed spreadsheets, we use smaller windows than the monitor allows, keeping part of the desktop wallpaper visible. This has been enjoyable and relaxing, making us feel minimal and on top of our game.

Dell U3423WE

Back ports (Image credit: Future)

The picture that this monitor puts out on a curved display is gorgeous. It took two whole minutes to get used to the curved display, and now it feels weird when we shift to a monitor that is not curved. Having the edges, often the most challenging parts of the screen to see, turned in is an experience in and of itself, and especially for a monitor this wide, it makes a monumental difference. 

At first, those not used to a curved monitor may think the image will be distorted due to the curve. However, that is not the case at all, as the monitor does not look like a curve while you are using it at all. Instead, the display is right where it should be.

Dell U3423WE

Monitor stand passthrough (Image credit: Future)

Final Verdict

The Dell UltraSharp U3423WE is a fantastic screen, with the only downfall from our testing being the price and the passthrough cable location on the stand. Beyond that, it worked great as a monitor for business applications, productivity, and fun in one display.

  • Looking for a great desk to put this monitor on? Check out our guide to find the best standing desk.
Collin Probst

Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.