Highest Resolution Monitor: Dell UltraSharp UP3218K
Not only is this Dell offering the highest res monitor on the market, but it’s also one of the only innovations that meet the incredible 7690×4320 resolution.
Whether you’re an 8k video editor, someone who wants content to be crisp even at the closest of glances, or are looking for something as close to a future-proof resolution as you can get, the Dell UltraSharp is rivaled by little else.
Alongside the startling 8k, the monitor boasts some fantastic color specifications.
Implementing Dell PremierColor, the UP3218k offers 100% AdobeRGB, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec. 709 & 98% DCI-P3.
Along with these impressive specs is an IPS panel, decent 400-nits brightness, and great contrast capability.
For high-end video/photo editors or those serious about achieving the best content viewing experience (e.g. an HTPC monitor), it’s hard to describe how great 8k content can look alongside the premium picture quality.
It’s worth pointing out though, that while this is the highest resolution monitor in the world that’s readily available, that doesn’t mean it’s the right pick for every setup.
Firstly, for content-focused users, as amazing as 8k content looks; there is a limited amount of it.
We expect UHD/4k to be the leading choice for high-end producers for the foreseeable future. A monitor of this caliber may be overkill unless you are happy to pay the premium. This is why I’ve highlighted some more grounded choices below for mid-range users.
Impressively, it still manages a 6ms GTG response time. We would expect something higher for a screen of this resolution, making it suitable for 8k gaming.
That said, the amount of 8k gaming content available right now isn’t particularly high. And even if it was, you’d only be able to fully utilize the resolution for games if you had the most powerful build possible (even then, it’s a stretch).
Then there’s the fact that you won’t have an 8k 144hz monitor (or any refresh rate above 60fps) for a long time (let alone a PC that can support it). I would say for every gamer, you would prefer a higher refresh rate than 60Hz over the jump from 1440p/4K to 8K.
Yes, 8k gaming will probably be around en-mass one day.
But for today? We strongly recommend focussing your budget on a premium screen with 1440p 240hz, 4k 144hz, or the excellent next pick below that I tailored for gamers.
Gaming aside, if you are a serious production user that demands 8k, then we have no qualms; this Dell offering is the best choice for you.
It’s worth pointing out that the screen requires 2 DisplayPort connections to run at 8k.
Finally, I need to touch on the build quality/design.
Somehow both as sturdy as you would hope for in a premium offering, while also offering fantastic slim bezels, a gorgeous aesthetic, and great adjustability (including a 90-degree rotation), I was pleased to see the UP3218K doesn’t compromise on physical longevity.
Although it’s worth noting our cautions and checking out our other picks if you think 4K/5K screens could suit you, we are comfortable in naming this Dell offering the highest resolution monitor worth buying today.
If you demand 8K with fantastic picture quality, it’s the best choice for you.
2022 mid-year update: This Dell offering remains the highest resolution monitor available today, with no other 8K monitors being readily available on the mainstream market (or on the immediate horizon).