Dell U2412M - 16:10 IPS without Breaking the Bank
by Chris Heinonen on February 28, 2012 9:00 AM ESTDell U2412M Brightness and Contrast
Despite the larger size of the display compared to recent 23” monitors I have reviewed, the U2412M says it can produce 300 nits of light at maximum output, which should certainly be bright enough for anyone to use. It’s worth noting that I usually set the display around 5 nits too high before calibration, to allow for a little headroom when ColorEyes generates the curves. However this also means that maximum light output, once calibrated, might be around 5% lower than maximum due to the curves inside the ICC profile.
Despite this possible limitation, the Dell still put out 294 nits at maximum brightness after calibration, and 39 nits at minimum brightness. This was plenty bright for my work area, even with bright overhead lights, and the combination of the high brightness and anti-glare coating made it easy to see the screen.
The weak area for IPS screens has always been the black levels, with them being much higher than those from VA based displays. The U2412M did well here, out performing all recent non-VA displays with a nice, low black level.
With this combination of black level and a very bright screen, we would expect to see a decent contrast ratio to come out as well, and the Dell delivers here.
Beating the specified number by over 10% is always nice to see, and the contrast on the Dell is very nice. It easily outperforms most TN displays, though it's not able to compete with the combination of LED lighting and a VA panel from BenQ. It was also very stable across the spectrum, with virtually identical ratios at maximum and minimum brightness.
While the center stayed nice and bright, the edges showed a good amount of fall off in comparison, and an overall variance of around 6%. The areas with higher brightness uniformity issues were also the areas with higher dE values on the uniformity testing, just as we expected. Looking at black uniformity, thanks to the bright corners this wound up even worse, with a variance of around 14%.
Taken as a whole, the contrast ratios are good, and while there is light fall-off at the edges of the display, it does not seem to have a noticeable effect on color quality.
Facebook
Twitter
RSS
143 Comments
View All Comments
klatscho - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
we sort of downgraded from eizo to these beauties, and the do the job quite nice, especially since we got them way below the 200 euro mark including the soundbar - which is why everyone is getting one now.the only problem we have identified so far is an unusually high doa-rate above 6% at the beginning, which has meanwhile dropped to around 4% for the last couple of hundred units; but again, at this price this is forgiveable.
Touche - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Although it could be calculated (if contrast is consistent across the brightness range), it would be helpful if you showed the black level at calibrated brightness setting (100 cd/m2).cheinonen - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
I can add that to future reviews.anactoraaron - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Please correct me if I'm wrong but this panel beats the U2312H from last year in power draw since last year's 2312 uses ccfl, not led like this panel.I personally didn't HAVE to have the 16:10 and recently bought 2 of the updated U2312HM which also uses led. But I always hear "once you go 16:10 you never go back" and I guess I'm just scared that will happen....
Sure the styling isn't "sexy" but I'm a man that prefers function over all. At least comment on how there's ZERO glossy surfaces on these monitors...
Also, the stand with these Dell monitors are top notch. They adjust more than ANY monitor I have ever encountered- 9" of height adjustment (for the newer U2312HM- I believe the U2412 has 7") , can spin to portrait orientation (just need to release a locking mechanism), and it can basically do more twists and turns than anyone's parents at a 1950's themed dance party. :)
1ceTr0n - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
The U3011 is a beautiful monitor but for $1200, I demanded perfection and all three models had color uniformity and lighting issues.I finally gave up and got a U2412M and i've been very happy with it. Very nice bright and even LED lighting, very low heat, great colors and nary any ghosting and a great price with extended 4 year advance warranty.
Unless your anal about LCD's, this one is hard to beat
fausto412 - Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - link
Do 120hz IPS 24" 16x10 Monitors exist and are they any good and affordable?I've been waiting for that "I gotta have that monitor!!" review for like 2 years.
Currently using 22" Samsung 226bw and the view angles suck balls. But considering how long monitors last I am trying to wait for the next huge leap forward to get a 24" screen and upgrade. what say the monitor experts on this thread?
cheinonen - Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - link
There are no 120Hz IPS panels yet, you are stuck with TN at this point. I have no idea if there is a time frame for these or not either.Oxford Guy - Thursday, March 1, 2012 - link
120 Hz A-MVA panels are supposed to be near.Oxford Guy - Sunday, March 4, 2012 - link
They were announced in December:http://www.google.com/search?q=120 hz amva&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
fausto412 - Thursday, March 1, 2012 - link
sadly i don't know what's holding back monitor makers.I feel like they quit trying to advance tech for home users.