The new Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor unveiled Wednesday at CES 2026 is the world’s first 52-inch ultrawide curved 6K monitor, the company said. The display targets the same professional market that Apple serves with its 6K Pro Display XDR. But it takes a dramatically different approach with its expansive screen size and built-in connectivity hub.
Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor: A different take on 6K resolution
The timing of the UltraSharp 52 release is notable as Apple has not updated the Pro Display XDR since its 2019 launch, though rumors suggest a refresh could arrive this year. Mac users eager for new display options now have an intriguing alternative that emphasizes productivity and connectivity over pure pixel density.
Different approach to visual majesty
Photo: Dell
The UltraSharp 52 (model U5226KW) features a 21:9 ultrawide aspect ratio with 6,144 x 2,560 pixel resolution at 129 pixels per inch (PPI). While this matches the 6K designation of Apple’s Pro Display XDR, the comparison ends there.
Dell even refers to its new 6K beast as a “productivity powerhouse for financial traders, executives, engineers and data professionals,” not visual artists. It positioning its new 32-inch OLED display, below, as the one for creative pros in search of high color accuracy.
Pro Display XDR packs 6,016 x 3,384 pixels into a 32-inch 16:9 panel for a much higher 218 PPI density, achieving true Retina quality. Dell’s approach trades pixel density for sheer screen real estate, positioning the monitor more as a replacement for multi-display setups than a direct Pro Display XDR competitor for the ultimate visual experience.
Dell’s display uses IPS Black panel technology for a 2,000:1 contrast ratio and supports up to 120Hz refresh rate with 400 cd/m² brightness. Dell emphasizes eye comfort features, claiming the monitor emits up to 60% less blue light than competitors while maintaining professional color accuracy. It’s the first monitor to achieve TÜV Rheinland’s highest tier Low Blue Light certification.
Thunderbolt hub functionality
Photo: Dell
Another area of distinction for Dell’s offering is connectivity. A single Thunderbolt 4 cable delivers up to 140W power delivery to connected Macs. That’s more than Apple’s Pro Display XDR’s 96W. The Dell monitor essentially functions as a complete Thunderbolt dock. It includes two HDMI 2.1 ports, two DisplayPort 1.4 ports, three USB-C upstream ports, multiple downstream USB-C and USB-A ports and 2.5Gbps Ethernet.
The monitor supports connecting up to four computers simultaneously through Picture-by-Picture mode with screen partitioning. Built-in KVM functionality allows users to control all connected machines with a single keyboard and mouse. Mac users who work across multiple systems might find that particularly useful.
Pricing: Dell UltraSharp 52 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
At $2,899.99 with stand or $2,799.99 without, UltraSharp 52 undercuts Apple’s Pro Display XDR, which starts at $4,999 (or $5,999 with the standard stand). However, the displays serve different needs: Apple’s prioritizes pixel density and color accuracy for creative professionals, while Dell targets users managing multiple applications who need maximum screen space.
The UltraSharp 52 is available now from Dell’s website.
Dell’s OLED option for creatives
Photo: Dell
Dell also rolled out UltraSharp 32 4K QD-OLED Monitor (U3226Q), a CES 2026 Innovation Award winner designed specifically for creative professionals. This 32-inch display features the world’s first Anti-Glare Low-Reflectance coating on a QD-OLED panel, combined with DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification. It offers an infinite 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, Delta E <1 color accuracy out of the box, and covers 99% of DCI-P3 and Display P3 color spaces.
The QD-OLED monitor includes an integrated colorimeter that stores calibration results directly on the display. That enables remote calibration by IT teams. Priced at $2,599.99, it goes on sale February 24, 2026.
Both new Dell monitors incorporate sustainable materials. That includes up to 90% post-consumer recycled plastics and ship in packaging made from 100% renewable and recyclable materials.
David Snow, an expert on Apple hardware and software, writes on a variety of technological and cultural topics for Cult of Mac. They include Apple news, technology buying guides, and features about computer setups and Apple TV shows and movies.
With 30 years of experience covering technology and other subjects, he has written and edited for numerous print and online publications, including CMP Media, TechTV.com, CNET, Wired News, Red Herring magazine, Law.com, The National Law Journal and Law Technology News magazine. Among other roles, he served as executive editor of the Law.com network of websites and editorial director, technology, for ALM Media.
Snow graduated with a B.A. from Syracuse University with majors in magazine journalism and psychology. While there, he worked as a reporter for The Daily Orange newspaper and associate editor of Equal Time magazine.
Founder of the blog At the Waterline, he can be reached on X (formerly Twitter) via @atthewaterline and on Mastodon via @dsnow.
