Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review: 4K UHD, 120Hz, IPS Panel, FreeSync Premium Features

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The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review aims to provide an in-depth evaluation of this 27-inch 4K monitor, a standout in Dell’s S-series lineup. With its 4K UHD display, 120Hz refresh rate, IPS panel, and AMD FreeSync Premium, the S2725QS is positioned as a versatile solution for professionals, creatives, and casual gamers. This article dissects its design, display quality, performance, connectivity, and ergonomics, while comparing it to competitors like the Dell S2725QC, ASUS ProArt PA279CRV, and LG 27US500-W. By exploring its strengths and limitations, we aim to answer key questions such as: Is the Dell 27 Plus S2725QS worth it? and How does the Dell S2725QS perform for gaming?

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Design and Build Quality: A Modern, Minimalist Aesthetic

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review begins with its design, which blends functionality with a sleek, modern aesthetic. The monitor features an ultra-thin bezel monitor design in an ash white finish, making it a visually appealing addition to any workspace. The minimalist monitor design ensures that the screen maximizes usable display area, ideal for multi-monitor setups or immersive viewing experiences.

Aesthetic Appeal and Build

The ash white monitor chassis is a departure from Dell’s traditional black or silver designs, offering a fresh, lifestyle-inspired look that complements modern home offices or creative studios. The ultra-thin bezels create a near-borderless appearance, enhancing the visual experience for tasks like video editing or multitasking. The slightly thicker bottom bezel houses the Dell logo and navigational buttons, maintaining a clean and unobtrusive profile. The monitor’s plastic construction feels sturdy, weighing 4.56 kg without the stand, and its build quality reflects Dell’s reputation for durability.

Ergonomic Monitor Stand

The ergonomic monitor stand is a highlight of the S2725QS, offering extensive adjustability: 130mm height adjustment, -5° to 21° tilt, ±30° swivel, and ±90° pivot for portrait orientation. This versatility ensures users can position the monitor for optimal comfort during long work sessions, a critical feature for professionals and creatives. The stand’s cable management system, integrated into the base, keeps the workspace tidy by routing cables through a dedicated slot. The VESA mount compatibility (100x100mm) allows for alternative mounting options, catering to users who prefer wall or arm mounts.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV, which also features a minimalist design, the S2725QS’s ash white finish stands out for its unique aesthetic. The LG 27US500-W, while functional, has a tilt-only stand, lacking the swivel and pivot capabilities of the S2725QS. The Dell S2725QC, a sibling model, shares a similar design but includes a USB-C hub, which may appeal to users prioritizing connectivity over aesthetics. The S2725QS strikes a balance between form and function, making it a strong contender in the 27-inch monitor category.

Display Quality: Crisp 4K Visuals with Vibrant Colors

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review highlights its display as a core strength, driven by a 27-inch 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS panel. With a 163 PPI pixel density, the monitor delivers sharp text and vivid details, making it ideal for tasks requiring high clarity, such as graphic design, video editing, or document-heavy work.

Resolution and Pixel Density

The 4K display resolution ensures exceptional clarity, with text appearing crisp and images rich in detail. The 16:9 aspect ratio provides ample screen real estate for multitasking, while the 163 PPI ensures that small fonts are readable with minimal scaling. However, users may need to adjust scaling settings in operating systems like Windows to optimize text size for comfort.

Color Accuracy and Gamut

The S2725QS boasts 99% sRGB coverage, delivering vibrant and accurate colors straight out of the box. This monitor color accuracy makes it a strong choice for creatives who need reliable color reproduction without extensive calibration. The 1500:1 contrast ratio enhances depth, producing deeper blacks and brighter whites compared to standard IPS panels. While the monitor is HDR-ready, its lack of a wide color gamut (e.g., DCI-P3) means HDR content may appear slightly washed out compared to premium monitors like the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV, which offers 95% DCI-P3 coverage.

Brightness and Viewing Angles

With a peak brightness of 350 cd/m², the S2725QS performs well in well-lit environments, effectively combating glare. The IPS panel monitor ensures wide 178°/178° viewing angles, maintaining consistent colors and brightness from off-axis positions. This is particularly beneficial for collaborative work or creative environments where multiple viewers may observe the screen simultaneously.

ComfortView Plus: Blue Light Reduction

The inclusion of ComfortView Plus, Dell’s blue light reduction technology, reduces harmful blue light emissions to ≤35%, enhancing eye comfort during extended use. This feature is especially valuable for professionals and students who spend long hours in front of the screen, as it minimizes eye strain without compromising color accuracy.

Comparison with Competitors

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV outperforms the S2725QS in color gamut, with 95% DCI-P3 and factory calibration, making it a better choice for professional creatives. The LG 27US500-W, with 400 nits brightness and 95% DCI-P3, offers superior HDR performance but lacks the S2725QS’s 120Hz refresh rate. The Dell S3225QS, a 32-inch variant, provides a larger display but sacrifices pixel density (140 PPI). The S2725QS excels as an affordable 4K monitor for users seeking a balance between color accuracy and general productivity.

Performance: Smooth and Responsive for Work and Play

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review evaluates its performance across various use cases, from productivity to casual gaming. With a 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium, the monitor offers a smooth and tear-free experience, making it versatile for both work and entertainment.

Refresh Rate and Response Time

The high refresh rate monitor supports up to 120Hz, a significant upgrade over the 60Hz found in older models like the Dell S2721QS. This 120Hz refresh rate enhances motion fluidity, benefiting tasks like video playback, scrolling through documents, or casual gaming. The 0.03ms response time (claimed by Dell) minimizes ghosting, ensuring smooth transitions in fast-moving content. However, real-world testing suggests the response time is closer to 8ms in typical scenarios, which is adequate but not exceptional for competitive gaming.

AMD FreeSync Premium

The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium reduces screen tearing, making the S2725QS a viable option for casual gamers. While it lacks NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility, users with NVIDIA GPUs can enable “G-Sync Compatible” mode for similar functionality. This feature enhances the gaming experience in titles like Final Fantasy XVI or Call of Duty Black Ops 6, where smooth visuals are critical.

Input Lag and Motion Handling

The S2725QS offers low input lag (~9ms at 60Hz), providing a responsive feel for both productivity and gaming. However, its motion handling is not as robust as high-end gaming monitors like the Dell Alienware AW3225QF, which supports 240Hz and faster response times. For casual gaming, the S2725QS performs admirably, but competitive gamers may notice slight blur in fast-paced titles.

Comparison with Competitors

The Dell S2725QC, with its USB-C hub and 65W power delivery, matches the S2725QS’s performance but adds connectivity for modern laptops. The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV, with a 100Hz refresh rate, is less suited for gaming but offers superior color accuracy for editing. The LG 27US500-W, limited to 60Hz, falls short in motion handling but provides brighter HDR performance. The S2725QS’s high-performance 4K monitor capabilities make it a strong all-rounder for users who dabble in both work and play.

Connectivity: Functional but Limited

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review examines its connectivity options, which prioritize simplicity over versatility. The monitor includes two HDMI 2.1 ports (HDCP 1.4 & 2.3) and one DisplayPort 1.4 port, all supporting 4K at 120Hz with HDR and VRR.

Port Selection

The HDMI 2.1 ports ensure compatibility with modern devices, including the PS5 Pro and Xbox Series X, making the S2725QS suitable for console gaming. The DisplayPort 1.4 offers a professional edge for PC users, supporting high-bandwidth connections. However, the absence of a USB-C port is a notable limitation compared to the S2725QC, which includes a USB-C hub with 65W power delivery. Users with USB-C-dependent devices, such as MacBooks, may need an external hub, slightly reducing convenience.

Additional Features

The S2725QS lacks a USB hub or Thunderbolt support, unlike premium models like the Dell U2725QE, which offers Thunderbolt 4 and a KVM switch. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack allows for headphone connectivity, and the dual 5W speakers provide decent audio for casual use, though they lack the depth of dedicated speakers.

Comparison with Competitors

The Dell S2725QC’s USB-C connectivity makes it a better choice for laptop users, while the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV includes a broader port selection (HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and USB-A). The LG 27US500-W offers similar HDMI and DisplayPort options but lacks the S2725QS’s 120Hz support. For users prioritizing simplicity, the S2725QS’s connectivity is sufficient, but those needing advanced features may prefer alternatives.

Ergonomics and Usability: Designed for Comfort

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review emphasizes its ergonomic design, which enhances user comfort during prolonged use. The adjustable stand and intuitive interface make it a practical choice for home offices and creative workspaces.

Stand Adjustability

The ergonomic monitor stand supports extensive adjustments, allowing users to tailor the monitor’s position to their needs. The pivot function is particularly useful for coders or designers working with vertical content, such as long documents or web layouts. The stand’s compact footprint minimizes desk clutter, and the cable management system ensures a tidy workspace.

On-Screen Display (OSD) and Software

The OSD, controlled via a single joystick and power button, is intuitive and easy to navigate. Users can customize display settings, including brightness, contrast, and color profiles, to suit their preferences. Dell’s Easy Arrange software enhances multitasking by allowing users to tile applications across the screen with pre-set or custom layouts. This feature is particularly useful for professionals managing multiple windows simultaneously.

Comparison with Competitors

The S2725QS’s stand outperforms the LG 27US500-W’s tilt-only design, offering greater flexibility. The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV matches the S2725QS’s adjustability but includes a more robust OSD with advanced calibration options. The Dell S2725QC shares the same stand design, but its USB-C connectivity adds versatility for laptop users. The S2725QS’s ergonomics make it a best monitor for professionals seeking comfort and functionality.

Audio Performance: Decent but Not Exceptional

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review evaluates its dual 5W integrated speakers, which offer improved sound quality over previous S-series models. The speakers deliver clear audio for video calls, casual YouTube viewing, or background music, with a deeper frequency response and higher decibel range.

Speaker Quality

While the speakers are sufficient for minimizing desk clutter, they lack the depth and clarity of dedicated audio solutions. For users prioritizing immersive sound, external speakers or headphones are recommended. The inclusion of an audio enhancement feature in the OSD slightly improves output, but it cannot compete with high-end audio systems.

Comparison with Competitors

The Dell S2725QC’s speakers are identical, offering no significant advantage. The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV lacks integrated speakers, requiring external audio solutions. The LG 27US500-W’s speakers are less powerful (3W), making the S2725QS a better choice for users seeking built-in audio. For casual use, the S2725QS’s speakers are a practical addition to this 4K monitor for creative work.

Gaming Performance: Casual Gaming Excellence

How does the Dell S2725QS perform for gaming? The S2725QS is not a dedicated gaming monitor but offers impressive performance for casual gamers, thanks to its 120Hz refresh rate and AMD FreeSync Premium.

Casual Gaming Capabilities

The 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate deliver smooth visuals in games like Star Wars Outlaws or Tekken 8. The 27-inch 4K monitor with AMD FreeSync reduces screen tearing, enhancing the experience for console and PC gamers. However, the monitor’s response time and lack of advanced gaming features (e.g., G-Sync or local dimming) make it less suited for competitive gaming compared to the Dell Alienware AW3225QF.

HDR Performance

The S2725QS’s HDR readiness is limited by its standard sRGB gamut and moderate brightness. While HDR content is supported, it lacks the vibrancy of monitors with wider color gamuts, such as the LG 27US500-W. Casual gamers will appreciate the smooth performance, but enthusiasts may prefer dedicated gaming monitors.

Comparison with Competitors

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV, with a 100Hz refresh rate, is less suited for gaming but excels in color accuracy. The LG 27US500-W’s 60Hz refresh rate limits its gaming performance, while the Dell S2725QC offers identical gaming capabilities with added USB-C connectivity. The S2725QS is a solid choice for best 4K monitor for work and gaming in casual scenarios.

Productivity Features: Enhancing Workflow Efficiency

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review highlights its productivity features, designed to streamline workflows for professionals and students. The monitor’s 4K resolution, ergonomic stand, and software features make it a strong contender for home office setups.

Multitasking Capabilities

The S2725QS supports Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP) modes, allowing users to display content from two sources simultaneously. This is ideal for professionals comparing documents or creatives referencing multiple assets. Dell’s Easy Arrange software further enhances multitasking by organizing applications into customizable layouts.

Text Clarity and Scaling

The 4K display resolution ensures sharp text, ideal for coding, writing, or spreadsheet work. However, users may need to adjust scaling to ensure readability, particularly on Windows systems. The monitor color accuracy and ComfortView Plus enhance comfort during long sessions, making the S2725QS a Dell monitor for home office use.

Comparison with Competitors

The Dell S2725QC’s USB-C hub adds versatility for laptop users, while the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV offers superior text clarity with factory calibration. The LG 27US500-W lacks PiP/PbP modes, limiting its multitasking capabilities. The S2725QS’s productivity features make it a best monitor for professionals seeking an affordable, high-performance solution.

Environmental and Sustainability Features

The S2725QS aligns with Dell’s sustainability initiatives, featuring ENERGY STAR certification and eco-friendly packaging made from 100% renewable materials. The monitor’s arsenic-free glass and mercury-free panel reduce environmental impact, while its low power consumption (21.4W typical) enhances energy efficiency.

Comparison with Competitors

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV and LG 27US500-W also prioritize sustainability, but the S2725QS’s comprehensive packaging approach sets it apart. The Dell S2725QC shares identical environmental features, making both models appealing to eco-conscious users.

Dell 27 Plus S2725QS vs S2725QC: Which Should You Choose?

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS vs S2725QC comparison is critical for buyers deciding between these sibling models. Both share a 27-inch 4K IPS panel, 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium, but the S2725QC includes a USB-C hub with 65W power delivery, making it ideal for laptop users. The S2725QS prioritizes simplicity with HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, appealing to users who don’t require USB-C.

Key Differences

  • Connectivity: The S2725QC’s USB-C port supports video, data, and charging, while the S2725QS relies on HDMI and DisplayPort.
  • Use Case: The S2725QS suits desktop PC users, while the S2725QC is better for laptop-centric workflows.
  • Design: Both models share the same ash white finish and ergonomic stand.

Recommendation

Choose the S2725QS for a high refresh rate 4K monitor with a focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Opt for the S2725QC if USB-C connectivity and power delivery are priorities.

Is the Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Worth It?

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS Monitor Review concludes that this monitor is a compelling choice for users seeking an affordable 4K monitor with versatile performance. Its 4K UHD display, 120Hz refresh rate, and AMD FreeSync Premium make it suitable for work, creative tasks, and casual gaming. The ergonomic monitor stand, ComfortView Plus, and minimalist design enhance its appeal for home office and creative environments.

Strengths

  • Crisp 4K display resolution with 99% sRGB coverage
  • Smooth 120Hz refresh rate for work and gaming
  • Ultra-thin bezel monitor with a modern ash white finish
  • ComfortView Plus for reduced eye strain
  • Robust ergonomic adjustments

Limitations

  • Limited HDR performance due to standard sRGB gamut
  • No USB-C connectivity, unlike the S2725QC
  • Speakers are adequate but not immersive

Final Verdict

The Dell 27 Plus S2725QS is a best 4K monitor for work and gaming, offering a balance of performance, design, and affordability. While it may not compete with premium models like the ASUS ProArt PA279CRV for professional editing or the Dell Alienware AW3225QF for gaming, its versatility and feature set make it an excellent choice for professionals, creatives, and casual users. Whether you’re upgrading your home office or seeking a high-performance 4K monitor, the S2725QS delivers exceptional value.

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