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Trying out the Dell S2721QS 27’ 4K UHD IPS Monitor (2024)
Introduction
I recently upgraded my workspace with the Dell S2721QS monitor. This monitor I read quite good reviews about, having a 4K resolution and promise of sharp visuals. Below are my thoughts on it.
Specifications
| Property | Value | Property | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 Inches | Display Resolution Maximum | 3840 x 2160 |
| Brand | Dell | Special Feature | Curved, High Dynamic Range, Swivel Adjustment, Height Adjustment, Pivot Adjustment, Tilt Adjustment |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Photos
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Prices
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Visual Performance and Color Accuracy of the Dell S2721QS
As I embarked on refining my workspace, I was drawn to the Dell S2721QS for its visual capacity and color precision. Here’s my rundown of the key points:
4K UHD Resolution (3840 x 2160): The clarity is outstanding. Text is crisp, making reading and coding for long hours more comfortable.
IPS Technology: This offers rich and consistent colors, which is crucial when editing photos or videos.
99% sRGB Color Coverage: Colors are vibrant and true-to-life right out of the box, a must for creative work.
HDR Content Playback: It enhances the viewing experience though it’s not on par with high-end HDR displays.
The color accuracy of the Dell S2721QS is impressive and enhances tasks requiring attention to detail. I found the default color settings quite balanced for everyday work, though I did tweak them for my personal preference. Calibrating the display further improved the color accuracy, which is a significant plus for those in the design field.
On the flip side, it’s pivotal to mention that while the color gamut is great for general use and professional design tasks, it may not satisfy those with high-end color grading needs. The HDR experience, while present, does not rival that of more specialized and expensive monitors. And if color work is your mainstay, investing in a professional-grade calibrator might be necessary to achieve perfection, as the out-of-the-box settings might slightly differ from unit to unit.
The peak brightness of 350 cd/m² offers good visibility even in well-lit rooms, though it could be a constraint for those desiring HDR’s full dynamic range. Additionally, viewing angles are broad, but there can be a slight shift in color when viewed from extreme angles—something to be aware of if you’re particularly picky about color consistency.
In terms of drawbacks, the Dell S2721QS’s 60Hz refresh rate might not suffice for professional editors or gamers where higher refresh rates are beneficial. Another downside for some may be the lack of a USB-C port, which is swiftly becoming the standard for its versatility and cable simplification.
Overall, this monitor is a solid choice for professional work and entertainment, with the pros outweighing its cons. The visual experience is robust for both static images and videos. For those looking to enhance their workspace with improved clarity and color depth without breaking the bank, the Dell S2721QS is a worthy contender. Despite minor shortcomings, it has earned a spot on my desk for its remarkable balance between price and performance.
Design and Ergonomics Suited for Any Workspace
From the moment I laid eyes on the Dell S2721QS monitor, I knew that its design was something special. My desk, admittedly, is not the most spacious, so efficiency and ergonomics are top of my list when selecting office equipment. Here’re some points that stood out to me:
Ultra-thin Bezels: The nearly borderless design isn’t just modern—it means more screen and less distraction.
Adjustable Stand: The ability to swivel, tilt, pivot, and adjust the height is a godsend for finding that perfect viewing angle and maintaining posture.
Textured Back: While not everyone cares about the back of a monitor, it’s a nice touch that adds to the aesthetic of the room.
Built-In Speakers: They’re not going to blow you away with high-quality audio, but for casual listening, they do the trick and save on desk space.
My work routine often stretches into long hours, so having a monitor that can physically adjust to my needs is critical. What I appreciate about the S2721QS is that I can move it to exactly where I need it, whether I’m standing up (thanks to that adjustable stand) or need it closer for detail-oriented tasks.
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The elegance of the design hides a few shortcomings. For one, while the back pattern is nice, it’s not something I see often; it’s definitely more for the room’s aesthetic than any functional benefit. Also, the built-in speakers, while a space saver, lack the clarity and richness I’d want if I were using this monitor for more media-heavy purposes.
The seamless switching with built-in dual HDMI ports sounds incredible in theory, and for the most part, it works well. But there have been occasions—a rare few, to grant—when I wished for a more intuitive switching process, especially when I’m knee-deep in work and time is of the essence. It’s a minor gripe but worth mentioning for anyone who might be switching inputs frequently.
In terms of weight and bulkiness, this monitor is notable for its slim form factor. It’s surprisingly easy to reposition or move entirely if necessary. This aspect has been particularly helpful as I’ve tweaked and refined my workspace layout over time, experimenting with dual monitor setups and various dock placements.
All in all, the Dell S2721QS feels like it’s been crafted with modern workspace environments in mind. It’s a stylish, space-saving solution that comes with the ergonomics to support a healthy work life. Sure, it’s not perfect—no tech is—but for my home office, it’s very close. It helps that my interactions with the monitor are mostly positive, so any drawbacks it has become easy to overlook.
Multitasking Features and Connectivity
As someone with a constant need for multitasking efficiency, the Dell S2721QS monitor’s features are a significant upgrade from my previous setup. Here’s a rundown of what stands out to me:
Picture-by-Picture (PBP): This lets me split the screen to view content from two distinct PC sources concurrently. It’s a game-changer for comparing data or cross-referencing documents without the need to constantly alt-tab or have a dual monitor setup.
Picture-in-Picture (PIP): Watching tutorial videos while coding has been made easier; I can have the playback occurring in a small window while predominantly working on my main task.
Dual HDMI Ports: With two devices plugged in, I seamlessly switch from work tasks on my PC to gaming on my console. The swapping process is fluid, with no fumbling around the back of the monitor to exchange cables.
While these are serious perks, there are a couple of nuances to be mindful of. I’ve noticed that although seamless switching between HDMI inputs is robust, it’s not flawless – sometimes, it takes a couple of seconds to recognize the new input source. It’s a minor hiccup in an otherwise smooth process.
Accessibility and connectivity are remarkably straightforward. The inclusion of HDMI and DisplayPort inputs ensures compatibility with a broad range of devices, which is essential for me as I shift between different gadgets for work and play. I appreciate that this level of connectivity has become somewhat standard, and the Dell S2721QS doesn’t disappoint here.
Now, speaking of ergonomics, the height-adjustable stand and tilt/swivel options provide a considerable degree of flexibility in positioning the monitor for the optimal viewing angle. It’s a thoughtful touch that caters to the long hours I spend at my desk. Nonetheless, the absence of a USB-C port slightly dampens the connectivity options, especially for newer laptops and devices that favor this type of connection.
In terms of the multitasking capacity of the Dell S2721QS, it meets my expectations for performance and functionality. Although it’s not a cutting-edge gaming monitor with high refresh rates or peak HDR performance, it handles everyday multitasking with ease and grace. The AMD FreeSync Technology ensures that my gaming sessions are smooth and tear-free, even if not at the highest of frames per second.
Ultimately, the Dell S2721QS is a solid choice for anyone looking to refine their workspace with a monitor that emphasizes multitasking and connectivity. Despite encountering a few minor drawbacks, my overall experience has been decidedly positive, reaffirming Dell’s reputation for reliable and versatile monitors.
Gaming and Entertainment Experience on the Dell S2721QS
As someone who juggles gaming with work-from-home tasks, I needed a monitor that could serve a dual purpose—deliver an immersive entertainment experience and handle my everyday multitasking needs. The Dell S2721QS came as a highly recommended option and, after spending some time with it, here are my thoughts:
4K UHD Resolution: The 3840 x 2160 resolution is a game-changer for both work and play. Text is crisp, making reading documents a breeze, and the in-game visuals are stunning.
IPS Panel: The color reproduction is vibrant, thanks to the IPS technology, which also offers wide viewing angles.
AMD FreeSync: For gaming, the FreeSync tech helps reduce screen tearing and stutter, making for smoother gameplay.
27-inch Screen: The size is a sweet spot, providing ample space for immersive gaming without overwhelming my work desk.
Now, no device is without its drawbacks. The refresh rate is capped at 60 Hz, which, while decent for casual gaming and most tasks, might not satisfy hardcore gamers in search of higher frame rates for competitive gaming. Also, while the HDR support is a welcome feature, it’s not the high-end HDR experience you’d find on more expensive monitors or TVs designed specifically for that purpose.
I appreciated how seamlessly this monitor integrated into my setup. The dual HDMI ports meant I could have my PC and console both plugged in without the need for constant swapping of cables. Transitioning from finishing a report to jumping into a game session was as easy as pushing a button.
Overall, the Dell S2721QS has been a solid performer. It’s not the ultimate gaming monitor, but it doesn’t claim to be. What it offers is an excellent balance of quality, features, and affordability. Whether I’m deep-diving into spreadsheets or exploring vast game worlds, the visuals are consistently sharp and engaging.
For anyone in the market for a reliable 4K monitor that’s as good for the daily grind as it is for post-work relaxation, the Dell S2721QS is a choice worth considering. Sure, it’s not perfect, but the pros far outweigh the cons, making it an important part of my workspace refinement.