Review of the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE)

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Lately, I’ve been diving deep into the world of OLED technology, and I have to say, it’s been quite the obsession. Yet, I’m by no means exclusive to OLEDs. I’ve found myself enamored with all sorts of displays, and this particular Dell monitor has certainly won me over. So much so, that parting with it after my review feels like a challenge.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is true to its name: it’s a 27-inch, 4K display equipped with an integrated Thunderbolt USB hub. It’s part of Dell’s esteemed UltraSharp series, geared towards productivity, enterprises, and prosumers.

What sets this monitor apart is its deep, rich blacks and that ever-handy Thunderbolt hub. These features not only elevate its performance above the competition but also make it a standout in my recent reviews.

If you’re on the hunt for a monitor that seamlessly connects your devices, ensures comfort while you work, and doubles as a gaming display for downtime, your search might just end here.

Why You Should Trust Me

I’m Zachary Boddy, and as a staff writer and expert reviewer at Windows Central, I’m an expert in the gaming and display field. My job has me glued to screens for hours — be it for writing, researching, or enjoying entertainment. I evaluate displays based on image quality, performance, and user-friendliness, among multiple other factors.

This review was supported by a review sample from Dell. However, Dell had no input, nor previewed the content before its publication.

Dell U2725QE review: Pricing and specifications

This monitor comes with a price tag of $699.99, which feels justified considering what you get. If 27 inches aren’t enough for you, there’s a larger 32-inch version available for $950, sharing the same features apart from size. Not many monitors offer this unique combination of features.

There’s no shortage of monitors out there, but this one impresses with its rare blend of capabilities and features.

Dell U2725QE Monitor Specifications:
– Price: $699.99 at Dell
– Display type: 27-inch IPS LCD Black
– Display specs: 16:9 aspect ratio, 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, high contrast, and impressive brightness levels with HDR support
– Display features: Embedded Thunderbolt 4 USB hub with robust power delivery, KVM support, daisy-chaining, ambient light sensor, and built-in color calibration tool
– Ports: Diverse selection of USB, HDMI, DisplayPort, and Ethernet options
– Weight: Compact build with and without the stand

This 27-inch display utilizes IPS LCD Black tech, offering fantastic contrast and 4K resolution for sharp visuals. It delivers a smooth 120Hz refresh rate along with complete HDR compliance.

A key feature is the Thunderbolt 4 USB hub, which allows this monitor to connect with more peripherals and devices than many other models. You can even link other monitors via daisy-chaining.

Priced reasonably at $699.99 on Dell’s website, it’s a strong contender in its class. For those who need more screen space, the 32-inch model is an option, though with a notable price increase at $949.99.

The U2725QE includes a two-piece stand that’s easy to set up, along with essential cables — DisplayPort to DisplayPort, USB Type-C to USB Type-A, and Thunderbolt 4.

Support-wise, Dell offers a 3-year limited hardware warranty with Advanced Exchange Service for quick replacements.

Dell U2725QE review: The good

The simplicity in design makes this monitor very user-friendly. Visually, it’s impressive with true color accuracy and strong contrast. Additionally, the in-built Thunderbolt hub proves to be immensely practical.

While it doesn’t scream “premium,” this monitor is user-optimised with functionality at its core. It has adequately thin bezels and a slim profile that’s sturdy enough for typical use scenarios.

Out of the box, the stand, which you can assemble without tools, clicks into place with ease. While the cable management is basic, it allows for height, swivel, tilt, and pivot adjustments.

Acting as a tech hub, the monitor’s ports are placed conveniently at the back, with even some front-facing ones that can be neatly tucked away when not in use.

The 27-inch display uses IPS LCD Black technology, offering robust contrast, almost matching OLED’s sharpness. Its color reproduction is spot-on, with built-in calibration syncing perfectly with X-Rite colorimeters.

Rated highly for EyeComfort, this monitor excels at balancing eye protection with quality visuals. The hard anti-glare coating and minimal backlight bleed ensure clarity across the screen.

From low brightness up to the HDR peaks, the performance remains consistent, making fine text a breeze and ensuring buttery smooth scrolling.

Color benchmark results validate its high performance, backed by 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 gamut coverage. Its performance excels, especially given the high IPS contrast ratios.

Although the brightness doesn’t rival OLED, the U2725QE exceeds the specified 450 nits, save for a dip between 75%-100% brightness levels. HDR-surpassed brightness makes it fairly competent for HDR content.

Dell U2725QE review: The bad

This monitor doesn’t achieve the highest possible brightness, and adjusting brightness beyond 75% throws up an energy consumption warning. The cables provided can be too short, complicating setup, and the optional software is not the best.

Though I appreciate the U2725QE’s attributes, it has a few hitches. While it brightens well beyond most OLEDs, there are LCDs that outshine it. The caution notifications for brightness levels beyond 75% are a bit restrictive.

An included ambient light sensor can dim the screen too much, so I’ve opted to manage it manually. The Thunderbolt 4 and USB cables, unfortunately, fall short concerning length, making setups with even slightly spaced-out equipment a challenge.

While understanding that longer Thunderbolt cables get costly, the length provided is limiting and inconvenient.

Managing this monitor could be enhanced. The menu navigation is clunky, and the associated Dell software suite isn’t particularly user-friendly or reliable, rendering it less useful. While a flagship display could support speakers or a webcam, its existing offerings still provide excellent value for the price.

Dell U2725QE review: Final thoughts

Overall, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor impresses with its solid performance across various features. It doesn’t have the most premium design or standout looks, but its capabilities make it an exceptional centerpiece for any setup.

Its effective balance of display quality, comfort, practicality, and features earns it a strong recommendation, particularly for those valuing the Thunderbolt USB hub feature. The 32-inch version is more expensive, but it might be worth it for those needing extra screen space.

If you’re after a capable, versatile monitor that can anchor your entire tech lineup, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is a stellar choice at $699.99 and stands out with its combination of performance and practicality.