DELL Alienware 27″ AW2725DF QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Review: 360Hz, 0.03ms Response Time – Tech Blog
DELL Alienware 27″ AW2725DF QD-OLED Gaming Monitor Review: 360Hz, 0.03ms Response Time
Table of Contents
Introduction
The DELL Alienware 27″ AW2725DF QD-OLED gaming monitor promises a truly immersive and competitive edge with its cutting-edge specifications. Boasting a blistering 360Hz refresh rate and a mind-blowingly fast 0.03ms response time, this monitor targets hardcore gamers seeking the absolute best in visual responsiveness and fluidity. In this comprehensive review, we’ll put the AW2725DF through its paces, examining its strengths, weaknesses, and overall value proposition.
Key Features
The DELL Alienware AW2725DF packs a punch with a collection of features designed to elevate your gaming experience:
- QD-OLED Panel: The centerpiece of this monitor is its Quantum Dot (QD) OLED panel, renowned for its exceptional picture quality, deep blacks, and vibrant colors.
- 360Hz Refresh Rate: The AW2725DF delivers ultra-smooth visuals, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering, allowing for lightning-fast reactions in competitive games.
- 0.03ms Response Time: The lightning-fast response time ensures that every click and action is translated onto the screen with minimal delay, providing a competitive edge.
- AMD FreeSync Premium Pro: Seamlessly syncs your graphics card to the monitor’s refresh rate, further reducing screen tearing and stuttering for an even smoother gameplay experience.
- VESA HDR TrueBlack 400: Delivers stunning HDR visuals with deep blacks and high contrast, enhancing immersion and detail in games and movies.
- Connectivity: Offers a variety of ports, including DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-C for versatile connectivity options.
- Adjustability: The monitor stand provides comprehensive adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune its height, tilt, swivel, and pivot for optimal viewing angles.
Performance & Usage
Having spent considerable time with the AW2725DF, I’m impressed by its sheer performance. The 360Hz refresh rate is a game-changer, especially in fast-paced titles. The fluidity of gameplay is noticeable, making it easier to track targets, react to threats, and maintain a competitive edge. The 0.03ms response time adds to this seamless experience, virtually eliminating any lag or ghosting.
The QD-OLED panel is a standout feature. Blacks are truly inky, and the panel’s ability to deliver a wide color gamut and impressive HDR results in stunning visuals. Colors appear vibrant and natural, and the contrast is exceptional, making the AW2725DF a joy to watch content on.
However, it’s worth noting that the AW2725DF has a lower brightness level compared to typical LCD monitors. This isn’t a significant issue in dark room environments, but those working in well-lit areas might find themselves needing to adjust brightness levels more frequently.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional 360Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth gameplay.
- Lightning-fast 0.03ms response time for minimal input lag and ghosting.
- Stunning QD-OLED panel with deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- Supports VESA HDR TrueBlack 400 for incredible HDR visuals.
- Comprehensive connectivity with DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and USB Type-C.
- Highly adjustable stand for optimal viewing comfort.
Cons:
- Lower peak brightness compared to typical LCD monitors.
- Can be more expensive than comparable LCD monitors.
Final Verdict
The DELL Alienware AW2725DF QD-OLED Gaming Monitor is an exceptional display that caters to serious gamers seeking the best possible visual experience. Its blistering refresh rate, ultra-fast response time, and stunning QD-OLED panel deliver an unparalleled level of smoothness, responsiveness, and visual fidelity. While the lower peak brightness might be a consideration for some, the overall performance and image quality make it a top contender in the premium gaming monitor market. If you’re willing to invest in the best, the AW2725DF is a worthy addition to your gaming setup.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Diagonal Viewing Size | 26.7″ |
| Preset Display Area (H x V) | 590.42 mm x 333.72 mm (23.24″ x 13.14″) |
| Panel Type | QD OLED |
| Display Screen Coating | Anti-reflection |
| Maximum Preset Resolution | QHD 2560 x 1440 at 360Hz (Native with DisplayPort), QHD 2560 x 1440 at 144Hz (Native with HDMI) |
| Viewing Angle | 178° vertical / 178° horizontal |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.2292 mm x 0.2292mm |
| Pixel Per Inch (PPI) | 111 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1.5 million:1 (at SDR and HDR) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Backlight Technology | OLED |
| Brightness | 250 cd/m2 (SDR), 400 cd/m2 (HDR TrueBlack 400), 1000 cd/m2 (HDR peak) |
| Response Time (typical) | 0.03 ms (gray-to-gray) |
| Connectivity | – DP: 2 x DP 1.4 (Supports up to QHD 2560 x 1440 360 Hz, HDR, VRR) – HDMI: 1 x HDMI 2.1 (Supports up to QHD 2560 x 1440 144 Hz, HDR, VRR as per specified in HDMI 2.1) – USB: 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-B upstream port, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A downstream ports (Rear), 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C downstream port, 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A downstream port (Bottom) |
| Adaptive-Sync Technology | AMD FreeSync™ Technology, VESA AdaptiveSync Display Certification |
| AlienFX Lighting | Yes |
| Adjustability | Height, Tilt, Swivel, Pivot, Built-in cable management, Height adjustable stand (110 mm), Tilt (-5°/+21°), Swivel (-20°/+20°), Pivot (-90°/+90°) |
| Low Blue Light | Yes, ComfortView Plus (TÜV Rheinland – Hardware Solution) |
| Flicker-free | Yes |
| ID color variant | Dark Side of the Moon |
| HDR Support | VESA HDR TrueBlack 400 |
| Color Support | 1.07 Billion colors |
| Color Gamut | DCI-P3 99.3% (typical) |
| Physical Characteristics | – Height with stand: 406.20 mm ~ 516.20 mm – Width: 609.11 mm – Depth: 243.69 mm – Height without stand: 359.00 mm – Width without stand: 609.11mm – Depth without stand: 67.6 mm – Weight (panel only – for VESA mount): 4.30 kg – Weight (with packaging): 9.97 kg |
