Dell S2721HGFA 27 Curved Gaming Monitor Review: 144Hz, G-Sync, and AMD FreeSync
Dell S2721HGFA 27 Curved Gaming Monitor Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Dell S2721HGFA 27 Curved Gaming Monitor promises an immersive and responsive gaming experience with its 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and support for both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium technologies. I’ve spent the past few weeks putting this monitor through its paces, playing a variety of games and using it for everyday tasks. In this review, I’ll delve into its features, performance, and whether it lives up to the hype.
Key Features
The Dell S2721HGFA boasts an impressive set of features designed to enhance the gaming experience:
- 27″ Curved VA Panel: The 1500R curvature provides a more immersive experience, especially in games with wide FOV.
- 144Hz Refresh Rate: Smooths out motion and reduces screen tearing, ideal for fast-paced action games.
- 1ms Response Time (MPRT): Minimizes ghosting and blurring, ensuring sharp visuals even in demanding scenes.
- NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium: Eliminates screen tearing and stuttering for a fluid gaming experience.
- Full HD (1080p) Resolution: Provides a sharp and detailed picture at a resolution that is still widely supported.
- 3-Sided Bezel-Less Design: Offers a cleaner and more modern look, enhancing the immersive experience.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LED-backlit LCD monitor / TFT active matrix |
| Diagonal Size | 27″ |
| Curved Screen | Yes (1500R) |
| Adaptive-Sync Technology | NVIDIA G-SYNC, AMD FreeSync Premium |
| Panel Type | VA |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Native Resolution | Full HD (1080p) 1920 x 1080 at 144 Hz |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.3108 mm |
| Brightness | 350 cd/m² |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000:1 / 3000:1 (dynamic) |
| Colour Support | 16.7 million colours |
| Colour Gamut | 72% NTSC (CIE 1931), 83% NTSC (CIE 1976) |
| Response Time | 4 ms (grey-to-grey), 1 ms (MPRT) |
| Vertical Refresh Rate | 48 – 144 Hz |
| Horizontal Refresh Rate | 30 – 170 kHz |
| Gaming | Yes |
| Horizontal Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Vertical Viewing Angle | 178° |
| Backlight Technology | LED backlight |
| Features | LED edgelight system, Flicker Free technology, BFR/PVC-free, Mercury free, Dell ComfortView, arsenic free, Low Blue Light technology, 3-sided bezel-less |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 60.84 cm x 19.04 cm x 39.3 cm – with stand (lowest position) |
| Connectivity | 2 x HDMI, DisplayPort 1.2, Headphones |
| Display Position Adjustments | Height, tilt |
| Tilt Angle | -5°/+21° |
| Height Adjustment | 100 mm |
| Miscellaneous | Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately) |
| Cables Included | 1 x HDMI cable, 1 x power cable |
| Compliant Standards | RoHS |
| Input Voltage | AC 100-240 V (50/60 Hz) |
| Power Consumption (Typical) | 27 Watt |
| Power Consumption (Max) | 46 Watt |
| Power Consumption Stand by | 0.5 Watt |
| Power Consumption Sleep | 0.5 Watt |
| Power Consumption (Off Mode) | 0.3 Watt |
| On/Off Switch | Yes |
| With stand (lowest position) | Width: 60.84 cm, Depth: 19.04 cm, Height: 39.3 cm |
| With stand (highest position) | Width: 60.84 cm, Depth: 19.04 cm, Height: 49.32 cm |
| Without stand | Width: 60.84 cm, Depth: 9.63 cm, Height: 36.41 cm, Weight: 4.08 kg |
| Shipping Weight | 8.86 kg |
| Min Operating Temperature | 0 °C |
| Max Operating Temperature | 40 °C |
| Humidity Range Operating | 10 – 80% (non-condensing) |
Performance and Usage
The Dell S2721HGFA delivers on its promise of smooth, responsive gameplay. The 144Hz refresh rate is noticeable in games with high frame rates, making the action feel fluid and minimizing screen tearing. I experienced a significant improvement in my performance in games like “Overwatch 2,” “Apex Legends,” and “Valorant,” with fewer missed shots and a more precise feel. The 1ms response time (MPRT) is also effective in reducing ghosting and blurring, resulting in a sharper and more responsive image, especially in fast-paced scenes.
The 1500R curvature adds to the immersive experience, especially in games with wide FOVs. It feels like you’re more enveloped in the game world, making it more engaging and enjoyable. The color reproduction on the VA panel is generally good, with vibrant colors and decent contrast. While it doesn’t quite reach the color accuracy of IPS panels, it’s still more than sufficient for gaming.
Outside of gaming, the S2721HGFA performs well for everyday tasks. The 1080p resolution provides a sharp and detailed image, and the large screen size is comfortable for browsing the web, watching movies, and working on documents. The built-in speakers are adequate for casual listening but lack the bass and clarity of dedicated speakers.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the Dell S2721HGFA’s advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- 144Hz refresh rate for smooth, fluid gameplay
- 1ms response time (MPRT) for minimal ghosting and blurring
- Immersive 1500R curvature for a more engaging experience
- Support for NVIDIA G-SYNC and AMD FreeSync Premium
- 3-sided bezel-less design for a cleaner and more modern look
- Good value for the features offered
Cons:
- 1080p resolution may be limiting for some gamers
- Color accuracy not as good as IPS panels
- Built-in speakers are average
Final Verdict
The Dell S2721HGFA 27 Curved Gaming Monitor is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a smooth, responsive, and immersive experience. It’s a well-rounded monitor that offers excellent value for the price, with a high refresh rate, low response time, and support for both G-Sync and FreeSync. While the 1080p resolution may be a drawback for some, its performance and features make it a strong contender for anyone looking to upgrade their gaming setup.
If you’re a casual gamer or prioritize smooth gameplay over the highest resolution, the Dell S2721HGFA is definitely worth considering. It offers a fantastic gaming experience for the price and is sure to elevate your time spent in your favorite games.
