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

I’ve been pretty captivated by OLED displays recently, and frankly, I don’t think anyone could blame me for it. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have room in my heart for other types of screens. Take Dell’s latest display, for example—it’s captured my attention to the point where I’m hesitant even to part with it after this review wraps up.

Say hello to Dell’s UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. As the name suggests, it’s a 27-inch, 4K screen equipped with a Thunderbolt USB hub. It fits right into Dell’s UltraSharp range, which is geared toward productivity, enterprise, and prosumer markets.

What sets this monitor apart? It delivers deep blacks on its comfy display and features a Thunderbolt hub, helping it outshine its rivals. In my lineup of recent reviews, it’s certainly stood out.

If you’re in the market for a display that can connect your devices seamlessly, provide comfort during work sessions, and even handle gaming duties afterward, I think this monitor might just be the answer.

Now, let’s delve into its pricing and specs. Retailing at $699.99, this monitor is a fair deal. There’s also a 32-inch version priced at $950, with the only difference being the screen size. It offers a list of features that not many monitors in the market can match.

Here’s a quick rundown: the 27-inch display takes advantage of IPS LCD Black tech for better contrast. And with 4K resolution, you’ll appreciate the crispness. It supports a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and boasts full HDR capabilities.

A standout feature is the integrated Thunderbolt 4 USB hub, significantly increasing your capacity to connect peripherals, accessories, and devices. You can even daisy-chain with other monitors.

The Dell UltraSharp 27 retails for $699.99, a justifiable price given its capabilities. The 32-inch variant comes at a premium, costing $949.99, which is something to consider if you desire more screen space.

Inside the box, you’ll find the monitor, a user-friendly two-piece stand that doesn’t require tools for assembly, and the necessary cables. Plus, Dell covers it with a 3-year limited hardware warranty, including next-day replacement shipping with their Advanced Exchange Service.

So what makes this monitor good? To start, its design is practical and straightforward, making it a breeze to set up and use. The image quality is top-notch, offering impressive color accuracy and contrast. And having the Thunderbolt hub? That’s an incredibly handy bonus.

Despite its pricing edging into premium territory, I wouldn’t label the U2725QE as “luxury.” It’s a straightforward and efficient design—sometimes exactly what you need.

Speaking of efficiency, let’s talk about its performance. The thin bezels and compact chassis provide sufficient sturdiness, and assembling the stand is as simple as it gets. It offers a decent range of adjustments and decent cable management, albeit basic.

As for ports, they’re conveniently out of sight on the back, supporting a well-planned setup. And in front? A 27-inch screen that supports deeper blacks thanks to IPS LCD Black technology, a step up from typical IPS panels.

While it doesn’t reach OLED levels of vibrancy, it’s a robust display nonetheless. The colors are spot on with remarkable accuracy for its productivity orientation, and it even includes a built-in color calibration tool.

Dell boasts about the 5-Star TÜV Rheinland EyeComfort rating, which means it’s comfortable to look at for prolonged periods without the stress of noticeable backlight bleed.

As for brightness and contrast, you’ll find it more than respectable for an IPS panel. While it doesn’t quite reach OLED levels, blacks delivered are impressive, and the backlight consistency helps a lot. At maximum brightness, it hovers around the promised 450 nits, although, teach goes beyond, especially with HDR activated. It handles HDR content decently, without particularly wow-ing you.

Talking about connectivity features, the Thunderbolt 4 hub is quite exceptional. This monitor supports an array of USB ports, including five USB Type-A ports, three USB Type-C ports, Ethernet, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. KVM functionalities with PiP and PbP allows multiple devices to exploit these connections effectively.

I’ve hooked up numerous devices like a 4K webcam, a high-quality microphone, an RGB keyboard, and more with room to spare, which is exceptional compared to most monitors. The power setup is simplified, too, with an internal power supply, so you’re only dealing with a single cable to the outlet.

However, no review is complete without a mention of its downsides, even if they’re minor. I would’ve liked more brightness from this display. Plus, the cables included are rather short, which can somewhat complicate setup. Also, the On-Screen Display (OSD) feels a bit awkward to navigate, and the Dell Display and Peripheral Manager software leaves much to be desired.

This delightful combination of fantastic image quality, comfort, and thoughtful features makes this monitor an excellent centerpiece for any setup. It’s not the top dog in raw performance, but it’s so well-rounded that it’s hard to imagine parting with it. If you’re looking for a monitor that serves as the central hub of your tech lineup, this one might be it.