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I managed to get Dell to drop $40 off the current eBay price for this popular monitor.
Don’t forget to use discounted eBay gift cards for further savings.
Dell 27 4K UHD Monitor - S2721QS 4K 3840x 2160 $289 Delivered @ Dell eBay
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Hey what would be the difference between this and the USB-C one? Thanks in advance!
This one is 4K and USB-C one is only QHD however with S2722DC you can charge your phone or laptop through the USB-C cable connected to the monitor, so less clutter on your desk. Check the tech specs on the listing and you'll see what I mean.
Awesome, thanks for the explanation!
USB-C for image and power delivery.
This one has display port and 4K. S2722DC is 2K and USB-C (no display port). Since it is 2K, it is USB-C/alt-mode DP 1.2 (so you don't need to tackle the USB-C/alt-mode DP 1.4 vs 1.2 issue if you have multiple USB-C devices and at 4K).
The main advantage of an USB-C monitor is that if you have a laptop that supports USB-C (with alt-mode) and 60W is enough, you can use it with just 1 cable to power it up and it also helps if your laptop only has USB-C ports (coz. there are USB-A ports on the monitor). So, it could feel less like a dongle book.
If you don't care about DisplayPort (and at 2K, it probably isn't a big deal), it might be technically possible to use HDMI while use the USB-C as a USB hub (to be confirmed). Most of the S class cost effective gaming monitors generally don't come with a USB hub, the only exception is the DGF models and these USB-C ones.
Newbie question. Does it matter to have display port since the monitor has 2 HDMI ports? I am after the USB C one simply for less clutter setup on my WFH desk. Assuming if my laptop does not have USB C I can always plug it in to HDMI port, am I correct?
@issachar: Not at 2K. At 4K, it is more complicated. Technically, HDMI 2.0a isn't capable of 4K + HDR + Chroma 4:4:4. However, 27 inch 4K, realistically, are you really going to be able to differentiate 4K HDR 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2?
Would have been nice if Dell were to include a DisplayPort, but they don't want to make these USB-C monitors too good as that could hamper sales on their Ultrasharp USB-C monitors.
@netsurfer: Ah, thanks for the explanation. I am only using my laptop for general office work so no need for 4K. I hope I am not wrong but my understanding is that I can use one USB C upstream port for image display and charge the laptop at the same time so long the laptop supports?
@issachar: Yes, but if it is a PC laptop, please ensure it does support display over USB-C. Basically, if you already have a dongle with HDMI and that works via the USB-C port, then it should be good.
The advantages of a USB-C monitor over dongle is that it feels more like 1 cable, rather than 1 cable with a dongle. Also, USB-C monitors quote the power they can feed to the laptop whereas most dongles cheat and quote input power it supports, but doesn't tell you the actual output you get via the passthrough. We generally assume a perfect passthrough, but that's not the case, there is no such thing as perfect passthrough on dongle (how can it send 100% of the power to the laptop, while supporting USB-A ports, card reader, etc…).
realistically, are you really going to be able to differentiate 4K HDR 4:4:4 vs 4:2:2?
Have you seen text in 4:2:2 mode? I guess not …
Have you seen text in 4:2:2 mode? I guess not …
I have, but we are talking at 100% no scaling. How often do you use a 27 inch 4K display at 1:1 mode? As soon as you using scaling, you won't see it. Also, it's not that you cannot understand the text anymore. This monitor has DisplayPort so if that's such a big issue use it. It only becomes quite messy with USB-C/Alt-mode and dongles or cables supporting DisplayPort can cause issues (wake up from sleep) on Macs.
Also, do you use HDR mode when doing work which requires text reading? If you use SDR mode, it is still 4:4:4. If you are rich enough to get M1 Pro or M1 Max, surely you can afford better monitors.
What about a PS5 connected via HDMI to this monitor? Does it achieve 4K? It's all a bit confusing.
@JTTheMan: Yes, XBox Series X and PS5 can both run at 4K/60Hz HDR using this monitor. However, as I mentioned, the HDR on this monitor is fake HDR.
Note: By default, this monitor has HDR turned OFF (to save power), you need to turn it on otherwise you won't get HDR in Windows, Mac, PS4 or XBox Series X.
For PS5, the default setting is all good. For Series X, it may default to a setting that's too conservative. Since you are asking PS5, I won't go through the Series X bits.
In case some people want to whinge about HDR chroma 4:4:4 4K, for PS5, that requires HDMI 2.1, but frankly, if you want to get an HDMI 2.1 monitor, you would go for 4K/120Hz ones. If you have no idea what chorma sub-sampling 4:4:4 is about, don't worry, at 4K / 27 inch, it won't affect you that much. This monitor at this price is one of the cheapest way to get 4K/60Hz, but do have a realistic expectation.
S2722DC is $329 using the same code.
Dealbot managed to get the 4K lowered to $289
Any thoughts on how the S2722DC would work with a Mac? I only read one review that suggests text may not be that crisp, and that it could be due to macOS.. not sure though?
don't buy the 2k dc, buy the 4k qc, i had to return the 2k. texts on the 4k are sharper
Thank you! Purchased the S2722QC for $369
Any issues with M1 Macs that you're aware of? I've read on OzB that Dell 'don't support' MacBooks which is bizarre.
@passwordistaco: I had proplems with the s2721qs with my MacBook air m1. Returned 4 of them. I have a s2722qc now and saw slight flickering twice in the last 3 weeks.
@tienanbich: that’s disappointing… hopefully there’s a software update that solves this. Do you know what causes it?
@passwordistaco: not sure what causes it, but the problem I had with the s2721qs might not be related to m1 macs as i tried it with ipad pro and a samsung windows tab and the flickering were still there, hence switched to s2722qc. The flickering on s2722qc was not as bad as on 2721 and didn't last long, but there's another problem with the s2722qc, and dc which is high pitch noise when the the monitor is on without any connected computers, some one posted a question on the forum here and i had the same issue
Do you need a special USB-C cable to do power delivery + video signal… or will any USBC to USBC cable work?
Yeah USB-C would be great
Any further discounts on the 32" models.
Easy to do your own search https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Dell-32-Curved-4K-UHD-S3221QS-Mo…
(or to get some sucker to do it for you :-)
That's the current discount, they are asking if there are any further discounts.
Cheers. I got two for work earlier this year for $400. Hoping for that discount again.
Is this better than the s2721dgf?
Higher resolution but lower refresh rate. I tried playing csgo on this one and doesnt feel as smooth
This one is 4k 60 Hz, DGF one is 2k 144Hz so difference purpose. QS for general using except gaming, DGF if you're gaming (can't think any reason for high refresh rate besides gaming).
Monitor 27" resolution which is better viewing 4K or QHD? I understand 4K has more pixels but does QHD provide better viewing at that size?
You end up scaling at 4K on a 27-28". So it kind of kills the point of having a 4K. But 4K videos and gaming look nice.
So then this one over the 2721DS then if they were the same price?
Definitely this one, even if QS is 20-30$ more expensive.
If you are looking to game, even high end cards can find 4K a challenge.
QHD gives better performance while having an increased resolution over FHD (1080p).
@Xenocaust: Only occasionally game. Moreso wondered if it's better value for money and won't have to upgrade the monitor for longer. Thanks for the response!
Scaling does not kill the point of 4K. Everything is sharper at 4K regardless of scaling, especially text, which would be one of the main reasons to get a 4K at this size over a 1440p.
Bought and sold this last year cause 4k on 27" is not useable imo.
You will most likely use display scaling. So the actual workspace size, after display scaling is the same as 2K. You do get a bit of 'retina' display effect. Most Windows app support display scaling, at least the common ones do. The monitor only comes with an HDMI cable. Some el cheapo HDMI cables don't work well with this monitor as 4K with HDR (this monitor has honestly fake HDR) needs HDMI 2.0 cable.
Never ceases to amaze me how people don’t understand how hiDPI displays work, despite every tablet and phone doing this for years (not you, the person you replied to)
It's not quite the same. Tablet apps generally would support display scaling. However, there are still apps which don't scale for tablets properly.
Windows display scaling isn't perfect (for legacy apps). Also, the HDR setup for Windows currently is a bit annoying.
I love my 4k 27" monitor. Yes you have to upscale, but that's fine. Everything is so crisp (except for the occasional menu in software that doesn't upscale properly). It's like when iphone first went to retina display, and the old displays looked so pixelated after that. That's how I feel looking at my work monitor which is 24" FHD.
I feel like the black levels and contrast aren't as good?
Personally I prefer QHD on a 27. things can run at 100% without scaling. This then plays much better with software that hasn't been designed for HiDPI screens. Also if you are mixing and match monitors with varying resolutions requiring windows to juggle different scaling settings this also introduces annoyances with programs misbehaving across screens. How much this affects you would largely depend on what software you are using.
I ended up on scaling down to QHD. 4k - everything is too small for me.
However due to tiny pixels size, everything is super sharp compared to QHD 27" monitor, which is really nice.
Co-sign on USB-C (but 4K).
You are aware of the USB-C difference for S2722DC right? DisplayPort 1.2 mode, I guess for 2K, you don't need DisplayPort 1.4 mode.
I was thinking S2722QC
You have a laptop that supports DisplayPort 1.4 via alt-mode? Intel 11th gen laptop with USB-C/alt-mode, Macbook Pro 2018 or later 15 inch?
If you have 2019 Macbook Pro 13 inch or earlier, Android phones (even flagships), you are looking at DP 1.2. The monitor does support DP 1.2, but USB ports are USB 2.0 in that mode.
@netsurfer: No I have DisplayPort 1.2. What's the downside? I just wanted to connect my work laptop to the monitor and get power delivery with one cable.
@beltdrive: Ah… so you will have the same frustration I have. USB-C/alt-mode DP 1.2 on S2722QC, USB ports are USB 2.0 only. It's a bigger mess if you have both type of devices. That Dell monitor warns you to drop back down to DP 1.2 (prioritise for resolution), but once done, if you connect a device that supports DP 1.4, it doesn't prompt you to switch back to DP 1.4 (prioritise for data) mode.
It's mostly an Intel issue. Thunderbolt doesn't help if you have Macbook Pro 13 inch 2019 or earlier. The issue is the GPU Intel embedded to the CPU. If you opted for DP 1.4 (prioritise for data) mode, you get USB 3.0, but 4K/30Hz max.
USB-C isn't as great as people think, especially at high resolution. This mess will continue in USB4 and Thunderbolt 4. We are seeing current ones supporting DP 1.4, but looking forward, DP 2.0 is on its way and if we do transition to 8K, this mess will repeat once again.
@netsurfer: Ah ok, thanks for the explanation. I don't use any USB 3.0 products currently, but that's good to know.
@netsurfer: Are you sure it's the "QC" model, the website says USB is 3.2 https://www.dell.com/en-au/shop/dell-27-4k-uhd-usb-c-monitor…
@alteclan: USB 3.2 gen 1 = USB 3.1 gen 1 = USB 3.0
Don't miss out the gen 1 part. The naming convention is confusing. The best way to interpret it is always be cynical and assume it is the worst.
However, if you have a laptop which only supports USB-C/alt-mode DP 1.2, then when using QC, you HAVE TO use prioritise resolution (which is basically a nicer way of saying fallback to USB-/alt-mode DP 1.2) in order to achieve 4K/60Hz. Unfortunately, at that mode, it needs to take the entire data pipe just for display, leaving only the USB 2.0 backward compatible pins for the data hub.
Trust me, I have multiple USB-C devices with some only support DP 1.2 and DP 1.4 and I have S2722QC, it is a mess. USB-C isn't as good as you think unless you only have 2020 or 2021 laptops.
By the way, I've been having some annoying issues with this monitor. I'm about to receive my second replacement after receiving this monitor in early October. The issue I face (I'm guessing) is that certain colours or amounts of colour trigger a flickering of the monitor. In particular lichess.org will cause this occasionally and it won't stop unless I close the website or resize it for some reason. If I push through and leave the site open long enough the flickering will continue on the monitor no matter what is displayed. Ive figured out I can get around this by resizing the window, however until I worked this out it was really annoying and would persist even if I unplugged the laptop, unplugged the monitor, and even reset the monitor. Also sometimes after the flickering, the laptop display gets burned into the monitor so when I disconnect the laptop the monitor still shows some of the display on the standby screen.
This screen is the business. Have said it before, I sit quite close and the 4K is the chefs kiss. Also paid $299 and thought I was ahead 😭
the business + chefs kiss = I'm sold
I was in two minds, but chef's kiss put me over the edge.
ebay says OOS
Deal starts at 3pm AEDT
How is 4k on 27inch for office work( lot of text/reading/coding). Reason I ask is when I jumped from 24 FHD to 27th QHD - I felt the text was very small - but eventually got used to it Hence wondering how much further I need to squint in 4k?
At 100%, it is really not usable, unless you have perfect eye sight. You will most likely use display scaling and it will look like QHD. However, texts will look smoother. Only down side is some of the really old apps do not support display scaling and can look a bit funny. You may be able to adjust them via OS based display scaling support for older apps, but that doesn't always work well.
Thanks @netsurfer -guess I ll stick with the 27QHD or perhaps 32 4k
Idk my take is that text-heavy workloads is where the advantages of scaling really manifest themselves. You get significantly more pixels for each letter, which makes it much sharper and easier on the eyes. I have a 1080p monitor and a hidpi laptop running at 200% scaling, and the difference is night and day.
@snep: Yes and no. At first, it feel like a big difference. After a while, given that you generally read a whole chuck of texts, it becomes less important.
Also, 1080p vs 4K, it is more noticeable compared to 2K vs 4K. Sure, texts is one area where you notice the resolution benefit, but other than that, for video or gaming, on 27 inch, it's less noticeable. Another thing is that 1080p to 4K scaling is 400% whereas with 2K to 4K scaling, people may use 125% or 150%, it isn't exactly a very even scale so at certain situation, the scaling will need to make a slight compromise. Still look nice, but it's not a very even scaling if you really nitpick.
texts is one area where you notice the resolution benefit, but other than that, for video or gaming, on 27 inch, it's less noticeable.
I agree, but OP was asking about "office work( lot of text/reading/coding)" specifically, so I don't think the latter is that relevant.
Not sure I'd agree that the difference gets less noticeable over time. Obviously you can adapt to either, but after 2 years the difference is still pretty plain to me.
And for reference the 1080p monitor i have is 21 inch, so about the same ppi as a 27 inch 1440p from memory.
Anyway i could see it coming down to personal preference to an extent.
@snep: Your example is slightly different. Basically, you are comparing 21 inch full HD (1080p) vs 27 inch 4K (@ 200%)? If it is 4K@200% scaling, that translates to 1080p equivalent. Of course, if you are effectively seeing 1080p equivalent on a 27 inch, there is noticeable difference.
You will notice difference with 4K scaled to 2K too, especially for texts.
Let's go back to OP's original comment:
Reason I ask is when I jumped from 24 FHD to 27th QHD - I felt the text was very small
If OP found 27 inch 2K texts small, are you certain 4K/27 inch with 150% display scaling (the texts will look the same size as 2K) will completely eliminate the problem? Sure, if OP opted to go 200% (1080p equivalent), that won't be an issue. However, as good as display scaling is, I am not sure that alone is okay to make small texts extra clear so it becomes a non issue.
Sure, if OP opted to go 200% (1080p equivalent), that won't be an issue. However, as good as display scaling is, I am not sure that alone is okay to make small texts extra clear so it becomes a non issue.
Well 200% scaling at 27/4k would both:
- make the text physically larger on the screen, and
- make the text sharper (more pixels allocated per letter),
compared to native 27/2k. So actually I am sure that would be an improvement in clarity for small text.
My overall point is that a higher resolution display, scaled to a similar on-screen size as a lower resolution one, will have higher pixel density and thus clearer text rendering (since text doesn't have the same scaling issues of some older apps).
That's all. I don't think that's controversial, it's just a fact.
Like I said, the specifics of exactly how much scaling is used is a matter of personal preference. If things are too small, just bump up the scaling by another 25%. Not an issue.
@snep: That's not a fair comparison though.
27/4K with 200% scaling means 1080p like.
If you want to compare to 27/2K, then you also need to allow the 2K monitor to scale, and when display scaling is used, the 2K can also offer a little bit of retina effect.
My main issue with your point is that, you are saying 4K scaled to 1080p has really smooth text (and large text). However, you want to compare that with 2K @ 100% (no scaling).
Are you absolutely positive that having 2K scaled to 1080p (via display scaling) will offer no benefit at all to make text look larger? You only have 2 monitors to compared. I have lots of monitors to compare (work has heaps of monitor). Also, as I purchase IT gears for family members and relatives, I have access to all 3 types of 27 inch displays (1080p, 2K, and 4K). If you really want to compare, try to make the comparison fairer.
If you want to compare to 27/2K, then you also need to allow the 2K monitor to scale, and when display scaling is used, the 2K can also offer a little bit of retina effect.
Sure, it can. But even then, the 27/4k screen will still be sharper — give more "retina effect", in your words. There are simply more pixels available to render the image.
That's all I was saying above:
My overall point is that a higher resolution display, scaled to a similar on-screen size as a lower resolution one, will have higher pixel density and thus clearer text rendering…
Anyway, I think we've reached that stage in internet discussions where neither of us are actually disagreeing with the other's main point, just inventing more and more hypotheticals to misunderstand each other. So lets just quit while we're ahead ;)
Thanks man. Any recommendations for a 32" monitor for office use only. Occasionally I watch basketball on my lunch break and that's about it.
This just isn't true. Without scaling it's fine (obviously this is subjective on eye sight) but the blanket statement that it's "not usable" is false. I use this monitor at standard 4k without scaling and its brilliant. I got this for a standing desk to have a monitor arm, and use it for PS5 too (noting it won't let you use 120hz which some games can do, but not all). For the pricepoint and text clarity, plus real estate for editing and spreadsheets, I recommend.
yes the blanket statement won't apply to everyone but it does hold true for majority of the population. 4K @ 27" is just simply not that useful. its all eyesight dependent yes but no doubt you will strain less with a bit of scaling than without.
i also disagree that 4K with scaling is same as QHD, it doesn't quite sit at the same real estate and if you step up to only say 125% you will gain significant real estate over a standard QHD monitor without all the eyestrain associated with 100% scaling
EDIT: for reference i use 125% on 27" 4K and 125% on 15" 4K
I have covered your point, but you elect to chop off part of my comment and reply to a portion of it.
At 100%, it is really not usable, unless you have perfect eye sight.
So, either you have really good eye sight or your glasses are well tuned. Think about it, why both Microsoft AND Apple would default to scaling mode for 27 inch 4K displays?
I have perfect eyesight and even for me it's not usable
Agreed, I have a 4k 32" and QHD 27". The 27 runs happily at 100% scaling (I prefer this screen to the 32"). The 4k 32" still runs at 150% scaling which is what windows recommends (if you had great eyesight you could prob bump down to 125%).
4K is VA panel. Not sure if your QHD is IPS. I find IPS a image softer and more comfortable. (I went from 2x 22" IPS FHD Philips to 32" 4K Dell VA)
I have a 3 x27 inch setup. To my left is the 2721ds, middle is an older ultrasharp 27inch and the far right is my 2721qs.
I need to switch the QS to the middle. It doesn't fully work with the 27inch 4k monitor on the right. I have to crane my head and squint presently when I am lot at text on the far right edges of that screen.
I don't use display scaling but I like having the ability to read 2-3 pages across each document at a time. If I'm working in a huge spreadsheet I can also see more of the data and I like that.
A silly first world problem for sure..
Lack of USB-C kills this deal for me
I have this monitor for my home office use. Text is sharp and brightness is good. I do not recommend any resolution below 4k for a 27 inch monitor. Yes, you need to scale up text but that does not kill the point of having this monitor. You scale up and you get crisp letters on screen (much better than common 1080p 24 inch monitors).
Can't comment on gaming use though.Any deal on 1080p 27inch monitor?
Amazing monitor, incredible for office work and this is an unbelievable price. Great stand and speakers too.
Hey dealbot, awesome work on the specials so far. Is there any chance of any further discounts on the AW2721D?
Anything bigger?
I missed the sweet $1299 deal because I don't get messenger notificationzThis, or the LG 34LW500 for $299 at Aldi for office and photo/video editing applications?
No review on rtings.com to compare.4k run circles around FullHD. It's amazingly sharp and if 4k is too small for you, you can always scale down (while keeping everything super sharp).
Perfect timing! I need another one of these monitors for mid-December and was hoping for a deal like this to come about.
These monitors are fantastic for office/drafting work. Retina style clarity for reading/editing text, and nice crisp details and lineweights for CAD. Along with a quality keyboard and mouse, these will do more for your productivity than any 47 core wunder-cpu. Human touchpoints > computer internals.
For those that are worried about scaling, don't be. That concern was 5 years ago, not today. Run it at 150% or 175% in Windows 10 and enjoy.
Cheers for the helpful review. Are you in architecture or engineering or something similar?
Thanks OP. That is exactly what I have been waiting for.
Dirt cheap, paid $589 for 34 inch now this is more than halve priced for 27"
However 27" is too small for 4k
My desktop has an HDMI port that supports 4096x2160 and a DVI-D port that supports 1920x1200. Would it be possible to connect two of these monitors for a dual 4K setup? Would I need an extra graphics card?
It depends on the current graphic card on your desktop. It may have multiple output port but the card can only support multiple low resolution outputs. It same as lots of old computers do not support 4K 60Hz HDMI output. My late 2013 MBP can only do 30Hz output through HDMI port on this monitor.
I only have integrated graphics.
I ended up getting one of these for $119 to drive the second monitor: Asus GeForce GT 1030 2GB GDDR5
Just a heads up, built in stand is non-adjustable.
You will either need a desktop monitor arm or some sort of riser to adjust screen height/ angle etc.
Hey Dealbot..Any chance to negotiate for the USB C one? Thanks!
Dell 27 USB-C Monitor - S2722DC QHD 2560 x 1440 at 75 Hz HDMI, USB-C https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/324891150283