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Dell S2721QS Monitor Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Nov 23, 2020 at 10:25 am
Latest change: Retest Dec 08, 2023 at 11:13 am
Dell S2721QS Picture
7.7
Mixed Usage
8.6
Office
7.1
Gaming
7.6
Media Consumption
8.3
Media Creation
6.4
HDR

The Dell S2721QS is a great budget 4k monitor that's suitable for a wide range of uses. It has a large screen with plenty of space for multitasking, and its high pixel density results in sharp images and text. The stand allows for a good amount of ergonomic adjustments, and its IPS panel has wide viewing angles, so you can easily share your screen with colleagues. It has a fast response time, low input lag, and supports variable refresh rate (VRR) technology to reduce screen tearing when gaming. The refresh rate is limited to 60hz, but it shouldn't be an issue for most people as gaming in 4k is still quite demanding. Like most IPS panel monitors, the contrast ratio is mediocre, which results in blacks looking grayish in the dark. Additionally, while it gets bright enough to fight glare, it isn't enough to deliver a satisfying HDR experience.

Our Verdict

7.7 Mixed Usage

The Dell S2721QS is a great monitor overall. It has a large screen with a 4k resolution, good ergonomics, and wide viewing angles, making it a great choice for nearly any office environment. It has low input lag, a fast response time, and VRR support to provide a good gaming experience. It has full coverage of the sRGB color space, but its color accuracy is just okay out-of-the-box. The contrast ratio is low and there's some backlight bleed, so it isn't ideal for dark rooms.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
8.6 Office

The Dell S2721QS is great for office use. Its good ergonomics allow you to adjust the screen to your optimal viewing position, and you can easily share your work with colleagues thanks to its wide viewing angles. It handles reflections well and gets bright enough to overcome glare. It has a large screen that provides enough space to have multiple windows opened side-by-side, and a high resolution that results in fantastic text clarity. The contrast ratio is mediocre and there's some backlight bleed, so it isn't the best option if you work in a dark room.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
  • Fantastic text clarity.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
7.1 Gaming

The Dell S2721QS is good for gaming. It has a large screen with a 4k resolution, making it a great choice for playing atmospheric games like RPGs. In addition to its low input lag and fast response time, it has FreeSync support and G-SYNC compatibility to reduce screen tearing. The refresh rate is limited to 60Hz, but it should be okay for most casual gamers. It isn't the best option for gaming in the dark, though, as it has a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look gray.

Pros
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Good response time.
  • VRR support.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
  • No Black Frame Insertion.
7.6 Media Consumption

The Dell S2721QS is great for media consumption. It has a 4k resolution and a large screen to provide an immersive viewing experience. It has wide viewing angles and good ergonomics, making it easier to share content on your screen with others. Unfortunately, it isn't ideal for dark rooms, as its mediocre contrast ratio makes blacks look gray.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
8.3 Media Creation

The Dell S2721QS is great for content creation. It has a large screen and high resolution, allowing you to see fine details clearly. It has full sRGB coverage and good coverage of the Adobe RGB color space. It has a low contrast ratio that makes blacks look grayish, and there's some backlight bleed, although uniformity can vary between units. It has good ergonomics and wide viewing angles, great for sharing your work with clients and coworkers.

Pros
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
  • Fantastic text clarity.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
6.4 HDR

The Dell S2721QS is mediocre for HDR. Blacks look gray in the dark due to the low contrast ratio, and it doesn't have a local dimming feature to further improve it. It also has low HDR peak brightness, meaning highlights don't pop. It displays a wide range of colors in HDR, but its color gamut is still only decent.

Pros
  • Good ergonomics.
  • Large screen and high resolution.
Cons
  • Mediocre contrast ratio.
  • Doesn't get bright enough in HDR.
  • No local dimming.
  • 7.7 Mixed Usage
  • 8.6 Office
  • 7.1 Gaming
  • 7.6 Media Consumption
  • 8.3 Media Creation
  • 6.4 HDR
  1. Updated Dec 08, 2023: Changed the Text Clarity score to 9.0 to better reflect other monitors that we've tested.
  2. Updated Apr 14, 2023: Confirmed that 1440p works on this monitor with the PS5.
  3. Updated Mar 22, 2023: Clarified text throughout as part of Test Bench 1.2, including adding text to the Console Compatibility boxes.
  4. Updated Feb 22, 2023: Retested the monitor's macOS Compatibility with a MacBook using macOS Ventura 13 and noticed that it performs the same as with macOS Monterey 12.
  5. Updated May 02, 2022: We tested the monitor with the PS5's new variable refresh rate feature and confirmed that it's not compatible, since the PS5 only supports HDMI Forum VRR.
  6. Updated Apr 08, 2022: Updated to Test Bench 1.2, resulting in changes to the results and scores with the Response Time and Input Lag. Added tests for Console Compatibility and macOS compatibility and made minor changes to other tests, which you can see in our Changelog.
  7. Updated Dec 17, 2021: We remeasured the depth of the stand.
  8. Updated Dec 08, 2020: We've retested the horizontal viewing angle.
  9. Updated Nov 23, 2020: Review published.
  10. Updated Nov 18, 2020: Early access published.
  11. Updated Nov 13, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  12. Updated Nov 04, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  13. Updated Oct 27, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 27 inch Dell S2721QS. We have also tested its bigger sibling, the Dell S3221QS; however, it has a curved VA panel and different performance. There are many monitors in Dell's S Series lineup with various configurations, some of which you can see in the table below.

Model Size Panel Type Resolution Refresh Rate
S2721QS 27" IPS 3840 x 2160 60Hz
S3221QS 32" VA 3840 x 2160 60Hz
S2721D 27" IPS 2560 x 1440 75Hz
S2721H 27" IPS 1920 x 1080 75Hz

If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Dell S2721QS doesn't correspond to our review, let us know, and we'll update the review. Note that some tests, such as gray uniformity, may vary between individual units.

Our unit of the Dell S2721QS was manufactured in July 2020; you can see the label here.

Compared To Other Monitors

The Dell S2721QS is a great budget-friendly monitor that's suitable for work, media consumption, and gaming. However, it has a mediocre contrast ratio and doesn't get bright enough for HDR. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best 4k monitors, the best office monitors, and the best budget monitors.

Dell S2722QC

The Dell S2722QC is an updated version of the Dell S2721QS with many of the same features, but there are a few differences. They're built the same and have similar picture quality with an IPS panel with wide viewing angles and a 4k resolution. However, the main differences are with the inputs: while the S2722QC has a USB-C input and two USB 3.0 inputs, the S2721QS has a DisplayPort input, which the S2722QC doesn't have. The S2722QC has a slightly quicker response time, but other than that, both monitors are similar.

Dell UltraSharp U2720Q

The Dell S2721QS is a bit better than the Dell UltraSharp U2720Q for most uses. The S2721QS has higher peak brightness and better reflection handling, and it supports variable refresh rate technology to reduce screen tearing when gaming. However, the U2720Q has better ergonomics and more connectivity options, including a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode.

Dell U2723QE

The Dell U2723QE and the Dell S2721QS are both 4k office monitors, but the U2723QE has a few more features. It has a massive USB hub that the S2721QS lacks, and it has a KVM switch so you can control two sources with the same keyboard and mouse. The U2723QE also displays a wider range of colors in SDR and HDR with better accuracy, and it has an improved contrast ratio. Both get bright in SDR, but the S2721QS is better in bright rooms because it has improved reflection handling.

Dell S3221QS

Overall, the Dell S2721QS is much better than the Dell S3221QS. Although they look similar, the S2721 has wider viewing angles, significantly better ergonomics, and gets brighter in SDR mode. However, the S3221QS' VA panel has a higher contrast ratio and is better suited for dark rooms, and its larger screen size provides more space for multitasking.

LG 27UK650-W

Overall, the Dell S2721QS is a bit better than the LG 27UK650-W. The Dell has better ergonomics, wider viewing angles, and better reflection handling. On the other hand, the LG has better out-of-the-box color accuracy and a faster response time.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV

The Dell S2721QS and the ASUS ProArt Display are both great 27 inch office monitors. The Dell has a 4k resolution, whereas the ASUS is 1440p; however, the difference might not be very noticeable at typical viewing distances. Feature-wise, the Dell has a Picture-in-Picture mode, but the ASUS has USB ports, including a USB-C that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and 65W charging.

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and the Dell S2721QS are both great productivity monitors. The main difference is that the ASUS has a 1440p resolution, while the Dell is 4k. The ASUS has USB ports, and its faster 75Hz refresh rate provides a slightly more responsive desktop experience. On the other hand, the Dell has a Picture-in-Picture mode and supports HDR.

Dell S2721DGF

Overall, the Dell S2721QS is marginally better than the Dell S2721DGF; however, they're intended for different uses. The S2721QS is a 4k monitor with a basic 60Hz panel while the S2721DGF is a gaming monitor with a 1440p resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate. The S2721QS delivers sharper text and has better color accuracy out of the box. The S2721DGF has better ergonomics, faster response time, and lower input lag.

Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0)

The Dell S2721QS and the Gigabyte M27Q (rev. 1.0) are very different monitors. The Dell is a 4k productivity monitor with a 60Hz refresh rate, while the Gigabyte is a 1440p gaming monitor with a 170Hz refresh rate. If you only need it for work, the Dell is better because it delivers much sharper text due to its higher pixel density, and also because the Gigabyte has a BGR subpixel layout that may cause blurry text in some applications. However, the Gigabyte feels more responsive, and it offers more features, like a USB-C input.

BenQ EL2870U

The Dell S2721QS is much better than the BenQ EL2870U. The Dell has much better ergonomics, higher peak brightness, and its IPS panel has wider viewing angles. It also has a better contrast ratio and can display a wide color gamut for HDR content. On the flip side, the BenQ has better color accuracy out of the box.

Lenovo ThinkVision M14

The Dell S2721QS and the Lenovo ThinkVision M14 are both office monitors meant for different uses. While the Lenovo is a portable monitor with a 14 inch screen and 1080p resolution, the Dell is a stationary model with a 27 inch, 4k screen. Despite the differences in size and resolution, they have similar pixel density, so text looks sharp on each. The Dell is more versatile because it gets brighter, has better reflection handling, and supports HDR, but the Lenovo is to be used on the go anyways.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Curved
No
Curve Radius
Not Curved

The Dell S2721QS has a simple design and looks almost identical to its bigger sibling, the Dell S3221QS, but with a flat, non-curved screen. It has thin borders that aren't distracting, making it a good option for multi-monitor setups. It doesn't stand out in any way and should fit easily into most settings.

Design
Accelerated Longevity Test
Uniformity Pictures N/A
7.5
Design
Build Quality

The Dell S2721QS' build quality is good, very similar to the Dell S3221QS. The display is made entirely of good quality plastic. There are no loose parts, and the back doesn't flex much. The stand is a mix of metal and plastic, and it supports the monitor well. The quick-release feature works well and doesn't feel cheap.

8.4
Design
Ergonomics
Height Adjustment
4.3" (11.0 cm)
Tilt Range
-20° to 2.5°
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Swivel Range
-30° to 30°
Wall Mount
VESA 100x100

Good ergonomics. It allows for all manner of adjustments so that you can place the screen at your ideal viewing position. The back is plain and made of textured plastic. There's a cutout on the stand for cable management and a quick-release feature to remove the stand if you want to VESA-mount it.

Design
Stand
Base Width
10.2" (25.9 cm)
Base Depth
6.9" (17.6 cm)
Thickness (With Display)
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Weight (With Display)
13.9 lbs (6.3 kg)

Update 12/17/2021: There was a mistake in the depth of the stand. We've updated it to the correct depth.

The stand is a mix of metal and plastic. It doesn't take up too much space, and the flat base lets you put things on it. It feels stable and doesn't wobble much.

Design
Display
Size
27"
Housing Width
24.1" (61.2 cm)
Housing Height
14.3" (36.3 cm)
Thickness (Without Stand)
2.0" (5.2 cm)
Weight (Without Stand)
10.6 lbs (4.8 kg)
Borders Size (Bezels)
0.3" (0.7 cm)
Design
Controls

You can find the controls on the right underside of the screen. There are five buttons, and they allow you to power the monitor On/Off and navigate the on-screen menu.

Design
In The Box
Power Supply
Internal

  • User guide
  • Power cord
  • HDMI cable

Picture Quality
6.3
Picture Quality
Contrast
Native Contrast
1,221 : 1
Contrast With Local Dimming
N/A

The Dell S2721QS has a mediocre contrast ratio; however, it's better than most IPS panels and close to the advertised 1300:1 contrast. That said, blacks still look gray in the dark.

0
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
Edge

The Dell S2721QS doesn't have a local dimming feature. The video above is provided for reference only.

8.0
Picture Quality
SDR Brightness
Real Scene
362 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
369 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
370 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
371 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
373 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
374 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
368 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
369 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
371 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
372 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
373 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.001
Minimum Brightness
32 cd/m²

The Dell S2721QS' SDR peak brightness is great. It's consistent across different content and bright enough to overcome intense glare, so you shouldn't have any visibility issues in well-lit rooms.

We measured the SDR peak brightness after calibration in the 'Custom Color' Picture Mode with Brightness set to max.

6.6
Picture Quality
HDR Brightness
VESA DisplayHDR Certification
No Certification
Real Scene
370 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
387 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
386 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
386 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
385 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
385 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
386 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
386 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
385 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
385 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
384 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.000

The HDR peak brightness is okay. It's again very consistent when displaying different scenes, but it isn't bright enough to deliver a good HDR experience.

We measured the HDR peak brightness using the 'Desktop' Picture Mode in the Smart HDR settings menu.

8.1
Picture Quality
Horizontal Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Left
40°
Color Washout From Right
44°
Color Shift From Left
58°
Color Shift From Right
62°
Brightness Loss From Left
44°
Brightness Loss From Right
48°
Black Level Raise From Left
70°
Black Level Raise From Right
70°
Gamma Shift From Left
42°
Gamma Shift From Right
44°

Update 12/08/2020: We've retested the horizontal viewing angle, as some users have reported that the edge of the screen seems blurrier than the rest when viewed at an angle. This is normal for most monitors since that area is behind the border, but it's a bit more noticeable on this monitor. The score hasn't changed.

The Dell S2721QS has great horizontal viewing angles. Images remain accurate when viewed from the side, good for sharing content on your screen with coworkers and clients.

8.3
Picture Quality
Vertical Viewing Angle
Color Washout From Below
35°
Color Washout From Above
37°
Color Shift From Below
61°
Color Shift From Above
62°
Brightness Loss From Below
38°
Brightness Loss From Above
38°
Black Level Raise From Below
70°
Black Level Raise From Above
70°
Gamma Shift From Below
60°
Gamma Shift From Above
67°

Great vertical viewing angles. You shouldn't lose any image accuracy unless you mount the monitor far above eye level.

7.8
Picture Quality
Gray Uniformity
50% Std. Dev.
4.171%
50% DSE
0.142%

Gray uniformity on our Dell S2721QS is great; however, this can vary between units. The edges are visibly darker, but dirty screen effect is minimal.

7.1
Picture Quality
Black Uniformity
Native Std. Dev.
1.208%
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
N/A

Black uniformity is decent, but this can vary between units. The whole screen looks gray/blue, and there's slight backlight bleed along the top and bottom edges. The sides also appear darker than the rest of the screen.

7.0
Picture Quality
Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
Picture Mode
Custom Color
sRGB Gamut Area xy
116.9%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
3.02
Color Temperature (Avg.)
6,926 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.39
Color dE (Avg.)
3.15
Contrast Setting
75
RGB Settings
100-100-100
Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
Brightness Setting
75
Measured Brightness
334 cd/m²
Brightness Locked
No

Out of the box, the Dell S2721QS has okay accuracy. There are visible inaccuracies with most colors and shades of gray. The color temperature is on the cooler side, resulting in a slight blueish tint. Gamma doesn't follow the sRGB curve at all, causing most scenes to appear darker than they should.

9.6
Picture Quality
Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
Picture Mode
Custom Color
sRGB Gamut Area xy
102.5%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
0.59
Color Temperature (Avg.)
6,535 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.17
Color dE (Avg.)
0.57
Contrast Setting
71
RGB Settings
100-97-97
Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
Brightness Setting
20
Measured Brightness
99 cd/m²
ICC Profile
Download

After calibration, accuracy is exceptional. The remaining color inaccuracies shouldn't be visible to the naked eye. The color temperature is almost right on our 6500K target, and white balance is nearly perfect. Gamma is significantly improved, but very dark and very bright scenes are slightly over-brightened.

9.4
Picture Quality
SDR Color Gamut
sRGB Coverage xy
100.0%
sRGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
Adobe RGB Coverage xy
79.7%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Custom Color

The Dell S2721QS has an outstanding SDR color gamut. It has full coverage of the sRGB color space used in most content and very good coverage of the Adobe RGB color space used mostly for photo editing.

9.5
Picture Quality
SDR Color Volume
sRGB In ICtCp
97.9%
sRGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
Adobe RGB In ICtCp
85.1%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Custom Color

Outstanding SDR color volume. It has difficulty displaying dark colors due to its low contrast ratio.

7.2
Picture Quality
HDR Color Gamut
Wide Color Gamut
Yes
DCI-P3 Coverage xy
85.2%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Desktop
Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
61.1%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Desktop

Decent HDR color gamut. It has great coverage of the DCI P3 color space used in most HDR content, but its coverage of the wider Rec. 2020 is mediocre.

7.4
Picture Quality
HDR Color Volume
DCI-P3 In ICtCp
75.5%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Desktop
Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
54.7%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Desktop

The HDR color volume is just okay. It struggles with dark, saturated colors due to its low contrast ratio, and it also has trouble with bright blues, although that's typical for LCDs.

7.8
Picture Quality
Reflections
Screen Finish
Matte
Total Reflections
4.5%
Indirect Reflections
2.5%
Calculated Direct Reflections
2.0%

Good reflection handling. It has a matte anti-reflective coating that reduces the intensity of reflected lights. Combined with the screen's great peak brightness, you shouldn't have any visibility issues in well-lit environments.

9.0
Picture Quality
Text Clarity
Pixel Type
IPS
Subpixel Layout
RGB

The Dell S2721QS has fantastic text clarity due to its high pixel density. Windows ClearType makes the letters look bolder (top photo), but it might not be necessary.

9.8
Picture Quality
Gradient
Color Depth
10 Bit

The Dell S2721QS has superb gradient handling. You shouldn't see any banding in most content.

Motion
6.0
Motion
Refresh Rate
Native Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Max Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP
60 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
60 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
60 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
30 Hz
Motion
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
FreeSync
Yes
G-SYNC
Compatible (Tested)
VRR Maximum
60 Hz
VRR Minimum
40 Hz
VRR Supported Connectors
DisplayPort
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes

The Dell S2721QS supports FreeSync natively to reduce screen tearing when gaming, and it works with G-SYNC as well even though it isn't officially certified by NVIDIA. However, both FreeSync and G-SYNC only work over a DisplayPort connection, not HDMI.

6.6
Motion
Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
8.7 ms
Total Response Time
14.5 ms
Overshoot Error
0.0%
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
11.9 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
21.1 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
0.0%

Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
NormalChartTablePhoto
FastChartTablePhoto
ExtremeChartTablePhoto

The Dell S2721QS has an okay response time at its max refresh rate of 60Hz. There's some blur behind fast-moving objects, but as long as you leave the overdrive setting on 'Normal', you won't see any inverse ghosting.

not tested
Motion
Response Time @ 120Hz
Recommended Overdrive Setting
No 120Hz Refresh Rate
Rise / Fall Time
N/A
Total Response Time
N/A
Overshoot Error
N/A
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
N/A
Worst 3 Total Response Time
N/A
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
N/A

The Dell S2721QS doesn't support a 120Hz signal.

6.6
Motion
Response Time @ 60Hz
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
8.7 ms
Total Response Time
14.5 ms
Overshoot Error
0.0%
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
11.9 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
21.1 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
0.0%

Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
NormalChartTablePhoto
FastChartTablePhoto
ExtremeChartTablePhoto

Since the Dell S2721QS' maximum refresh rate is 60Hz, the results are the same as the response time at the max refresh rate.

Motion
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
No BFI
Maximum Frequency
N/A
Minimum Frequency
N/A
Longest Pulse Width Brightness
N/A
Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
N/A
Pulse Width Control
No BFI
Pulse Phase Control
No BFI
Pulse Amplitude Control
No BFI
VRR At The Same Time
No BFI

This monitor doesn't have a Black Frame Insertion feature.

10
Motion
Image Flicker
Flicker-Free
Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
0 Hz

The backlight is flicker-free, which helps minimize motion duplication and reduce eye strain.

Inputs
8.3
Inputs
Input Lag
Native Resolution @ Max Hz
8.7 ms
Native Resolution @ 120Hz
N/A
Native Resolution @ 60Hz
8.7 ms
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
N/A

The Dell S2721QS has excellent low input lag, providing a responsive desktop and gaming experience.

9.0
Inputs
Resolution And Size
Native Resolution
3840 x 2160
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Megapixels
8.3 MP
Pixel Density
164 PPI
Measured Screen Diagonal
27.0"
Screen Area
310 in²

The Dell S2721QS's resolution and screen size are outstanding for work, media consumption, and gaming. There's plenty of screen real estate to have multiple windows opened side-by-side, and the high pixel density makes images and text look incredibly sharp.

6.0
Inputs
PS5 Compatibility
4k @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
No
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
No
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
HDR
Yes
VRR
No

The Dell S2721QS is alright for the PS5, but as it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, you can't play games at a 120Hz refresh rate from the console.

7.5
Inputs
Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
4k @ 120Hz
No
4k @ 60Hz
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
No
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
No
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
HDR
Yes
VRR
Yes

This monitor can't take full advantage of the Xbox Series X due to its limited refresh rate, but there aren't any issues with 60Hz games.

Inputs
Inputs Photos
Inputs
Video And Audio Ports
DisplayPort
1 (DP 1.2)
Mini DisplayPort
No
HDMI
2 (HDMI 2.0)
HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
No HDMI 2.1
DVI
No
VGA
No
Daisy Chaining
No
3.5mm Audio Out
1
HDR10
Yes
3.5mm Audio In
No
3.5mm Microphone In
No
Inputs
USB
USB-A Ports
0
USB-A Rated Speed
No USB-A Ports
USB-B Upstream Port
No
USB-C Ports
0
USB-C Upstream
No USB-C Ports
USB-C Rated Speed
No USB-C Ports
USB-C Power Delivery
No USB-C Ports
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
No USB-C Ports
Thunderbolt
No

The Dell S2721QS doesn't have a USB-C input, but if you want a monitor that does, then check out the Dell S2722QC.

Inputs
macOS Compatibility

Unfortunately, this monitor doesn't work properly when connected to a macOS device. 4k @ 60Hz signals work fine when connected via HDMI, but if you're using a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter, the connection is very unstable unless you decrease the refresh rate to 30Hz. VRR doesn't work properly at all, and HDR doesn't look very good, but this has more to do with the capabilities of the display. The default scaling is also 1080p, but the Mac recognizes that it's a 4k display and you simply need to change the resolution in the system's settings.

Even with macOS Ventura 13 the monitor performs the same as with macOS Monterey 12 and it's best to use an HDMI connection.

Features
Features
Additional Features
Speakers
Yes
RGB Illumination
No
Multiple Input Display
PIP + PBP
KVM Switch
No

There aren't many additional features on this monitor, only a Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture mode, allowing you to display images from two input sources simultaneously.

Features
On-Screen Display (OSD)