The Dell S2722QC is a 4k monitor aimed at productivity. It's an updated version of the Dell S2721QS with a different selection of inputs, as it has a USB-C input that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode with power delivery. This means that you can connect your laptop to display an image and charge it at once. It has a few extra features for productivity like Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, so you can connect two devices at once and view them both on screen, great if you're working from home and have a work and personal computer. The 4k resolution helps deliver clear images with sharp text clarity. However, it's not the most versatile for gaming either as it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, but it still has FreeSync variable refresh rate (VRR) support and low input lag for a responsive, nearly tear-free gaming experience.
Our Verdict
The Dell S2722QC is very good for most uses. It's a 4k monitor mainly designed for the office as it provides incredible text clarity and sharp images. It also has wide viewing angles and excellent ergonomics, so you can comfortably share your screen with someone else, without the image degrading. It's great for photo and video editors and it's good for watching multimedia content, thanks to its high resolution. It's decent for 4k gaming from HDMI sources, but it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate and it has a slow response time. Although it supports HDR, it's not very good, as it has a low contrast ratio and low brightness in HDR.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Wide viewing angles.
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Stand offers excellent ergonomics.
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USB-C input with DisplayPort Alt Mode.
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Only decent color accuracy and limited Adobe RGB coverage.
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Limited to 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.
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Mediocre native contrast ratio.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
The Dell S2722QC is impressive for office use. The 4k resolution and relatively small size results in a very high pixel density, which results in sharp text clarity, and the 27 inch screen is also a good size for multitasking. It has excellent ergonomics that make it easy to adjust its position, and the wide viewing angles are ideal for sharing your screen. It also has a few extra office-friendly features like a USB-C input with power delivery, so you can connect your laptop and charge it at the same time, with a single cable.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Wide viewing angles.
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Stand offers excellent ergonomics.
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USB-C input with DisplayPort Alt Mode.
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Only decent color accuracy and limited Adobe RGB coverage.
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Limited to 60Hz refresh rate and HDMI 2.0 bandwidth.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
The Dell S2722QC is decent for 4k gaming. You can connect your gaming console and play 4k games up to 60Hz, but it doesn't have a high refresh rate, and it's limited to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth. It also has a slow response time, so there's a more noticeable blur behind fast-moving objects. On the other hand, it has variable refresh rate support, resulting in a nearly tear-free gaming experience, and it has great low input lag, so fast-paced games feel responsive.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Low input lag.
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FreeSync VRR support.
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Mediocre native contrast ratio.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
The Dell S2722QC is good for watching videos. You can watch the latest videos and movies online in 4k thanks to the 4k screen, and the 27 inch size offers enough screen space for an immersive viewing experience. Its IPS panel has wide viewing angles, so everyone enjoys an accurate image if you're sharing your screen with someone else. However, it has a low contrast ratio and no local dimming feature, so blacks look gray when viewed in the dark.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Wide viewing angles.
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Stand offers excellent ergonomics.
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Mediocre native contrast ratio.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
The Dell S2722QC is great for content creators. The high-resolution screen helps deliver sharp images, which is great if you're editing high-quality photos or videos. It's not the best choice if you need to work in accurate colors because its out-of-the-box accuracy is only decent, and it has limited Adobe RGB coverage. It has wide viewing angles and very good ergonomics, so the image remains accurate if you're sharing your screen with someone else.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Stand offers excellent ergonomics.
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USB-C input with DisplayPort Alt Mode.
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Only decent color accuracy and limited Adobe RGB coverage.
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Mediocre native contrast ratio.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
The Dell S2722QC supports HDR10, but it delivers a mediocre HDR experience overall. It has a low contrast ratio and no local dimming feature, so blacks look gray in a dark room. It has just okay peak brightness in HDR, so bright highlights don't stand out very well. Finally, it can't display a wide color gamut, so HDR content looks dull and flat, and not very life-like overall.
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4k resolution delivers incredible clarity.
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Remarkable gradient handling.
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Mediocre native contrast ratio.
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Low HDR peak brightness.
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Lacks a local dimming feature.
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Can't display a wide color gamut.
- 7.7 Mixed Usage
- 8.7 Office
- 7.1 Gaming
- 7.6 Media Consumption
- 8.4 Media Creation
- 6.4 HDR
- Updated Feb 21, 2023: Rechecked the Variable Refresh Rate range and confirmed it goes as low as 40Hz before there's screen tearing. Also confirmed that 1440p works with the PS5.
- Updated Oct 05, 2022: A few users have reported noticeable flicker when using this monitor with a MacBook. We updated the macOS Compatibility text to mention this.
- 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.
- 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.
- Updated Jan 13, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Jan 10, 2022: Early access published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the 27 inch Dell S2722QC, the only size available for this monitor. It's an updated version of the Dell S2721QS as it has a USB-C port, and you can see some differences between the 4k monitors in the Dell S Series lineup below. Our results in this review are only valid for the S2722QC.
| Model | Panel | Size | Stand Adjustments | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2721Q | IPS | 27" | Tilt | HDMI, DisplayPort |
| S2721QS | IPS | 27" | Tilt, Swivel, Height, Portrait | HDMI, DisplayPort |
| S2722QC | IPS | 27" | Tilt, Swivel, Height, Portrait | HDMI, USB-C, USB 3.0 |
| S3221QS | VA | 32" | Tilt, Height | HDMI, DisplayPort, USB 3.0 |
If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Dell S2722QC doesn't correspond to our review, let us know, and we'll update the review. Note that some tests, like gray uniformity, may vary between individual units.
Our unit of the Dell S2722QC was manufactured in July 2021; you can see the label here.
Compared To Other Monitors
The Dell S2722QC is a great 4k office monitor. It has many productivity features like its USB-C input, USB hub, and ergonomic stand, and the 4k resolution helps deliver clear text. It's not as versatile for other uses like gaming because it's limited to a 60Hz refresh rate. However, if you need something for the office and want to take advantage of the USB-C input, it's worth an upgrade over the Dell S2721QS.
Also see our recommendations for the best 4k monitors, the best office monitors, and the best monitors under $500.
The Dell S2722QC and the Dell U2723QE are both good overall 4k monitors. Picture quality is similar between both, except the U2723QE has much better out-of-the-box accuracy and displays a wider range of colors in HDR. The U2723QE also has more inputs like a DisplayPort output that you can use for daisy-chaining and multiple USB-C ports. However, the S2722QC has much better reflection handling, making it a better choice for well-lit rooms, and it's slightly more versatile for gaming because it supports VRR.
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.
The Dell UltraSharp U2720Q and the Dell S2722QC are similar 4k monitors. Picture quality is about the same between both, but the S2722QC is better for well-lit rooms because it gets brighter and has better reflection handling. Motion also looks better on the S2722QC because it has a quicker response time, and it also supports VRR, which the U2720Q doesn't. On the other hand, the U2720Q has a better selection of inputs because it has an extra USB-C and USB 3.0 input compared to the S2722QC, and it also has a DisplayPort input. While both monitors have ergonomic stands, the one on the U2720Q offers a wider swivel range and higher height adjustment.
The Dell S2722QC and the Gigabyte M27Q are both great office monitors. They each offer productivity features like USB-C inputs and Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, but the Gigabyte has a KVM switch that allows you to control two sources with one keyboard and mouse. The S2722QC delivers sharper text thanks to its higher 4k resolution, and it uses a typical RGB subpixel layout, so there aren't any issues like with the BGR subpixel layout on the Gigabyte. However, the Gigabyte is more versatile for gaming because it has a much higher 170Hz refresh rate, and it also has a DisplayPort input which the Dell lacks.
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278CV and the Dell S2722QC are both impressive office monitors, but they have a few different features. The Dell is a 4k monitor with much better text clarity, while the ASUS has a 1440p screen and a slightly higher 75Hz refresh rate. The Dell supports HDR, which the ASUS doesn't have, but it doesn't add much on the Dell anyways because it has a low contrast and lacks local dimming. The Dell also supports Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes. On the other hand, the ASUS has much better out-of-the-box accuracy, but this can vary between units. Both have similar stands, but the ASUS offers a wider range of ergonomic adjustments.
The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV and the Dell S2722QC are both impressive office monitors, with a few differences between them. The Dell has a higher 4k resolution than the 1440p on the ASUS, so text is much sharper, and it also displays a wider color gamut in SDR. The Dell supports HDR, which the ASUS doesn't, but it doesn't look good anyways. The Dell also has a few more office-friendly features like a USB-C input and Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, but the ASUS has better ergonomics. The ASUS also gets slightly brighter and has a bit better reflection handling, but both perform well in bright rooms.
The Dell S2722QC and the Dell U3223QE are both good overall 4k monitors with a few differences. The U3223QE has a better selection of inputs as it has a USB hub with a KVM switch, and it supports daisy chaining, allowing you to easily connect a second display. It also has better ergonomics as it allows for greater height adjustment. However, the S2722QC has much better reflection handling, and it's a bit more versatile for gaming because it has VRR support.
The Dell S2721DGF and the Dell S2722QC are different types of monitors. The S2722QC is designed for productivity as it has a 4k screen and has more office features like a USB-C input and Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes, meaning you can connect two devices. The S2721DGF is designed for gaming as it has a much higher 165Hz refresh rate, and it has much quicker response times too. The S2721DGF also has a local dimming feature, which the S2722QC doesn't have, but it performs terribly.
The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 S32BM80 and the Dell S2722QC are different types of 4k displays. The Samsung has a built-in smart interface meant to make it easy to stream your favorite content without a PC. It also performs better in dark rooms thanks to its higher contrast. However, the Dell is an office monitor with a bunch more inputs, including USB-A ports, making it easy to connect multiple devices and your mouse and keyboard. While both monitors get bright, the Dell has improved reflection handling, which is important if you want to use it in a well-lit room.
The Dell S2722QC is a more versatile monitor than the Apple Studio Display. The Dell supports HDR, which the Apple doesn't, and it's much easier to place in an ideal viewing position thanks to its better ergonomics. It also has more inputs like HDMI ports if you want to use it for gaming. Although the Apple monitor is meant for macOS users, the Dell doesn't have any issues with a Mac or MacBook. The Apple does have a few advantages, like better accuracy, and it gets much brighter, so you won't have any issues using it in a bright room.
The Dell S2722QC is a better overall 4k monitor than the BenQ EW3270U. The S2722QC has much better ergonomics, and its IPS panel has wider viewing angles, making it a better choice for sharing your screen with someone else. It's also better for well-lit environments because it gets brighter. They have a different selection of inputs as the S2722QC has a USB-C input and two USB 3.0 ports, but the EW3270U has a DisplayPort input. As for the EW3270U, it's better for dark room use because its VA panel has a higher contrast ratio.
Video
Test Results
The Dell S2722QC looks exactly like the Dell S2721QS. It's a simple monitor with a white plastic back, black bezels, and a silver stand. It has a flat screen and looks good in any environment.
The Dell S2722QC has good build quality. The plastic body feels well-made, and the metal on the stand is solid. The entire monitor feels well-put-together, and even though there's a bit of flex on the back panel or some wobble on the stand, neither are major issues.
The Dell S2722QC has excellent ergonomics, making it easy to place the screen in an ideal viewing position. The back of the Dell S2722QC features textured white plastic. You can easily remove the stand from the screen if you choose to VESA mount it. The hole in the stand also offers basic cable management.
The base of the stand is flat, so you can place stuff on top if you need to, and it doesn't take up a lot of space either. There's a bit of wobble, but overall the stand supports the screen well.
There are five buttons underneath the right side of the screen to control the on-screen menu.
The Dell S2722QC has an IPS panel with a low contrast ratio, so blacks look gray when viewed in the dark. There's also no local dimming feature to improve the contrast.
The Dell S2722QC doesn't have a local dimming feature. We still film the video so you can see how the backlight performs versus other monitors with local dimming.
The SDR peak brightness is great. It gets bright enough to fight glare, and there's no variation at all between different scenes. The minimum brightness is very low, great if you're planning on using it in a completely dark room and are sensitive to light. These measurements are after calibration in the 'Custom Color' Picture Mode with the brightness at its max.
The Dell S2722QC has okay HDR peak brightness. Although it remains its brightness consistent between different scenes and gets bright overall, it's not enough to deliver an impactful HDR experience, and highlights don't pop how they should. The brightness of the display tracks the EOTF well, but dark scenes are over-brightened a bit. There's also a very sharp cutoff at the monitor's peak brightness, causing a loss of fine details in bright areas.
These measurements are in the 'Desktop' Smart HDR mode, which locks the brightness at its max. There's very little difference in brightness with the other modes, but the 'Movie HDR' setting doesn't track the EOTF as well, as almost all scenes are over brightened.
The Dell S2722QC has a wide horizontal viewing angle thanks to its IPS panel. The image remains accurate when viewing from the sides, making it an ideal choice for watching content from the sides.
Once again, the vertical viewing angle is great. You won't lose any image accuracy if you mount the screen above eye level.
The Dell S2722QC has very good gray uniformity. The sides of the screen are quite a bit darker than the center, but there's very little dirty screen effect.
This monitor has decent black uniformity. There's not much blooming around the center cross, but there's a bit of clouding throughout, and the screen looks blue due to the low contrast.
The out-of-the-box accuracy is decent. The color temperature is extremely close to the 6500K target, and the white balance is only a bit off. Most colors are over-saturated, and there's no sRGB mode to lock them to the sRGB color space. The gamma follows a strange pattern as really dark and really bright scenes are too dark, while other scenes are over-brightened. If you want something with much better color accuracy, then check out the Apple Studio Display.
After calibration, the Dell S2722QC has remarkable accuracy. Everything improved from before calibration, and any remaining color inaccuracies are nearly impossible to spot. Gamma follows the sRGB target better, but it's still not perfect.
The Dell S2722QC has a superb SDR color gamut. It has perfect coverage of the sRGB color space used in most web content, but it can't display very much of the wider Adobe RGB color space.
The SDR color volume is fantastic. Thanks to its wide color gamut and high peak brightness, it displays colors at a wide range of luminance levels, but it can't display dark colors well due to the low contrast.
The Dell S2722QC has an okay HDR color gamut. It has great coverage of the DCI-P3 color space used by most current HDR content, including on UHD Blu-rays, but its coverage of the Rec. 2020 color space is limited, and it can't display a wide color gamut.
This monitor has decent HDR color volume. Because it has a low contrast ratio and only decent HDR peak brightness, it doesn't do a good job displaying bright and dark colors in HDR.
The Dell S2722QC has good reflection handling. Reflections from strong light sources are a bit more intense than the Dell S2721QS but combined with the high peak brightness, visibility isn't an issue in most rooms.
Thanks to the 4k resolution and high pixel density, text looks incredibly sharp on the Dell S2722QC. Although not necessary, enabling Windows ClearType (top photo) makes letters bolder. The matte coating introduces a bit of haze to the pixels, which may be noticeable in some cases, but it doesn't have a big impact on text clarity.
The Dell S2722QC has remarkable gradient handling, and you won't see any banding between colors of similar shades.
The Dell S2722QC has a max refresh rate of 60Hz at its native 4k resolution. Due to the bandwidth limits of the HDMI ports, it's limited to 30Hz with a 10-bit signal and full chroma 4:4:4. A 60Hz 4k signal is only possible over HDMI if you either reduce the color depth to 8-bit, or introduce chroma subsampling (4:2:2 or 4:2:0 chroma subsampling), but this reduces text clarity. You can only achieve the 10-bit color depth with 4k signals at 60Hz through the USB-C connection when you set USB-C Prioritization to 'High Resolution'.
The Dell S2722QC supports FreeSync variable refresh rate technology (VRR) over HDMI and USB-C. Although not officially certified by NVIDIA, it also works with their G-SYNC compatible technology, but only over USB-C.
| Overdrive Setting | Response Time Chart | Response Time Tables | Motion Blur Photo |
| Normal | Chart | Table | Photo |
| Fast | Chart | Table | Photo |
| Extreme | Chart | Table | Photo |
The Dell S2722QC has an okay response time at its max refresh rate of 60Hz. Due to the relatively low max refresh rate, fast-moving objects look blurry. There are three Response Time settings, and we recommend leaving it on 'Normal' because 'Fast' and 'Extreme' introduce too much overshoot.
This monitor only supports a 60Hz refresh rate.
This monitor doesn't have a backlight strobing feature to improve the appearance of motion.
This monitor has a flicker-free backlight, which helps reduce eye strain.
The Dell S2722QC has great low input lag for a responsive desktop and gaming experience.
This monitor supports most features of the PS5, but it can't accept or display a 120Hz signal at all.
This monitor supports most common formats from the Xbox Series S|X. Since this monitor is limited to a 60Hz refresh rate, it can't accept or display 120Hz signals.
Unlike the Dell S2721QS, this monitor doesn't have a DisplayPort input, but it supports DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. If your sources only have DisplayPort outputs, you'll need a USB-C adapter. This monitor is limited to HDMI 2.0 bandwidth, and if you want an HDMI 2.1 monitor, then check out the Dell G3223Q.
The USB-C input supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and power delivery, allowing you to charge compatible devices and display an image from them at the same time. You can also use the USB 3.0 inputs to charge devices, and the one underneath the left side of the screen is easy to access. If you want something with more USB inputs, then look into the Dell U2723QE.
There are no issues using this monitor with a recent Mac. On an M1 MacBook Pro, the scaling defaults to 1080p, but this is easily corrected from the 'Displays' menu. VRR and HDR are both supported properly, and there are no issues waking from sleep.
There are widespread reports of flicker when using this monitor with M1 Macs, but we haven't been able to reproduce this issue with our unit. There doesn't appear to be any permanent fix at this time.
The Dell S2722QC has a bunch of office-friendly features, like the Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes and the USB-C input. It has a setting called USB-C Prioritization that you can set to 'High Resolution' for high-bandwidth signals, like 4k @ 60Hz with chroma 4:4:4 and 10-bit color, or you can set it to 'High Data Speed' for faster transfer speeds. There's also a dark stabilizer feature that adjusts the gamma in games.
