Dell U2515H  Monitor Review

Review updated Feb 27, 2018 at 04:44pm
Retest Aug 20, 2021 at 01:30pm
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Dell U2515H

Track

0.0
Mixed Usage 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Multimedia 
0.0
Media Creation 
0.0
HDR Gaming 

Track

 2

The Dell UltraSharp U2515H is a versatile IPS LCD monitor with wide viewing angles and decent picture quality. It gets bright, and it sits on a very good stand with a wide set of adjustments. It also remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is great. Its main downside is the low contrast ratio and cloudy blacks.

Our Verdict

0.0
Mixed Usage 

The Dell U2515H is a decent monitor for a mixed usage. It has okay picture quality and the image remains accurate when viewed at an angle, which is good. The 1440p resolution is also a good fit for editing content or even browsing the web. Its well-rounded set of features doesn't make any aspect particularly stand out, but it makes it well fit for those looking for a monitor that works well in a varied set of usages.

Pros
  • Flexible stand with a wide range of adjustments
  • Wide viewing angles
Cons
  • Low contrast ratio
  • Cloudy blacks with lots of bleed and glow
0.0
Office 

Good monitor for use in an office. The Dell U2515H's stand offers a wide range of flexibility for easy adjustment on a desk or easy rotation to share with coworkers. Its decently high resolution also gives a large virtual workspace which is helpful for more productive tasks. The picture quality is also decent, and the monitor remains accurate when viewed at an angle which is good.

0.0
Gaming 

Good Gaming monitor. The Dell Ultrasharp U2515H covers the gaming essentials without issues; its input lag is low, and it doesn't produce a large amount of motion blur. The picture quality is also decent, and the screen can get bright enough to overcome glare. However, it is limited by the 60Hz refresh rate, and lack of more advanced features such as FreeSync.

0.0
Multimedia 

Decent monitor for consuming a variety of media. The Dell's high resolution produces pleasingly sharp images and videos, and it reproduces colors well. Unfortunately, its overall picture quality is only ordinary, and it lacks any form of HDR support or local dimming.

0.0
Media Creation 

Decent monitor for creating media. The Dell Ultrasharp U2515H comes quite accurate out of the factory, reducing the need for calibration which is useful for smaller scale media creators. Its wide viewing angle helps keep the content shown on-screen accurate within a fairly large range of viewing positions as well. However, it does lack support for more modern wide color gamuts commonly used today.

0.0
HDR Gaming 

Doesn't support HDR or HDR features such as a wide color gamut. There are only a few monitors which support HDR and have a wide color gamut such as the Samsung CHG70.

  • 0.0
    Mixed Usage
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Multimedia
  • 0.0
    Media Creation
  • 0.0
    HDR Gaming
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Aug 20, 2021: There was a mistake in the number of USB ports. There's a fifth USB port on the back of the monitor.
    2.  Updated Nov 17, 2017: Review published.
    3.  Updated Nov 15, 2017: Early access published.
    4.  Updated Nov 10, 2017: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Check Price

    25"U2515H
    B&H
    25"U2515H
    BestBuy.com
    25"U2515H
    Dell

    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    We tested the U2515H, which is a 2015 model 25" Ultrasharp monitor. There are many other sizes and year variants of the Dell Ultrasharp monitors, listed below.

    If someone comes across a different type of panel or if their Dell U2515H doesn't correspond to our review, let us know and we will update the review. Note that some tests such as the gray uniformity may vary between individual units.

    Model Size Year Resolution
    U2415 24" 2015 1920x1200
    U2515H 25" 2015 2560x1440
    U2715H 27" 2015 2560x1440
    U2717D 27" 2017 2560x1440
    U2518D 25" 2018 2560x1440

    Popular Monitor Comparisons

    Comparison picture

    Left: Dell P2417H. Middle: Dell U2515H. Right: LG 27UD58-B.
    Unlike our other photographs, this picture wasn't taken under a controlled environment, so do not draw conclusions from it.

    The Dell U2515H is a decent monitor for a wide range of usages due to the decent picture quality, wide viewing angles and good range of ergonomic adjustments. While it does perform decently across the board, for a specific use there may be better competition. See our recommendations for the best monitors for PS4, the best 24-25 inch monitors, and the best 1440p monitors.

    Dell U2518D

    Track

    The Dell U2518D is better than the Dell U2515H. The Dell U2518D has HDR support. On the other hand, the Dell U2515H has somewhat better input lag that makes it very responsive and will be appreciated mostly by gamers.

    Acer G257HU Smidpx

    Track

    The Dell U2515H is much better than the Acer G257HU Smidpx. The design of the U2515H is far superior, with far more ergonomic adjustments as well as VESA mounting ports. The U2515H has much better gradient handling with less banding, and is free of distracting temporary image retention. The U2515H also has better features, including the ability to daisy chain to another monitor, as well as USB charging ports.

    Dell U2715H

    Track

    The Dell U2715H is a bit better than the Dell U2515H due to its larger screen size that allows you to work more comfortably. Note that the two monitors have the same resolution. The score differences can be attributed to panel variance.

    Dell P2417H

    Track

    The Dell P2417H and the Dell U2515H offer very similar performance. The U2515H has a higher native resolution and is a bit larger, but has worse black uniformity than the P2417H. If you want a larger screen, the U2515H is a better choice.

    Show more 
    How We Test Monitors
    How We Test Monitors

    We buy and test more than 30 monitors each year, all of which we purchase ourselves, without cherry-picked units or samples. We put a lot into each unbiased, straight-to-the-point review, and there's a whole process from purchasing to publishing, involving multiple teams and people. We do more than just use the monitor for a week; we use specialized, custom tools to measure various aspects and deliver objective, data-driven results. We also consider multiple factors before making any recommendations, including the monitor's cost, its performance compared to the competition, and whether it's easy to find.

    Test Results

    Sort:
    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Style
    SizeLocked25"
    CurvedLockedLocked
    Curve radiusLockedN/A
    Weight (without stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)
    Weight (with stand)
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Stand
    Width
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Height Adjustment
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Switch portrait/landscapeLockedLocked
    Swivel RangeLockedLocked
    Tilt RangeLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Back
    Wall MountLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Borders
    Borders
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Thickness
    Thickness (with stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Thickness (without stand)
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Build Quality

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Picture Quality
    0.0
    Contrast
    LCD Type
    LockedIPS
    Native Contrast
    LockedLock : 1
    Contrast with local dimming
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Local Dimming
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell U2515H Local Dimming Video Sample
    Local Dimming
    LockedLocked
    Backlight
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Peak Brightness
    SDR Real Scene
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedLock cd/m²
    SDR ABL
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Peak Brightness
    HDR Real Scene
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Peak 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 2% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 10% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 25% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 50% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR Sustained 100% Window
    LockedN/A
    HDR ABL
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell U2515H Horizontal Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift from Left
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift from Right
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Left
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Right
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Left
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Right
    LockedLock°
    Curve RadiusLockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    SAMPLE
    JOIN NOW

    for videos & test results

    Dell U2515H Vertical Viewing Angle Video Sample
    Color Shift from Below
    LockedLock°
    Color Shift from Above
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Below
    LockedLock°
    Brightness from Above
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Below
    LockedLock°
    Black Level from Above
    LockedLock°

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    50% DSE
    LockedLock%
    5% Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    5% DSE
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    LockedLock%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Pre Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB controls
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Post Calibration
    Picture Mode
    LockedLocked
    Luminance
    LockedLock cd/m²
    Luminance Settings
    LockedLock
    Contrast Setting
    LockedLock
    RGB Controls
    LockedLocked
    Color Temperature
    LockedLock K
    White Balance dE
    LockedLock
    Color dE
    LockedLock
    Gamma
    LockedLock

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB xy
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB xy
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB in ICtCp
    LockedLock%
    Adobe RGB in ICtCp
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    LockedLocked
    DCI P3 xy
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 xy
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 in ICtCp
    LockedN/A
    Rec. 2020 in ICtCp
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Image Retention
    IR after 0 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 2 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 4 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 6 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 8 min recovery
    LockedLock%
    IR after 10 min recovery
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    LockedLock Bit

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Color Bleed
    Pixel row error
    LockedLock%
    Pixel column error
    LockedLock%

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Reflections

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Motion
    0.0
    Motion Blur
    80% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    100% Response Time
    LockedLock ms
    Best Overdrive Setting
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-freeLockedLocked
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    LockedLocked
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedLocked
    BFI Maximum Frequency
    LockedN/A
    BFI Minimum Frequency
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Refresh Rate
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedNo
    Native Refresh Rate
    Locked60 Hz
    Factory Overclock
    LockedN/A
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedLocked
    G-SYNC Compatible
    LockedLocked
    VRR Maximum
    LockedN/A
    VRR Minimum
    LockedN/A
    VRR Maximum With OC
    LockedN/A
    VRR Supported ConnectorsLockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Inputs
    0.0
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution
    LockedLock ms
    Non-Native Res @ Native Refresh
    LockedLock ms
    Native Resolution @ 60 Hz
    LockedLock ms
    Variable Refresh Rate
    LockedN/A
    10 bit HDR
    LockedN/A
    Black Frame Insertion (BFI)
    LockedN/A

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    0.0
    Resolution and Size
    Native ResolutionLocked2560 x 1440
    Aspect RatioLockedLocked
    MegapixelsLockedLock MP
    Pixel DensityLockedLock PPI
    Screen DiagonalLockedLock"
    Screen AreaLockedLock in²

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Inputs

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Total Inputs
    DisplayPortLockedLocked
    Mini DisplayPortLockedLocked
    HDMILockedLocked
    DVILockedLocked
    VGALockedLocked
    DisplayPort OutLockedLocked
    USBLockedLocked
    USB CLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Microphone In 3.5mmLockedLocked
    Digital Optical Audio OutLockedLocked
    Analog Audio Out RCALockedLocked
    Power SupplyLockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    Features
    Additional Features
    Speakers
    LockedLocked
    HDR10LockedLocked
    Multiple input display
    LockedLocked

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    On-Screen Display (OSD)
    Controls

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.

    In The Box

    Become a member to view the full test results and text of the reviews, as well as extra website features and tools with no ads.