Dell S2721DGF vs MSI Optix G272

Which Monitor Is Better?

Products

Dell S2721DGF
MSI Optix G272

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Aug 28, 2025 04:57 PM

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Amazon.com

Tested using Methodology v1.1

Updated Jun 07, 2024 06:18 PM

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Amazon.com

Our Verdict

Dell S2721DGF

MSI Optix G272

The Dell S2721DGF is much better than the MSI Optix G272. The Dell has much better ergonomics, better viewing angles, and a higher resolution screen. The Dell supports HDR, but this doesn't add much. On the other hand, the MSI has an optional Black Frame Insertion feature, and the unit we bought has better black uniformity, but this varies between units.

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Variants

  • S2721DGF (27")
  • Optix G272 (27")

Check Price

27"
S2721DGF
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
27"
Optix G272
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
27"
S2721DGF
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
27"
Optix G272
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
27"
S2721DGF
B&H
27"
Optix G272
B&H
27"
S2721DGF
BestBuy.com
27"
Optix G272
BestBuy.com
Read more

Main Differences for
Mixed Usage

Threshold 

0.10

Mixed Usage 

7.7
7.2

Ergonomics 
 

9.2
1.5

Resolution And Size 
 

8.0
7.1

Horizontal Viewing Angle 
 

8.5
6.8

HDR Color Gamut 
 

9.1
0.0

HDR Color Volume 
 

8.8
0.0

Black Uniformity 
 

3.9
6.3

Full Comparison

Design

Style 
 

Design Picture  

Curved 
 

No
No

Curve Radius 
 

Not Curved
Not Curved

Size  

27"
27"

Weight (without stand) 
 

9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Weight (with stand) 
 

14.6 lbs (6.6 kg)
9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
Show Text 

Accelerated Longevity Test 
 

Uniformity Pictures  

Longevity Graph  

Build Quality 
 

8.0
7.0

Build Quality Picture  

Show Text 

Ergonomics 
 

9.2
1.5

Ergonomics Picture  

Back Picture  

Height Adjustment 
 

5.1" (13.0 cm)
0.0" (0.0 cm)

Tilt Range 
 

-20° to 5°
-20° to 5°

Rotate Portrait/Landscape 
 

Yes, Both Ways
No

Swivel Range 
 

-45° to 45°
No swivel

Wall Mount 
 

VESA 100x100
VESA 100x100
Show Text 

Stand 
 

Stand Picture  

Thickness Picture  

Base Width 
 

10.9" (27.6 cm)
18.8" (47.7 cm)

Base Depth 
 

7.9" (20.0 cm)
9.1" (23.1 cm)

Thickness (With Display) 
 

6.3" (16.0 cm)
8.1" (20.5 cm)

Weight (With Display) 
 

14.6 lbs (6.6 kg)
9.3 lbs (4.2 kg)
Show Text 

Display 
 

Display Picture  

Size 
 

27"
27"

Housing Width 
 

24.1" (61.2 cm)

Housing Height 
 

14.2" (36.1 cm)

Thickness (Without Stand) 
 

2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.0" (5.2 cm)

Weight (Without Stand) 
 

9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)

Borders Size (Bezels)  
 

0.3" (0.7 cm)
0.2" (0.6 cm)

Controls 
 

Controls Picture  

Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box Picture  

Power Supply 
 

Internal
External Brick
Show Text 

Back  

Back Picture  

Wall Mount  

VESA 100x100
VESA 100x100
Show Text 

Borders  

Borders Picture  

Borders 
 

0.3" (0.7 cm)
0.2" (0.6 cm)
Show Text 

Thickness  

Thickness Picture  

Thickness (with stand) 
 

6.3" (16.0 cm)
8.1" (20.5 cm)

Thickness (without stand) 
 

2.6" (6.5 cm)
2.0" (5.2 cm)
Picture Quality

Contrast 
 

5.8
6.6

Checkerboard Picture  

Native Contrast 
 

882 : 1
1,403 : 1

Contrast With Local Dimming 
 

971 : 1
N/A
Show Text 

Local Dimming 
 

1.0
0.0

Local Dimming Video  

Local Dimming 
 

Yes
No

Backlight 
 

Edge
Edge
Show Text 

SDR Brightness 
 

8.0
7.5

Real Scene 
 

341 cd/m²
300 cd/m²

Peak 2% Window 
 

364 cd/m²
300 cd/m²

Peak 10% Window 
 

367 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Peak 25% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Peak 50% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Peak 100% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Sustained 2% Window 
 

364 cd/m²
300 cd/m²

Sustained 10% Window 
 

367 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Sustained 25% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Sustained 50% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Sustained 100% Window 
 

368 cd/m²
301 cd/m²

Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL) 
 

0.001
0.000

Minimum Brightness 
 

35 cd/m²
Show Text 

HDR Brightness 
 

6.6
0.0

EOTF  

VESA DisplayHDR Certification 
 

DisplayHDR 400 - 1.0/1.1

Real Scene 
 

328 cd/m²
N/A

Peak 2% Window 
 

481 cd/m²
N/A

Peak 10% Window 
 

485 cd/m²
N/A

Peak 25% Window 
 

486 cd/m²
N/A

Peak 50% Window 
 

487 cd/m²
N/A

Peak 100% Window 
 

487 cd/m²
N/A

Sustained 2% Window 
 

480 cd/m²
N/A

Sustained 10% Window 
 

484 cd/m²
N/A

Sustained 25% Window 
 

484 cd/m²
N/A

Sustained 50% Window 
 

486 cd/m²
N/A

Sustained 100% Window 
 

486 cd/m²
N/A

Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL) 
 

0.003
N/A
Show Text 

Horizontal Viewing Angle 
 

8.5
6.8

Horizontal Viewing Angle Video  

Horizontal Chroma Graph  

Color Washout From Left 
 

46°
28°

Color Washout From Right 
 

47°
29°

Horizontal Hue Graph  

Color Shift From Left 
 

52°
36°

Color Shift From Right 
 

55°
35°

Horizontal Lightness Graph  

Brightness Loss From Left 
 

48°
29°

Brightness Loss From Right 
 

49°
30°

Black Level Raise From Left 
 

70°
70°

Black Level Raise From Right 
 

70°
70°

Gamma Shift From Left 
 

60°
34°

Gamma Shift From Right 
 

61°
33°
Show Text 

Vertical Viewing Angle 
 

6.2
6.4

Vertical Viewing Angle Video  

Vertical Chroma Graph  

Color Washout From Below 
 

32°
26°

Color Washout From Above 
 

33°
26°

Vertical Hue Graph  

Color Shift From Below 
 

31°
30°

Color Shift From Above 
 

34°
31°

Vertical Lightness Graph  

Brightness Loss From Below 
 

36°
29°

Brightness Loss From Above 
 

37°
29°

Black Level Raise From Below 
 

32°
65°

Black Level Raise From Above 
 

22°
67°

Gamma Shift From Below 
 

30°
28°

Gamma Shift From Above 
 

30°
28°
Show Text 

Gray Uniformity 
 

8.0
8.5

50% Uniformity Picture  

50% Std. Dev. 
 

3.975%
3.599%

50% DSE 
 

0.132%
0.117%

5% Uniformity Picture  

5% Std. Dev. 
 

0.514%

5% DSE 
 

0.054%
Show Text 

Black Uniformity 
 

3.9
6.3

Native Black Uniformity Picture  

Native Std. Dev. 
 

2.946%
1.809%

Black Uniformity Picture With Local Dimming  

Std. Dev. w/ L.D. 
 

7.261%
N/A
Show Text 

Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration) 
 

5.9
7.5

Pre Calibration Picture  

Pre Gamma Curve Picture  

Pre Color Picture  

Picture Mode 
 

Standard
User

sRGB Gamut Area xy 
 

137.7%

White Balance dE (Avg.) 
 

3.43
2.35

Color Temperature (Avg.) 
 

6,929 K
6,813 K

Gamma (Avg.) 
 

2.13
2.09

Color dE (Avg.) 
 

3.55
3.61

Contrast Setting 
 

75
70

RGB Settings 
 

Default
50-50-50

Gamma Setting 
 

No Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting

Brightness Setting 
 

75
100

Measured Brightness 
 

223 cd/m²
298 cd/m²

Brightness Locked 
 

No
Show Text 

Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration) 
 

9.8
9.8

Post Calibration Picture  

Post Gamma Curve Picture  

Post Color Picture  

Picture Mode 
 

Custom Color
User

sRGB Gamut Area xy 
 

100.7%

White Balance dE (Avg.) 
 

0.54
0.35

Color Temperature (Avg.) 
 

6,504 K
6,488 K

Gamma (Avg.) 
 

2.17
2.18

Color dE (Avg.) 
 

0.34
0.33

Contrast Setting 
 

73
70

RGB Settings 
 

100-96-97
48-46-48

Gamma Setting 
 

No Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting

Brightness Setting 
 

30
11

Measured Brightness 
 

99 cd/m²
101 cd/m²

ICC Profile 
 

Show Text 

SDR Color Gamut 
 

9.4
9.1

sRGB Color Gamut Picture  

sRGB Coverage xy 
 

99.6%
98.6%

sRGB Picture Mode 
 

Custom Color
User

Adobe RGB Color Gamut Picture  

Adobe RGB Coverage xy 
 

84.5%
81.5%

Adobe RGB Picture Mode 
 

Custom Color
User
Show Text 

SDR Color Volume 
 

9.6
9.1

sRGB Color Volume ITP Picture  

sRGB In ICtCp 
 

97.5%
97.2%

sRGB Picture Mode 
 

Custom Color
User

Adobe RGB Color Volume ITP Picture  

Adobe RGB In ICtCp 
 

89.5%
86.2%

Adobe RGB Picture Mode 
 

Custom Color
User
Show Text 

HDR Color Gamut 
 

9.1
0.0

Wide Color Gamut 
 

Yes
N/A

DCI-P3 Color Gamut Picture  

DCI-P3 Coverage xy 
 

97.2%

DCI-P3 Picture Mode 
 

Desktop
No HDR

Rec. 2020 Color Gamut Picture  

Rec. 2020 Coverage xy 
 

72.8%
N/A

Rec. 2020 Picture Mode 
 

Desktop
No HDR

DCI P3 xy 
 

N/A
Show Text 

HDR Color Volume 
 

8.8
0.0

DCI-P3 Color Volume ITP Picture  

DCI-P3 In ICtCp 
 

89.8%
N/A

DCI-P3 Picture Mode 
 

Desktop
No HDR

Rec. 2020 Color Volume ITP Picture  

Rec. 2020 In ICtCp 
 

71.0%
N/A

Rec. 2020 Picture Mode 
 

Desktop
No HDR
Show Text 

Image Retention 
 

10

Image Retention Picture  

IR After 0 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%

IR After 2 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%

IR After 4 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%

IR After 6 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%

IR After 8 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%

IR After 10 Min Recovery 
 

0.00%
Show Text 

Reflections 
 

8.1
8.2

Average Room  

Average Room Off Picture  

Bright Room Off Picture  

Screen Finish 
 

Matte
Matte

Total Reflections 
 

4.4%
4.6%

Indirect Reflections 
 

3.0%
3.9%

Calculated Direct Reflections 
 

1.5%
0.7%
Show Text 

Text Clarity 
 

7.5
7.0

ClearType On  

ClearType Off  

Pixel Type 
 

IPS
IPS

Pixels  

Subpixel Layout 
 

RGB
RGB
Show Text 

Gradient 
 

9.7
8.1

Gradient Picture  

Color Depth 
 

10 Bit
8 Bit
Show Text 

Color Bleed 
 

10

Color Bleed Horizontal  

Pixel Row Error 
 

0.001%

Color Bleed Vertical  

Pixel Column Error 
 

0.003%
Show Text 
Motion

Refresh Rate 
 

8.5

Native Refresh Rate 
 

165 Hz
144 Hz

Max Refresh Rate 
 

165 Hz
144 Hz

Max Refresh Rate Over DP 
 

165 Hz

Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI 
 

144 Hz

Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit 
 

165 Hz

Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit 
 

60 Hz

Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) 
 

FreeSync 
 

Yes
Yes

G-SYNC 
 

Compatible (NVIDIA Certified)
Compatible (Tested)

VRR Maximum 
 

165 Hz
144 Hz

VRR Minimum 
 

< 20 Hz
< 20 Hz

VRR Supported Connectors 
 

DisplayPort, HDMI
DisplayPort, HDMI

Variable Refresh Rate 
 

Yes
FreeSync

Native 
 

165 Hz
144 Hz

Max Refresh Rate 
 

165 Hz
144 Hz

Variable Refresh Rate 
 

Yes
Show Text 

Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate 
 

9.0
9.2

Motion Blur Picture  

Response Time Table  

Recommended Overdrive Setting 
 

Extreme
Fast

Rise / Fall Time 
 

3.5 ms
3.5 ms

Total Response Time 
 

6.3 ms
8.6 ms

Overshoot Error 
 

1.9%
6.6%

Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time 
 

4.2 ms
3.9 ms

Worst 3 Total Response Time 
 

10.6 ms
7.7 ms

Worst 3 Overshoot Error 
 

14.7%
4.1%
Show Text 

Response Time @ 120Hz 
 

8.8

Motion Blur Picture  

Response Time Table  

Recommended Overdrive Setting 
 

Super Fast

Rise / Fall Time 
 

4.2 ms

Total Response Time 
 

7.4 ms

Overshoot Error 
 

0.6%

Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time 
 

5.4 ms

Worst 3 Total Response Time 
 

10.8 ms

Worst 3 Overshoot Error 
 

4.8%
Show Text 

Response Time @ 60Hz 
 

8.0
8.6

Motion Blur Picture  

Response Time Table  

Recommended Overdrive Setting 
 

Fast
Normal

Rise / Fall Time 
 

4.8 ms
5.9 ms

Total Response Time 
 

11.6 ms
12.5 ms

Overshoot Error 
 

1.0%
0%

Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time 
 

6.5 ms
6.8 ms

Worst 3 Total Response Time 
 

20.2 ms
12.7 ms

Worst 3 Overshoot Error 
 

5.3%
0.0%
Show Text 

Backlight Strobing (BFI) 
 

Backlight Strobing Picture  

Backlight Strobing Frequency Picture  

Backlight Strobing (BFI) 
 

No BFI
Yes

Maximum Frequency 
 

N/A
144 Hz

Minimum Frequency 
 

N/A
120 Hz

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
Show Text 

Image Flicker 
 

10
10

Backlight Picture  

Flicker-Free 
 

Yes
Yes

PWM Dimming Frequency 
 

>1000 Hz
0 Hz
Show Text 
Inputs

Input Lag 
 

9.0
9.5

Native Resolution @ Max Hz 
 

3.7 ms
4.3 ms

Native Resolution @ 120Hz 
 

4.8 ms

Native Resolution @ 60Hz 
 

11.1 ms
9.1 ms

Variable Refresh Rate 
 

4.4 ms

Variable Refresh Rate @ 60Hz 
 

9.8 ms

10 Bit HDR 
 

N/A

Backlight Strobing (BFI) 
 

N/A
8.5 ms
Show Text 

Resolution And Size 
 

8.0
7.1

Native Resolution 
 

2560 x 1440
1920 x 1080

Aspect Ratio 
 

16:9
16:9

Megapixels 
 

3.7 MP
2.1 MP

Pixel Density 
 

109 PPI
82 PPI

Measured Screen Diagonal 
 

27.0"
27.0"

Screen Area 
 

310 in²
310 in²
Show Text 

PS5 Compatibility 
 

5.0

PS5 Compatibility Photo  

4k @ 120Hz 
 

No

4k @ 60Hz 
 

No

1440p @ 120Hz 
 

Yes

1440p @ 60Hz 
 

Yes

1080p @ 120Hz 
 

Yes

1080p @ 60Hz 
 

Yes

HDR 
 

Yes

VRR 
 

No

Xbox Series X|S Compatibility 
 

5.8

XSX Compatibility Photo  

4k @ 120Hz 
 

No

4k @ 60Hz 
 

No

1440p @ 120Hz 
 

Yes

1440p @ 60Hz 
 

Yes

1080p @ 120Hz 
 

Yes

1080p @ 60Hz 
 

Yes

HDR 
 

No

VRR 
 

Yes
Show Text 

Inputs Photos  

Inputs 1  

Inputs 2  

Video And Audio Ports 
 

DisplayPort 
 

1 (DP 1.4)
1 (DP 1.2)

Mini DisplayPort 
 

No
No

HDMI 
 

2 (HDMI 2.0)
2 (HDMI 1.4)

HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed 
 

No HDMI 2.1

DVI 
 

No
No

VGA 
 

No
No

Daisy Chaining 
 

No

3.5mm Audio Out 
 

2
1

HDR10 
 

Yes
No

3.5mm Audio In 
 

No

3.5mm Microphone In 
 

No
No

DisplayPort Out  

No

USB  

4
No

USB C  

0
No

Digital Optical Audio Out  

No

Analog Audio Out RCA  

No

Power Supply  

Internal
External Brick

USB 
 

USB-A Ports 
 

4
No

USB-A Rated Speed 
 

5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1)

USB-B Upstream Port 
 

Yes

USB-C Ports 
 

0
No

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
Show Text 

macOS Compatibility 
 

macOS Screenshot  

Show Text 
Features

Additional Features 
 

Speakers 
 

No
No

RGB Illumination 
 

Fixed (On/Off)
No

Multiple Input Display 
 

No
No

KVM Switch 
 

No

HDR10  

Yes
No
Show Text 

On-Screen Display (OSD) 
 

OSD Picture  

Controls  

Controls Picture  

Show Text 

In The Box  

In The Box Picture  

Show Text 

Check Price

27"
S2721DGF
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
27"
Optix G272
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
27"
S2721DGF
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
27"
Optix G272
SEE PRICE
Walmart.com
27"
S2721DGF
B&H
27"
Optix G272
B&H
27"
S2721DGF
BestBuy.com
27"
Optix G272
BestBuy.com

Dell S2721DGF

MSI Optix G272

Comments

  1. Comparison

Dell S2721DGF vs MSI Optix G272: Main Discussion

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