I've been gaming on Alienware's sharpest OLED monitor, and 4K has never looked so smooth

For the past year, top-tier markets have seen a surge of interest in 32-inch, ultra-high-definition (4K) monitors with rapid 240 Hz OLED screens, making them particularly popular.

Currently, technology is being developed for smaller screens, allowing gamers to enjoy top-notch performance without sacrificing their preference for a 27-inch monitor, which is often considered as the optimal size.

The Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor belongs to the elite category of high-end displays, delivering a stunning visual experience that’s second to none when it comes to gaming.

This Dell monitor is truly impressive, and what makes it even more noteworthy is that it costs less than many similar models on the market. What’s more, you can easily find it for sale when you need it.

The choice: This monitor is specifically designed for gaming, sacrificing many premium features found in other expensive models to keep the cost affordable. People who prioritize image quality and performance above all else might find this trade-off acceptable.

Alienware AW2725Q review: Cheat sheet

What is it? A high-end, 27-inch gaming monitor that uses a 4K, 240Hz QD-OLED panel.
Who is it for? Those who want the best combination of color accuracy, sharpness, responsiveness, and smoothness in a monitor without worrying about the extra features.
How much does it cost? You can buy this monitor for $899.99 at Dell. You can also find the AW2725Q for $899 at Amazon.
What did I like? The sleek and intuitive design, phenomenal image quality, and excellent gaming performance.
What did I not like? The lack of premium features, the shortage of ports, and the low max brightness.

Alienware AW2725Q review: Specifications

Inside the box, you’ll discover the Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q), accompanied by its two-piece stand, as well as a power cord (since this monitor features an internal power supply). Also included are a DisplayPort cable, an HDMI cable, and a USB Type-B to Type-A cable, each measuring 1.8m in length. Additionally, you’ll find a microfiber cleaning cloth for keeping your new monitor clean.

Alienware AW2725Q review: What I like

While some might label the Alienware AW2725Q as simple or plain, the new AW30’s design philosophy is something that really catches my eye in this model.

The “Interstellar Indigo” hue possesses a soft, captivating allure, while the AW2725Q showcases an appealing blend of curves, particularly around its distinctive 360-degree ventilation. Suggestive RGB illumination subtly graces the Alienware logo and power button, injecting a touch of color.

Above all, this design boasts a practical nature. Notably, it’s tool-free during setup, as the two-piece stand snaps easily onto the monitor’s back without any hassle.

Despite Asus leading the pack in providing exceptional support for monitor arms and mounts through its clever VESA mounting bracket, it’s worth noting that the AW2725Q also aligns with the 100 x 100mm industry standard.

Even without using the AW2725Q monitor, I admire its stand. It’s robust, portable, and exudes a high-quality feel, which is quite uncommon. The cable management system is simple yet efficient, offering ample room for all your linked cables.

You won’t miss out on any adjustment options either. It offers a 90-degree rotating feature, 110mm range for height adjustments, and both tilt and swivel functionalities – giving you complete flexibility in positioning.

Absolutely, the standout feature of this showcase is undeniably the Quantum Dot OLED display. It boasts an astounding 8,294,400 pixels compactly arranged within a 26.7-inch diameter, which Alienware asserts results in an exceptional pixel density of 166 pixels per inch – a claim for industry leadership.

This monitor boasts an extraordinarily clear and detailed view. Whether you’re showing text, pictures, or anything else, it will appear as clear as a newly-fried potato chip. The standout feature of this 4K screen is its swift 240Hz refresh rate and quick 0.03ms response time.

As a tech enthusiast, I can’t help but be blown away by the AW2725Q. It truly checks all the boxes for even the pickiest gamers out there, delivering an exceptional performance that leaves me in awe. The lightning-fast response time and infinite contrast of OLED displays make them ideal for gaming, and this latest generation is simply the best yet.

As an avid gamer, I appreciate having support for all three primary adaptive synchronization standards (NVIDIA’s G-Sync, AMD’s FreeSync, and VESA’s Adaptive Sync) because it grants me the freedom to fully optimize my gaming setup for a seamless experience.

From a visual standpoint, this screen truly shines. The colors are vivid yet precise, maintaining their accuracy while still covering an impressive 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut – just as Alienware claims with their factory calibration.

Alienware offers the flexibility to change among various display settings, such as “Creator Mode” profiles designed specifically for certain professional color spaces. Most users will find the default “Standard” setting ideal, providing a vibrant and uniform image suitable for all types of content.

For adjusting your monitor settings, you’ll find the joystick for the On-Screen Display (OSD) handily located at the bottom edge of the AW2725Q. The user interface for this display, provided by Dell, is straightforward and simple to maneuver.

This device comes equipped with an extra set of four USB ports for your convenience. Two are USB Type-A located at the back of the monitor, while one more is a USB Type-A and another is a USB Type-C, both positioned along the lower edge.

As a keen observer, I must admit that the strategic positioning of the ports on this device is commendable, and the inclusion of a Type-C port with a 15W Power Delivery capability truly catches my attention.

Notably, each of your three displays adheres to the current standard and offers exceptional compatibility with the AW2725Q’s 4K, 240Hz screen and all its attributes, such as reduced lag time and adjustable refresh rate.

The two HDMI 2.1 ports come equipped with Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) technology, and one of them offers enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC). This means that you can connect advanced audio systems, including those supporting Dolby Atmos, using just a single cable for connection.

The Alienware AW2725Q, indeed, offers more performance than necessary for current-generation consoles, given its 240Hz refresh rate. However, its HDMI ports ensure top-notch console gaming. Furthermore, when paired with the Xbox Series X|S, you can enjoy the benefits of Dolby Vision HDR support.

Alienware AW2725Q review: What I don’t like

To start with, it’s important to address the apparent similarity: The AW2725Q is an OLED display, which means it inherits common characteristics with other OLED monitors.

One significant aspect is the relatively low maximum brightness of less than 300 nits. Considering the heightened perceived brightness of OLED, it remains inadequate. Despite the monitor being capable of peaking at 1,000 nits, this is limited to minuscule areas at any given time for HDR (which doesn’t warrant a superior HDR rating from VESA).

As an analyst, I noticed that the anti-reflective coating on the display doesn’t seem to be particularly effective in preventing reflections, which unfortunately amplifies this shortcoming.

In addition to potential issues with burn-out and longevity concerns, OLED displays may pose problems over extended usage. However, Alienware guarantees the AW2725Q for three years under a standard warranty, which encompasses burn-in protection, remote troubleshooting, and expedited next-day shipping for replacement if needed.

Incidentally, it seems that this monitor employs a technique called Pulse-Width Modulation (PWM) for brightness control. In simpler terms, the screen flickers rapidly to preserve uniform brightness. While the PWM employed here is less pronounced compared to some other displays, individuals with heightened sensitivity to PWM in OLED screens might still experience discomfort such as eye strain or headaches over extended periods of use.

It’s indisputable that this gaming monitor is top-tier, priced significantly higher than what many usually spend. The bulk of this high price tag can be attributed largely to the exceptional OLED screen it boasts at its core.

In an effort to offer a more affordable option compared to competitors, Alienware has opted to omit certain high-end features, similar to numerous gaming monitors. However, it’s worth noting that while these features might not be heavily utilized by most gamers, they could still prove beneficial for some users.

This device is equipped with:

1. A light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness and color temperature according to the surroundings.
2. A proximity sensor to enable Human Presence Detection (HPD) functions for AI-enabled computers.
3. An integrated webcam or speakers for better connectivity.
4. KVM support, allowing control of multiple PCs from a single device.

The AW2725Q monitor lacks USB Type-C input with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, which means you can’t connect many modern laptops directly without an adapter. Additionally, while it does support Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP), this is not the same as full Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) functionality. This doesn’t really matter since the monitor doesn’t offer KVM support anyway.

Regarding USB ports, it would be nice if we had a couple more, considering that no Type-C input means no KVM support, which leads to having fewer USB ports and consequently a cheaper price.

Alienware AW2725Q review: My final thoughts

✅You should buy this if …

You prefer 27-inch monitors
You want the best combo of resolution, refresh rate, and response time.
You don’t want to spend more than $1,000 on an OLED monitor

❌You should not buy this if …

You value extra features like KVM support
You need a very bright monitor

Top-tier OLED gaming monitors have seen significant improvements, while mid-range options have become more attainable. The Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor serves as a gateway into the realm of premium OLED displays.

In top-tier gaming monitors, you won’t find a better combination than a 4K resolution, a swift 240Hz refresh rate, and an ultra-fast 0.03ms response time. To top it off, the OLED panel delivers an exceptional visual experience.

With its appealing, functional design and a cost significantly lower than similar monitors, the AW2725Q appears as a tempting option. However, do keep in mind that it is still a high-priced choice when considering top-tier monitors, given that you’re paying for the OLED technology.

In essence, it’s clear that Alienware opted to prioritize a dedicated gaming experience in their monitor, sacrificing some premium features and reducing the variety of additional ports provided. This configuration might not sit well with individuals who utilize their PC for a wide range of tasks beyond gaming.

Ultimately, this Alienware 27 4K QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW2725Q), one of the top-tier gaming monitors on the market, is consistently in stock and ready for purchase. You can grab it now for just $899.99 at Dell.

2025-03-29 17:10

I’ve been gaming on Alienware’s sharpest OLED monitor, and 4K has never looked so smooth