For numerous individuals, the monitor serves as the central hub, connecting all devices and accessories. Performing tasks effectively becomes quite challenging without a high-quality display, and an exceptional monitor offers functionality beyond just showing content.
Recently, I’ve been indulging in premium OLED gaming monitors such as the HP OMEN Transcend 32 that I assessed, yet the most recent screen to find a place on my desk has left me astonished in various aspects.
Despite being less flashy, smaller, and slower, the recently introduced Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) might just be the most exceptional productivity monitor I’ve ever reviewed.
The new Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor may not be flashy, but it could be the best productivity monitor I’ve ever tested.
This monitor boasts a 4K, 120Hz IPS LCD display, making it unique by incorporating an entire Thunderbolt 4 USB hub within its sleek design. A feature I never knew I desired, yet now that I’ve experienced it, I’ll find it challenging to adapt to any other monitor.
Today marks the release of the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, and before we dive into a comprehensive review in the near future, here are my initial thoughts on this new addition to our tech world.
What should I know about this monitor?
This Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor isn’t exactly a groundbreaking innovation in the industry or for Dell itself, as similar monitor features have been seen in various forms and dimensions before. However, what sets this display apart is its distinctive blend of capabilities.
Fundamentally, it boasts a 27-inch, ultra-high definition (UHD) screen with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, an aspect ratio of 16:9, and a swift refresh rate of 120Hz. It’s delightful to observe the rise of faster refresh rates in gaming monitors transitioning to productivity displays, and this one truly delivers a smooth user experience.
This screen employs In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology instead of costlier OLED, resulting in less vivid colors compared to pricier options. Additionally, it utilizes a single backlight rather than the local dimming zones found in premium IPS LCD displays, which may affect its contrast ratios negatively.
On the other hand, this display is an IPS LCD “Black” type, which gives it much better contrast compared to standard IPS monitors. Additionally, Dell has equipped it with an anti-reflective coating, and this feature noticeably improves visibility.
I plan to discuss the performance of the UltraSharp U2725QE display shortly, but the primary reason for considering it lies elsewhere.
This monitor comes equipped with an extensive Thunderbolt 4 Hub, which not only increases your connectivity possibilities, but also offers 140W Power Delivery and enhanced Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) support for seamless sharing of accessories and peripherals among connected devices. Its performance is outstanding, making it a true powerhouse for productivity.
Beginning today, you can acquire the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) for a cost of $699.99 directly from Dell. If a larger display appeals to you, there’s also a 32-inch version available, which shares the same features but boasts a larger screen; this model can be found at Dell for $949.99 starting today.
Is the Thunderbolt hub really that useful?
In summary, many monitors offer extra USB ports for easy connection of various accessories or frequently-used peripherals. Moreover, several of these monitors are equipped with KVM functionality, enabling control of multiple devices (often a laptop and a desktop) using the same keyboard and mouse via the monitor itself.
Dell’s U2725QE takes that another step forward.
The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub monitor, excluding its power port, offers a total of 15 different connection points, making my setup considerably more adaptable compared to any other monitor I’ve previously evaluated.
As an analyst, here’s how I would explain it:
“I’m outlining the key features of this device for you. It boasts dual DisplayPort 1.4 ports, one with Display Stream Compression and Dynamic Refresh Rate support, another with the flexibility to handle full 4K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate when using HDMI 2.1, which also supports Variable Refresh Rate. Additionally, it offers a Thunderbolt 4 upstream port that can deliver both DisplayPort 1.4 and 140W Power Delivery, and a Thunderbolt 4 downstream port for daisy-chaining another 4K display while providing 15W charging. Furthermore, it includes a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 upstream port for KVM support with DisplayPort or HDMI, four USB Type-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports, an audio jack, an Ethernet jack, and a Kensington Nano Security Slot.”
By the way, at the base of this display, you’ll find a concealed compartment. It includes three USB ports: two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 ports facing forward and one USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 port. All these ports provide 15W charging for your devices.
Each of these ports allows for simultaneous access by two devices, featuring both Dual Screen (Auto KVM) and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture functionalities.
The standout feature? The U2725QE has an integrated power supply, eliminating the need for a large external power brick, ensuring both the display and its 140W Thunderbolt 4 port are efficiently powered.
Currently, I have the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) linked to my HP OMEN 35L desktop PC, which I previously reviewed, using DisplayPort 1.4 and USB Type-C. Additionally, I’m reviewing the Lenovo Yoga Slim 9i 14 (Gen 10) with Thunderbolt 4 connection.
Are these gadgets (keyboard, mouse, headset, microphone, webcam) compatible with multiple devices? Furthermore, there are available USB ports at the front for connecting external storage devices like USB drives, charging my phone, or any other necessary functions.
In simpler terms, this implies that I can effortlessly integrate my preferred gadget extras and tools across all devices without having to disconnect any cables. What’s more, I can operate both devices simultaneously.
Boosting the available bandwidth significantly enhances KVM support’s utility for me, as it allows for a greater number of connections. Moreover, I appreciate the monitor’s quality independently as well.
Is this a good display beyond the Thunderbolt hub?
Spending around $700 on a monitor should get you one that exceeds expectations, and the UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor certainly delivers on this promise.
This is an IPS LCD screen that doesn’t have the vibrancy and deep blacks found in OLED screens, but it offers a pleasantly comfortable viewing experience with a surprisingly wide range of adaptability.
In addition to its fundamental features such as a 27-inch, 4K, 120Hz screen, the U2725QE boasts an appealing appearance. The single backlight distributes light evenly across the entire panel with minimal bleeding, similar to a well-healed paper cut. The white balance is cool and uniform, and the overall display is gentle on the eyes due to Dell’s enhanced ComfortView Plus technology controlling blue light levels.
Calibrating the factory settings guarantees reliable color precision (even though I haven’t personally conducted extensive tests), allowing this monitor to seamlessly adapt for various tasks such as work, gaming, content viewing, and more without a hitch. The U2725QE further enhances user experience by integrating an ambient light sensor that smartly adjusts the brightness and color tone according to your surroundings.
The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Monitor doesn’t stand out as the most captivating model around, but it certainly delivers in terms of functionality. It allows for smooth gaming experiences, offers comfortable extended work sessions, and is perfect for watching movies. However, not having a built-in webcam or speakers does feel like a noticeable omission.
A monitor so good I almost don’t miss having OLED
It’s no hidden fact that I strongly prefer OLED displays due to their distinctive, incredibly vivid appearance. While I continue my testing and analysis, I must admit that the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor has been impressively good, almost making me forget about my high-end OLED monitor.
This monitor might not be visually captivating, but it checks off everything on my list for a primary screen – it offers a nice blend of high resolution and quick refresh rate, and boasts several highly beneficial features that boost my productivity.
It now seems so intuitive that in the future, monitors without numerous extra ports built-in might seem somewhat inadequate, as having my monitor serve as a Thunderbolt 4 hub feels like an expected feature.
This monitor may not be the absolute pinnacle of productivity displays, but I can confidently recommend it as a strong contender. If you’re searching for a high-quality, smooth screen that could serve as the backbone of your workstation, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) is currently priced at $699.99 on Dell’s site. I have been impressed by it so far.
Keep an eye out on Windows Central over the next few weeks as I delve deeper into a comprehensive review of this monitor, discussing its aesthetics, picture quality, and various attributes in greater detail.
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2025-02-25 17:10