Dell UltraSharp U2722DE 27-Inch Monitor Review Stunning Color Accuracy and Productivity Features

Description

Design and Build Quality of the Dell UltraSharp U2722DE

The Dell UltraSharp U2722DE monitor honestly feels like a premium device the moment you unbox it. Its 27-inch QHD display with 2560×1440 resolution brings a sharpness that’s hard to ignore. The first thing I noticed was the virtually borderless InfinityEdge design, which is not only aesthetically pleasing but also incredibly practical for multi-monitor setups. Pairing this with a second display was seamless, thanks to the daisy-chain feature. The sleek platinum silver finish looks professional and blends well in any workspace.

What stood out for me was the small base and innovative cable management system. The cables are cleverly tucked into the monitor riser, ensuring my desk remains clean and clutter-free. While the stand allows for tilt, swivel, and height adjustments, I found the range of motion to be slightly limited compared to other premium monitors.

Display Performance and Color Accuracy

The in-plane switching (IPS) technology on this monitor is no joke. Colors appear vibrant and consistent across the wide 178-degree viewing angle, which is perfect when I was collaborating with a coworker sitting next to me. The 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709, and 95% DCI-P3 color coverage make it ideal for creative tasks like photo editing or video grading. I found the color reproduction to be true-to-life, and the 1.07 billion color depth ensures gradients are smooth and rich.

Additionally, the ComfortView Plus feature is a lifesaver. This built-in low blue light filter doesn’t compromise on color quality while significantly reducing eye strain. I spent hours staring at spreadsheets and editing photos, and my eyes didn’t feel as tired as they usually do with standard monitors. However, if you’re someone who works in extremely bright environments, the anti-glare coating might not be as effective as you’d hope.

Seamless Multitasking and Productivity Boost

One of the highlights for me was the Picture-by-Picture (PbP) and Picture-in-Picture (PiP) modes, which allow you to view content from two different PC sources simultaneously. This is a game-changer for multitasking. The Auto KVM feature takes it up a notch by automatically detecting the second device and letting me control both PCs with a single keyboard and mouse. It’s incredibly intuitive and saves a ton of time.

The Easy Arrange feature in the Dell Display Manager is another tool I didn’t realize I needed until I used it. It lets you create custom layouts for your applications with 38 pre-set window partitions, which made managing multiple tasks effortless. I customized a layout for my photo editing software, emails, and browser tabs, and it worked flawlessly.

Connectivity Options

The sheer number of connectivity ports on this monitor had me impressed. From HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C to super-speed USB 10Gbps ports, it feels like this monitor can connect to practically anything. The USB-C port is probably my favorite as it serves as a single-cable solution, transmitting data, video, and delivering up to 90W of power to my laptop. This reduced the number of cables on my desk and kept things tidy.

Interestingly, the RJ45 Ethernet port turns this monitor into a productivity hub. Connecting directly to the network through the monitor provided stable internet connectivity, which is especially useful when working on a laptop that lacks an Ethernet port. However, I did notice that the monitor doesn’t support Thunderbolt, which might be a drawback for some users relying on faster data transfer speeds.

Favorable Aspects

• Vibrant and accurate color reproduction with 100% sRGB and 95% DCI-P3 coverage.
• Wide range of connectivity options, including USB-C, HDMI, and Ethernet.
• ComfortView Plus technology reduces eye strain without sacrificing color quality.
• InfinityEdge design is perfect for multi-monitor setups.
• Auto KVM and PbP modes make multitasking seamless and efficient.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited range of motion in the stand adjustments compared to some competitors.
• The anti-glare coating could be better, especially in very bright environments.
• Lack of Thunderbolt support, which might be crucial for some users.

Product Rivals

When comparing this monitor to others in the same price range, a few contenders come to mind. The LG 27UK850 offers similar USB-C connectivity and 4K resolution, which might appeal to those wanting slightly sharper visuals. However, it doesn’t match the color accuracy of the Dell UltraSharp, especially for professional-grade tasks. On the other hand, the BenQ PD3220U provides excellent color performance with HDR10 support but comes at a significantly higher price point.

While the Dell UltraSharp U2722DE excels in multi-monitor setups and productivity features like Auto KVM, its competitors often lack these perks. However, the absence of Thunderbolt in this monitor gives rivals like the LG a slight edge in terms of future-proofing.

Money’s Worth

This monitor is undoubtedly a solid investment for professionals prioritizing color accuracy and productivity. The inclusion of USB-C with 90W power delivery, Ethernet connectivity, and the ComfortView Plus technology makes it stand out among its peers. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some 4K monitors, the price-to-quality ratio feels justified, given the features and performance it delivers.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, but only if you value the seamless multitasking features and impressive color accuracy over ultra-high resolution or Thunderbolt ports. It’s a fantastic monitor for both work and creative projects, but it might not check every box for tech enthusiasts looking for cutting-edge specs.

Additional information