Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Get the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor unless you need 4K resolution. The numbers: 360Hz refresh rate blows away the Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor's 60Hz, making it a no-brainer for fast-paced gaming. In real-world use, 360Hz delivers incredibly smooth gameplay, especially in titles like CS2 and Valorant, while the Dell's 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) shines for media consumption and productivity tasks. If you’re into gaming, the Alienware's 0.5ms response time will feel lightning-fast compared to the Dell's 4ms, ensuring you don’t miss a beat in competitive settings.
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Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor vs Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor
Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
| Criterion | Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor | Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(24)Best Buy | ★4.8(238)Best Buy |
Screen Size | 27" Viewable (27" Class) | 24.5" Viewable (25" Class) |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 1920 x 1080 (FHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | IPS (In-Plane Switching) | Fast IPS |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 360 Hz (via DisplayPort) / 255 Hz (via HDMI) |
Response Time | 4 ms (Gray-to-Gray Extreme Mode) | 0.5 ms (GtG Min) / 1 ms (GtG Extreme) |
Brightness | 350 nits (Typical) | 400 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,300:1 (Typical) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 99% sRGB | 99% sRGB |
Color Depth | 1.07 Billion (10-bit via 8-bit + FRC) | 16.7M (8-bit) |
HDR | HDR Playback Support (Not VESA Certified) | Smart HDR (Accepts signal; not VESA DisplayHDR certified) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync (40Hz - 60Hz) | AMD FreeSync Premium / VESA Adaptive-Sync Certified |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | 2x 3 W (Stereo) | No (None) |
Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x DisplayPort 1.2; 1x 3.5mm Audio Line-out | 1x DisplayPort 1.4; 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x USB-B 3.2 Gen 1 Upstream; 4x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 Downstream (1x with Battery Charging 1.2); 1x Headphone Out; 1x Audio Line-Out |
USB C | No | No |
Kvm | No | No |
Vesa | 100 x 100 mm | 100 x 100 mm |
Ergonomics | Height (110mm), Tilt (-5° to 21°), Swivel (-30° to 30°), Pivot (90°) | Height (110mm), Swivel (-20° to 20°), Pivot (90°), Tilt (-5° to 21°) |
Power Consumption | 28 W (Typical) / 52 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) | 16.3 W (Typical) / 74.5 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 6,400 g (14.11 lbs) | 5,770 g (12.72 lbs) |
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Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • Razor-sharp 4K resolution (163 PPI) delivers excellent text clarity
- • Fully adjustable ergonomic stand (Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt) included
- • High 1,300:1 contrast ratio is better than the standard 1,000:1 found on most IPS panels
- • Modern design with ultra-thin bezels on three sides and a textured silver back
- • Supports Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) for multitasking
✗ Cons:
- • Limited to 60Hz, making it less suitable for fast-paced gaming
- • Lacks USB-C connectivity and USB data hub
- • HDR support is software-based 'playback' only; lacks local dimming for true HDR
- • Response time overdrive (Extreme mode) can cause inverse ghosting artifacts
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Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • 360Hz refresh rate (via DisplayPort) offers elite-tier motion clarity for CS2 and Valorant
- • Fast IPS panel combines speed (0.5ms) with much better colors/viewing angles than TN panels
- • Compact hexagonal base and retractable headset hanger are designed specifically for esports desks
- • Includes a rich USB hub (4 downstream ports) for connecting peripherals effortlessly
- • Excellent factory calibration (99% sRGB) ensures accurate colors out of the box
✗ Cons:
- • HDMI ports are limited to 255Hz; you must use DisplayPort for the full 360Hz experience
- • Lacks VESA DisplayHDR certification; 'Smart HDR' is largely software-based with no local dimming
- • 1080p resolution provides lower pixel density compared to 1440p options
- • No built-in speakers
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Which one is better?
The Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is the better buy for most people - its 360Hz refresh rate crushes the Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor's 60Hz. That said, grab the Dell if you prioritize 4K resolution for creative work - it's perfect for high-definition media.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor if: you need razor-sharp text clarity for design work, watch HDR content, or want an ergonomic setup with full adjustability. (27" display, 60 Hz refresh)
Choose the Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor if: you play fast-paced games, require ultra-smooth motion clarity, or need a compact design optimized for esports. (24.5" display, 360 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor excels if you value razor-sharp 4k resolution (163 ppi) delivers excellent text clarity. Alienware AW2523HF 24.5" FHD 360Hz Gaming Monitor is better if you prioritize 360hz refresh rate (via displayport) offers elite-tier motion clarity for cs2 and valorant. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
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+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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