Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor vs ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor
The Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor is the premium option here, boasting a stunning resolution of 3840 x 2160. If you're looking for a sharper display for media consumption or productivity, this monitor's 163 PPI delivers razor-sharp text clarity. However, the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor stands out with its factory calibration, ensuring color accuracy with a Delta E < 2, making it an excellent choice for professionals on a budget. In real-world use, the Dell’s 4K resolution is fantastic for detailed graphic work and watching films, but the 60Hz refresh rate can be a dealbreaker for gamers. On the flip side, the ASUS monitor's 75Hz refresh rate provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming, even though it lacks the same pixel density. The deciding factor? If you're focused on content creation, the ASUS is worth considering, especially given its extensive connectivity options and lower power consumption of 18.6W versus 28W for the Dell.
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Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor
ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD 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 ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor
Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor
ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor
| Criterion | Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor | ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(24)Best Buy | ★4.7(4,200)Amazon |
Screen Size | 27" Viewable (27" Class) | 27" Viewable (27" Class) |
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) | 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) |
Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | 16:9 |
Screen Type | IPS (In-Plane Switching) | IPS (In-Plane Switching) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 75 Hz |
Response Time | 4 ms (Gray-to-Gray Extreme Mode) | 5 ms (GtG) |
Brightness | 350 nits (Typical) | 350 nits (Typical) |
Contrast | 1,300:1 (Typical) | 1,000:1 (Typical) |
Color Gamut | 99% sRGB | 100% sRGB / 100% Rec. 709 |
Color Depth | 1.07 Billion (10-bit via 8-bit + FRC) | 16.7M (8-bit) |
HDR | HDR Playback Support (Not VESA Certified) | No (Not supported) |
Adaptive Sync | AMD FreeSync (40Hz - 60Hz) | Adaptive-Sync (48Hz - 75Hz range) |
Viewing Angles | 178° (H) / 178° (V) | 178° (H) / 178° (V) |
Curvature | Flat | Flat |
Speakers | 2x 3 W (Stereo) | 2x 2 W (Stereo) |
Ports | 2x HDMI 2.0; 1x DisplayPort 1.2; 1x 3.5mm Audio Line-out | 1x Mini DisplayPort 1.2; 1x DisplayPort 1.2; 1x HDMI 1.4; 1x Dual-Link DVI-D; 4x USB 3.0 Downstream; 1x USB-B Upstream; 1x 3.5mm Audio In; 1x 3.5mm Headphone 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 (150mm), Swivel (-90° to 90°), Pivot (90°), Tilt (-5° to 35°) |
Power Consumption | 28 W (Typical) / 52 W (Max) / 0.3 W (Standby) | 18.6 W (Typical) / 0.5 W (Standby) |
Weight With Stand | 6,400 g (14.11 lbs) | 7,720 g (17.02 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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ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor
✓ Pros:
- • Factory calibrated and Calman Verified for excellent color accuracy (Delta E < 2) out of the box
- • Rare inclusion of legacy ports (Mini DisplayPort and DVI-D) maximizes compatibility with older workstations
- • Fully ergonomic stand supports generous height, tilt, swivel, and bidirectional pivot adjustments
- • 75Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync provides a smoother experience than standard 60Hz office monitors
- • Features a 4-port USB 3.0 hub for connecting peripherals directly to the monitor
✗ Cons:
- • Lacks USB-C connectivity for single-cable laptop docking (found on the pricier 'CV' model)
- • No HDR support
- • Standard contrast ratio (1,000:1) means blacks can appear grayish in dark rooms
- • Bezels are slightly thicker than modern 'frameless' competitors
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Which one is better?
The Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor is the better buy for most people - its stunning 3840 x 2160 resolution crushes the ASUS. That said, grab the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor if you need better color accuracy for creative work - it's easier on the budget and offers a solid 75Hz refresh rate.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Dell S2721QS 27" 4K UHD IPS Monitor if: you want razor-sharp 4K resolution for media consumption, you need a fully adjustable ergonomic stand, or you work with detailed graphics.
Choose the ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor if: you need precision color accuracy for photography, you want a higher refresh rate for smoother scrolling, or you use older workstations with legacy ports. (75 Hz refresh, 272.32 oz weight)
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. ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27" WQHD Monitor is better if you prioritize factory calibrated and calman verified for excellent color accuracy (delta e < 2) out of the box. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
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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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