Review of the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE)

I’ve been completely swept up by OLED displays recently, and honestly, I can’t find any reason to curb this fascination. That said, I’m open to falling head over heels for various types of monitors, and Dell has recently presented an offering so captivating that I’m not keen on returning it after completing this review.

The marvel I’m speaking of is the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. As its name implies, it’s a 27-inch 4K wonder equipped with an integrated Thunderbolt USB hub, under Dell’s UltraSharp line, which is aimed at productivity and enterprise, as well as prosumers.

This monitor stands out with its comfortable visual experience, deep blacks, and that impressive Thunderbolt hub, making it one of the more notable monitors I’ve reviewed in quite some time. For anyone in need of a monitor that not only connects seamlessly with your devices and enhances work efficiency, but also provides an immersive gaming experience, I think I’ve got just the thing for you.

Now, about why you should trust my insights: I spend my days in front of multiple displays, evaluating them for various elements such as image quality and user-friendliness. Dell provided a review sample for my assessment, but had no influence over the content of this review before it was finalized.

These UltraSharp monitors start at $699.99, a price point that aligns well with what you get. There’s also a 32-inch version priced at $950, essentially a larger version without any other differences in features. While many monitors crowd the market, this particular model offers a unique array of features and benefits.

The monitor’s core is a 27-inch display powered by IPS LCD Black technology for enhanced contrast, and it proudly boasts a 4K resolution for sharp imagery, complemented by a smooth 120Hz refresh rate and comprehensive HDR support. However, the showstopper is undoubtedly the Thunderbolt 4 USB hub, which allows for a myriad of devices to be connected and even supports daisy chaining other monitors.

So, let’s delve into the nuts and bolts. This display isn’t built just for aesthetics—it’s built for utility and ease. Assembling it is a breeze, with a two-piece stand that clicks into place without any tools. Its slim profile and smart build ensure that everything looks good while maintaining functionality, like easy access to ports and solid cable management.

Picture quality is remarkable for a productivity monitor with brilliant color accuracy and minimal glare, owing to its anti-glare coating. Plus, it supports various features like built-in color calibration tools and an ambient light sensor that hinders reflections.

Port-wise, this device is a haven. With Thunderbolt 4, USB Type-A and Type-C ports, Ethernet, and more, you can connect nearly everything. Thanks to KVM support, this monitor becomes the central hub for multiple devices, with incredible ease and simplicity, accommodating a range of peripherals and accessories.

Of course, there are a few minor gripes, like the brightness limit warnings and some cumbersome elements in the setup, such as short included cables. The OSD isn’t stellar either, and the complementary software could use some polishing. However, none of these is a deal breaker, just areas for enhancement.

In summary, this Dell UltraSharp model proves to be a versatile powerhouse, if you are planning to put together a comprehensive station combining work and casual gaming. Although it might not fit the needs of someone chasing the ultimate performance or supreme imaging quality, its useful features and the Thunderbolt hub make it a solid choice, particularly at the $699.99 price point. The 32-inch upgrade might be a bit steep, but for those needing extra screen real estate, it might just be worth it.