If you're focused on competitive gaming and want the best refresh rate for smooth motion, the Asus XB273U F is the superior choice, especially if you also need USB ports and a higher peak brightness for vivid colors. However, if you're mindful of budget and want a monitor that offers solid performance for both productivity and casual gaming, the Dell S2721DGF will serve you well at a midrange price. The Dell doesn't support strobing or reach the same high refresh rate as the Asus, which may affect fast-paced gaming, but it still delivers very clear images and good text quality for mixed usage. Both monitors have similar screen size, resolution, and panel type, but the differences in refresh rates, brightness, and price will be significant factors in your decision. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Asus XB273U F (IPS)
Good for casual gaming
Best in class for competitive gaming
Best in class refresh rate
Good brightness
Advantages of the Dell S2721DGF (IPS)
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Asus XB273U F (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
7.0/10
5.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1242:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
882:1
488 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
368 nits
468 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
485 nits
96.1 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
97.2 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Asus XB273U F (IPS) is good for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
9.5/10
5.8/10
360Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
5.4 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.3 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
Yes
STROBING / BFI
No
488 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
368 nits
The Asus XB273U F (IPS) is best in class for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$1,100
$300
$0
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
The Asus XB273U F (IPS) has a price of $1,100 and the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) costs $300.
Print Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Asus XB273U F (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Productivity
6.7/10
6.2/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Asus XB273U F (IPS) and Dell S2721DGF (IPS) are both only fair for productivity.
Media Consumption
6.3/10
5.9/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1242:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
882:1
488 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
368 nits
468 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
485 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Asus XB273U F (IPS) to be only fair for media consumption, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Asus XB273U F (IPS) and Dell S2721DGF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Asus XB273U F (IPS) and Dell S2721DGF (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Asus XB273U F (IPS) and Dell S2721DGF (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Asus XB273U F (IPS) and the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The Dell S2721DGF checks all the boxes for an upper-mid priced display that can take on the best gaming monitors, and you might even be able to find it for under $500 (it's $450-$500 as of writing). The monitor's 1440p, runs at 165 Hz without overclock, has AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and G-Sync Compatibility, covers a large portion of the DCI-P3 color gamut and includes a lighting effect on the back."
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec monitors team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest monitor information and makes it digestible for you.
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About the monitor team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Monitors Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.