If you're a competitive gamer looking for high refresh rates and good overall performance, the ViewSonic XG2431 offers a solid gaming experience at a midrange price, particularly if you prefer a smaller screen. However, if you're into more graphically demanding games and require a larger screen with a higher resolution, the Dell Alienware AW2721D provides a better image and has a slightly wider color coverage, which is favorable for photo editing, but it comes at a premium price. Neither monitor is ideal for HDR gaming or video editing due to their limited brightness and contrast capabilities. 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 Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS)
Very good for competitive gaming
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Good brightness
Advantages of the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS)
The ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) has no clear advantages over the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS).
Key differences
Casual Gaming
6.5/10
5.8/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
71.9 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
78.0 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is only fair for casual gaming, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
8.0/10
6.9/10
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
7.1 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.5 ms
20 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 240 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is very good for competitive gaming, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is only fair.
Productivity
6.5/10
5.0/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
93 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.2/10
5.4/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
1088:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
474 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
788 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$902
$245
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) has a price of $902 and the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) costs $245.
Key similarities
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell Alienware AW2721D (IPS) and the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) compare to other monitors
"If cost isn't an issue and you want a gaming monitor that will give your content all-new life for years to come, the Alienware 27 Gaming Monitor defines the upper echelon of what gaming monitors do best today. This display does everything the HP Omen X 27 tried to do, but does it a whole lot better for just a slight bump in price. If you're choosing between the two, the Alienware is the clear winner, and that story repeats itself again and again no matter which 1440p contender we put the Alienware 27 up against."
"The ViewSonic XG2431 is an excellent gaming monitor, especially when used for HDR content. With top-notch video processing and a responsive 240 Hz on tap, it fulfills the needs of competitive players at an attractive price."
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.
By the numbers
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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.