If smooth gameplay is crucial for you, especially in fast-paced games, the Dell S2522HG with a higher refresh rate and lower total response time offers a better experience. However, for tasks that benefit from more screen real estate and sharper text and images, such as graphic design or video editing, the Dell S2721DS with its higher resolution and larger screen size is more suitable. Note that neither monitor is ideal for HDR gaming or media consumption due to their limited peak brightness and color gamut coverage. If you often multitask and need better clarity with your work, go with the S2721DS, but if your focus is on a responsive gaming experience, choose the S2522HG. 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 S2522HG (IPS)
Good for competitive gaming
Very good refresh rate
Good brightness
Very good response time
Advantages of the Dell S2721DS (IPS)
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
7.0/10
5.0/10
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
75Hz
6.0 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
17.4 ms
48 - 240 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 75 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
400 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
334 nits
The Dell S2522HG (IPS) is good for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721DS (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
4.6/10
5.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
89 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
No
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S2522HG (IPS) are both poor for productivity, though the Dell S2721DS (IPS) is somewhat better.
Media Consumption
5.3/10
5.9/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1000:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1015:1
400 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
334 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DS (IPS) and Dell S2522HG (IPS) are both poor for media consumption, though the Dell S2721DS (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$310
$354
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
The Dell S2522HG (IPS) has a price of $310 and the Dell S2721DS (IPS) costs $354.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.8/10
5.8/10
1920 x 1080
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
240Hz
REFRESH RATE
75Hz
1000:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1015:1
400 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
334 nits
N/A
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
N/A
N/A
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
N/A
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2522HG (IPS) and Dell S2721DS (IPS) are both poor for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2522HG (IPS) and Dell S2721DS (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2522HG (IPS) and Dell S2721DS (IPS) are not suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2522HG (IPS) and Dell S2721DS (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2522HG (IPS) and Dell S2721DS (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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How the Dell S2522HG (IPS) and the Dell S2721DS (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The Dell S2522HG changes the game. This 24.5-inch 1080p gaming monitor has a 240Hz refresh rate, yet it’s commonly sold for $249.99. That’s just tens of dollars more than an average 1080p 144Hz gaming monitor. The S2522HG cuts a few corners in its pursuit of pricing, but it’s a great choice for competitive gamers on a budget."
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.