If a larger screen and higher resolution for detailed productivity tasks or immersive media consumption are important to you, the Dell S2721DGF is a solid choice, despite its higher cost. However, if you prioritize fast-paced competitive gaming and can compromise on screen size and resolution, the ViewSonic XG2431 with its higher refresh rate and response performance might be more appealing, while also saving you some money. Neither monitor is the best fit for HDR gaming or professional color work where higher color accuracy and brightness are needed. 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 S2721DGF (IPS)
Good text clarity
Good image clarity
Very good response time
Advantages of the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS)
Very good refresh rate
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
5.8/10
6.9/10
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
6.3 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.5 ms
20 - 165 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 240 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
The ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
6.2/10
5.0/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
109 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
93 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is only fair for productivity, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
5.9/10
5.4/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
882:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
485 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are both poor for media consumption, though the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) is somewhat better.
Cost
$300
$245
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
$450
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) has a price of $300 and the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) costs $245.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
5.8/10
2560 x 1440
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
165Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
882:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
368 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
485 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
97.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
78.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are both poor for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721DGF (IPS) and the ViewSonic XG2431 (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."
"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.
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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.