The Dell S2721QS offers a higher screen resolution which is better for productivity and media consumption due to its sharper image quality, and it's also well-suited for digital photo editing. If gaming is your priority, especially competitive gaming, the LG 27GP850 has a higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother motion, and comes with variable refresh rate support and less ghosting, making it ideal for fast-paced games. However, the LG's resolution is lower, which might affect the sharpness of the image for productivity tasks. Both monitors have their strengths, so your choice should be guided by whether you prioritize work and media viewing (Dell) or gaming performance (LG). 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 S2721QS (IPS)
Good for productivity
Very good text clarity
Very good image clarity
Advantages of the LG 27GP850 (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Very good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.9/10
6.0/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
180Hz
14.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
6.8 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 180 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
The LG 27GP850 (IPS) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
7.9/10
6.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
164 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is good for productivity, while the LG 27GP850 (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
5.9/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
807:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
472 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the LG 27GP850 (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$230
$250
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) has a price of $230 and the LG 27GP850 (IPS) costs $250.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
180Hz
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
807:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
365 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
472 nits
85.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.6 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers LG 27GP850 (IPS) to be only fair for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and LG 27GP850 (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and the LG 27GP850 (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The Dell S2721QS 4K monitor brings IPS-level colors and some handy features, like a versatile stand with height adjustments and picture-in-picture for connecting dual systems. But don’t get it for HDR."
"In my opinion, the LG 27GP850 is the best in its class from the monitors I've tested, with the combination of great response times and a functional sRGB mode pushing it over the edge. It's generally worth the price premium and its overall balance of features with few weak areas makes it a monitor you won't be disappointed to have."
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.