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What we think
The PerfectRec monitor team Learn more
Updated April 12, 2024·
If you prioritize a higher resolution for activities like detailed photo editing or enjoying sharp video content, the Dell S2721QS could be the right choice, although it's at a higher cost and not ideal for HDR gaming or media. On the other hand, the MSI G274QPF-QD is more budget-friendly and has a rapid refresh rate, making it suitable for competitive gaming. However, its lower resolution won't be as crisp for productivity or media consumption as the Dell, and its color performance may not be as strong for tasks that need precise color accuracy, like professional photo editing. 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 MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS)
- Good refresh rate
- Good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.9
5.8
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
14.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
8.0 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 170 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
The MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) and Dell S2721QS (IPS) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
7.9
6.0
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
164 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
108 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is good for productivity, while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
6.7
5.9
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$230
$270
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) has a price of $230 and the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) costs $270.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9
5.9
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
170Hz
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1000:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
300 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
85.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
95.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) and Dell S2721QS (IPS) are both poor for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
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We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and the MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
Spec Comparison
 |  | |
| Dell S2721QS (IPS) | MSI G274QPF-QD (IPS) |
GENERAL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
$230 | $270 | ||
Screen Size | |||
Screen Size | 27" | 27" | |
Resolution | |||
Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | |
Screen Type | |||
Screen Type | LED | LED | |
Screen Sub-type | |||
Screen Sub-type | IPS | IPS | |
Refresh Rate | |||
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 170Hz | |
COLOR, CONTRAST & BRIGHTNESS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Native Contrast | |||
Native Contrast | 1221:1 | 1000:1 | |
SDR Peak Brightness | |||
SDR Peak Brightness | 373 nits | 300 nits | |
HDR Peak Brightness | |||
HDR Peak Brightness | 386 nits | Unknown | |
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | |||
Suitable for HDR Gaming and Media Consumption | No | No | |
sRGB Color Gamut | |||
sRGB Color Gamut | 100 % | 154 % | |
MOTION CHARACTERISTICS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Total Response Time | |||
Total Response Time | 14.5 ms | 8 ms | |
Variable Refresh Rate | |||
Variable Refresh Rate | 40 - 60 Hz | 48 - 170 Hz | |
Strobing / BFI | |||
Strobing / BFI | No | No | |
Persistence Blur Score | |||
Persistence Blur Score | 5/10 | 7.1/10 | |
Ghosting Score | |||
Ghosting Score | 6/10 | 7.6/10 | |
TEXT & IMAGE CLARITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Pixels Per Inch | |||
Pixels Per Inch | 164 PPI | 108 PPI | |
Coating | |||
Coating | Matte | Matte | |
Text Clarity Score | |||
Text Clarity Score | 8.1/10 | 7/10 | |
Image Clarity Score | |||
Image Clarity Score | 8.1/10 | 7/10 | |
PORTS & CONNECTIVITY | |||
|---|---|---|---|
HDMI 1.4 Ports | |||
HDMI 1.4 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
HDMI 2.0 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.0 Ports | 2 | 2 | |
HDMI 2.1 Ports | |||
HDMI 2.1 Ports | 0 | 0 | |
Micro HDMI Ports | |||
Micro HDMI Ports | 0 | 0 | |
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | |||
DisplayPort 1.2 Ports | 1 | 0 | |
Shopping
Dell S2721QS (IPS)
See more
Dig into reviews and images
Tom's Hardware
Scharon Harding | September 2021
"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."
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Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
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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.
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