If you're on a budget and need a solid monitor for productivity and digital photo editing, the Dell S2721QS is an economical choice with a clear image and good text quality. However, for a premium, the MSI MPG 321URX offers superior performance for HDR gaming, media consumption, and HDR video editing with its excellent color volume and contrast. Competitive gamers will also appreciate its higher refresh rate and very low response time. While the Dell is suitable for casual gaming and general use, the MSI is tailored for users who demand top-tier visuals and are involved in color-critical work or immersive entertainment experiences. 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)
Very good text clarity
Very good image clarity
Advantages of the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED)
Best in class for casual gaming
Best in class for media consumption
Very good refresh rate
Best in class contrast
Best in class brightness
Best in class color volume
Best in class response time
Key differences
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
9.9/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
85.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
99.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is best in class for casual gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
Competitive Gaming
4.9/10
6.8/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
14.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
0.0 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
48 - 240 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
No
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
The MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
10.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
Inf:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
1000 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
Unknown
Matte
COATING
Matte
The MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is best in class for media consumption, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$230
$950
$0
$200
$400
$600
$800
$1,000
$1,200
$1,400
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) has a price of $230 and the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) costs $950.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
Yes
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption while the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
Yes
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading while the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Productivity
7.9/10
7.6/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
3840 x 2160
164 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
139 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) and MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) are both good for productivity.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) are suitable for digital photo editing.
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How the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and the MSI MPG 321URX (QD-OLED) 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."
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Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.