If high-resolution for detailed work or watching movies is a priority, the Dell monitor will suit you with its clearer picture for tasks like photo editing. However, if you're a competitive gamer looking for smooth visuals and quick response, the ViewSonic offers features that align with those needs, but at a lower resolution, which is less ideal for sharpness and detail in other uses. Neither is top-tier for HDR gaming or media, with modest brightness and color volume. The Dell's larger screen makes multi-tasking and productivity more comfortable, whereas the ViewSonic's higher refresh rate and response time better supports fast-paced gaming. 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 ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS)
Very good refresh rate
Good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.9/10
6.9/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
14.5 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
7.5 ms
40 - 60 Hz
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 240 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
The ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is only fair for competitive gaming, while the Dell S2721QS (IPS) is poor.
Productivity
7.9/10
5.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
164 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
93 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is good for productivity, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Media Consumption
6.7/10
5.4/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) is only fair for media consumption, while the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) is poor.
Cost
$230
$260
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$350
$400
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) has a price of $230 and the ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) costs $260.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
5.9/10
5.8/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
1920 x 1080
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
240Hz
1221:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
900:1
373 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
343 nits
386 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
507 nits
85.2 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
78.0 %
Matte
COATING
Matte
The Dell S2721QS (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are both poor for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
Yes
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are suitable for digital photo editing.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Print Photo Editing
No
No
Both the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and ViewSonic XG2431 (IPS) are not suitable for print photo editing.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell S2721QS (IPS) and the ViewSonic XG2431 (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."
"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.
By the numbers
210
Monitors evaluated
10,500
Monitors stats compiled
15
Proprietary Monitors ratings developed
94,100
Recommendations made
14,115
Consumer hours saved
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.