If image quality for digital photo editing is crucial for you, the Dell U2723QE with its better color accuracy for print photo editing may be worth the extra cost. However, if you're a competitive gamer looking for high refresh rates and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) to reduce screen tearing, the MSI MAG274QRF-QD would likely serve you better. The MSI also offers better response times, which is key for fast-paced gaming. For everyday productivity and general media consumption, the Dell's higher resolution could deliver sharper text and image clarity, but it comes at a higher price. Consider the MSI if you seek a balance between price and versatile use, including casual gaming and media consumption. 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 U2723QE (IPS Black)
Very good for productivity
Good for media consumption
Advantages of the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS)
Good refresh rate
Good response time
Key differences
Competitive Gaming
4.9/10
5.8/10
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
20.7 ms
TOTAL RESPONSE TIME
9.1 ms
N/A
VARIABLE REFRESH RATE
20 - 165 Hz
No
STROBING / BFI
Yes
341 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
The MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) and Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) are both poor for competitive gaming, though the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is somewhat better.
Productivity
8.1/10
6.2/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
162 PPI
PIXELS PER INCH
109 PPI
Yes
ADJUSTABLE STAND
Yes
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) is very good for productivity, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Media Consumption
7.0/10
6.0/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
1978:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
341 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
415 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) is good for media consumption, while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is only fair.
Cost
$545
$436
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$700
$800
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) has a price of $545 and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) costs $436.
Digital Photo Editing
Yes
No
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) is suitable for digital photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is not suitable for digital photo editing.
Print Photo Editing
No
Yes
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) is not suitable for print photo editing while the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) is suitable for print photo editing.
Key similarities
Casual Gaming
6.1/10
6.1/10
3840 x 2160
RESOLUTION
2560 x 1440
60Hz
REFRESH RATE
165Hz
1978:1
NATIVE CONTRAST
1195:1
341 nits
SDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
372 nits
415 nits
HDR PEAK BRIGHTNESS
390 nits
97.3 %
DCI-P3 COLOR GAMUT
96.7 %
Semi-Gloss
COATING
Matte
The Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are both only fair for casual gaming.
HDR Gaming and Media Consumption
No
No
Both the Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR gaming and media consumption.
HDR Video Editing and Color Grading
No
No
Both the Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) and MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) are not suitable for HDR video editing and color grading.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Dell U2723QE (IPS Black) and the MSI MAG274QRF-QD (IPS) compare to other monitors
"The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD has the largest color gamut we’ve ever seen and near-perfect out-of-box accuracy. sRGB content will be oversaturated though, and HDR doesn’t do anything for image quality."
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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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
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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.