The Dell P2721Q is a productivity monitor that boasts 4K resolution and ultimate minimalism with its USB-C connectivity. It has 65W Power Delivery for uninterrupted charging, a quick release slot for easier installation/disassembly, Always On mode, single cable connectivity with USB-C and more. Before we dive deeper into the Dell P2721Q 4K monitor, let’s see what’s inside and what’s in the box.
Dell P2721Q – Specifications
| Viewing Size | 27-inch |
| Panel Type | IPS |
| Maximum Preset Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Maximum Refresh Rate | 60Hz |
| Viewing Angle | 178° (vertical) typical 178° (horizontal) typical |
| Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 (typical) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Backlight Technology | White LED edgelight system |
| Brightness | 350cd/m2 |
| Response Time | 8ms (normal) 5ms (Fast) (Gray to Gray) |
| Adjustability | Height-adjustable stand (150mm) Tilt (-5° to 21°) Swivel (-45° to 45°) Pivot (-90° to 90°) |
| Color Gamut | 99% sRGB |
| Color Depth | 1.07 billion colors |
| Connectivity | 1 x HDMI port version 2.0 1 x DisplayPort version 1.2 1 x USB Type-C (Alternate mode with DisplayPort 1.2, USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) upstream port, Power Delivery up to 65 W) 2 x USB 2.0 downstream ports – Back 2 x SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen1) – Bottom |
What’s In The Box?
- Dell P2721Q 4K USB-C Monitor
- Power Cable
- USB Type-C to C
- USB Type-C to USB Type-A
- DisplayPort Cable
- HDMI Cable
Design
In terms of design, the Dell P2721Q 4K USB-C monitor has the signature Dell aesthetic with the brushed aluminum on the monitor stand and base. This gives it that urban business monitor look with that combination of matte black and silver.
As for the monitor itself, the top, left and right bezels are fairly thin, with the bottom chin being slightly thicker and having a small notification LED light on the bottom right. Underneath the bottom bezel is where you’ll find the connection slots for Dell’s ultra slim soundbar. Dell was kind enough to include it with the review unit, so we’ll get to that later.
On the rear of the monitor, the Dell P2721Q has its slew of connectivity ports facing downwards, which does make connecting cables a little harder. But then, having them jutting outwards is kind of awkward as well. The monitor stand does have a cutout for you to route your cables for improved cable management, and I find that it works really well to hide all the cables in the back.
There’s also an OSD joystick for easy and quick access to the monitor’s menu and features. It’s easily reachable from the bottom right of the monitor. Alternatively, the monitor is also compatible with Dell’s Display Manager software for convenient access to some of the monitor’s settings (not all).
Display
Some of the main features of the Dell P2721Q is the 27-inch IPS panel with a 4K resolution, 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time. Brightness can go up to 350 cd/m2 while its contrast ratio is rated at 1:000:1. The monitor isn’t HDR enabled, but it does deliver really vivid images out of the box. The monitor renders 99% sRGB and 78% DCI-P3 for general all-round use including movies, games, and document reading.
If you’re into editing and are planning to use this monitor for that purpose, you’re in luck. The default deltaE average returned at 0.79, and after calibration it got down to 0.39 which is even better. Colours are superbly accurate, and colour grading your projects will turn out even more reliable with the Dell P2721Q.
Being an IPS display, you get really good viewing angles as colours don’t fade when you’re viewing from the side. However, because of that as well, the monitor doesn’t produce really good blacks. VA or OLED panels does a better job in that department. Looking at the monitor’s edges, there’s very little light leak too.
I loved using the Dell P2721Q for Netflix and YouTube sessions, as well as daily work. But when it comes to gaming, I was right to not expect too much from the monitor. Response rate isn’t as fast as it’s rated at 5ms, and the screen’s refresh rate is only 60Hz so do expect some form of screen tearing. And because the monitor has a 4K resolution, it might take a toll on games and your GPU to churn out those extra pixels. If you’re wondering, the monitor doesn’t support both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia’s G-Sync.
User Experience
Setting up the Dell P2721Q was easy and straightforward. Just take the stand out, clip it onto the display panel, ensure all screws are screwed in and cables tightly connected. Once that’s done, you’re ready to power it up and start watching a movie or working on a document.
The monitor has been a steady workhorse in my daily use. I’ve been using it for everything from work to play, and I’m falling more in love with it every day. I wished it had wireless charging on the monitor base like how the Lenovo Qreator 27 did. But, it’s not a dealbreaker since the monitor offered such an amazing panel.
Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, the Dell P2721Q has a DisplayPort 1.2 port, HDMI 2.0, and also USB-C which is capable of 65W power delivery that not only carries visual data but also charging for 65W-enabled laptops, as well as smartphones. There are also two USB 3.2 high-speed ports, but do take note that the USB-C slot needs to be connected to your PC for data upstreaming.
While the DisplayPort may not be the latest version, it’s still definitely usable. The single cable connectivity with USB-C is also a nice touch, and can really clean up a table of its tangled up, messy wiring.
Soundbar Audio
The Dell Slim Soundbar (SB521A) is a slim and light soundbar that’s made to magnetically attach to the bottom of the Dell P2721Q monitor, and I must say this is a genius attachment for a monitor. Not only does it obtain power from the monitor’s USB-A port, it also reduces table clutter because it’s not even on the table in the first place.
In terms of audio quality, it lacks in bass but has decent highs and mids. It’s not the loudest soundbar, but it’s loud enough for your own use. Do note that the Dell Slim Soundbar is a separate purchase accessory, and does not come with the monitor.
Conclusion
The Dell P2721Q is a great all-round monitor that can be used for all scenarios. Well, maybe not for hardcore gamers, but it can still offer great visual quality, that’s for sure. It boasts 4K resolution for crispy clear imagery, and colour accurate too for those that are into content creation. The inclusion of 65W power delivery is very much welcome, allowing for single cable connectivity.
Dell’s monitors are known for its reliability and its incredible after sales support, the P2721Q included. It has a 3-year Advanced Exchange Service, 3-year Limited Hardware warranty, and Dell Premium Panel Exchange where a free panel replacement will be offered even if only one bright pixel is found (only during the Limited Hardware Warranty active period).
The price may be steep, but it’s a good long-term investment if you’re not the type to always change gadgets every now and then.
