Dell S2721QS monitor vs. iMac 24" display

[Stephen.R]

It's just a marketing term after all. I hate it when people refer to non-Apple displays as "Retina" when a more fitting term would be e.g. "high-ppi". Rant over.

I think it's theoretically based on some 'science' - the distance/PPI at which a 20/20 human eye can distinguish pixels.

However even the inability to distinguish an individual single pixel doesn't mean you won't notice overall fuzziness or whatever in low PPI screens.

 

[Jim Lahey]

It's just a marketing term after all. I hate it when people refer to non-Apple displays as "Retina" when a more fitting term would be e.g. "high-ppi". Rant over.

Agree. Although one thing is for certain, my existing 27" 1920x1080 is very far from Retina!

 

[Stephen.R]

Agree. Although one thing is for certain, my existing 27" 1920x1080 is very far from Retina!

Comparing it to the 2021 iMac, to get the same "retina" visual clarity (PPD, a calculation of PPI and distance) of the iMac 4.5K screen:

If the iMac screen were 20"/51cm away, your old 27" would have the same PPD at... 52.5"/1.33m away.

 

[Amethyst1]

I think it's theoretically based on some 'science' - the distance/PPI at which a 20/20 human eye can distinguish pixels.

True. I tend to equate it with a ppi of 215~230 (for macOS) so that using the default HiDPI mode results in UI elements having the "intended" size (or "right" size for my taste).

 

[Jim Lahey]

Just in the interests of keeping the thread updated in case anyone is searching for similar topics in the future - I think I have settled on the M1 Mac mini 256GB with 16GB RAM upgrade, plus a Dell U2720Q UltraSharp monitor. Significantly more than I was planning to spend, in fact knocking on the door of the iMac, but larger screen and none of the downsides that, for me, compromise the all-in-one.

Getting ever closer to pulling the trigger but still open to suggestions or objections from anyone with a passing interest...

 

[Jim Lahey]

Wildcard. 27” 5K iMac. Budget creep! More money than all the other choices so far, but also ticks every box. Is buying an Intel iMac in 2021 a bad idea going forward?

 

[deksawyer]

Is buying an Intel iMac in 2021 a bad idea going forward?

Yes, I'd say so.

 

[Jim Lahey]

So in the end I opted to repurpose my 2017 MacBook Pro that I previously only used for business away from home. It's now also my main home computer docked with a Twelve South BookArc stand and Twelve South StayGo USB-C hub. Hooked up via a single USB-C cable (power and video) to a Dell UltraFine U2720Q monitor. The monitor is actually a beauty and even looks fabulous scaled as 'looks like' 2560x1440.

Overall I'm very happy and it makes sense to get more use out the MBP rather than have two computers. Thanks everyone for all your help. Mission accomplished!

 

[Amethyst1]

Hooked up via a single USB-C cable (power and video) to a Dell UltraFine U2720Q monitor.

Great If you had hooked it up to the USB-C hub via HDMI you'd have been limited to a pretty unusable 30 Hz refresh rate.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Great If you had hooked it up to the USB-C hub via HDMI you'd have been limited to a pretty unusable 30 Hz refresh rate.

Indeed. It's actually been a bit of a learning curve. Mostly realising that not all USB-C cables and hubs are equal. The hub is yet to arrive but I shall probably use it only for ethernet and any USB peripherals, with the single USB-C cable still going direct to the Mac on a separate TB3 port for video and power. Currently getting 3840x2160 @60hz with power delivery from the Dell. Everything looks fabulous. I'm sure the scaling to 2560x1440 is technically suboptimal but it looks great nonetheless. No detectable blur to my eyes. Looks 'retina' in fact 😃

 

[Amethyst1]

Mostly realising that not all USB-C cables and hubs are equal.

Indeed. It's either 3840×2160 at 30 Hz + USB 3.0 or 60 Hz + USB 2.0.

I'm sure the scaling to 2560x1440 is technically suboptimal but it looks great nonetheless.

It is not quite optimal in terms of slight blurriness and higher GPU usage but I agree with you. I have a 23.8" UHD monitor scaled to 2304×1296 and it's fine.

 

[0906742]

Is there S2721QS and M1 Mac owners here? I'd like to hear experiences of this monitor.
I've been considering U2720Q for P3 colors for a while but reading reviews seems measured P3 is closer to 80% than 95%.

So I just saw this comparison: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/tool...-s2721qs/8297/16917?usage=3623&threshold=0.10 and seem like cheaper S2721QS would be very close the same image quality but where I live I could basically get 2 x S2721QS + Colorimeter for a price of one U2720Q which based on test even factory calibrated could still benefit from calibration a lot.
I only need one monitor and I really think if U series is worth or just go with cheaper S series and calibrate it myself, plus I could use that colorimeter for my other displays too, so it would not be wasted for this one only. Also I have no need for USB-C in monitor unless S2721QS + M1 Mini works fine with HDMI?

Also I currently have Ultrasharp (U2518D) which based on the looks is pretty much using the same type chassis as U2720Q and I really find myself that build quality just about average or below and light leaks from the panel are the worst I've ever seen (not talking about IPS glow but actual backlight leaks)

Any comments from peoples with S2721QS, and if there are some who have had them both could tell their experiences, I'd be very happy to hear.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Is there S2721QS and M1 Mac owners here? I'd like to hear experiences of this monitor.
I've been considering U2720Q for P3 colors for a while but reading reviews seems measured P3 is closer to 80% than 95%.

So I just saw this comparison: https://www.rtings.com/monitor/tool...-s2721qs/8297/16917?usage=3623&threshold=0.10 and seem like cheaper S2721QS would be very close the same image quality but where I live I could basically get 2 x S2721QS + Colorimeter for a price of one U2720Q which based on test even factory calibrated could still benefit from calibration a lot.
I only need one monitor and I really think if U series is worth or just go with cheaper S series and calibrate it myself, plus I could use that colorimeter for my other displays too, so it would not be wasted for this one only. Also I have no need for USB-C in monitor unless S2721QS + M1 Mini works fine with HDMI?

Also I currently have Ultrasharp (U2518D) which based on the looks is pretty much using the same type chassis as U2720Q and I really find myself that build quality just about average or below and light leaks from the panel are the worst I've ever seen (not talking about IPS glow but actual backlight leaks)

Any comments from peoples with S2721QS, and if there are some who have had them both could tell their experiences, I'd be very happy to hear.

Just as a point of interest, calibrated or not, I had to adjust the colour temperature of my U2720Q down from 6500K to 5700K as it was too blue for my tastes out of the box. Not sure why it ships at 6500K but there you have it. Looks much more natural after that one minor adjustment. Other than that it's a stunning monitor. Can't imagine the S27 is noticeably inferior.

 

[0906742]

Just as a point of interest, calibrated our not, I had to adjust the colour temperature of my U2720Q down from 6500K to 5700K as it was too blue for my tastes out of the box. Not sure why it ships at 6500K but there you have it. Looks much more natural after that one minor adjustment. Other than that it's a stunning monitor. Can't imagine the S27 is noticeably inferior.

Sounds like factory calibration maybe is not very consistent between units. In the review I posted link they measured default sRGB (D65) much warmer but if yours looks too blue it probably is then cooler.

Are you otherwise happy with U2720Q. Do you use P3 or sRGB color space with it?

Anyway based on the review I'm really puzzled whether there is much point to invest in U2720Q instead of S2721QS in case I will get colorimeter with cheaper one, and even more in case I would need colorimeter with U2720Q too if factory calibration is like it seems in reviews...?

Certainly advertised 95% P3 gamut is appealing in U2720Q but so far I haven't seen much reviews measuring so high (closer to 80% than 95%), just like in the review I linked they measured almost the same from S2721QS.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Sounds like factory calibration maybe is not very consistent between units. In the review I posted link they measured default sRGB (D65) much warmer but if yours looks too blue it probably is then cooler.

Are you otherwise happy with U2720Q. Do you use P3 or sRGB color space with it?

Anyway based on the review I'm really puzzled whether there is much point to invest in U2720Q instead of S2721QS in case I will get colorimeter with cheaper one, and even more in case I would need colorimeter with U2720Q too if factory calibration is like it seems in reviews...?

Certainly advertised 95% P3 gamut is appealing in U2720Q but so far I haven't seen much reviews measuring so high (closer to 80% than 95%), just like in the review I linked they measured almost the same from S2721QS.

I've actually just realised that Colour Temp is a mode that I adjusted down to 5700K but Colour Space is a separate mode that was set to sRGB but it seems I'm not currently using that mode. Not really sure what's going on there but the image is more pleasing to my eyes in 'colour temp' @5700K. However, I don't need outright colour accuracy and only use it for general computing, not content creation.

All that aside, yes I'm over the moon with it. It delivers a beautiful image. Colours really pop and text is 'retina-like' even when scaled to look like 2560x1440. Obviously being an IPS LCD it has its limitations with regard to black level, but I have a 65" LG C9 OLED for movie duties in my home theatre setup, so that's neither here nor there for me. As a desktop monitor I personally think it's brilliant. I can't comment directly on the S27 but it certainly seems better value, especially if you don't need USB-C.

One thing I would say, and this is just an opinion, I prefer the looks of the U27 with its space grey stand. Overall, only you can say if the extra is worth it for you. Whichever you decide I doubt you'll be disappointed with your choice. I know I'm not.

 

[0906742]

I can't comment directly on the S27 but it certainly seems better value, especially if you don't need USB-C.

Yeah, it seems so although many user comments seem to mentioned screen coating or similar has issues where edges seem blurry but in that review they measured AR-coating better for S27, so not sure. Anyway for inputs S27 would be sufficient for me.

One thing I would say, and this is just an opinion, I prefer the looks of the U27 with its space grey stand. Overall, only you can say if the extra is worth it for you. Whichever you decide I doubt you'll be disappointed with your choice. I know I'm not.

I currently have Dell U2518D which based on the photos of U2720Q seems identical looking and matches well with my keyboard and mouse, so it would be safe choice. Then again I guess S27 silver would match with my M1 Mini...

 

[Jim Lahey]

You make a good point about the alleged edge darkening with the S27. One of the first things I looked for with my U27 and can happily report there's no sign of it on this model. Although I do use dark mode, so I'm less likely to notice it.

 

[0906742]

You make a good point about the alleged edge darkening with the S27. One of the first things I looked for with my U27 and can happily report there's no sign of it on this model. Although I do use dark mode, so I'm less likely to notice it.

Thanks for confirming that U27 does not suffer from it. Maybe S27 has more aggressive AR-coating since it was rated "better" in terms of reflections in that review I linked, so maybe it is side effect of that. Anyway I guess I can live with U27 AR-coating easily too since I never saw any issues with my current U2518D either.

BTW, have you ever tested how yours look in normal mode? I mean in case dark mode just hides such issues...?

 

[Jim Lahey]

I just checked in normal mode and I think perhaps there is a very slight rolloff in backlight brightness at the very edges unless viewed square-on, but nothing that I'd notice if I wasn't looking for it. Definitely nothing I'd have seen if I hadn't previously read about it and gone looking. But then I'm very far from a monitor aficionado so I'm no authority on these things. I just know that I'm mega happy with it in every way.

I had read some opinions that the AR on the S27 gives the image a slight sparkle. Not sure if this is true, but it did concern me since I've been using glossy displays for years. No issues in that regard on the U27...it's a super flat and comfortable image. I don't have a light source shining on the panel mind you.

One point of note with the U27 is that I did get myself into a situation where it was locked at 30hz and nothing would fix it. I installed SwitchRes X and forced 60hz instantly so I think it was probably an issue in macOS.

 

[0906742]

I just checked in normal mode and I think perhaps there is a very slight rolloff in backlight brightness at the very edges unless viewed square-on, but nothing that I'd notice if I wasn't looking for it. Definitely nothing I'd have seen if I hadn't previously read about it and gone looking.

Thanks for testing that! It sounds pretty similar as what I see with my U2518D, just slight rolloff at the very edges say 1/2" or so and definitely not an issue for me.
So I guess S27 has stronger issue based on some owner comments.

 

[Jim Lahey]

To add a little further to this, and only for the benefit of others who may consider a similar setup in future and find this topic.

Using the MacBook Pro in clamshell mode, with one USB-C cable going to the monitor and one going to the StayGo hub, the computer essentially had two power inputs (not possible to disable PD on the monitor's USB-C port when it's on). While in theory this should fine, and the Mac should choose which source to use for power, I was having some odd charging behaviour where the Mac would start running off battery randomly and wouldn't charge again unless I disconnected and reconnected either of the cables. At first I thought the charging problem might be attributable to bugs in AlDente, but ruled that out fairly quickly.

In addition to this I was having rare but irritating momentary drops in video, and sometimes a complete failure to connect the signal. I think if I had bought a fully-featured TB3 hub, then I could have fixed both of these issues by running a single cable solution instead of two, but that would have been an expensive experiment had it not worked. I figured the problem was most likely the Mac not liking the two choices of power delivery, so I replaced the monitor's USB-C cable with an 8K/60 DisplayPort 1.4.

Touch wood everything has been fine since. Video signal recognition and responsiveness is 100% stable and the charging foibles have not resurfaced.

True story. As you were...

 

[0906742]

Using the MacBook Pro in clamshell mode, with one USB-C cable going to the monitor and one going to the StayGo hub, the computer essentially had two power inputs (not possible to disable PD on the monitor's USB-C port when it's on). While in theory this should fine, and the Mac should choose which source to use for power, I was having some odd charging behaviour where the Mac would start running off battery randomly and wouldn't charge again unless I disconnected and reconnected either of the cables. At first I thought the charging problem might be attributable to bugs in AlDente, but ruled that out fairly quickly.

In addition to this I was having rare but irritating momentary drops in video, and sometimes a complete failure to connect the signal.

If I got you right you had always USB-C HUB connected yo your Macbook? Did you ever try straight USB-C from Macbook to U2720Q using the USB-C - USB-C cable that came with Dell only?

I'm getting U2720Q to use with my Mac Mini M1 and I'm planning to use straight USB-C connection between the two because I need monitor DP input for my Windows PC. I was just wondering if USB-C for video signal is doomed to fail with this combination or just something to do with additional gear between them...??

Is there any way to force USB-C in U2720Q to work in DP mode? I currently have USB-C to DP cable with my M1 Mini to older Dell 2560x1440 monitor with DP input and it works flawless (I had to do plist trick to force RGB on always but all else works about 100% reliable).

 

[Jim Lahey]

Yes the hub is always connected direct to Mac. Yes I tried straight USB-connection to the Dell without the hub attached to the Mac and no issues. The problems I was having only occurred, seemingly, because the Mac had a choice of two power inputs to choose from. Apparently this should fine but it was buggy for me and was causing unexpected battery behaviour. I think you will be fine connecting to a Mac mini with USB-C.

Yes you can force the input. Just select DP as the source then turn off auto select. This should do what you need but I can't really test it for you as I only have one input source connected anyway.

 

[0906742]

Yes the hub is always connected direct to Mac. Yes I tried straight USB-connection to the Dell without the hub attached to the Mac and no issues. The problems I was having only occurred, seemingly, because the Mac had a choice of two power inputs to choose from. Apparently this should fine but it was buggy for me and was causing unexpected battery behaviour. I think you will be fine connecting to a Mac mini with USB-C.

Great, thanks for confirming that. I guess it should work fine then with my Mini.

Yes you can force the input. Just select DP as the source then turn off auto select. This should do what you need but I can't really test it for you as I only have one input source connected anyway.

I have to try that in case there are problems with default USB-C mode. I'll see that in few days I guess.

 

[0906742]

I have tested two U2720Q monitors and both have issues. They have more or less red tint around edges and the worse one has practically left third reddish other one "uniform" red tint around sides and warmer overall tone.
One is free from backlight bleed and other has it. Probably no use to try third so wondering if others see this too with their U2720Q?

This is photo of the one with "better" uniformity but backlight bleed.

And here is photo of the one with worse uniformity but no backlight bleed.

So my question here is that is this normal for this model and my expectations are just too high?
My old QHD Dell monitor is even uniform with this photo!