Chelsea Tang
Mar 262 min
Have you ever felt that a 24-inch monitor is too small, but going for a 32 or 49-inch monitor is way too big? Honestly, a 27-inch monitor is always my go-to choice. It functions for different tasks perfectly, whether you’re gaming or working on it.
The most impressive thing about Alienware's new AW2725DF monitor is its ability to achieve both excellent colour accuracy and a blazing fast 360Hz refresh rate. Most gaming monitors that reach such high refresh rates utilise LCD panels that can't match the colour vibrancy of QD-OLED, so managing to do both in a single 27-inch display is quite noteworthy.
In terms of design, the AW2725DF has a basic yet attractive look, highlighted by thin black bezels and a hexagonal stand base. At just under 16 inches wide, 24 inches tall and 10 inches deep with the included stand attached, it has a moderate footprint that shouldn't take up too much desk space. RGB lighting on the back provides some flair when not in use. Connectivity options include 2 DisplayPort 1.4, 1 HDMI 2.1, 1 USB type B, 1 USB-C and 3 USB-A ports, making it rather versatile.
The QD-OLED panel delivers stunning 2560x1440 resolution visuals with near perfect coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut and excellent out-of-box colour accuracy. It also supports HDR400 certification for enhanced contrast in HDR content. While peak brightness could be brighter at just over 200 nits by default, the boosted contrast from its perfect blacks helps compensate.
Gaming performance is truly where this monitor shines. Utilising its DisplayPort connectivity, I experienced buttery smooth gameplay up to the full supported 360Hz refresh rate. Compared to our previous 144Hz OLED monitor, gameplay here felt even more responsive. Although the monitor is limited to 240Hz over HDMI, the option should suffice for console gaming.
Beyond great looks and speed, I also appreciated the small touches Alienware included on the monitor like the cable management channels, the LED lit-logo for subtle ambience, and the on-screen display controls. The monitor even has a "Panel Refresh" option that can help maintain long-term picture quality. Priced at S$1089, the monitor can seem average when put against flagship models with similar specs. But for it's asking price, you're still getting a steal.
In summary, the Alienware AW2725DF is a jack of all trades that expertly balances high-end performance with pixel-perfect HDR visuals. Gamers and creatives seeking one of the best QHD monitors currently available need look no further, especially at its reasonable price point.