Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2724DE) Review
PROS
- Twin Thunderbolt 4 ports for main connection and daisy-chaining
- Ethernet connectivity
- High-contrast screen, thanks to IPS Black display technology
- Full sRGB color coverage
CONS
- Lacks speakers
DELL ULTRASHARP 27 THUNDERBOLT HUB MONITOR (U2724DE) SPECS
| Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) | 27 inches |
| Native Resolution | 2560 by 1440 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
The U2724DE Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is an ideal option for managers and essential personnel who utilize a Thunderbolt 4 port on their computer. this business monitor offers all the necessary connectors found in a standalone laptop docking station, including Ethernet and USB ports. Its exceptional brightness, contrast, and sRGB coverage contribute to its overall excellence. Although the pixel density of its 27-inch screen and QHD resolution may not meet the requirements of a video or photo editing monitor, it can still serve adequately in such a capacity if needed. While lacking Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE), which has earned the Editors’ Choice award, provides the UHD (4K) resolution and high pixel density that the U2724DE lacks.
Good Image Quality and a Slew of Ports
The U2724DE is housed in a sleek silver cabinet with black bezels, giving it a stylish and modern look. It has compact dimensions of 15.2 by 22.1 by 7.8 inches (HWD) and a manageable weight of 14.6 pounds. When fully extended, the shaft connecting the cabinet to the base adds an extra 5.9 inches in height, providing a generous range of adjustability. The monitor offers versatile ergonomic features, allowing you to tilt the top up to 5 degrees towards you or 21 degrees away from you. Additionally, you can swivel the screen 45 degrees in either direction and easily switch between landscape and portrait modes. With these ergonomic options, the U2724DE ensures optimal comfort and adaptability for your viewing needs.
The panel measures 27 inches diagonally and features a native QHD resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels, also known as 1440p. This results in a pixel density of 108 pixels per inch (ppi). While this level of pixel density is sufficient for viewing or editing photos, videos, or intricate diagrams, it falls short of the standards we expect from a professional creator-class monitor. Generally, a monitor with a higher pixel density will produce a sharper image, assuming all other factors remain constant.
PROS
- Twin Thunderbolt 4 ports for main connection and daisy-chaining
- Ethernet connectivity
- High-contrast screen, thanks to IPS Black display technology
- Full sRGB color coverage
CONS
- Lacks speakers
DELL ULTRASHARP 27 THUNDERBOLT HUB MONITOR (U2724DE) SPECS
| Panel Size (Corner-to-Corner) | 27 inches |
| Native Resolution | 2560 by 1440 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
The U2724DE Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is an ideal option for managers and essential personnel who utilize a Thunderbolt 4 port on their computer. this business monitor offers all the necessary connectors found in a standalone laptop docking station, including Ethernet and USB ports. Its exceptional brightness, contrast, and sRGB coverage make it stand out, and although the pixel density of its 27-inch screen with QHD resolution may not meet the requirements of a video or photo editing monitor, it can still serve in that capacity if needed. While it lacks Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE), which won the Editors’ Choice award, provides the UHD (4K) resolution and high pixel density that the U2724DE monitor lacks.
Good Image Quality and a Slew of Ports
The U2724DE is housed in a sleek silver cabinet with black bezels, giving it a stylish and modern look. It has compact dimensions of 15.2 by 22.1 by 7.8 inches (HWD) and a manageable weight of 14.6 pounds. When fully extended, the shaft connecting the cabinet to the base adds an extra 5.9 inches in height, providing a generous range of adjustability. The top of the monitor can be tilted up to 5 degrees towards you or 21 degrees away from you, allowing for optimal viewing angles. Additionally, the screen can swivel 45 degrees in either direction, and the panel can be easily switched between landscape and portrait modes. With these ergonomic features, the U2724DE offers a complete range of adjustments to suit your preferences and enhance your comfort.
The panel measures 27 inches diagonally and features a native QHD resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 108 pixels per inch (ppi). While suitable for viewing or editing photos, videos, or detailed diagrams, it falls slightly short of the standards expected in a professional creator-class monitor. Generally, a monitor with higher pixel density will produce a sharper image, assuming all other factors are the same.
The IPS Black technology of the panel produces rich black tones and boasts a contrast ratio of 2,000:1, a figure that was slightly surpassed during our evaluation. While IPS Black may not reach the exceptional contrast levels of vertical alignment (VA) panels, its contrast ratio represents a significant enhancement compared to traditional in-plane switching (IPS) screens.
In terms of connectivity, the U2724DE can be considered both a Thunderbolt 4/USB docking station and a monitor. It offers all the necessary connections and power to replace a laptop’s docking station. By using a Thunderbolt cable, it can connect to the computer while also providing Ethernet connectivity, multiple video inputs, and a hub of downstream ports for various devices. The Thunderbolt 4 upstream port can deliver up to 90 watts of power and supports DisplayPort over USB alternate mode. Additionally, it includes a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port for daisy-chaining a second monitor to the setup.
You will also come across two full-size DisplayPort 1.4 connectors and one HDMI 2.1 port on the U2724DE. In addition to these, the monitor features five downstream USB ports, consisting of one USB-C port and four USB-A ports. The USB-C port and one of the USB-A ports, both supporting power charging, are located on the bottom of the monitor’s frame in a downward-facing position. The remaining ports, also downward-facing, can be found in a recessed bay at the back of the monitor.
The RJ-45 Ethernet port on the U2724DE allows for connectivity in situations where your laptop’s Wi-Fi signal is weak or unavailable. Additionally, it offers support for Wake on LAN (WoL), PXE boot, and Mac address pass-through features. Dell provides three cables with the monitor: Thunderbolt 4, DisplayPort, and USB-A-to-USB-C.
The display screen does not come with integrated speakers, but it is equipped with a 3.5mm audio-out port that is compatible with headphones or active external speakers.
The U2724DE’s onscreen display (OSD) can be easily controlled and settings can be adjusted through a compact four-way joystick controller with a central button. This particular configuration has become widely adopted in productivity, professional, and gaming monitors.
Testing the Dell U2724DE: Bright, Contrasty, and Colorful
I evaluated the brightness, contrast ratio, and color-gamut coverage of the U2724DE by utilizing our standard testing equipment: a Klein K-10A colorimeter, a Murideo signal generator, and Portrait Displays’ Calman for Business calibration software.
Dell has specified the U2724DE’s luminance at 350 nits (candelas per square meter), but during testing, it actually reached 359 nits. This level of brightness is suitable for various business tasks, such as photo and video editing, and even gaming. It is important to note that this monitor does not have HDR support. Additionally, the contrast ratio was measured at 2,244:1, surpassing the rated 2,000:1 contrast ratio and significantly higher than a typical IPS panel.
Dell has specified the U2724DE’s luminance at 350 nits (candelas per square meter), but during testing, it actually reached 359 nits. This level of brightness is suitable for various business tasks, such as photo and video editing, and even gaming. It is important to note that this monitor does not have HDR support. Additionally, the contrast ratio was measured at 2,244:1, surpassing the rated 2,000:1 contrast ratio and significantly higher than a typical IPS panel.
During the subjective and ad-hoc phase of our testing, we examine a specific set of photographs and video clips. The still images exhibited exceptional clarity, showcasing vibrant and precise colors, as well as an abundance of intricate details in both bright and shadowy regions. The videos also impressed us, as we discovered previously unnoticed elements in one of our test clips. The U2724DE effortlessly managed to handle challenging dark scenes.
Verdict: Making Connections on a Budget
Art directors and creative professionals may consider investing in the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U4025QW), which is an Editors’ Choice award-winning docking-station monitor featuring a spacious 40-inch screen with a resolution and pixel density that is ideal for photos, videos, and detailed diagrams. On the other hand, if Thunderbolt connectivity is not a priority, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE) offers 4K UHD resolution, high pixel density, and a similar feature set to the U2724DE. For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Philips Brilliance 279P1 provides 4K resolution and full sRGB coverage in a USB-C hub monitor.
If budget is a concern and you prioritize Thunderbolt connectivity over 4K resolution, the U2724DE is a solid option to consider.