CONS

• Pricey for a 27-inch monitor
• No webcam

DELL ULTRASHARP 27 4K USB-C HUB MONITOR (U2723QE) SPECS

The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE) may seem a bit expensive at for a 27-inch productivity monitor, especially considering its UHD resolution. However, the price is justified by the exceptional display it offers. In addition to the standard ergonomic features and a joystick-style menu controller, the U2723QE provides a wide range of ports, surpassing even the capabilities of a typical USB hub or docking-station monitor. The screen boasts a vast color gamut and an incredibly high contrast ratio for an IPS panel, thanks to LG’s innovative IPS Black technology. This monitor is truly impressive and has earned the prestigious Editors’ Choice award for office displays that cater to discerning individuals.

Additionally, High Contrast is Included.

The U2723QE comes in a sleek silver cabinet with black bezels, measuring 15.2 by 24.1 by 7.3 inches (HWD) and weighing 14.6 pounds. What sets it apart is its impressive height adjustment range, extending an additional 5.9 inches when the shaft connecting the cabinet to the base is fully extended. This monitor offers excellent ergonomic capabilities, allowing you to tilt the top up to 5 degrees towards or 21 degrees away from you, swivel the screen 60 degrees in either direction, and pivot the panel between landscape and portrait modes. With these features, it provides a comprehensive ergonomic experience.

The panel measures 27 inches diagonally and features native UHD resolution, also known as 4K resolution, with a pixel density of 168 pixels per inch (ppi). This level of pixel density is more than sufficient for tasks such as viewing or editing photos, videos, or intricate diagrams. In general, a monitor with a higher pixel density will produce a sharper image, assuming all other factors remain constant.

The U2723QE, in addition to Dell’s UltraSharp 32 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U3223QE), is the initial monitor available in the market that utilizes LG’s IPS Black technology. This technology is a variant of in-plane switching that guarantees black levels that are 35% deeper and a contrast ratio that is double (2,000:1) compared to standard IPS panels. LG’s own first IPS Black monitors are anticipated to be released later this year.

IPS monitors have long been recognized for their ability to accurately display colors, making them highly favored by professionals in creative fields like photography and filmmaking. Additionally, they boast wide viewing angles of 178 degrees in both vertical and horizontal planes, allowing users to view the screen from various angles without any significant loss in image quality. However, one drawback of IPS monitors has been their relatively low contrast ratio. On the other hand, vertical alignment (VA) monitors may not offer the same level of color accuracy or wide viewing angles as IPS panels, but they excel in contrast with a ratio of 3,000:1. This makes them particularly popular among gamers who require the ability to quickly differentiate between objects and backgrounds in their games.

While IPS Black may not reach the impressive contrast levels of VA panels, its 2,000:1 contrast ratio represents a significant enhancement compared to typical IPS displays. I am pleased to confirm that it performed as expected during our formal contrast-ratio evaluation and our subjective testing, which involved examining specific photos and video clips, as detailed below.

A Cabinet Overflowing With Ports.

The UltraSharp U2723QE, a USB-C hub monitor that comes with a premium price tag, boasts an extensive range of ports, making it one of the most versatile displays we have examined. In addition to an HDMI port, it features a DisplayPort-in and a DisplayPort-out connector, allowing for the connection of a second 4K panel in a dual-monitor configuration. Furthermore, the USB-C input supports DisplayPort alternate mode and can deliver up to 90 watts of power, enabling you to power and/or charge your laptop while simultaneously displaying content on the monitor.

You will receive an additional two USB-C ports, one of which is a downstream port capable of delivering up to 15 watts of power. In addition, there are four downstream USB 3.2 Type-A ports available for connecting peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, flash drive, or external solid-state drive. Moreover, an RJ-45 Ethernet jack is included for connecting to a local area network in case your Wi-Fi connection is unreliable or unavailable. These ports offer the same functionalities typically found in a docking station, which is why monitors like this Dell model are commonly referred to as docking-station monitors.

Located in the lower right rear corner, there are two controls present: a power button and a mini-joystick controller. This mini-joystick serves as a convenient tool for navigating the monitor’s onscreen display (OSD). Its user-friendly design makes it a preferable option compared to the numerous small OSD control buttons commonly found on various monitors.

Dell provides a standard three-year warranty for the U2723QE, which is a common duration for a monitor designed for professional use.

Reviewing the Dell U2723QE: Vibrant Display, Expansive Color Range.

I evaluated the brightness, contrast ratio, and color accuracy of the U2723QE by utilizing our customary testing equipment, which includes a Klein K-10A colorimeter, a Murideo SIX-G signal generator, and Portrait Displays’ CalMAN 5 calibration software.

Dell has specified the monitor’s luminance at 400 nits (candelas per square meter), however, in testing, it measured slightly lower at 372 nits. This level of brightness is more than sufficient for various business applications, such as photo and video editing, and even gaming. Additionally, the display’s contrast ratio of 2,000:1 was accurately reflected in the measured score of 2,002:1.

Dell claims that the U2723QE monitor covers 100% of the sRGB color space. However, in my tests using the default standard mode, it surpassed that with an impressive 143% coverage. Additionally, the panel achieved a coverage of 98.6% for DCI-P3, a color space designed for digital video, slightly exceeding Dell’s stated coverage of 98%. Furthermore, it covered 90.1% of the Adobe RGB gamut, which is widely used for photo imaging.

During the subjective, ad-hoc phase of our testing, we examine a specific set of standard test photos and video clips. The images appeared crisp, displaying vibrant and precise colors, along with a high level of detail in bright and shadowed areas. The videos were equally impressive, showcasing vivid colors and creating a sense of depth in landscapes. The Dell performed exceptionally well in handling dark scenes.

In the subjective, impromptu segment of our evaluation, we analyze a chosen set of standard test images and video clips. The photos exhibited sharpness, vibrant and accurate colors, and intricate details in both bright and dark areas. The videos also impressed, with colors that stood out and landscapes appearing three-dimensional. The Dell excelled in handling dark scenes.

Conclusion: The IPS Black provides a competitive advantage to this panel.

The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE presents a wide range of connectivity options through its USB-C hub monitor, along with an array of ergonomic features and a large 27-inch high-resolution screen. However, it lacks a built-in webcam. If enhancing your Zoom presence is a priority, you may want to consider the HP E27m G4 QHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor, which has been awarded the Editors’ Choice, or its smaller counterpart, the HP E24m G4 FHD USB-C Conferencing Monitor.

The U2723QE is comparable to the Dell UltraSharp 27 (U2722DE) monitor, which we gave a four-star rating to a year ago. However, the U2723QE offers an upgraded resolution from QHD to 4K and boasts superior contrast due to the introduction of IPS Black panel technology. Undoubtedly, the U2723QE comes at a higher price point; there are plenty of more affordable 27-inch monitors available for everyday tasks at the office or home. Nevertheless, professionals in creative fields who can benefit from an IPS screen with significantly improved contrast should carefully consider the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K USB-C Hub Monitor, which we have chosen as our latest Editors’ Choice for productivity displays. It is a top-notch option if you require an exceptional panel, along with additional adjustability and connectivity features. While purchasing two monitors may be costly, setting them up together will be effortless and visually stunning.