The catch
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
The ceiling for laptop power delivery is 65W.
Side by side
Dell S2725QC vs BenQ MA270U: Within 65W, Dell gives 120Hz, and BenQ gives up refresh for more laptop power
Quick verdict
When 4K at 120Hz matters and up to 65W laptop charging is sufficient, the S2725QC is the pick. If your laptop needs a higher USB-C power ceiling and 4K at 60Hz meets the display brief, the MA270U is.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
BenQ is indicated by an 80W charging requirement, and Dell by 120Hz
Should both requirements be firm, this pair lacks one monitor that meets them together. Dell has the refresh rate but a 65W ceiling. BenQ has up to 90W but stops at 60Hz.
Where this comes from
80 > 65 and 80 ≤ 90W. BenQ is rated at 60Hz, and 120Hz is supported by Dell. Verification of supported laptop power profiles is still needed.
The catch
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Native refresh tops out at 60Hz.
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Why pick it
- Run 4K at up to 120Hz from a compatible source
- Want more swivel range from the included stand
- The catch
- The ceiling for laptop power delivery is 65W.
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Why pick it
- Count on up to 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop
- Stay with a 4K 60Hz workflow using BenQ's M-book display mode
- The catch
- Native refresh tops out at 60Hz.
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What this page compares
This comparison of Dell S2725QC and BenQ MA270U for 27-inch 4K USB-C work weighs 120Hz refresh against 90W laptop charging and stand flexibility.
When 4K at 120Hz matters and up to 65W laptop charging is sufficient, the S2725QC is the pick. If your laptop needs a higher USB-C power ceiling and 4K at 60Hz meets the display brief, the MA270U is.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
My laptop is fine with 65W, and I need 4K at 120Hz
With a suitable source and cable, Dell fits that display and power brief. BenQ stops at 60Hz.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Not suitable
I need an output above 65W for my laptop, but no more than 90W
The higher ceiling is on BenQ. Confirm that the computer supports a power profile the monitor supplies.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Caution
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Better fit
I frequently angle the screen toward whoever sits next to me
On BenQ the stand gives 15°, while Dell's stand provides 30° in either direction.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Good
All I need is 4K 60Hz, USB-C video and integrated speakers
That basic brief is met by both. The practical checks become charging demand, stand fit and current price.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Good
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
BenQ is indicated by an 80W charging requirement, and Dell by 120Hz
Should both requirements be firm, this pair lacks one monitor that meets them together. Dell has the refresh rate but a 65W ceiling. BenQ has up to 90W but stops at 60Hz.
How we worked this out
80 > 65 and 80 ≤ 90W. BenQ is rated at 60Hz, and 120Hz is supported by Dell. Verification of supported laptop power profiles is still needed.
At native resolution, display detail is equal
Each has 8,294,400 native pixels and is listed as a 27-inch panel. What Dell's 120Hz capability changes is temporal refresh and not the number of pixels used to draw text.
How we worked this out
3840 × 2160 = 8,294,400 for each. In the published specifications, native resolution and screen size are equal.
Twice the specified swivel arc is allowed by Dell
From its left limit to its right limit, the stand sweeps 60°, against 30° for BenQ. That can matter when you turn the screen toward a neighboring seat.
How we worked this out
Dell: 30° + 30° = 60°. BenQ: 15° + 15° = 30°. 60 / 30 = 2. Room behind and beside the panel is still needed.
Option A
Dell, S2725QC
27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
This simpler 27-inch home-office screen from Dell offers 4K resolution, 120Hz refresh, USB-C charging and speakers.
- Best for
- A neat everyday laptop desk, sharp in 4K
Facts we checked
- Maximum native refresh rate: 120Hz
- Laptop power delivery ceiling: 65W
- Built-in speaker rating: Two 5W speakers
- Stand swivel: 30° left and right
Option B
BenQ, MA270U
MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Built around MacBook use, this matte 4K screen tailors its controls and color modes to it. It has one 90W USB-C video input and a separate downstream USB-C accessory port.
- Best for
- An easy MacBook desk with brightness controls you know
Facts we checked
- Maximum native refresh rate: 60Hz
- Laptop power delivery ceiling: 90W
- Built-in speaker rating: Two 3W speakers
- Stand swivel: 15° left and right
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor | BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum native refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | Native 3840 × 2160 applies to both. The higher refresh ceiling is on Dell. |
| Laptop power delivery ceiling | 65W | 90W | Maximum output is 25W more on BenQ. The actual power is still negotiated by the laptop and cable. |
| Built-in speaker rating | Two 5W speakers | Two 3W speakers | A separate speaker is not needed with either for basic sound. These wattage ratings do not establish sound quality. |
| Stand swivel | 30° left and right | 15° left and right | Before the base has to be moved, Dell permits a wider side-to-side stand adjustment. |
| Stand depth | 7.89 inches, about 200.4mm | 220.2mm | About 19.8mm less stand depth is listed for Dell. Cable space still needs to be allowed for. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- The right source, settings and cable are still needed for a 120Hz mode.
With BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- The stand on it has a narrower swivel range and a greater listed depth.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
65W charging is enough, and 4K at 120Hz is required
Go with Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor. The 120Hz mode and up to 65W laptop power delivery come with S2725QC.
A charging ceiling above 65W is required, and 60Hz is sufficient
Go with BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook. The ceiling goes up to 90W with MA270U.
Both 4K 120Hz and monitor charging of more than 65W are required
Neither model fits. Only one of those two requirements is satisfied by each model.
Decision guide
How to decide
The S2725QC fits when 4K at 120Hz matters and up to 65W laptop charging is sufficient. The MA270U fits when the laptop needs a higher USB-C power ceiling and 4K at 60Hz meets the display brief.
Work out charging and refresh as a pair
A high-refresh desk is useful only when the laptop can deliver the signal you intend. Check 4K 120Hz over the connection you choose, along with the power needed during real work. The rating of the S2725QC's supplied cable does not raise the monitor's own 65W output ceiling.
The higher charging ceiling is for where it solves a problem
Up to 90W comes from the MA270U, which may spare a compatible laptop a separate charger. It doesn't guarantee 90W to every device, and a laptop that needs a higher or different power profile can still require its original adapter.
Compare stand and audio without guessing at quality
Built-in speakers are on both monitors, so neither automatically calls for a separate sound device for basic playback. Dell's wider swivel and shallower listed stand are measurable layout differences. Clarity, bass and listening comfort can't be read from speaker wattage alone.
What this page can’t tell you
- We ran no visual, speaker, latency or charging-performance tests. Power values are maximum outputs, and speaker values are manufacturer ratings.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the computer monitors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor |
|
| |
| BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook |
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|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
Run 4K at up to 120Hz from a compatible source
See price & reviews on AmazonBenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Count on up to 90W USB-C power delivery for a laptop
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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