The catch
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
Charging stops at 65W.
Side by side
Dell S2725QC vs Dell U3225QE: Both already run at 120Hz, and UltraSharp adds screen size and docking
Quick verdict
Both reach 120Hz, so the UltraSharp is worth buying for docking and screen size. It adds no extra refresh. S2725QC is the pick for a compact 4K 120Hz desk with speakers and two HDMI inputs. U3225QE makes sense when its larger panel, charging of up to 140W, KVM and Ethernet replace hardware you would otherwise need.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A demanding laptop may still need its charger at one desk and not at the other
Suppose your laptop accepts an appropriate 100W USB-C profile and needs that power while you work. S2725QC's 65W ceiling is not enough in that case. The upstream connection on U3225QE goes up to 140W and can cover the requirement, provided the laptop and cable negotiate a suitable profile.
Where this comes from
100W is an example requirement and not a measured laptop load. A device isn't forced to take power at the maximum rating.
The catch
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
There is just one HDMI input.
Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Why pick it
- Leave two HDMI sources plugged in next to a USB-C laptop
- Skip separate desktop audio and rely on the built-in speakers
- The catch
- Charging stops at 65W.
Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Why pick it
- Charge a compatible high-demand laptop at up to 140W
- Share peripherals and get 2.5GbE built in
- The catch
- There is just one HDMI input.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money
What this page compares
Weighing S2725QC against U3225QE? This comparison covers a 120Hz 4K desk, a demanding USB-C laptop, two HDMI sources and shared wired peripherals.
Both reach 120Hz, so the UltraSharp is worth buying for docking and screen size. It adds no extra refresh. S2725QC is the pick for a compact 4K 120Hz desk with speakers and two HDMI inputs. U3225QE makes sense when its larger panel, charging of up to 140W, KVM and Ethernet replace hardware you would otherwise need.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Leave two HDMI-only sources plugged in
U3225QE has a single HDMI input, against two on S2725QC.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Better fit
- Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Caution
Power a compatible laptop that needs a 100W USB-C profile
The example requirement is higher than the 65W ceiling. UltraSharp still depends on profile and cable compatibility.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Not suitable
- Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Good
Get sound from the monitor itself, with no separate audio device
Speakers are not built into U3225QE.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Better fit
- Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Not suitable
Let two computers use the same USB peripherals
A KVM and the host connection options it needs come with UltraSharp.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- Caution
- Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
A demanding laptop may still need its charger at one desk and not at the other
Suppose your laptop accepts an appropriate 100W USB-C profile and needs that power while you work. S2725QC's 65W ceiling is not enough in that case. The upstream connection on U3225QE goes up to 140W and can cover the requirement, provided the laptop and cable negotiate a suitable profile.
How we worked this out
100W is an example requirement and not a measured laptop load. A device isn't forced to take power at the maximum rating.
Fewer HDMI inputs come with the docking model
Say you have a USB-C laptop and two HDMI-only sources. S2725QC can keep all three video cables plugged in. U3225QE has just one HDMI input, so the second HDMI source calls for switching, a compatible conversion or some other path.
How we worked this out
This setup assumes one USB-C video path and two HDMI inputs. How many inputs there are is a different matter from the total count of USB and Thunderbolt sockets.
A KVM can replace a USB switch, yet it adds no speakers
A desk with a laptop and a desktop that already uses a headset or separate speakers is a good match for the KVM and Ethernet on U3225QE. Pick it when the main goal is to consolidate wired peripherals, and remember that both hosts need USB data paths.
How we worked this out
This comparison puts documented accessory functions side by side. It says nothing about sound quality and does not assume HDMI carries the USB peripheral data path.
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
- Leave two HDMI sources plugged in next to a USB-C laptop
Facts we checked
- Screen: 27-inch 4K, up to 120Hz
- Laptop charging: Up to 65W by USB-C
- Inputs via HDMI: Two
- Docking over cables: A USB hub, with no RJ45 or comparable KVM documented
Option B
Dell, U3225QE
UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
On a desk where you want fewer separate boxes, this larger 4K work screen offers 120Hz scrolling, 140-watt charging and a Thunderbolt hub.
- Best for
- Charge a compatible high-demand laptop at up to 140W
Facts we checked
- Screen: 31.5-inch 4K, up to 120Hz
- Power for a laptop: Up to 140W EPR over Thunderbolt upstream
- Inputs via HDMI: One
- Docking over cables: KVM and a 2.5GbE RJ45
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor | Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel | 27-inch 4K at up to 120Hz | 31.5-inch 4K at up to 120Hz | On the larger display, an identical pixel grid is stretched over more physical area. |
| Laptop power | USB-C up to 65W | Thunderbolt upstream up to 140W EPR | A compatible higher-power laptop may still need its adapter, but only with the smaller model. |
| HDMI inputs | Two | One | With UltraSharp, two HDMI sources call for a switch or some other route. |
| Wired docking | USB hub, no RJ45 or equivalent KVM documented | KVM and 2.5GbE RJ45 | A two-computer wired desk can be consolidated with the UltraSharp. |
| Built-in speakers | Two 5W speakers | None | For audible playback, UltraSharp depends on a separate audio device. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor
- KVM and Ethernet have to be planned separately for a wired desk with two hosts.
With Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Built-in speakers are not included.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Built-in speakers and two HDMI inputs are both required
Go with Dell 27 Plus 4K USB-C Monitor. No added switching or audio hardware is needed, because S2725QC includes both.
I've confirmed my laptop and docking plan need more than 65W and a KVM
Go with Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. U3225QE has both the higher-power upstream connection and a built-in KVM.
Decision guide
How to decide
Start with the job. A compact 4K 120Hz desk that wants speakers and two HDMI inputs points to S2725QC. If the larger panel, up to 140W charging, KVM and Ethernet would replace hardware you would otherwise need, U3225QE is the one. Do not expect extra refresh from the UltraSharp, because both reach 120Hz.
A demanding laptop may still need its charger at one desk and not at the other
Say your laptop accepts a suitable 100W USB-C profile and needs that much power while you work. S2725QC tops out at 65W, which falls short. U3225QE's upstream connection goes up to 140W, so it can meet the requirement as long as the laptop and cable negotiate a suitable profile. That verified single-cable plan is the reason to pick the UltraSharp. If the laptop relies on proprietary charging or needs more than the supported profile, it still needs its own adapter.
Fewer HDMI inputs come with the docking model
Picture a USB-C laptop plus two sources that only output HDMI. S2725QC takes all three video cables at once. U3225QE has a single HDMI input, so the second HDMI source needs switching, a compatible converter or some other route. S2725QC is the pick if two consoles, or an HDMI desktop and a streamer, share the screen. A broader hub on the UltraSharp does not mean more inputs of every kind.
A KVM can replace a USB switch, yet it adds no speakers
A desk with a laptop and a desktop that already uses a headset or separate speakers is where U3225QE's KVM and Ethernet fit. It is the one to get if the main job is consolidating wired peripherals, though both hosts need USB data paths. S2725QC has onboard speakers but no equivalent documented KVM or RJ45 setup. That makes it the choice for a simpler single-host desk. If your workflow grows, budget for separate switching and network hardware.
What this page can’t tell you
- This page makes no claim about measured text clarity, charging speed, sound quality or gaming latency. Reaching 4K120 on either monitor takes compatible sources.
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 |
|
| |
| Dell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor |
|
|
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
Leave two HDMI sources plugged in next to a USB-C laptop
See price & reviews on AmazonDell UltraSharp 32 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Charge a compatible high-demand laptop at up to 140W
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
We may earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases. How we make money