The catch
Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
This model is the S2725QS, which has no USB-C video. Do not confuse it with the S2725QC.
Side by side
Dell S2725QS vs S2725DSM: At 4K, QS gives sharper text, and DSM cuts the pixel load for gaming
Quick verdict
Take the S2725QS for dense 4K text and image detail. If a lower pixel load matters more to you than maximum sharpness in a QHD gaming setup, the S2725DSM is the fit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Detail should be compared at the actual screen size
S2725DSM comes to 108.8 pixels per inch, against about 163.2 for S2725QS. A denser panel can draw finer text at the same logical size, while comfortable scaling determines workspace.
Where this comes from
Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. Entered values are 3840 × 2160 at 27 inches and 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches. Using published nominal diagonals makes the results approximate.
The catch
Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
A USB-C connection for laptop video or charging is not included.
Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- Why pick it
- Spend time on fine text and detailed images
- Prefer 4K detail at 27 inches
- The catch
- This model is the S2725QS, which has no USB-C video. Do not confuse it with the S2725QC.
Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- Why pick it
- Like QHD gaming that is easy to drive
- Aim for a 144Hz ceiling
- The catch
- A USB-C connection for laptop video or charging is not included.
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What this page compares
Dense 4K text and image detail point to the S2725QS. A QHD gaming setup where a lower pixel load counts for more than maximum sharpness suits the S2725DSM.
Resolution differs by more than refresh does
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Spend time on fine text and detailed images
Against S2725DSM at 2560 × 1440, S2725QS has 3840 × 2160 pixels. That is 2.25 times the native pixel count, and usable desktop space is determined by scaling.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- Better fit
- Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- Depends
Like QHD gaming that is easy to drive
At QHD, S2725DSM renders fewer native pixels per frame. The pixel workload goes down, but that does not guarantee a particular game frame-rate increase.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- Depends
- Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- Better fit
Prefer 4K detail at 27 inches
At 27 inches, S2725QS is the native 4K model. S2725DSM is QHD, so it cannot meet a native 4K requirement.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- Better fit
- Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- Not suitable
Aim for a 144Hz ceiling
Compared with S2725QS at 120 Hz, S2725DSM reaches 144 Hz. That 24 Hz gain raises the published ceiling by 20%.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- Not suitable
- Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Detail should be compared at the actual screen size
S2725DSM comes to 108.8 pixels per inch, against about 163.2 for S2725QS. A denser panel can draw finer text at the same logical size, while comfortable scaling determines workspace.
How we worked this out
Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. Entered values are 3840 × 2160 at 27 inches and 2560 × 1440 at 27 inches. Using published nominal diagonals makes the results approximate.
Keep native detail apart from game speed
S2725QS draws 8.3 million native pixels per frame while S2725DSM draws 3.7 million. Refresh ceilings stand at 120Hz and 144Hz respectively.
How we worked this out
Native pixels = width × height. Refresh interval =1000 / Hz, so the results are 8.3 and 6.9 ms. They are signal and cadence calculations and not measured frame rates, input lag or pixel response.
DSM gains 24Hz, and QS gains 4.61 million pixels
Against a 125% increase in native pixel count on QS, the refresh difference is 20%.
How we worked this out
144 - 120 = 24Hz and (144 / 120 - 1) × 100 = 20%. For pixels, 8,294,400 - 3,686,400 = 4,608,000.
Option A
Dell, S2725QS
27 Plus 4K Monitor
Sharp text, spreadsheets and relaxed gaming all sit comfortably on this 27-inch 4K screen with 120Hz refresh. It's meant for a desktop, or for a laptop that already has a dock.
- Best for
- Crisp desktop work and scrolling that runs smoother
Facts we checked
- 27-inch IPS panel, 3840 by 2160 at 120Hz
- Two HDMI inputs and DisplayPort 1.4, but no USB-C video
- Height adjustment spans 130 mm
Option B
Dell, S2725DSM
27 Plus QHD Monitor
When comfortable app sizing matters more to you than fitting 4K detail on the desk, a 27-inch QHD display with 144Hz refresh makes sense. Height adjustment and built-in speakers take care of the basics.
- Best for
- Day-to-day work and smooth casual gaming, no dock involved
Facts we checked
- 144Hz IPS panel, 27-inch, at 2560 by 1440
- Inputs for DisplayPort and HDMI
- Two 3-watt speakers and 110 mm of height adjustment
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor | Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native resolution | 3840 × 2160 | 2560 × 1440 | Usable logical workspace changes with operating-system scaling. |
| Panel diagonal | 27 in | 27 in | The measured active diagonal may differ slightly from a nominal screen class. |
| Maximum refresh | 120Hz | 144Hz | Look at the exact input, resolution and overclock conditions. |
| Panel technology | IPS | IPS | A measured color or motion winner is not established by panel type alone. |
| Laptop power | No USB-C laptop charging | No USB-C laptop charging | For the desired delivery, the host, cable and negotiated power profile all have to support it. |
| Chassis width | Check exact drawing | Check exact drawing | Leave additional room for cables, arms and neighboring equipment. |
| Stand depth | Check exact drawing | Check exact drawing | More desk depth can be taken by the included stand than by the display cabinet. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- The speakers don't make it a conferencing monitor with a webcam.
With Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- The workspace is 2560 by 1440, the same as other QHD monitors, whatever the refresh rate.
Decision guide
How to decide
The S2725QS is for dense 4K text and image detail. The S2725DSM is for a QHD gaming setup where a lower pixel load matters more than maximum sharpness.
Resolution differs by more than refresh does
Native pixels on the S2725QS are 2.25 times higher in number. The DSM raises refresh from 120 to 144Hz, a smaller proportional change.
Usable office space depends on scaling
At the same logical size, more pixels can render text more cleanly. Once scaling goes up, they don't automatically produce 2.25 times the usable desktop.
Look at the suffix before you order
In this pair, QS is 4K and DSM is QHD. USB-C charging on the similarly named S2725QC does not carry over to either.
What this page can’t tell you
- The pixel density and refresh interval numbers are arithmetic on published specifications, and no visual-quality or latency test was measured.
- USB-C power numbers are a negotiated maximum, and a laptop will not necessarily charge at full speed.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the computer monitors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
This guide keeps all 50 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.
50 models fit, out of 50 checkedThe gap in numbers
Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor lists 163 ppi for computed pixel density, 50% more than the 109 ppi on Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor.
- Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor
- 163 ppi
- Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
- 109 ppi
- Models with this figure
- 44 of 50
Show the facts and the math
How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.
How we calculatedWe work out pixel density from the published diagonal and native resolution, rounded to the nearest whole pixel per inch. How large text looks still depends on operating-system scaling. For context, 44 of 50 models publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dell 27 Plus 4K Monitor | None of these needs is a documented match |
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| Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor | None of these needs is a documented match |
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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 Monitor
Spend time on fine text and detailed images
See price & reviews on AmazonDell 27 Plus QHD Monitor
Like QHD gaming that is easy to drive
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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