The catch
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
QHD, and not 4K, is its native resolution.
Side by side
Dell U2724DE vs BenQ MA270U: With the same 90W charging, Dell leans toward motion and docking and BenQ adds 4K detail
Quick verdict
QHD at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and integrated 2.5GbE are the U2724DE's draw. A denser 4K image and built-in speakers at 60Hz are the MA270U's. Up to 90W of laptop power delivery is advertised for both.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Native pixels are 2.25 times as many on BenQ in the same size class
Someone who prefers higher-density rendering benefits from that, but it does not automatically provide 2.25 times the usable workspace after operating-system scaling.
Where this comes from
(3840 × 2160) / (2560 × 1440) = 2.25. Each is specified as a 27-inch, 16:9 monitor.
The catch
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Refresh is capped at 60Hz.
Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Why pick it
- Run Thunderbolt and wired Ethernet via the monitor
- Want 120Hz motion on a native QHD workspace
- The catch
- QHD, and not 4K, is its native resolution.
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Why pick it
- Put native 4K detail first at the same 27-inch size
- Skip a separate speaker for basic desktop sound
- The catch
- Refresh is capped at 60Hz.
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What this page compares
On a 27-inch laptop desk, U2724DE and MA270U split between QHD at 120Hz with network docking and 4K at 60Hz with built-in speakers.
QHD at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and integrated 2.5GbE are the U2724DE's draw. A denser 4K image and built-in speakers at 60Hz are the MA270U's. Up to 90W of laptop power delivery is advertised for both.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
My Thunderbolt desk has to be network-connected
Thunderbolt 4 and 2.5GbE come together on Dell. BenQ has USB-C video and no listed RJ45 connection.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Caution
Native 4K detail counts for more than 120Hz
MA270U runs native 3840 × 2160, while U2724DE runs native QHD.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Not suitable
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Better fit
I want the monitor to run 120Hz at its native resolution
In its native QHD mode, Dell reaches 120Hz. BenQ's 4K maximum is 60Hz.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Not suitable
I need integrated sound, and Wi-Fi is fine for me
Speakers are included with BenQ, but Dell requires another audio device.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Caution
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Better fit
In practice
Differences you will notice
Native pixels are 2.25 times as many on BenQ in the same size class
Someone who prefers higher-density rendering benefits from that, but it does not automatically provide 2.25 times the usable workspace after operating-system scaling.
How we worked this out
(3840 × 2160) / (2560 × 1440) = 2.25. Each is specified as a 27-inch, 16:9 monitor.
The refresh ceiling doubles on Dell with no 4K rendering required
On Dell a source can target QHD at 120Hz, and on BenQ it can target 4K at 60Hz. What this comes down to is detail versus refresh and not a single speed ranking.
How we worked this out
Dell: 2560 × 1440 at 120Hz. BenQ: 3840 × 2160 at 60Hz. Refresh is 120 / 60 = 2, while native pixels differ by 2.25 times.
This pair is not decided by the charging ceiling
Up to 90W to the laptop is advertised by both. A requirement for a guaranteed 100W monitor output falls outside both specifications, whatever the resolution or Thunderbolt.
How we worked this out
90W = 90W. Each ceiling is exceeded by 10W by a 100W output requirement. Actual negotiated power can be lower.
Option A
Dell, U2724DE
UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
The Dell U2724DE is a 27-inch native QHD monitor that runs up to 120Hz. A verified Thunderbolt host gets video, data and up to 90W through the proper upstream port, while the separate USB-C upstream carries data only. To use RJ45 you need upstream data, the driver and an Ethernet cable, and DP Alt High Resolution limits USB data to 480 Mbps.
- Best for
- A desk for a compatible Thunderbolt laptop that needs QHD video, conditional charging and wired networking
Facts we checked
- Native resolution: 2560 × 1440
- Maximum native refresh rate: 120Hz
- Laptop video connection: Thunderbolt 4
- Integrated Ethernet: 2.5GbE RJ45
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
- Native resolution: 3840 × 2160
- Maximum native refresh rate: 60Hz
- Laptop video connection: USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Integrated Ethernet: No Ethernet port in the listed connections
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native resolution | 2560 × 1440 | 3840 × 2160 | In the same 27-inch screen class, BenQ has more addressable pixels. Usable workspace and text size are controlled by OS scaling. |
| Maximum native refresh rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | The higher refresh ceiling is on Dell. Neither specification is a measured response-time result. |
| Laptop video connection | Thunderbolt 4 | USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode | Different capabilities are involved in Thunderbolt and ordinary USB-C video. Confirm what the laptop supplies. |
| Integrated Ethernet | 2.5GbE RJ45 | No Ethernet port in the listed connections | The monitor's network-dock role can be taken by Dell. For wired networking, BenQ needs an extra adapter. |
| Built-in speakers | None | Two 3W speakers | Basic sound comes from BenQ with no additional speaker. Dell needs an external audio device. |
| Stand height adjustment | 150mm | 115mm | Vertical travel is 35mm more on Dell. Measure the actual seated eye position and desk height. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Built-in speakers are missing.
With BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Its listed ports include no built-in Ethernet connection.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Native 4K is non-negotiable
Go with BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook. Up to 60Hz at 3840 × 2160 is what MA270U supplies.
Either integrated Ethernet or native 120Hz has to be there
Go with Dell UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. U2724DE brings 2.5GbE along with QHD at up to 120Hz.
Native 4K and 120Hz are both required
Neither model fits. BenQ's 4K refresh ceiling is 60Hz, and Dell is QHD.
Decision guide
How to decide
The U2724DE is for QHD at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and integrated 2.5GbE. The MA270U is for a denser 4K image and built-in speakers at 60Hz. Both advertise up to 90W laptop power delivery.
Judge the image trade-off from your normal viewing distance
More native pixels come from the BenQ panel and a higher refresh ceiling from the Dell. Try the operating system's scaling choices with the applications you use. Neither pixel count nor a refresh specification proves measured sharpness, motion clarity or comfort.
Treat the dock and the display separately
Thunderbolt, RJ45 and multiple downstream connections come with the U2724DE, and they can replace specific external connections on a laptop desk. BenQ's built-in audio addresses a different need. Before deciding which extra hardware is required, list the devices that must stay plugged in.
Thunderbolt does not imply a charging advantage
A 90W maximum for laptop power delivery is specified for both. What gets used is negotiated by the actual computer and cable. If a workload needs more, verify the laptop's external-charger behavior and don't treat Thunderbolt as a promise of more power.
What this page can’t tell you
- We did no visual-quality, ergonomic, response-time or speaker testing. After the US catalog URL redirected, the Dell hardware specifications were rechecked on its current official UK model page.
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 UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor |
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| 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 UltraSharp 27 Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Run Thunderbolt and wired Ethernet via the monitor
See price & reviews on AmazonBenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Put native 4K detail first at the same 27-inch size
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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