The catch
Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Built-in speakers are absent.
Side by side
Dell U2725QE vs BenQ MA270U: For a 90W USB-C desk, Dell adds 120Hz and Ethernet while BenQ includes speakers
Quick verdict
The U2725QE brings 4K at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and a built-in Ethernet connection. If 4K at 60Hz is enough and you want built-in speakers with a 90W USB-C laptop connection, the MA270U is the better fit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Native detail does not change with the refresh-rate difference
At 4K, each panel has 8.29 million addressable pixels. Dell's higher refresh ceiling is about how often a new frame can be shown and not about a higher pixel count.
Where this comes from
3840 × 2160 = 8,294,400 for both, and 120 / 60 = 2 refreshes per BenQ refresh at the respective maxima.
The catch
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Refresh is capped at 60Hz.
Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Why pick it
- Drive a compatible 4K 120Hz connection from a laptop or desktop
- Make use of Thunderbolt 4 and the monitor's 2.5GbE network port
- The catch
- Built-in speakers are absent.
BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Why pick it
- Rely on integrated speakers instead of adding a separate sound device
- Set up a 4K 60Hz USB-C desk for a laptop that stays within the 90W charging limit
- The catch
- Refresh is capped at 60Hz.
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What this page compares
Dell U2725QE and BenQ MA270U are compared here for a 27-inch 4K laptop desk, covering refresh rate, charging limits, Ethernet and built-in sound.
The U2725QE brings 4K at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and a built-in Ethernet connection. If 4K at 60Hz is enough and you want built-in speakers with a 90W USB-C laptop connection, the MA270U is the better fit.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
I require 4K at 120Hz
With a compatible source, U2725QE supports that maximum. MA270U is rated for 60Hz.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Not suitable
I need built-in wired Ethernet for my laptop desk
A 2.5GbE port is included on Dell. BenQ needs a separate adapter or dock.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Better fit
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Caution
I'd like basic sound with no separate speakers
Integrated speakers are on BenQ, and Dell lists no built-in speakers.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Caution
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Better fit
A 27-inch 4K USB-C screen is what I need, and 60Hz will do
The display brief is met by both. Check charging needs and whether the extra docking connections would be useful.
- Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- Good
- BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- Good
In practice
Differences you will notice
Native detail does not change with the refresh-rate difference
At 4K, each panel has 8.29 million addressable pixels. Dell's higher refresh ceiling is about how often a new frame can be shown and not about a higher pixel count.
How we worked this out
3840 × 2160 = 8,294,400 for both, and 120 / 60 = 2 refreshes per BenQ refresh at the respective maxima.
The theoretical refresh interval is halved on Dell
About 8.33ms and 16.67ms are the display intervals at their maximum rates. That is useful context for a 120Hz preference, though it is not measured input lag or pixel response.
How we worked this out
1000 / 120 = 8.33ms and 1000 / 60 = 16.67ms. Source frame rate and actual panel behavior are separate matters.
A different extra is needed for a wired laptop desk with built-in sound
Ethernet comes with Dell but speakers do not. BenQ has speakers but no listed Ethernet port, so neither fulfills both requirements without another device.
How we worked this out
Dell: RJ45 present, speakers absent. BenQ: two 3W speakers present, with no RJ45 in the complete connectivity list. Each gap is closed by a separate adapter or sound device.
Option A
Dell, U2725QE
UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Laptop charging power is high and the Thunderbolt hub is serious on this 27-inch 4K IPS Black display, which also runs at 120Hz.
- Best for
- An office or creator desk on one premium cable
Facts we checked
- Maximum native refresh rate: 120Hz at 3840 × 2160
- Upstream laptop connection: Thunderbolt 4
- Maximum laptop power delivery: 140W EPR
- 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
- Maximum native refresh rate: 60Hz at 3840 × 2160
- Upstream laptop connection: USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode
- Maximum laptop power delivery: 90W
- Integrated Ethernet: No Ethernet port in the listed connections
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor | BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum native refresh rate | 120Hz at 3840 × 2160 | 60Hz at 3840 × 2160 | The native pixel count is the same on both. With a suitable source and connection, Dell can refresh it twice as often. |
| Upstream laptop connection | Thunderbolt 4 | USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode | The source and cable need to support the intended video and data mode. Thunderbolt is not established by a USB-C plug alone. |
| Maximum laptop power delivery | 140W EPR | 90W | To use Dell's higher ceiling, you need a laptop and cable that support the relevant USB Power Delivery mode. |
| Integrated Ethernet | 2.5GbE RJ45 | No Ethernet port in the listed connections | If wired networking is required, BenQ needs a separate network adapter or dock. |
| Built-in speakers | None | Two 3W speakers | Sound can come from BenQ with no separate speaker. Wattage does not establish sound quality. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
- A compatible laptop and cable are needed for its 140W EPR ceiling.
With BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
- A separate adapter or dock is required for wired networking.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Integrated 2.5GbE or 4K 120Hz is essential
Go with Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. The higher refresh ceiling and RJ45 connection come with U2725QE.
Built-in speakers count, and 4K 60Hz with up to 90W is enough
Go with BenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook. That combination of display, charging and audio comes with MA270U.
Both 4K 120Hz and built-in speakers are needed in one unit
Neither model fits. BenQ's refresh ceiling is 60Hz, and Dell lacks speakers.
Decision guide
How to decide
Pick the U2725QE for 4K at 120Hz, Thunderbolt 4 and a built-in Ethernet connection. Pick the MA270U when 4K at 60Hz is enough and you want built-in speakers along with a 90W USB-C laptop connection.
Begin with the connection your laptop is able to deliver
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode video is accepted by both monitors. The Dell adds Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet and a higher refresh ceiling, and which modes are available depends on the host and cable. The BenQ can cover a 4K 60Hz laptop desk if you don't need those extra connections.
Check charging on the laptop side and not just the monitor label
The 140W and 90W values describe maximum output capabilities. They are not charging rates promised for every computer. Confirm the laptop's supported power profile and its demand under your workload. A computer that needs more than the negotiated output may still require its own charger.
Settle audio and networking before you compare price
The physical extras go in opposite directions, with speakers on the BenQ and wired Ethernet on the Dell. If both matter to you, add the missing device to the total setup cost. We claim no speaker-quality or display-response testing here.
What this page can’t tell you
- We performed no color-accuracy, contrast, sound, response-time or latency measurements. Power delivery is a maximum that is subject to negotiation and not a guaranteed charging wattage.
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 4K 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 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
Drive a compatible 4K 120Hz connection from a laptop or desktop
See price & reviews on AmazonBenQ MA Series 27-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
Rely on integrated speakers instead of adding a separate sound device
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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