Dell S2725QC

After re-purposing my MacBook Air from full mobile to desktop duties (clamshell mode), I needed a monitor to complete the transformation. Having seen a number of concerns online where people were experiencing difficulty connecting to their MacBook, I too was concerned at any issues I might face. Setting a budget of less than $600 I was looking for specifications of 4K, 120Hz refresh, 27” size and height, tilt, pivot and swivel adjustable. I didn’t have high demands for an inbuilt speaker (monitors seem to suffer from particularly poor inbuilt ones) but would prefer the all in one approach rather than requiring separate speakers. I scoured through online brands before settling on a Dell S2725QC which appeared to meet all my requirements. Additionally, there was a 3 year warranty. The only uncertainty was how easily it would integrate with my MacBook ...particularly as this monitor was primarily designed with a Windows computer in mind.

After ordering direct online from Dell, the monitor arrived about a week later. I also ordered it with Dell Care Plus Upgrade in case I needed tech support to assist with interfacing with my MacBook. The monitor arrived well packed using strong cardboard (recyclable) packing while the monitor materials felt of good quality plastic. It had a narrow black bezel around the screen while the back and single pole stand/base were in white. There was a VESA mount if you should choose to attach it to some other form of mounting. Assembly was straight-forward and, with height adjustment done, I soon had it sitting in the correct place on my desk. Now for the connection to the MacBook.

Along with the 240V power cable, Dell supplied a USB-C to USB-C cable PD cable which I easily connected from the monitor to one of the USB-C outlets on the MacBook. To my delight, the monitor quickly detected the connection and sprung to life with a perfect image of my MacBook desktop. All that remained was to set the appropriate resolution and refresh rate. While the monitor is able to go to 3840 x 1260 @ 120Hz, I found it would only select up to 2880 x 1864 @ 120Hz when connected. This also left some black banding on the left and right hand edges. Preferred setting was to actually select the setting that showed the name of my monitor in the Apple Display settings menu as this pushed it out to all edges of the monitor and provided a perfect picture. Perhaps there are some settings in the monitor itself to remove the black banding if I fiddled more but I was happy to leave the monitor to do its own thing.

Additional, to attaching the monitor with the MacBook, Dell has created a hub by providing a HDMI port and a couple of additional USB-C and USB-A ports. There are a couple secreted behind a removable panel as well as the remainder on the underside of where the stand attaches to the monitor. To my surprise, I also found a “pop-out” section was drops out from under the left side of the monitor and contains a front facing USB-C and USB-A port. When finished, just push it up and it returns to its place inside the bezel.

The internal speakers were also a surprise as they were clear and loud enough to meet all my needs. While the volume could be controlled by the monitor controls found by reaching up and behind the bottom right side of the monitor, these were fiddly and controlled by a small joystick. I found it preferable to install Dell’s Display and Peripheral Management (DPPM) software which allowed control of the monitor from the desktop. Primarily, it allowed me to use the volume controls on my MacBook to adjust the monitor internal speakers volume which worked well.

The picture presented by the monitor, I found to be stunning. There was no discernible flicker or shake of any kind. Brightness was specified at 350 cd/m2 which proved perfectly fine in my room which had the monitor near a window. No colour banding was visible and the colours presented naturally. I was unsure before purchase if the matt (non reflective screen) would be an issue as I have always used a gloss screen on work monitors and preferred that. The matt screen versions always seemed to be a little less dynamic in their colour. However, I quickly adapted to the non-reflective finish and find this screen to now be my preferred type (at least on this monitor).

Some months later, I decided to return the MacBook to mobile duties and replaced it in its desktop role with a MacMini. The monitor “hot swapped” perfectly and I was able to increase the resolution to full screen 3008 x 1692 @120Hz. While I could have taken it to the full 3840 x 1260, The text (while perfectly detailed and crystal clear) I found to more comfortably viewed using the slightly lesser resolution.

Overall, this monitor has been the perfect choice for me. It fully met my criteria and then some. I have no hesitation in recommending it to others.

What I like - * Great screen * Range of resolutions available (particularly at 120Hz) * Sturdy mount * Ease of attaching to MacBook and MacMini * USB-C hubs available, particularly front mounted which can be quickly concealed away when not wanted

What I did not like so much - * Stand does not adjust smoothly when being moved. Really scraping the bottom here as its a very minor issue and movement is rarely needed * Lacks a web cam but doesn’t concern me as I never use one.