Alienware introduces the AW2725QF, a 27-inch IPS LCD monitor featuring Dual Mode capabilities, offering both 4K at 180 Hz and 1080p at 360 Hz. Its design is sleek with a matte finish, and it includes extensive connectivity options. While brightness levels are impressive, contrast and color accuracy have room for improvement. This monitor excels in delivering sharp images and fluid gaming performance, particularly in its 360 Hz mode, making it a competitive choice in the gaming market at 614 euros.
Alienware introduces a compelling 27-inch IPS LCD monitor featuring Dual Mode, promising both versatility and the brightness advantages of LCD technology. We put this screen through various tests across several games to evaluate its performance.
Technical Specifications
This monitor was provided by Alienware for testing purposes.
Design Overview
The design philosophy behind Alienware monitors typically prioritizes functionality over extravagant aesthetics. This particular model sports a 27-inch matte screen with noticeably thin bezels. While its chassis consists primarily of plastic, it still conveys a premium feel.
On the back, you will find the iconic illuminated AlienFX logos, featuring the alien head logo and the number 27, a reminder of the screen size. Although the LCD panel lends a thicker profile, the monitor maintains an elegant and understated design, characteristic of Alienware products.
Connectivity Options
This monitor boasts an extensive selection of connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.1 ports—one of which is eArc-enabled to facilitate Dolby Atmos transmission from gaming consoles to sound systems. Additionally, a DisplayPort 1.4 port is included, with all ports supporting Dual Mode via DSC (Display Stream Compression), allowing for an impressive 360 Hz refresh rate at 1080p resolution.
There’s also a downstream USB-A 3.2 hub, along with a USB-C 3.2 downstream port and an upstream USB-B 3.2 port, all functioning at 5 Gbit/s, providing convenient charging solutions for mobile devices.
Stand Design
Continuing its tradition, Alienware has equipped this screen with a stylish hexagonal stand, though it does pose a challenge for desk space since it doesn’t allow for items to be placed on it easily.
The stand includes a cable management system, and it offers multiple adjustment options such as tilt. Additionally, it can be mounted on an arm using a VESA 100×100 mounting kit.
Image Performance
After exploring Oled displays, Alienware returns to LCD technology with the AW2725QF. This monitor features a 27-inch IPS panel with two display modes: a native 4K resolution at 180 Hz and a 1080p option that supports 360 Hz.
Typically, 4K resolution is associated with larger screens, but this smaller size enhances pixel density and sharpness while demanding more powerful graphics hardware unless leveraging upscaling technologies.
Using our Calibrite Display Pro Plus HL probe and Calman Ultimate software, we measured a contrast ratio of 1158:1, placing it within the mid-range of IPS LCD monitors, which may lead to less impactful dark scenes.
The screen shines in brightness tests, achieving a peak of 521 cd/m² in SDR and 695 cd/m² in HDR. Unlike Oled screens, this panel maintains strong brightness capabilities even in full-screen scenarios.
In terms of color reproduction, it covers 88% of the DCI-P3 color space—acceptable but lacking compared to some alternatives that approach full coverage. Consequently, it may not display as vast a range of colors in HDR as certain competitors.
The factory color temperature is commendable, close to the ideal D65 white point at 6500K, and at 100% brightness, it registers at 6525. This level of accuracy is a hallmark of Dell’s displays, even in gaming models.
We recorded a Delta-E of 2.79 for SDR settings, with significant variations in blue and cyan colors. Higher Delta-E values are noticeable, keeping within acceptable limits. An sRGB mode, exhibiting a precise Delta-E of 1.07, is perfect for creative users. During HDR usage, it impressively drops to a Delta-E of 1.77, ensuring accurate colors in HDR content and games.
However, it’s worth noting that grayscale accuracy could be improved, as gamma and EOTF curves exhibit inconsistencies. In HDR, shadowy areas can appear excessively bright, regardless of the selected mode. Preferred settings for accurate luminance include Dolby Vision Dark and SmartHDR Desktop/HDR600.
IPS LCD technology does present some drawbacks, leading to noticeable blooming effects around light text, a problem less severe in Mini-LED displays designed with numerous individually controlled backlight zones.
Gaming Experience
Playing in 4K resolution is usually reserved for larger monitors, making the capability of this 27-inch display notable in terms of sharpness. The extra pixel density greatly enhances image clarity, reducing aliasing compared to QHD monitors.