By A monitor can be more than just a computer screen at times. Additionally, the display itself occasionally seems like an add-on to its other capabilities.
With the Dell Pro 27 Plus, that is unquestionably the case. The monitor’s 4K display is vivid and brilliant. However, the monitor’s broad Ethernet and USB connectivity is perhaps the most notable feature for most users. This office display was created especially to be used with mid-range laptops for productivity and business that have contemporary USB-C connectivity. And it’s excellent in that position.
Specs and Features
The fundamental features of the Dell Pro 27 Plus P2725QE are exactly what I look for in a mid-range to high-end productivity monitor. It has a 4K-resolution 27-inch IPS panel. The 100Hz refresh rate is the one standout feature, but sadly, adaptive sync isn’t included.
- 27-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
- Resolution in native: 3840 x 2160
- Type of panel: IPS LCD
- Rate of refresh: Up to 100 Hz
- HDR: None; adaptive sync: No
- Ports: 3x USB-A 5Gbps downstream, 1x USB-C, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, and 1x USB Type-C 5Gbps upstream with DisplayPort 1.4 and 90-watt USB Power Delivery, Gigabit Ethernet (RJ45) only, 5Gbps downstream data
- Audio: Optional Soundbar slots
- Cost: $519.99 MSRP
However, the specifications list makes it apparent that the focus is on ports rather than the display panel. In addition to a USB-C port with DisplayPort and Power Delivery, the display features three video inputs. In addition to Gigabit Ethernet, there are four more downstream USB ports (three USB-A and one USB-C).
Design
Like several other current Dell productivity monitors, the Pro 27 Plus P2725QE is different from its predecessors in that it has a matte black rear panel instead of a silver or white one. The stand is still silver, but it’s very professional. That seems like a strange decision to me because it suggests that the stand wasn’t intended to come with this monitor.
Despite appearances, the stand is good. Although it is robust and substantial, its small, flat base reduces the amount of space it takes up on a desk. Additionally, the stand offers a good range of ergonomic adjustments, including 150mm of height adjustment, 90 degrees of swivel, and 25 degrees of tilt. Additionally, it has a 90-degree rotation to portrait mode. While the height adjustment is at the higher end of the range (some competitors keep to 110mm), all of this is usual for a high-end office and productivity monitor.
Additionally, the display features a 100x100mm VESA mount that may be used with external monitor arms and stands. It is light enough to fit on most stands and arms, weighing roughly 10 pounds without the stand.
Connectivity
Dell made the obvious (and, in my opinion, correct) wager that connectivity is more crucial than visual quality for many home and office workers. The Dell Pro 27 Plus has a ton of ports as a result. DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1, and a USB-C port with DisplayPort alternate mode are all used for video connectivity. For the majority of USB-C-capable monitors, that is standard.
On the other hand, four more USB ports can be connected thanks to the USB-C port. One of these is USB-C, and the other three are USB-A. Gigabit Ethernet is also available on the monitor. It’s helpful if you have a Mac or Windows computer with a USB-C port because that’s a lot of ports. Ethernet and four USB connections are instantly added when a laptop is connected to the Dell Pro 27 Plus.
Dell P2725QE 4K UHD 27” Computer Monitor with USB-C Hub and USB Cables-New Model
A pop-out hub on the chin of the display houses the only downstream USB-C port and one downstream USB-A port. Although it feels fragile, it makes hookups quick and simple without requiring you to fumble behind the monitor.
Despite its extensive connectivity, the Dell Pro 27 Plus has certain disadvantages. If you utilize high-speed external storage, the display isn’t a suitable fit because it only supports USB, which has a 5Gbps transfer rate. Although they are more costly, Thunderbolt 4 monitors like the Dell Ultrasharp 27 U2724DE or BenQ PD3226G are recommended for people who require high-speed communication.
Menus and Features
A joystick that is tucked away on the right side of the screen allows owners to access the Dell Pro 27 Plus P2725QE’s menu system. It offers responsive, fast menu choice access. The menu is simple to use and easy to understand because of its large text size. As an alternative, users can use Dell’s Display and Peripheral Manager (DPPM) software to view and modify menu settings.
But there aren’t many options on the monitor. The monitor doesn’t target particular color gamuts, color temperatures, or gamma values, and only has a few color modes. Instead, the menu system concentrates more on managing connectivity, including data rates and USB-C charging.
The Dell Pro 27 Plus does not come with speakers. An optional soundbar can be used in place of the monitor. It’s odd, though, that the product page for the monitor makes no mention of the soundbars that it supports. That information is also missing from the manual. In any event, I am unable to remark on its quality because Dell did not send it for review.
Motion Performance
With a refresh rate of 100Hz, the Dell Pro 27 Plus isn’t designed for gaming. Compared to 60Hz competitors, the monitor will therefore have less motion blur. For instance, text that scrolls is simpler to read.
But it doesn’t support Adaptive Sync. That’s a big disappointment. Its absence prevents the display from synchronizing its refresh rate with a video source’s output for fluid 3D game play. It would be good to have the ability to play games smoothly, even though the P2725QE isn’t a gaming monitor.
Conclusion
The Dell Pro 27 Plus P2725QE display is uninteresting. However, it’s a good choice if you need a monitor for coding, office productivity, or any other use case that mostly involves text editing or web browsing. It works well with tiny and light Windows or Mac laptops since it blends USB-C connectivity with a bright, clear 4K IPS panel.
