By Another illustration of how the Ultrasharp series has changed over the last five years is the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW. Previously renowned mostly for its image quality, Dell has prioritized connectivity and, as of late, refresh rate with its Ultrasharp displays, almost equally in recent years. The end product is a large, sharp, incredibly costly monitor that functions flawlessly in the majority of scenarios.
What are the specifications and features of the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW?
The specifications of the U4025QW are unique. It features a 40-inch IPS Black display with a refresh rate of 120 Hz and a resolution of 5,120 x 2,160. At the moment, no other display can match this special mix of specs.
- Display size: 40-inch ultrawide
- Native resolution: 5120×2160
- Panel type: In-Plane Switching (IPS) Black
- Refresh rate: Up to 120Hz
- Adaptive sync: Yes, VRR
- HDR: Yes, HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 600 certified
- Ports: 1x Thunderbolt 1.4 (15W) for daisy-chaining, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4, One Thunderbolt 4 upstream port with DisplayPort 1.4 Alternate Mode, and 140 watts of power delivery 4x USB-A, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen2 upstream (data only) 3.2 Gen 2 downstream, two USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 downstream devices in a pop-out hub that can charge 15 watts of power, One USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 downstream, supporting 2.5G Ethernet and BC1.2 power charging
- VESA mount: 100x100mm
- Speakers: Yes
- Price: $2,399.99 MSRP
However, you sure do pay for it. The Dell U4025QW costs an exorbitant $2,399.99. I anticipate a large price reduction in the next several months, possibly even at launch (because Dell tends to establish high prices before marking them down). But I can’t hold Dell responsible for what might occur because I don’t yet know where the pricing will end up.
How is the design of the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW?
The target market for the Ultrasharp U4025QW is pretty clear: businesses and affluent home office workers seeking 40 magnificent inches of incredibly useful display real estate. Dell’s design is specifically targeted for this market. It’s silver and plain, pretty but unoffensive, contemporary but traditional.
It’s not thrilling. However, it functions. That’s because of the premium plastic materials in addition to the silver matte finish, which looks good in a lot of workspaces and spaces. There isn’t much elasticity in this area, and the monitor might even be a little too heavy. Recall to raise your legs!
There is a tiny curve on the monitor as well, but it’s so minor that I imagine some users wouldn’t notice it right away. Dozens of us belong to the flat ultrawide monitor club, and although I never found the curve disturbing, this one is close enough to be flat.
However, the U4025QW has one regrettable issue. The stand is not very good. It appears identical to the stand that comes with other large Ultrasharp displays, so I assume it’s the same, but when combined with a massive 40-inch ultrawide monitor, it feels excessively large.
How are the menu and connections of the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW?
The connectivity of every new Dell Ultrasharp monitor continues to get better, and the U4025QW is no exception. It boasts an extensive variety of connectivity, encompassing both Ethernet and Thunderbolt.
First, let’s talk about video connectivity. The monitor includes two Thunderbolt connections; one of them can be used with a USB-C connector that supports DisplayPort Alternate Mode and can provide 140 watts of power delivery. The other Thunderbolt port supports DisplayPort 1.4. A second monitor can be connected via a daisy chain to the other Thunderbolt 4 port.
Three USB-C and five USB-A ports are among the downstream connectivity options made available by the Thunderbolt ports. On the lower-left lip of the display is a pop-out hub that houses two of these USB-C connectors and one USB-A port. A USB storage drive or other device that you might only occasionally connect can be easily connected to the hub in a hurry.
What is the HDR image quality of the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW?
The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is certified by VESA DisplayHDR 600 and supports HDR. While that sounds fine in theory, HDR performance is lacking.
The problem is not brightness. The monitor can reach a maximum HDR brightness of 635 nits, and even when the full panel is lit, its brightness doesn’t change. This sets it apart from OLED monitors, which dim their OLED panel when huge, bright objects need to be displayed.
But HDR can’t function well on the U4025SW because of its lack of contrast. Because it lacks a dynamic backlight, adjusting the brightness of any area of the display also brightens the whole thing. That’s an issue when looking at a neon sign in a cyberpunk alley or a starry night sky. Where a scene should be pitch-black, it appears to be hazy grey in some areas.
Thus, although HDR is supported and functions reasonably well, it’s not ideal. The U4025QW is not something I would suggest if HDR is a top priority.
Would you recommend the Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW?
The Dell Ultrasharp U4025QW is a great monitor for those looking for a large screen that can be the focal point of a complicated setup that probably consists of several machines. It boasts an amazing range of connectors, including 2.5G Ethernet, Thunderbolt, USB-C, and up to 140 watts of power delivery. Together with decent motion clarity and excellent image quality comes that.
However, the U4025QW isn’t a strong option for HDR content, and its stand feels out of proportion to the size and weight of the panel. Another issue is price. The LG 40WP95C-W, which retails for less than $1,400, is a competitor with a retail MSRP of $2,399.99, which is significantly higher. Despite the significant price difference, Dell has some advantages over LG.
