Gaming Monitor Review: Exceptional Color Reproduction, Top-notch Performance, and Affordable Value with Alienware AW2725D QD-OLED QHD 280 Hz Display
The Alienware AW2725D is a state-of-the-art monitor that offers an immersive gaming experience. This 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) Quantum Dot OLED monitor is designed with a cool, floating upright and a compact input panel, making it a stylish addition to any gaming setup.
Design and Assembly
The Alienware AW2725D assembles without the need for tools, with its three component parts neatly fitting together to create the floating upright design. The monitor's packaging, made of molded pulp, has proven to be robust enough to protect the monitor during shipment.
Display and Performance
The monitor boasts a refresh rate of 280 Hz, making it ideal for fast-paced gaming. It supports both FreeSync and G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay. The QD layer of the monitor means extra color gamut coverage, with a measured coverage of over 111% of DCI-P3. The monitor's brightness is 250 nits in SDR and 1,000 nits in HDR (3% window).
The monitor's HDR signals enable six additional picture modes, with the best HDR picture mode being HDR Peak 1000, which offers a vivid, colorful presentation with variable brightness and accurate color tracking. The monitor also includes AlienVision, gaming features such as timers, a frame counter, display alignment marks, and an LED show.
Inputs and Connectivity
The monitor's input panel is kept compact, with the 2 HDMI 2.1 and 1 DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC located underneath the stand attachment point. The monitor's cable bundle includes HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, and IEC for the internal power supply. The monitor also has USB inputs, including 1x up, 1x down, and 1x Type C.
OSD and Health Indicator
The monitor's On-Screen Display (OSD) includes a panel refresh routine and a health indicator that lets you know when to run it. The top status bar of the Alienware AW2725D monitor displays signal information and panel health info. The monitor also has a Custom Color option in its OSD that allows for adjustments to RGB gain and bias sliders, hue, and saturation controls for all six colors.
Stand and Dimensions
The monitor's stand offers 5/21 degrees tilt, 20 degrees swivel, 90-degree portrait mode, and a 4.6-inch height adjustment. The monitor's panel dimensions are 24 x 16-20.6 x 8.1 inches (610 x 406-523 x 206mm) with a panel thickness of 2.7 inches (68mm).
Warranty and Additional Features
The Alienware AW2725D comes with a 3-year warranty. Unfortunately, it does not have built-in speakers or a traditional 3.5mm jack for headphones. However, the bottom of the monitor has a quick menu with five programmable icons that provide access to often-used functions. The monitor's extra USB ports on the bottom are handy and easy to find.
The monitor's panel refresh routine and health indicator, along with its heat-dissipating graphite film behind the OLED layer and generous ventilation in the back, ensure the monitor stays cool even during intense gaming sessions. The monitor's bezel width is 0.23 inch (6mm) on top, 0.43 inch (11mm) on the sides, and 0.59 inch (15mm) on the bottom. The power consumption of the monitor is 58.8w at a brightness of 200 nits.
In terms of price, the current cost of the Alienware AW2721DX monitor is approximately $700 to $800, depending on the retailer and availability. With its impressive features, the Alienware AW2725D is a worthwhile investment for any serious gamer.
