For many, the monitor is the core of the setup, tying together every device and peripheral. It's challenging to get any work done without a good screen, and a great monitor can do much more than that.
Recently, I've indulged in high-end OLED gaming monitors like the HP OMEN Transcend 32 I reviewed. However, the latest monitor to grace my desk, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE), has surprised me in more ways than one.
This new Dell monitor may not be as flashy, but it might be the single best display I've ever tested for productivity. The 4K, 120Hz IPS LCD panel sets itself apart by incorporating an entire Thunderbolt 4 USB hub into its slim frame. It's a feature I didn't know I needed, but transitioning to any other monitor will now be a challenge.
With its release today, let me share my first impressions of the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor before my full review in the coming weeks.
The Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor isn't a first for the industry or even Dell. However, it combines a relatively unique set of capabilities. At its core, you'll find a 27-inch, 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution panel with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 120Hz refresh rate.
This display uses In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology rather than the more expensive OLED, so while it's not as vibrant, it boasts significantly higher contrast ratios than your average IPS monitor.
Many monitors include USB hubs to expand connectivity, but this monitor features a full-featured Thunderbolt 4 Hub with 140W Power Delivery and advanced KVM support to share all your accessories and peripherals across connected devices.
For $700, your monitor needs to be more than adequate. The UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor doesn't disappoint. Apart from its base specs—a 27-inch, 4K, 120Hz display—the panel provides a commendable, even spread with less bleed.
Factory calibration ensures respectable color accuracy, helping this monitor adapt to work, gaming, and content consumption. The ambient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness and color temperature to match your surroundings.
While I have a personal preference for OLED displays, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor has impressed me enough that I haven't missed the more premium OLED monitor I was using. It balances high resolution and fast refresh rates while including features that enhance productivity.
This monitor isn't quite the ultimate productivity display, but it's worth your consideration. If you're in the market for a sharp, smooth monitor that can become the foundation of your work setup, the Dell UltraSharp 27 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE) is available now for $699.99 at Dell.
Stay tuned for my full review on Windows Central in the coming weeks, where I'll delve deeper into its design, image quality, and features.
