27″ 2560 x 1440 vs. 3840 x 2160

Hi jesusbor,

As covered in our article on the topic, you benefit from the pixel density even if you use scaling. The text needs to scale ‘cleanly’ (i.e. properly) and in most cases it does. That would include text on web browsers and many modern programs – there are a few exceptions and the article covers some, but that’s mainly because the text is tied to a UI element or processed as an image rather than normal adjustable text. With the ‘4K’ resolution you’d also benefit from superior clarity for suitably high resolution image content, games and movies. But whether it’s worth the price premium in the case of the U2720Q is debatable if you’re going to be using a high level of scaling. Simply because you lose the desktop real-estate – and in the Windows environment at least, there are still a few elements that don’t scale well. Again, usually buttons and suchlike tied to the UI of certain applications. Don’t confuse this with what we talk about in reviews with respect to interpolation performance when running the monitor at a non-native resolution – that’s very different.

I’ve only received limited feedback on both Dell models and haven’t used them myself, but the feedback I’ve received is largely positive. Some uniformity complaints but nothing major – the 4-side borderless design does make them more prone to this sort of thing than the more common 3-side borderless designs. The users were pleased with the overall colour performance and responsiveness, they both gamed casually. A key feature which distinguishes the U2720Q from quite a few other models (including some significantly cheaper models we recommend for both categories) is the wide colour gamut, which is shared with the U2520D you tried and enjoyed. The U2721DE doesn’t offer such a wide colour gamut (85% DCI-P3 vs. 95% DCI-P3 which is a large difference). So colours wouldn’t be as vibrant and that’s probably worth considering if you enjoyed the U2520D’s colour output.

You’re right to comment on screen surface. I don’t have absolute confirmation but from what I’ve seen I’d speculate that the haze value of the U2720Q is lower than both the U2721DE and U2520D as well. In other words, it’s ‘light’ rather than ‘medium’ to ‘relatively light’ matte anti-glare – which is also beneficial to clarity and gives less of a ‘layered’ appearance.

P.S. Nothing personal, but please avoid using the term ‘2K’ on these forums. It’s inaccurate and very misleading as it implies the 2560 x 1440 resolution is half of the 3840 x 2160 resolution. Which is incorrect. I criticise manufacturers when they use this in their marketing as well because it encourages use of the phrase.

Right, well that changes everything. It’s therefore purely the interpolation performance you’d need to consider. I’m not sure why you’d want to run a 3840 x 2160 (‘4K’ UHD) monitor at 2560 x 1440 (WQHD) instead of using scaling? Unless you had to because the system didn’t support a ‘4K’ resolution. Interpolation invariably softens the image or creates a mixture of softer and oversharpened elements. It doesn’t look as ‘clean’ or natural as a native WQHD screen and doesn’t let you take advantage of the pixel density of the monitor. In fact it counteracts that advantage rather strongly in most cases. The using scaling in the OSD but sticking with the native ‘4K’ resolution provides the advantages I described. Yes you get some elements not scaling ‘cleanly’, but that’s preferable to the entire screen being softened with a possible dose of oversharpening! It’s quite the opposite effect to what you’re expecting I think. Stick with native WQHD or use scaling or application specific zoom on a ‘4K’ UHD model – interpolation is too much of a compromise for me to recommend.

To clarify what I said before about colour gamut, that’s still something to consider. But I wasn’t suggesting you’d find the U2721DE ‘washed out’ because of the colour gamut. The other models have an edge in vibrancy, but you still get a slightly beyond sRGB gamut and a consistent IPS-type panel. You might really enjoy it, but perhaps you’d reconsider using scaling on the U2720Q instead if you really want to benefit from a higher pixel density and colour gamut.

I think the U2721DE would be an appropriate WQHD model given what you’re after and your preferences.

For a mixture of productivity and console gaming the BenQ EX2780Q is really tough to beat in my view, it’s one I’m happy to recommend for such uses. Just make sure you’re aware that the USB-C PD is limited to 10W, so it isn’t very useful to use for charging your Macbook. If you’re really just looking for the ‘1 cable solution’ to use for display signal (DP Alt Mode) whilst also supporting upstream USB data (allowing you to use the USB ports of the monitor with your Macbook) then it will be ideal. The general point to highlight is that it’s very common for gaming monitors to feature a low Power Delivery level for USB-C.