Compare ASUS ROG Strix XG27ACS vs Dell S2725QS

The stand is straightforward to assemble, and the joystick-controlled menus make everyday adjustments easy.

Changes between some image-scaling modes are unusually quick and convenient.

Unusually effective variable overdrive delivers a reliable one-setting experience. The highest slider levels can create unwanted inverse ghosting.

Fast is preferable around 120Hz and Normal often works better at 60Hz; the Extreme setting adds obvious overshoot without enough improvement.

Motion is exceptionally clean for an affordable IPS monitor. ELMB can sharpen fast movement further but adds distracting tradeoffs.

120Hz movement feels smoother than 60Hz, but many fast transitions still carry powdery blur and overshoot that gaming monitors handle better.

SDR material looks unusually accurate even with HDR mode active, minimizing the need to swap Windows display modes.

Enabling HDR restricts brightness and color controls, making SDR a more flexible choice for everyday use.

Fast pixel transitions, low latency, and 180Hz refresh suit quick multiplayer games particularly well. Extreme esports players may still want higher refresh rates.

Low input lag helps, but sluggish pixel transitions and visible blur make this weaker than a properly tuned gaming monitor for esports.

Pixel response is exceptionally quick for this class, with balanced default settings that avoid large overshoot penalties.

Measured pixel transitions are middling or slow for 120Hz and give moving objects more blur than faster gaming monitors.

Crosshairs, FPS indicators, shadow adjustment, color modes, and adjustable blur reduction offer useful gaming customization.

HDR game and movie presets can add excessive saturation or sharpening rather than improving natural image quality.

The fast IPS panel excels at responsiveness and viewing angles but cannot escape its native contrast limitations.

IPS brings consistent colors and broad viewing angles, but does not deliver the deep blacks of OLED or VA alternatives.

The default overdrive setting produces very little ghosting or overshoot across refresh rates. Pushing overdrive too hard can introduce inverse trails.

Fast camera movement and high-contrast edges leave noticeable trailing, especially compared with gaming-focused IPS displays.

USB-C video input offers a convenient connection for supported laptops and mobile devices, though it is not a full laptop dock.

Desktop HDMI and DisplayPort connections are straightforward. Thin laptops and certain docks can introduce bandwidth or adapter complications.

The package is relatively bare, with little beyond the stand and basic cables to get started.

The bundled high-speed HDMI cable and basic cables are useful; extras are limited, which reviewers generally accept for the price.

The screen itself is manageable to handle, but the heavy stand and wide foot can make rearranging a compact desk awkward.

The thin, fairly light construction makes repositioning the monitor easier than expected for a desktop 4K panel.

The lack of onboard speakers is disappointing beside similarly equipped alternatives, especially for a simple all-in-one desk setup.

Monitor speakers are a convenient extra for games, calls, and videos. Reactions range from pleasantly surprised by their bass to complaints that they sound loud and muddy.

A 1440p, 180Hz IPS panel with adaptive sync fits mainstream PC graphics hardware well, delivering smooth games without the burden of 4K.

PC games benefit from a smooth 120Hz signal and low lag, but image smear and slow transitions make the experience less polished than dedicated gaming screens.

Colorful adventures look impressive, but dark cinematic scenes suffer from gray blacks and modest HDR. Better-contrast rivals suit this style more.

Detailed 4K visuals work nicely in slower-paced solo games, but weak HDR and moving-image blur reduce the cinematic effect.

DisplayPort, HDMI, and USB-C video provide useful flexibility, but a single HDMI on some configurations and missing USB-A hub limit elaborate setups.

Two HDMI ports and DisplayPort cover conventional hookups, but no USB-C, USB hub or headphone jack is a recurring inconvenience.

Brightness and color uniformity are acceptable for games, but testers note some edge variation.

Colors remain impressively consistent across much of the panel, with only minor changes at the edges on the detailed test unit.

IPS viewing angles are broad enough to comfortably share the image, even if off-axis performance is not a class leader.

The IPS panel maintains colors and detail impressively off-center, making it comfortable to view from different desk positions.

The 1440p image and variable refresh support make it appealing for responsive console play, but HDMI 2.0 and the absence of 4K limit the experience.

HDMI 2.1 bandwidth and 4K/120Hz support suit modern consoles, although a test noted that Xbox 1440p at 120Hz is not supported.

A cutout in the adjustable stand provides a practical way to route cables and keep the desk tidier.

A rear cover, clip, and simple cable routing help tidy the desk; some laptop setups still require awkward extra adapters or docks.

Some find the base compact and practical for smaller desks; others consider the deep, heavy stand a substantial space commitment.

The 27-inch panel and compact stand offer useful working space without overpowering a typical desk.

Readable text and accurate colors make this more than a gaming-only screen, although it lacks advanced workstation connectivity.

The strongest combination is sharp work output plus smooth casual gaming and media, rather than excellence at high-end HDR or competitive gaming.

Several owners appreciate the solid finish, while others find the conventional plastic construction and chunky body clearly budget-minded.

The clean finish and reinforced stand can feel upscale for the price, although the largely plastic build and slight wobble are reminders of its budget positioning.

Dark scenes look noticeably gray rather than inky black. The limitations are particularly apparent beside VA, mini-LED, and OLED displays.

Dark scenes suffer from grayish blacks and IPS glow rather than OLED-like depth, even though contrast is acceptable by budget IPS standards.

The matte finish usually keeps reflections manageable, but direct sun or strong daylight can still wash out the image.

Its light matte coating softens everyday reflections, but direct sunlight can still produce strong glare and a glossy-looking patch.

Both major PC adaptive-sync ecosystems are supported, helping reduce tearing without demanding one graphics-card brand.

FreeSync and compatible VRR reduce tearing and improve gameplay smoothness, but overshoot can worsen as the refresh rate falls.

The 180Hz maximum makes gameplay fluid and responsive for the price, though enthusiasts seeking 240Hz or more may want another model.

120Hz is a substantial everyday upgrade for scrolling, window movement and casual play, even though panel response cannot always keep up.

The conventional 16:9 screen is a comfortable fit for desktop and PC gaming, without the width or special layout of an ultrawide.

The standard 16:9 format suits everyday software and video, though it cannot provide the horizontal space of an ultrawide.

Height, swivel, tilt, and portrait pivot are repeatedly praised for comfort and flexibility. A few find the maximum height a little short.

Height, tilt and swivel adjustments are useful and generally smooth, although portrait clearance and occasional wobble limit the experience.

The 2560×1440 resolution strikes a well-liked balance between crisp visuals and manageable GPU demands at 27 inches.

At 27 inches, the 4K pixel density makes text and images exceptionally crisp and allows detailed desktop work.

QHD on a 27-inch panel renders game interfaces and everyday text clearly, though fine detail is below native 4K.

Small lettering, interface elements and fine photo detail look impressively crisp thanks to the 4K pixel density.

Very low processing delay makes controls feel immediate, including at lower fixed refresh rates.

Inputs feel responsive and measured signal delay is low, although pixel blur can still make motion look less crisp than the controls feel.

The matte coating contains moderate grain, a small clarity tradeoff for its anti-reflection properties.

The mild matte finish controls glare without much visible grain, although sensitive users may see slight mistiness or diminished vibrancy.

The wide color range makes games and images lively, though coverage is more conventional than high-end quantum-dot or OLED alternatives.

Coverage is good for sRGB but falls short of a full professional wide gamut, with some welcome extra vibrancy in standard desktop content.

Standard 100×100 VESA support gives buyers the option to replace the supplied stand with an arm or wall mount.

Standard 100×100 mounting allows a monitor arm, which is particularly useful for portrait use or reducing desk clutter.

The overall experience earns strong praise as an affordable, capable gaming setup, especially from owners upgrading an older or 1080p display.

Most verdicts strongly recommend it as an affordable all-round work monitor, with reservations about USB-C, speakers and serious gaming.

There are no downstream USB-A ports, making the monitor disappointing as a peripheral hub or simplified docking station.

No integrated hub means keyboard, mouse and storage accessories must connect to a PC or a separate dock.

USB-C accepts a video signal, but its 7.5W charging output is far too weak for laptop power or an easy one-cable workstation.

It cannot charge a laptop through a USB-C display cable, so laptop owners need separate power and possibly a dock.

One extended hands-on account describes the display as a dependable gaming companion, though broader lifespan claims remain premature.

One reported ownership account describes multiple unit failures, so checking operation and the return period is sensible despite the otherwise positive value picture.

HDMI is limited to version 2.0 and a lower refresh ceiling than DisplayPort, reducing flexibility for demanding console setups.

The HDMI inputs are a valuable upgrade over older Dell models, enabling higher-bandwidth 4K/120Hz gaming signals on compatible hardware.

Its motion tuning, color accuracy, and ergonomic stand are excellent for the money, especially on sale. Less expensive rivals can be better for HDR or particular features.

Its sharp 4K/120Hz display and adjustable stand are excellent value at typical sale prices, especially for buyers who will not miss USB-C.

Assembly is easy and factory tuning is strong enough to enjoy games immediately, without a lengthy calibration process.

Tool-free assembly and straightforward stand attachment make getting started uncomplicated, even with an extra stand piece.

IPS contrast leaves shadowy scenes looking gray and washed out. Brighter colorful games flatter this panel much more than dark cinematic material.

Static contrast is decent for ordinary IPS and can add some depth, but gray blacks and glow stop dark scenes from looking genuinely rich.

DisplayPort and USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode make the fastest refresh settings accessible from compatible PCs and laptops.

DisplayPort works for high-refresh output, but one tester needed to correct Nvidia’s default limited-range RGB setting.

Shadow Boost makes dark details easier to see, though pushing those shadows can spoil the atmosphere of some games.

HDR disables the dark-stabilizer adjustment, reducing control over shadow visibility when HDR is active.

FreeSync and G-Sync support help keep gameplay smooth across changing frame rates. Variable overdrive also keeps artifacts in check as refresh falls.

FreeSync and compatible variable-refresh operation reduce tearing and improve smoothness, though changing refresh rates expose limitations in pixel-response tuning.

Sharp, colorful, well-calibrated SDR imagery is the major attraction. Weak blacks hold it back for dark or HDR-heavy material.

The crisp, colorful SDR picture is a major strength, while weak dark-room contrast and HDR hold it back from premium image quality.

The joystick and clear menus give easy access to extensive color and gaming settings without excessive button hunting.

A rear joystick provides a convenient way to navigate picture and other settings.

Excellent sRGB factory tuning is a consistent standout, with impressive accuracy before calibration. Some default wide-gamut settings can oversaturate standard content.

Most testers liked the factory sRGB presentation and measured low color error, although some owners encountered a green cast or needed adjustments.

SDR brightness is punchy enough for ordinary indoor gaming and many brighter rooms. Turning on ELMB cuts that headroom substantially.

SDR brightness is generally strong for the price with a useful adjustment range; it is far less impressive as HDR peak brightness.

HDR400 can add a little color and brightness excitement, but poor blacks and no local dimming prevent convincing HDR highlights.

Most testers found HDR weak, with limited luminance, gray blacks and no local dimming; a more positive review liked the added brightness and contrast effect.

There is no local dimming hardware, so HDR cannot isolate bright highlights from dark backgrounds.

Lack of local dimming prevents HDR from separating small highlights from dark surroundings and leaves blacks looking gray.

The DisplayWidget utility provides functional software control, although its value depends on the connected PC and setup.

Some Nvidia setups require changing the output range manually to avoid restricted RGB over DisplayPort.

Excellent sRGB modes and ample tuning options make accurate colors achievable with little extra work; the calibrated preset restricts some controls.

The dedicated sRGB mode offers an accurate starting point, but restricted adjustments in sRGB and HDR modes can frustrate users who want fine control.

The restrained front and slim bezels appeal to those who dislike aggressive gaming styling, although the bulky rear and foot divide opinion.

Slim bezels and a clean ash-white finish are widely appreciated, giving the monitor a more polished look than many low-cost office screens.

The plastic body and sturdy stand generally feel well assembled for the price, even if the materials do not rival expensive flagship monitors.

The light-colored chassis and metal-reinforced parts feel reasonably solid, but some testers noticed wobble and less substantial materials than older models.

The 27-inch format feels just right for close desktop gaming and gives QHD content pleasing sharpness.

The 27-inch format balances usable multitasking space against a modest footprint, though native 4K text often needs scaling.

Equalizer and music profiles offer a bit of personalization, but one critic found these options did little to fix the speakers’ harshness.

A missing USB hub means it cannot serve as a KVM for sharing keyboard and mouse peripherals between computers.

The HDR label overpromises what the actual edge-lit hardware can deliver, despite otherwise capable motion specifications.

The absence of PiP and PbP is a downgrade from the older model for displaying two inputs at once.

One detailed test unit showed only minor clouding and bleed, although sample variation remains a consideration.

The IPS LCD avoids the burn-in worry associated with OLED screens, a reassuring advantage for static desktop elements.

ELMB can make fast motion clearer, especially at high refresh rates. Brightness loss, double images, crosstalk, and red fringing leave opinions sharply divided.

The enclosure stays comfortably cool to the touch in use, without drawing attention to heat buildup.

Lower-than-native resolutions remain usable and can be sharpened, although QHD monitor-side scaling is limited to 60Hz and looks softer than 4K.

The self-contained power supply avoids an external brick, but the sealed design is a drawback if power components ever need service.

A compact clamshell package is easy to unpack, though the slim packaging means assembling more stand pieces.

The slot in the base can neatly hold a phone for guides or calls, but large phones may not fit and some find it gimmicky.

Energy use is typical and reasonably efficient for a 27-inch IPS LCD without costly local dimming.

A sealed internal power supply and guidance toward professional service make self-repair less appealing.

A reported sleep-and-wake problem went away after a factory reset, but the interruption is worth noting.

Sound is a point of disagreement: some hear unusually rich monitor audio, while another reviewer found it harsh, loud and short on detail.

The stand offers plenty of adjustment but can wobble, especially compared with the preceding Dell model.

ELMB can introduce visible red fringing around moving elements even at high refresh rates.

A threaded mount above the screen offers an unusually convenient place to position a webcam or other compatible camera gear.

A detailed test found no distracting variable-refresh flicker, a welcome advantage over some competing display technologies.

The small USB-C power output cannot adequately power a laptop and offers little beyond light charging for smaller devices.

The flicker-free backlight, warm mode and ComfortView features support long sessions, with several users reporting comfortable extended viewing.

DisplayWidget gives convenient desktop control of the monitor, complementing the usable built-in menus.

An aggregated owner account describes frustrating support contacts and replacement handling after repeated failures.