Compare Dell Alienware AW2725QF vs LG 27G850A-B

The option to synchronize settings between resolution modes or maintain separate profiles makes switching more manageable.

Different speed modes benefit from different overdrive choices, but the monitor does not retain them separately. Repeated manual changes become tiresome.

The lack of a 3.5mm audio output is a recurring complaint, particularly for headsets, wired speakers and users swapping between sources.

The headphone output makes it simple to attach headphones or an inexpensive soundbar. This is helpful because the monitor has no built-in speakers.

Convenient front-bottom ports make temporary device connections easier, even though some plugs hang visibly beneath the screen.

Rearward, downward-facing connections are awkward to reach after installation. Frequent cable swapping may be frustrating.

Motion is generally clean in the better overdrive settings, but reviewers disagree about how much trailing remains. The fastest setting can create noticeable inverse ghosting.

Slow transitions and aggressive overdrive can both produce visible trails. Some testers find the motion acceptable, while others consider ghosting a dealbreaker at 240Hz.

Darkening at edges and corners is a recurring weakness, especially on bright white backgrounds. Some samples look acceptable in games, but it can distract during precise visual work.

The panel looks fairly uniform across its center with slight edge darkening. Vignetting is generally subtle in real content.

Several USB-A ports plus a downstream USB-C socket make accessory connections practical, but the hub is not a substitute for full USB-C display docking.

The two downstream USB-A connections are useful once the upstream cable reaches a PC. They cannot function or charge devices independently from the monitor.

Both modes look smooth and impressively quick for IPS, with a visible benefit from higher refresh rates. Some testers say pixel response cannot fully exploit 360Hz and trails leading OLED displays.

Opinions range from excellent for an IPS panel to deeply disappointing against other 240Hz models. Across that divide, OLED is consistently clearer during fast motion.

Most reviewers find blacks gray or washed out in darker scenes, particularly in unlit rooms. A few are satisfied with blacks when the surrounding room is illuminated.

IPS Black delivers noticeably deeper blacks than conventional IPS displays. Bright objects still expose grayish blacks and the substantial gap to OLED.

Pixel response is fast for IPS and helps make gaming smooth, but the most rigorous measurements show blur and overshoot that hold it back from the best 360Hz screens.

Measured pixel transitions fall short of what many expect from a top-end 240Hz screen. Some testers are satisfied with the motion; others find it slow for the price.

Unlike some larger dual-mode competitors, this screen cannot shrink its 1080p image into a 24-inch competitive viewport. That limits its appeal to players who prefer a tighter tournament-style view.

The simulated 24-inch view is particularly blurry, with scaling that makes small text harder to read. It is better suited to occasional competitive gaming than desktop tasks.

The coarse edge-lit dimming sometimes casts obvious halos around bright objects and subtitles, although one test found small highlights less prone to obvious blooming.

Bright objects can light up large vertical strips of the screen, creating pronounced halos. The eight-zone edge backlight is a poor fit for contrast-heavy content.

Driving 360 frames per second requires a suitably powerful PC and compatible games; the monitor's fastest mode has less benefit when hardware cannot sustain those frame rates.

Pushing 4K at 240fps or 1080p at 480fps requires a genuinely powerful gaming system. Less capable PCs may need lower settings or upscaling to realize the benefit.

Several HDR10 and Dolby Vision presets let users tailor the look, with Custom Color HDR singled out for its stronger image.

Multiple dimming intensities are available, but each involves a compromise in brightness or tone mapping. None completely fixes weak local contrast.

The IPS panel delivers brightness, text clarity and immunity to OLED burn-in, while giving up OLED's deeper blacks and faster pixel transitions.

Nano IPS Black brings better contrast and bright, crisp text without OLED burn-in worries. Its slower pixel response and limited black depth still matter for dedicated gaming.

Typical IPS viewing angles are usable for nearby viewers and broad desktop positioning, though very wide angles and dark scenes can wash out.

Typical IPS viewing angles remain wide and reliable despite the added contrast of IPS Black. The picture holds up well when viewed off center.

A little flicker can occur when frame rates fluctuate, particularly in the 1080p mode, but it is described as less distracting than on many VA or OLED rivals.

Variable refresh is generally stable, particularly at 240Hz, but the 480Hz mode may flicker slightly during abrupt frame-rate changes. It is usually not very distracting.

The middle settings usually balance speed and overshoot; aggressive modes can produce inverse ghosting and often require retuning across refresh rates.

The fastest settings can produce inverse ghosting, while slower ones blur motion. Different refresh-rate modes need separate compromises that the monitor does not remember automatically.

Impressions are broadly favorable among gamers who actively want both resolutions, while others question the extra cost and reduced HDR impact.

The screen impresses for work, retro input compatibility and mixed gaming, but its speed tuning and price attract serious criticism. Satisfaction depends heavily on the intended use.

HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz and VRR make it a capable match for modern consoles. Its missing onboard audio options are less convenient for certain console setups.

HDMI 2.1 and very low lag serve PS5 and Xbox gaming well, while retro signals also work unusually reliably. Consoles generally benefit more from native 4K than 480Hz mode.

The 4K panel looks razor sharp for small text and fine game detail. Lowering it to 1080p makes edges and textures noticeably rougher.

Native 4K text and images are exceptionally crisp, with moderate sharpening settings preferred. Extreme sharpness creates artifacts, and the 480Hz mode is noticeably softer.

The 1080p/360Hz mode gives fast, low-lag play without buying a separate esports screen. Its pixel response and softer fine details mean dedicated high-end 360Hz displays can still be better for the most demanding competitors.

The 480Hz option and extremely low lag suit esports on powerful PCs, but motion trails hold it back against the sharpest competitive displays. The experience is especially frame-rate dependent.

There are no integrated speakers. Many gamers consider that acceptable, but buyers will need separate audio hardware.

Integrated speakers are absent, which is frustrating for basic system sounds on an expensive screen. An external audio device is required.

Wide, vibrant color helps games and general work look appealing. Coverage is sufficient for many creators, but some competing OLEDs and professional displays reach further into demanding color spaces.

The broad DCI-P3 coverage produces vibrant colors and supports wide-color work. The expansive gamut may look oversaturated in SDR unless an sRGB mode is used.

A fast 4K gaming experience and optional 360Hz FHD mode suit varied PC games, with adaptive sync helping smooth variable frame rates.

Modern inputs, variable refresh and two speed modes make this a flexible gaming PC display. High frame-rate performance is limited by graphics hardware and visible motion blur.

Variable-refresh support works across PC gaming modes and modern consoles, helping keep play smooth without tearing.

The monitor works with major adaptive-sync formats, including FreeSync and G-SYNC Compatible modes. This provides flexibility across gaming PCs and consoles.

The HDMI, DisplayPort and downstream USB selection is useful, but a USB-C video input and analog audio jack are conspicuous omissions at this price.

Fast HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 2.1 inputs are well suited to PCs and consoles. The absence of USB-C and hardware KVM support limits premium productivity appeal.

The pixel-doubled 1080p mode remains playable and often looks better than on 32-inch dual-mode screens. Fine foliage, text and some game details can look noticeably rough or soft.

Native 4K is razor sharp, while the 1080p high-speed mode is conspicuously softer for text. Lower-resolution game signals can look decent with measured sharpening.

Low input lag is a consistent gaming advantage, especially in the higher-refresh 1080p mode. Testers report responsive aiming and little control delay.

Input processing is impressively quick at 60Hz, 120Hz, 240Hz and in the fast mode. Response-time blur, not control delay, is the bigger gaming concern.

Height, tilt, swivel and pivot are broadly praised for smooth, flexible positioning, although desk clearance may constrain a full turn on some setups.

Height, tilt, swivel and pivot controls provide good ergonomic flexibility. Even at its lowest setting, the panel can sit slightly higher than expected.

Native 4K at 27 inches delivers unusually sharp desktop and game detail; the trade is softer 1080p output when switching for maximum speed.

The native 4K image is excellent for detail-rich games and small text. Switching to 1080p trades much of that clarity for speed.

The matte-to-semi-gloss coating can reduce harsh reflections, though several testers notice graininess, haze or a less satisfying compromise than a truly clear glossy panel.

The matte surface limits glare effectively but adds a little grain. The tradeoff is usually mild compared with its reflection benefit.

The dense 27-inch 4K image makes small text and game details exceptionally crisp. The tradeoff is a much coarser-looking 1080p mode.

Native 4K at 27 inches delivers extremely fine text and crisp details. The pixel-density advantage largely disappears in the 1080p high-speed mode.

Light bleed and IPS glow weaken dark scenes, although one owner reports little visible bleed in a normally lit room. This is not an OLED-like black presentation.

Some IPS glow is visible in dark scenes and at oblique angles. It remains manageable in ordinary viewing, though dark-room users may notice it.

Some reviewers praise the matte coating for cutting mirror reflections; others see distracting glare in front of windows. Room and light placement influence the result.

The matte coating diffuses most ordinary glare well, at the price of slight grain. Direct sunlight across the screen can still impair visibility.

Detailed 4K visuals and vivid color suit expansive single-player games, but flat blacks and modest HDR reduce their cinematic impact in dark scenes.

Rich 4K detail suits visually elaborate single-player games, though weak HDR contrast limits cinematic impact. If those games run well below 240fps, the extra high-refresh hardware offers less value.

The substantial base usually holds position without wobble and gives the panel a solid, secure feel.

The sturdy stand keeps the display firmly in place with minimal wobble. Its flat metal base is especially well received.

On-screen timers, frame counters, aiming aids and picture controls provide a useful selection of gaming conveniences, though not every reviewer finds the extras essential.

Crosshairs, a refresh counter and shadow controls offer useful in-game tools. The selection is practical, though not especially extensive for a premium gaming screen.

The ability to switch between detailed 4K/180Hz and rapid 1080p/360Hz is the central attraction. It is most valuable to players who genuinely alternate between high-fidelity and competitive games.

Moving between sharp 4K/240Hz and fast 1080p/480Hz is the signature attraction. Actual benefits vary with game frame rates and the panel's imperfect motion tuning.

Small bright objects often lack impact or detail under edge-lit local dimming, even when larger bright scenes reach respectable luminance.

Small bright highlights can be dimmed rather than emphasized, while other details disappear in shadow. The limited dimming zones undermine HDR sparkle.

The advertised 4K/180Hz and FHD/360Hz modes are the headline strengths, though the top rates require overclock settings and 360Hz cannot always be fully resolved by the IPS pixels.

Native 4K/240Hz and optional 1080p/480Hz are exceptionally ambitious for IPS. The extra refresh does improve smoothness, but slow pixel transitions limit its full benefit.

Customizable rear lighting provides restrained gaming flair that can illuminate a wall without dominating the setup.

Subtle rear lighting adds a little gaming character without dominating the design. Its restrained treatment is more tasteful than many flashy gaming monitors.

The IPS panel avoids the static-image burn-in concern that accompanies OLED alternatives, making long sessions with fixed desktop elements easier to justify.

IPS Black avoids the persistent static-element burn-in concern associated with OLED desktops. That makes it appealing for all-day taskbars and work windows.

The compact hexagonal stand leaves room for keyboards and accessories, making it friendlier to small desks than sprawling tripod bases.

The flat metal stand base takes up relatively little desk space and can hold small items. It is a practical design for a crowded setup.

Power draw is reasonably restrained for a bright 4K IPS screen, sitting between more and less efficient competing displays.

Power draw is fairly reasonable for a bright, high-refresh IPS display and drops at lower rates. A comparable QD-OLED can use somewhat more energy under similar conditions.

Gamma tracking and the sRGB calibration earn praise for keeping tonal output predictable, with only minor corrections needed in some tests.

Factory gamma and white balance are generally reasonable but vary by mode and unit. Calibration can correct the remaining inaccuracies.

Contrast remains a prominent weakness of the conventional IPS panel, particularly next to OLED or strong mini-LED alternatives. Some brighter-room use is less affected.

IPS Black is a welcome improvement over ordinary IPS, with roughly doubled native contrast in some testing. It still falls far behind good OLED or Mini LED dark-scene performance.

Accurate, pleasing SDR colors are a major selling point, especially in sRGB or after calibration. Some testers still flag factory settings or slight deviations that matter for color-critical use.

Color accuracy is generally good, with some calibration modes and panels showing imperfect gamma or white balance. Proper calibration can produce much better results.

Reviews are split: some find satisfying brightness and color, while others call HDR flat and unconvincing. Weak dark-scene contrast and crude edge dimming are the recurring caveats.

Its bright, wide-color HDR signal is much less impressive than the specification badge suggests. Eight edge-lit zones produce halos and disappointing scene contrast.

Sharp, bright, colorful 4K output wins praise, especially for SDR and daytime use. Evaluation turns more negative when comparing HDR contrast and dark scenes with OLED competitors.

Vibrant, sharp and bright SDR images are a real attraction. Weak HDR contrast and inconsistent local dimming keep it from delivering flagship all-round picture quality.

Most find the centered joystick and logical menus fast to navigate. Dark menu text, tiny labels and a too-easy mode shortcut bother a few users.

The joystick menu is responsive and relatively easy to navigate. Its controls compare well with pricier gaming displays.

Mode switching is normally quick with the joystick and can be configured reliably. Some testers encounter application mismatches, brief freezes or a stuck on-screen overlay when changing modes.

Switching from 4K to the 1080p high-speed mode works smoothly via a dedicated control. Different modes still need manual overdrive retuning.

DisplayPort 1.4 is regarded as adequate for this monitor's advertised resolution and refresh-rate combinations; a newer connector is not essential here.

DisplayPort 2.1 is a welcome advantage over some rivals, but bandwidth limits still require compression at 4K/240Hz. Certain graphics-card and driver combinations may need attention.

High SDR brightness is a consistent strength, frequently measured near or above 450 nits. HDR brightness results vary by mode and test, and small highlights are not always punchy.

The display's powerful SDR brightness is among its most consistent strengths. It stays readable in well-lit rooms, even when set far below maximum.

The edge-lit zones offer little useful control over dark and bright elements. Several tests describe haloing, raised blacks or muted highlights, with limited ability to disable dimming in HDR.

Just eight edge-lit zones are too coarse for convincing HDR. Enabling them often adds halos, delayed transitions or muted highlights instead of genuinely deeper scenes.

G-SYNC and variable refresh operation are generally praised for smooth, tear-free play across the monitor's resolution modes.

Gameplay benefits from smooth, tear-free variable refresh over a broad frame-rate range. Brightness stability is generally good, with some higher-mode flicker caveats.

The dark stabilizer can brighten shadowed areas for play, offering a useful visibility adjustment.

Black Stabilizer helps reveal targets and details in dim scenes. It is a useful additional gaming control.

Dolby Vision's dynamic mapping and HDR tracking impress some testers, but results can still vary unexpectedly with picture modes and content.

Aggressive HDR settings overbrighten scenes and deviate from the intended luminance curve. More restrained modes sacrifice some brightness or black-depth control.

Creator, Custom Color and HDR tuning offer meaningful adjustment; some controls are restricted to particular modes. Calibration can improve already good color reproduction.

Adjustable white balance and detailed color controls help fix factory inaccuracies. The flexibility is valuable when dialing in an accurate sRGB image.

Value depends heavily on using both modes: fans of the flexibility see a fair bargain, while several reviewers prefer cheaper 4K IPS or similarly priced OLED alternatives.

The specialty dual-mode combination can be defensible at a discount for buyers who use both modes. Slow pixel response and poor HDR make full premium pricing difficult to justify.

Dual HDMI 2.1 inputs are praised for carrying high refresh rates and modern-console 4K/120Hz signals without sacrificing the monitor's gaming flexibility.

Two full-bandwidth HDMI 2.1 inputs make it easy to connect high-refresh PCs and modern consoles. Low latency is retained across supported signals.

Tool-free or near-tool-free stand attachment is quick and straightforward, with the included cables helping users start gaming sooner.

Tool-free stand assembly makes getting the monitor ready straightforward. The included cables also simplify first-time connection.

Slim borders make the monitor a neat fit for paired-screen arrangements and keep the gaming styling visually restrained.

Thin bezels on three sides keep the appearance relatively clean and modern. The small lower chin preserves a practical control area.

The clean black enclosure, slim bezels and understated RGB earn frequent praise. Some note it is bulkier than thin OLED designs, but it suits both gaming and workspaces.

Slim borders, restrained RGB and a simple gray housing make the monitor look sleek rather than overly flashy. The flat stand base is also attractive.

The chassis, stand and assembly generally feel sturdy and well finished, with little flex and a reassuringly solid base.

The casing feels solid and carefully assembled. Despite some plastic surfaces, the monitor comes across as well built.

The monitor keeps input lag impressively low even at 60Hz. That makes slower or capped games feel responsive instead of sluggish.

The center-mounted joystick is quick to reach and responsive, though its shortcut behavior can make accidental resolution changes frustrating.

Custom HDR color controls allow unusual freedom to adjust hue, saturation and contrast, although Smart HDR can lock standard brightness sliders.

LG's Switch software lets you adjust on-screen settings with a mouse and keyboard. It is more convenient than reaching behind the monitor.

One tester could not get Alienware Command Center to recognize the screen despite installed drivers, turning instead to Dell Display Manager.

Dell Display Manager offered useful controls and window layouts after Alienware Command Center failed to detect the monitor for one user.

Night vision, aiming points and sniper-focused overlays add useful targeting aids for players who want on-screen assistance.

HDMI audio return and passthrough add a useful way to connect compatible soundbars and external audio gear, partly offsetting the missing analog headphone output.

Local dimming can cause jarring shifts in brightness as windows and scenes change. Disabling that feature may produce a more stable image.

The fastest 4K mode requires DSC, but normal use shows little or no visible quality penalty. The limitation matters more to buyers seeking an uncompressed signal.

The monitor lacks a hardware KVM switch, a disappointment at this price. LG's software sharing option is less seamless and requires networked computers.

The advertised 1ms response and DisplayHDR 600 branding can create unrealistic expectations. Real pixel response and dimming performance are less impressive than the headline specifications.

Sniper and aiming overlays can help spot or target distant threats, although their value depends on whether the player uses visual assists.

The internal fan was effectively inaudible during ordinary use. Cooling noise should not be a distraction in a typical setup.

There is no built-in BFI option, but external processors can deliver surprisingly clear motion with careful setup. Flicker, dimming and potential image retention make this a specialist experiment.

Stand cutouts and rear routing help keep cables tidy, though a few users still find wires visible or awkward to route.

This IPS panel responds well to calibration and can deliver very accurate, vibrant colors. A colorimeter is preferable to copying another unit's settings.

The panel's supported color-depth processing helps gradients appear smooth rather than visibly banded. It is a useful strength for images with subtle transitions.

The flat 27-inch format disappointed a user who prefers curved monitors for immersion. There is no curved alternative in this version.

Coarse vertical dimming zones respond slowly to moving highlights and can alter brightness abruptly. Their behavior makes HDR more distracting than convincing in challenging scenes.

Recyclable molded-cardboard packaging replaces the usual crumbly foam, a practical improvement in material choice.

One owner voices frustration that OLED models were receiving updates while this IPS variant appeared overlooked; ongoing firmware support is a concern rather than an established failure.

A broad selection of presets and creator settings is useful, with several testers finding their preferred SDR picture quickly.

Fine tonal transitions look smooth thanks to the monitor's color-depth support. The absence of obvious banding helps subtle colors look clean.

The pop-out hook is a clever convenience for keeping a headset off the desk, although its usefulness varies and one reviewer found a heavy headset could tilt the monitor arm.

Ordinary IPS use avoids the familiar OLED burn-in worry, but external BFI techniques can introduce temporary retention risks. Specialist settings deserve care.

Dedicated sRGB and DCI-P3 options help rein in oversaturation or work in a wider gamut. Some presets still need white-balance adjustment.

A built-in supply avoids an external power brick and keeps the desk and cable arrangement simpler.

High resolution and natural color help photo editing and everyday visual work, though specialist proofing still calls for closer attention to gamut and uniformity.

An owner reports severe stuck-pixel issues with early revisions and fewer defects after replacement, making panel inspection and revision checking worthwhile.

The 27-inch chassis was easy for one tester to handle during setup and felt lighter than several comparable displays.

The fit, finish and firm stand adjustments leave a distinctly premium impression, despite the thicker LCD enclosure compared with OLED.

Sharp text, strong brightness and a burn-in-free IPS panel make this a good crossover screen for work and play.

The monitor accepts commonly used PS5 signals with very low lag. Its sharp 4K mode is the sensible choice rather than the PC-focused 480Hz mode.

Switching between separate SDR and HDR presets can be inconvenient because SDR color looks wrong in some HDR settings.

The edge-lit backlight struggles to keep shadow detail alongside bright elements. Dark scenes can appear flatter or less legible than expected from a premium HDR display.

The conventional IPS pixel layout keeps text crisp without the colored subpixel fringes seen on some older OLED monitors.

Limited USB-C charging wattage is useful for small peripherals but not convincing for powering a gaming laptop or serving as a docking connection.

Standard 100×100 mm VESA mounting makes it easy to replace the included stand with a compatible arm or wall mount.

Windows 11 automatic color management successfully reins in wide-gamut oversaturation. Colors remain wide-ranging without looking excessively vivid in ordinary sRGB content.

Dolby Vision and its picture-mode options are welcome, but reviewers disagree about the practical improvement because the IPS backlight cannot deliver truly deep blacks.

DisplayPort 2.1 configurations with some RTX 50-series drivers have a documented black-screen caveat. Checking drivers or trying HDMI may help when connection issues arise.

One owner's experience suggests early panel revisions could have defects while a later replacement improved things; long-term reliability is not established across the broader sample.

The 27-inch size strikes a sensible balance for 4K sharpness and 1080p esports play, even though some users would prefer 32 inches for cinematic games or a single large workspace.

Unlike some rivals, the USB-A ports do not provide independent power for charging accessories. A data connection to the computer is necessary.