If you want better contrast
Choose Samsung Odyssey OLED G80SH S32HG802S. It scores 5.0 vs 1.7 for contrast, with a 4.1 overall score.
Dell Alienware AW2725QF Monitor Review
Bottom Line
Sharp 4K detail and responsive 1080p/360Hz gaming make this a versatile IPS choice for players who use both modes. Low HDR contrast and no USB-C video input are its main drawbacks.
PC gamers who alternate between detailed 4K single-player or SDR gaming and fast competitive play, especially in mixed work-and-play desktop setups where crisp text matters.
Buyers prioritizing cinematic HDR, deep dark-room blacks, dedicated esports-level 360Hz clarity or one-cable USB-C laptop docking. People who only use one resolution may get better value elsewhere.
Verdict
The Alienware AW2725QF makes its strongest case to PC gamers who genuinely want two different experiences from one 27-inch screen. Its sharp 4K mode is unusually good for desktop work, detailed single-player games and high-refresh SDR play; switching to 1080p at up to 360Hz gives competitive games extra speed and lower input lag. Reviewers repeatedly praise its high brightness, appealing SDR colors, ergonomic stand and straightforward controls. The compromise is picture depth: the IPS panel has limited native contrast, coarse edge-lit dimming and inconsistent HDR impact, so OLED and capable mini-LED displays look more cinematic. The fastest mode also produces softer fine details and does not always deliver true 360Hz-level motion clarity. With no USB-C video input or headphone jack, it is a less convenient laptop dock. This is a persuasive mixed-use gaming monitor when both modes matter, but less compelling for buyers who can commit to one resolution.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
89 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.026 (29%)
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Positive 3.5-4.437 (42%)
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Neutral 2.5-3.410 (11%)
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Negative 1.5-2.414 (16%)
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Very negative below 1.52 (2%)
Pros highlights
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Native 4K at 27 inches delivers unusually sharp desktop and game detail; the trade is softer 1080p output when switching for maximum speed.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Cons highlights
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The lack of a 3.5mm audio output is a recurring complaint, particularly for headsets, wired speakers and users swapping between sources.
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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.
Use Cases
Best for
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Crisp 4K text, strong brightness and no OLED burn-in worry make it a convincing everyday work screen. Switching down to 1080p sacrifices that desktop sharpness.
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One of the strongest use cases is combining sharp, reliable daily work in 4K with fast competitive gaming after hours. Its weaker HDR and lack of USB-C video still matter for particular workflows.
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The 4K mode looks crisp and colorful for relaxed or story-driven play, with plenty of refresh-rate headroom even without switching to 360Hz.
Not ideal for
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Single-cable laptop dockingNo USB-C DisplayPort video input means the monitor cannot provide the simple single-cable docking that some laptop owners expect.
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USB-C laptop dockingThe USB-C socket is for peripherals and modest power, not DisplayPort video, so laptop users will need a separate display cable and often a charger.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Monitors, this product is above average in Per-input settings memory, Dual-mode versatility, portability and weight, near average in refresh rate, design and aesthetics, below average in contrast, black levels, Headphone jack convenience.
Comparison summary
85 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher26 (31%)
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Same as average within 0.3 pts34 (40%)
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Below average 0.4+ pts lower25 (29%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| contrast | 1.7 | 4.3 | -2.5 |
| black levels | 1.7 | 4.1 | -2.4 |
| Headphone jack convenience | 1.3 | 3.7 | -2.4 |
| HDR highlight detail | 1.5 | 3.7 | -2.2 |
| Blooming control | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| local dimming performance | 1.2 | 3.2 | -2.1 |
| Per-input settings memory | 4.0 | 1.8 | +2.2 |
| HDR performance | 2.1 | 3.4 | -1.3 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better black levels
Choose LG 27GX790A-B. It scores 5.0 vs 1.7 for black levels, with a 4.0 overall score.
If you want better HDR highlight detail
Choose Dell Alienware AW2725DF. It scores 5.0 vs 1.5 for HDR highlight detail, with a 4.2 overall score.
If you want better local dimming performance
Choose ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27AQWP-W. It scores 5.0 vs 1.2 for local dimming performance, with a 4.3 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Better: color gamut and vibrancy The OLED sibling has substantially wider measured color in this review.
- Better: overall gaming quality The reviewer prefers the OLED AW2725DF overall despite Dell IPS dual-mode flexibility.
- Cheaper: OLED premium pricing The AW2725DF is the pricier QD-OLED performance option.
- Better: OLED picture quality versus IPS versatility The QD-OLED AW2725Q has stronger HDR and motion, while the AW2725QF adds 360Hz FHD mode and avoids burn-in.
- Cheaper: price versus OLED gaming quality The reviewer would choose the cheaper 1440p OLED for gaming-centric use.
FAQ
What are the two display modes?
It runs at 4K up to 180Hz or 1080p up to 360Hz. The maximum rates require overclocking options; 165Hz and 330Hz are the standard rates.
Is the AW2725QF good for competitive games?
Yes, its 1080p/360Hz mode offers low lag and fluid play. Fine details can look soft, and its IPS response does not always match the crispness of a dedicated premium esports or OLED screen.
How good is its HDR?
HDR brightness and color can look pleasing, but low contrast and coarse local dimming leave blacks gray and some highlights flat or haloed. Reviewers generally favor SDR or a stronger OLED/mini-LED for serious HDR.
Does it work well for office work and creative projects?
The 27-inch 4K screen produces clear small text and accurate SDR color, making it strong for everyday work, basic photo editing and mixed use. Darkened edges and limited HDR fidelity make it less suitable for demanding reference-grade work.
Can a laptop use a single USB-C cable for video and charging?
No. The USB-C port is downstream for peripherals and limited charging; it does not carry a DisplayPort video input. A separate HDMI or DisplayPort connection is needed.
Can I use it with PS5 or Xbox?
Yes, HDMI 2.1 supports modern console 4K/120Hz and VRR signals. The monitor has no built-in speakers or 3.5mm headphone output, although compatible HDMI audio passthrough is available.
When is it worth paying extra for dual mode?
It makes the most sense if you regularly alternate between sharp 4K games or work and competitive high-frame-rate play. If you mainly use one mode, several reviewers favor a less expensive single-mode 4K screen or an OLED alternative.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Marty Explains Tech
- Review score
- 4.0
YouTube - M Review
- Review score
- 3.8
YouTube - RTINGS Computer
- Review score
- 3.2
YouTube - PC Centric
- Review score
- 4.0
YouTube - Type-C Tech Reviews
- Review score
- 4.3
Article Reviews
rtings.com
The Dell Alienware AW2725QF is a mid-range 27-inch gaming monitor with an IPS panel. Featuring a native 4k resolution and 180Hz refresh rate...
- Review score
- 3.2
pcgamesn.com
With its ability to switch between 4K at 180Hz and 1080p at 360Hz modes, this is one super-versatile IPS gaming monitor from Alienware.
- Review score
- 3.8
tweaktown.com
Dell's gaming arm, Alienware, has released a dual-resolution/refresh rate gaming monitor that supports 4K at 180Hz and 1080p (FHD) at 360Hz.
- Review score
- 4.7
windowscentral.com
The Alienware AW2725QF functions as both an everyday gaming monitor as well as a competitive eSports option. Our review.
- Review score
- 4.0
techradar.com
The best dual-mode monitor yet, but still clearly flawed
- Review score
- 3.6
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