Alienware has just unveiled its latest top-tier gaming monitor, the Alienware AW2725Q. This new Alienware OLED gaming monitor packs a pin-sharp 4K resolution into its 27-inch panel for a truly stunning level of image quality, all while delivering a refresh rate of up to 240Hz for blazing-fast gaming performance.
With other 32-inch, 240Hz, 4K, OLED displays already establishing themselves as some of the best gaming monitors available, this new Alienware panel takes things to the next level as it squeeze those pixels into an smaller 27-inch display size. The result is an even sharper image with an incredibly high 166ppi pixel density.
Not only does this display have a higher pixel density than the likes of the LG 32GS95UE – our current top pick overall for a gaming monitor – but it actually produces even sharper text thanks to it using QD-OLED panel technology rather than the LG’s WOLED tech. The reason for this is that WOLED uses four sub-pixel colors – red, green, blue, and white – compared to QD-OLED’s three sub-pixel colors of red, green, and blue. This extra pixel essentially confuses the anti-aliasing techniques used by software to smooth the look of text.
As well as looking incredibly sharp, this display will net you all the other usual benefits of an OLED display, such as a 0.03ms response time and effectively infinite contrast, thanks to the ability of each individual pixel to turn off completely and create a truly black dot.
We got hands-on with the new display ahead of its launch and can vouch for its image looking amazing, though Dell almost shot itself in the foot by having the display set to 60Hz in Windows. I immediately felt something was off while playing Halo on the demo system, so jumped into the Windows display settings to see what might be going on. Sure enough, it was only set to this low figure. Switching it to 240Hz and it came alive with incredibly smooth, snappy-feeling motion.
The panel sports an interesting design, with its rear having a curved look that Alienware said was a nod to the company looking to reembrace having a more alien-like, distinctive style. I’d say the company has got the balance right with this display, with it offering something a little different but not too outlandish.
The display also uses graphite sheet between the layers of the panel to help dissipate heat, which the company says should help reduce the likelihood of burn-in. To this end, the display comes with a three-year warrant that includes burn-in cover.
For connections, you get DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1 with all supporting Nvidia G-Sync and AMD Freesync Premium Pro, as well as generic variable refresh rate. There’s also support for eARC for routing audio via HDMI.
There are just two downsides to this display. The first is that its maximum fullscreen brightness is just 250nits, which is enough for use in darker rooms but is on the limit for brighter environments. Another factor is that QD-OLED can create distracting flared effects and screen glow in bright lighting. You can see the former in the image above. WOLED panels don’t suffer from this, instead creating a much cleaner reflection.
One final big positive with this panel its relatively reasonable price. With an MSRP of $899, it’s an expensive display but one that undercuts plenty of other 4K, 240Hz OLEDs and is competitive with plenty of 27-inch, 1440p OLEDs too. The Alienware AW2725Q release date is Jan 22 in China but March for the US.