The Alienware AW2725DF features a third-generation QD-OLED panel from Samsung Display with a native 360Hz refresh rate. Moreover, this solution maintains all the familiar technologies and functions. Additionally, it incorporates the latest design approach while keeping the expense high. Everything is as they love in the Alienware department, and the brand’s fans want to see the Alien. Is the new model exceptional and deserving of a permanent spot on your desk? Let’s figure it out in this Dell Alienware AW2725DF review below:
Dell Alienware AW2725DF Review
Unboxing
The Alienware AW2725DF 360 Hz 2K monitor comes in a large box (for its size, that’s for sure) with quality printing, several photos of the display, and a mention of the most important distinguishing features.
The box opens like a book, without any plastic fastening elements. The 27-inch 360 Hz monitor is well-protected from external impacts and comes disassembled, including the case, stand, and central stand.
For easy portability, the box features a plastic handle on the top.
Take a look at its impressive package, which includes the following:
- Power cable;
- DisplayPort cable;
- DisplayPort -> USB Type-C cable;
- HDMI cable;
- USB Type-B -> Type-A cable;
- Quick Start Guide;
- Rear plastic cover for a cable management system;
- Purchase Congratulations Card;
- Microfiber cloth for safe screen cleaning;
- Instructions for safe handling of the device;
- Service information;
- Brief report on the completed factory calibration.
The kit includes everything you need to start trouble-free operation and get the maximum possible 360 Hz if the user has a suitable graphics card (from GeForce GTX 2060 and newer). You can achieve this frequency using both the DP and HDMI interfaces. Both interfaces support 10-bit mode and HDR. Using an HDMI connection will reduce the working range of adaptive synchronization (for NVIDIA owners, for sure).
As for the other interfaces, the adapter from DP to USB Type-C pleasantly surprised me, but I am still not happy with the lack of a full-fledged USB Type-C with support for DP Alt Mode and simultaneous charging of the connected device (laptop, ultrabook, tablet, or phone).
Also see: Asus XG27AQMR Review
The provided factory calibration report talks about fine-tuning two preset emulation modes: sRGB and full DCI-P3 with 2.6 gamma, reduced brightness, and altered color temperature. The sRGB mode is the most relevant for 99.9% of consumers. Other modes, like Standard and Custom, offer a full-color gamut without limiting color reproduction.
Design and ergonomics
The body turned out to be relatively compact and stylish, the central column is quite deep, but the stand, on the contrary, is minimalistic, with rounded edges.
The 360Hz QHD monitor is unassembled in the package. You can attach the stand in seconds without any tools. Disassembly is also quick and easy – by pressing one mechanical locking button.
You can securely attach the stand to the monitor using a quick-release mechanism. If needed, you can mount the Dell Alienware 360 Hz model on a VESA-compatible bracket with a 100×100 mm standard. To do this, unscrew the four screws where the central column is attached. Then, use these screws to attach the monitor to the selected bracket.
The manufacturer separately notes the use of a 360-degree ventilation system. Ventilation slats are indeed present along the entire perimeter of the rear part of the case and contribute to better airflow and heat dissipation. There is no fan – the monitor is silent.
The new Dell 360 Hz monitor stand is compact and has unique shapes. There are no complaints about stability, the structure is heavy and monolithic.
The cable routing system involves cutting out the central pillar. The solution is simple and not very effective.
The design includes a plastic decorative element that conceals the interface block, enhancing the model’s appearance. The cover features built-in magnets, enabling easy installation with a simple hand movement.
The stand has the most developed ergonomic capabilities for this class of devices. In the case of the hero of the review, you can change the panel tilt from -5 to +21 degrees, rotate it by 20 degrees to the right and left, and change the height to 107 mm.
The rotation to portrait mode (Pivot) is available in both directions. However, the panel may not center perfectly due to the model’s lack of a fixed horizontal position. You will need to align it manually by eye.
Metal makes up all fasteners, the insides of the stand, and the central column. To grip the work surface, the stand uses six rubber feet, which are great at holding the monitor in one position, including due to the weight of the entire assembly.
Minimal gaps connect all monitor parts. The case is not subject to twisting and does not crunch or creak when compressed or moved from one place to another. The painting of the elements is uniform, and the processing of the edges of the parts does not cause any complaints.
The final score for the quality of the AW2725DF is a maximum of 5 points. The manufacturer has perfectly redesigned the case to install a thin QD-OLED panel, used high-quality plastic, and seasoned it with excellent assembly.
The manufacturer integrated AlienFX illumination to meet modern consumer demands. While it creates a visually appealing effect, it falls short in practical use. The illumination is dim and does not effectively light up the surrounding area.
The ability to select from a menu of 19 colors for all three elements at once is not a great variety. But synchronizing (as a color “equalizer”) its work with 200+ supported games using the software included in the package is much more interesting.
You will find all primary connection interfaces positioned downward on two distinct pads at the device’s rear.
Another USB 3.2 Type-A and a single Type-C (without DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery) for working with peripherals are located on the bottom edge of the Alienware AW2725DF case and shifted to the left of the 5-way control joystick.
The device lacks a built-in speaker system, and the lower ventilation pads are merely decorative, serving no real purpose beyond the general cooling system of the QD-OLED panel.
Menu and control
The Dell Alienware AW2725DF monitor features a 5-position joystick and a separate power button, both positioned on the bottom edge of the monitor.
This control system is user-friendly and aligns with modern design trends that many manufacturers have adopted over the years.
Pressing the joystick brings up on-screen prompts, and the On-Screen Display (OSD) menu is conveniently located just above the main control element.
At the top, a large information window is displayed indicating the preset modes, the selected Smart HDR standard, the value of the dark stabilizer, and the panel health at the current moment.
By default, the manufacturer has set quick access to the following functions: selecting a picture mode, brightness and contrast settings, and adjusting the Dark Stabilizer. Game modes can be further adjusted at the user’s discretion, however, only 6-axis hue adjustment and the classic selection of the dark stabilizer are available.
The manufacturer has installed a selection of AlienVision modes for the joystick’s backward and forward movements.
The Dell Alienware AW2725DF monitor features a 5-position joystick and a separate power button located on the bottom edge of the case. This intuitive control system aligns with modern trends adopted by many manufacturers.
Let’s explore the main menu structure:
The menu is largely consistent with recent Alienware models but has some updates compared to previous LCD versions. The AW2725DF offers nine distinct menu sections:
- Color and Game Enhancements: Adjust color modes, activate game “enhancers,” fine-tune visibility in dark scenes, and access AlienVision sub-modes. You can also reset settings to default here.
- Brightness and Contrast: Controls for adjusting image brightness and contrast.
- Signal Source: Choose or auto-select the signal source; auto-selection is enabled by default.
- AlienFX Lighting: Choose from 19 colors for external lighting across three zones or enable a smooth color transition. Using special software, you can synchronize the backlight with on-screen activity, supporting over 200 games with more being added.
- Image Settings: Configure image scaler settings, color format modes, and sharpness (do not adjust), and switch Smart HDR modes (set HDR Peak 1000 for maximum brightness).
- PiP/PbP Modes: Select presentation modes for Picture-in-Picture (PiP) and Picture-by-Picture (PbP), with clear preset options for multiple signal sources.
- Menu Settings: Set language, adjust transparency, configure the OSD timer, and reset settings to factory defaults.
- Personalization: Customize one of five quick-access software buttons and assign functions to four joystick positions for enhanced convenience.
- Others: View firmware version, service number, and other monitor information in the “Display Info” tab, disable DDC/CI support, run self-diagnostics, or activate a “panel cleaning” system. The “Factory Reset” option restores all settings to their defaults.
The service menu is not accessible through any key combinations, and no additional options appear on the screen.
Also see: BenQ Zowie XL2546X Review
Alienware AW2725DF review test
Color gamut
The new 360 Hz 2K monitor uses a QD-OLED panel with a modified spectrum and a corresponding extended color gamut. Let’s check its color gamut using our AW2725DF review model as an example:
The initial check was carried out with the display’s factory settings in Custom mode (identical to Standard mode). The screenshots show that two of the three reference points are noticeably shifted in space relative to the standard sRGB color standard, thus the monitor surpasses it in many color shades. There is an obvious advantage over DCI-P3, but when compared with Adobe RGB, it turns out that the monitor is somewhat inferior to it in green halftones, but otherwise, there are no problems.
The preset Game 1/2/3 modes for manual user adjustments show identical results. In the DCI-P3 and sRGB emulation modes, a sharp decrease in color saturation with extremely high accuracy is noticeable.
During manual adjustment and full calibration in Custom mode, the monitor retains its maximum capabilities; it does not provide emulation of color standards.
The final results of the color gamut (and the volume of the figure as a whole – the second digit) compliance of the monitor with standardized spaces are as follows:
Standard/Custom settings:
- sRGB – 100.0|170.9%;
- AdobeRGB – 96.6|117.8%;
- DCI-P3 – 99.1|121.1%;
sRGB mode:
- sRGB – 99.9|105.3%;
- AdobeRGB – 71.8|72.5%;
- DCI-P3 – 74.6|74.6%;
DCI-P3 mode:
- sRGB – 100.0|140.6%;
- AdobeRGB – 84.8|96.9%;
- DCI-P3 – 97.1|99.6%;
After setup and calibration:
- sRGB – 100.0|168.3%;
- AdobeRGB – 95.0|115.9%;
- DCI-P3 – 99.2|119.2%.
Speaking about shades that exceed the standards under study, it can be noted that it is possible to combat them using a method already known to you – using ICC/ICM profiles and software with normal support for the color management system (CMS). Among these are: Adobe products, Google Picasa, XnView, Windows photo viewer (7, 8, 10, 11), Firefox, Google Chrome, etc. It is even easier to use the sRGB emulation mode at the monitor level and not have problems in any applications and games.
Brightness, Contrast, and Basic Color Settings
The 360Hz QHD monitor has five main preset modes, two modes for emulating standard color spaces, and three gaming-user modes (Game 1-3). Additionally, it includes two color temperature presets and the familiar manual Custom mode. By default, Standard Mode is used with the following settings:
- Brightness – 75;
- Contrast – 75;
- Dark Stabilizer – 0;
- Smart HDR – VESA Display 400;
To achieve 100 nits of brightness, a 6500K white point color temperature, and additional improvements, the following settings were applied:
- Brightness – 52;
- Contrast – 75;
- Dark Stabilizer – 0;
- RGB Gain – 96/98/99;
- Smart HDR – HDR Peak 1000;
Let’s study the obtained results, presented in the table below:
In this AW2725DF review, we decided to go through only three installed presets and check the results of manual adjustment with calibration. The factory brightness setting varies significantly between modes, but the main presets generally provide a satisfactory level of around 134-150 nits. As with all OLED displays, the contrast ratio is virtually infinite and cannot be accurately measured.
When setting the white point on the Dell Alienware 360 Hz monitor, you’ll find that its accuracy is average in both Standard Mode and sRGB. The white point is at 6200K, and there is no noticeable tint. Unlike previous models, this monitor lacks the ComfortView mode. Instead, adjustments have been made to the QD-OLED matrix luminescence spectrum, eliminating the need for software-based image warming. While the image contrast has improved, this enhancement comes at the cost of some detail in the deepest shadow areas.
In the DCI-P3 mode, the picture dramatically transforms. A strong parasitic tint (dirty orange) appears, the brightness decreases by 4-5 times, and the visual contrast increases.
Also see: Asus ROG Strix XG27AQV Review
After switching to the Custom mode with a full-color gamut and the settings procedures, we reached a brightness of 100 nits, and the white point returned to normal. The visual contrast returned to normal, and shadows appeared. The deviation levels settled at 0.31 DeltaE94 on average and 1.44 at maximum, which is an excellent result, especially for a gaming model.
Keep in mind that results may vary due to the nature of OLED displays, which behave differently depending on the amount of bright content displayed. While current OLED screens are more stable compared to earlier W-OLED and QD-OLED models, variability still exists. At least for amateur work with color, the Dell Alienware AW2725DF is suitable. Professionals, for now, should stay away from it and all its analogs.
Gamma curves and gray balance
Using the HCFR Colorimeter program and the “calibrated” X-Rite Display Pro colorimeter, we studied the gamma curves in all the modes discussed above. Based on the measurements taken, you can estimate the divergence of the gray wedge (dots of the black-and-white gradient) on the CIE diagram. This allows you to draw conclusions about the prevalence of a particular parasitic hue or its absence.
This Alienware AW2725DF review unit shows increased image contrast at standard settings, as do all its predecessors and familiar analogs (at least from MSI). In specialized test images, deep shadows often lack distinguishability, even though gamma curves (based on 20 measured shades) may not reveal this issue. While the monitor appears to be nearly perfectly configured, there are still some problems that need to be addressed.
Only the preset sRGB emulation mode can offer decent visibility in shadows. In it, the gamma curves are adjusted, albeit not so precisely, but the shadows are distinguishable, the brightness is quite correct, and the gray wedge points are close to DeltaE<3. In this mode, a high-precision emulation of the specified color space is performed, and the picture saturation is sharply reduced to the norm familiar to many.
As for the DCI-P3 mode, in the case of this AW2725DF review model, it is a full-fledged DCI-P3 and not its modified version Display P3 with a gamma of 2.2. The monitor’s gamma is about 2.7, making the picture dark and highly contrasted with a parasitic shade on gray tones. You can add brightness, and change the gamma to 2.2 through the display settings, and then the mode will be more consistent with the more familiar Display P3.
We are now transitioning to Custom Mode, where we manually adjust and calibrate the graphics card’s LUT. The results show that raising the deep shadows improved some areas but worsened others. A repeated calibration was performed, but the result was very similar. Thus, we can conclude that calibration for bringing shadows “into the light” is relevant and necessary, but you should not count on an ideal result on all fronts.
Gradient uniformity
The installed pseudo-10-bit QD-OLED panel was able to demonstrate fairly high-quality gradients, both with default settings and after manual adjustments. Changing the brightness level has virtually no effect on the quality of the gradients, which is nice.
After applying the profile created during calibration with LUT edits, the quality of gradients in the 0-45% range deteriorates. Additionally, you may notice 5-8 sharper transitions with weak parasitic shades.
During this AW2725DF review, it’s important to note that you can avoid certain issues if you prioritize gradient quality over perfect gamma curve settings for deep shadows. If you don’t need the ideal gamma settings, you can achieve excellent gradient quality simply by profiling without adjusting the graphics card’s LUT. With this approach, gradients will remain high-quality, even with default settings. Applications with built-in color management systems (CMS) will handle shadow displays effectively with the installed profile.
The last option is to activate the sRGB emulation mode, which has no problems with distinguishing deep shadows. In this case, you should not forget to set the appropriate working profile in the OS (the same sRGB Color Space Profile, which is available in the system by default).
Color temperature stability
Let’s continue our Alienware AW2725DF review by examining the color temperature stability in standard and specialized image modes.
The results of this table represent deviations of the gray wedge points along the X-axis. They do not affect the vertical axis. Therefore, you can assess the presence of parasitic shades only using the CIE diagram from the subsection “Gamma curves and gray balance.”
In all the studied modes, the monitor showed high results. However, after calibration with edits in the graphics card LUT, we encountered an average deviation of 1.57% and a maximum of 6.37%. While this is an average result, it is worth noting.
Let’s compare the results of the Cool and Warm modes with those of the Standard/Custom Mode:
Here are the key observations:
- Based on the obtained values, we can make an unambiguous conclusion that both modes correspond to their names;
- As the color temperature level increases, the level of deviations practically does not change – this is super.
To achieve a color temperature close to 6500K requires manual adjustments. You can try to do it by eye or use suitable measuring equipment.
Brightness range and HDR performance
To examine contrast stability and brightness range, the Custom mode was used. The Brightness was adjusted from 100% to 0% in 10% increments. For this AW2725DF review model, we checked the brightness of the white field at screen fill levels (APL – Average Picture Level) of 5 and 100% of the screen area. We also checked the maximum capabilities of the device when playing HDR in two Smart HDR modes: VESA Display HDR 400 True Black and HDR Peak 1000. The latter is analogous to VESA Display HDR100 from Dell.
The resulting working brightness range with standard settings and white output at 5% of the screen field was 20-255 nits with a contrast ratio tending to infinity. The brightness decrease is nonlinear, with a sharper transition in the 80-100% range.
At full-screen filling (100% APL), the brightness range changes slightly – 18-240 nits. This is a good result, demonstrating high image stability in a QD-OLED monitor. The panel firmware also includes adequate algorithms for the ABL brightness limitation function.
Thus, the working brightness range of the AW2725DF monitor is ideal for most workrooms, but with adequate light insulation. Otherwise, you will see not only glare and your reflection but also a loss of black field depth. This will lead to a sharp decrease in the contrast ratio, which can drop from “infinite” to 1000:1 or even significantly lower—tested!
When HDR is activated, you lose the ability to adjust most image quality parameters in the monitor menu. The monitor switches to automatic image control mode on the screen.
We tested its behavior on special scenes in two modes: VESA Display HDR400 True Black and HDR Peak 1000. The steady-state (3-5 seconds after the pause) brightness values in these cases were 275-482 nits and 267-1058 nits, respectively. The monitor can show over 1000 nits of brightness when playing HDR content and using the HDR Peak 1000 mode.
Also see: Dell Alienware AW2723DF Review
In the case of True Black 400, the maximum brightness is limited to 482 nits at 100% screen coverage. However, the brightness at 25-75% coverage levels is slightly higher than that of the “1000.” The visibility in the shadows is also better here, but the Peak 1000 has an advantage in the highlights. It is worth keeping this in mind.
Panel speed
For products based on modern QD-OLED panels from Samsung, the basic value is 0.03 ms GtG regardless of the scanning frequency – 120, 144, 175-180, or 240-360 Hz.
The third-generation QD-OLED panel used in the Dell 360 Hz monitor offers the current maximum for OLED in the form of 360 Hz on both DP and HDMI 2.1 connections.
At the same time, the monitor lacks options for overclocking the panel in response speed under the general name Overdrive (OD), which is normal for OLED. Additionally, it does not have a “black frame insertion” function. The latter is forgivable for OLED with such a high vertical scanning frequency.
During this Alienware AW2725DF review, we concluded that the clarity of the moving image on the OLED fully corresponds to the level of a premium gaming monitor and visually significantly surpasses what the best high-speed IPS representatives from the camp of 360–390 Hz solutions in a comparable format (~27 inches WQHD) can offer. Without any conditions for victory, the 540 Hz Fast TN in Full HD – AW2725DF will still respond much faster.
Our AW2725DF review unit demonstrates an almost absence of blurring and visually noticeable artifacts. At 120 Hz (and lower) the monitor does not create the “wow” effect – just a good picture. Increasing the frequency from 240 to 360 Hz only entails an improvement in smoothness. An additional 120 Hz hardly improves picture clarity, as shown in the comparative image above.
The monitor officially supports VRR systems, indicating full support for open Adaptive-Sync. It also implies trouble-free operation with NVIDIA G-Sync in Compatible mode (with official certification) and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, as specified in the specifications.
The AW2725DF monitor handles the maximum vertical refresh rate of 360 Hz without frame skipping.
Viewing angles
The Dell Alienware AW2725DF monitor, a QD-OLED model we’ve tested, demonstrates that OLED technology currently has no rivals. It excels in viewing angles and overall picture stability.
The image above shows everything perfectly. Changing the viewing angle affects the color and brightness of the AW2725DF screen slightly, but they remain high.
Brightness and Color Temperature Uniformity
The monitor’s uniformity was assessed at 35 points with brightness set to 119-120 nits and a 6500K reference white point. All calculations and deviations were based on data collected from the central part of the screen.
With the brightness set, the average deviation from the central point was 7%, and the maximum was 21%. For a modern monitor based on a panel with organic LEDs, this is, frankly speaking, a low result. Considering that poor case assembly cannot spoil an OLED panel by crushing the backlight system elements, we can conclude that the AW2725DF features a fairly active ABL function. Unfortunately, we cannot deactivate this function. It tries to reduce energy consumption and heating of the device, creating a vignetting effect.
The diagram of the surface clearly shows how the brightness level concentrates across the panel field. In the case of our AW2725DF review unit, all the darkening along the edges is visible, which was provided by the ABL function, responsible for the safety of the panel right at the panel firmware level.
The photo above shows a white field with minimal corrections in a graphics editor, providing a more visual representation of what is happening on the screen in terms of the uniformity of the light field. Consequently, the difference in brightness and color temperature between the central zone, edges, and corners of the panel is visible.
The difference in brightness and color gradient (CG) is especially noticeable on dark gray screens, making all issues more apparent. It is disappointing because some OLEDs exhibit a perfectly uniform field, unlike this…
Now, let’s examine the uniformity of color temperature across the entire screen.
During the AW2725DF review testing, we manually set the color temperature to 6500K and maintained the central point brightness of the white field between 119 and 120 nits. The average deviation was 1%, and the maximum was 3.4%. The difference between the measured minimum and maximum was below 250K, an excellent result, at the level of high-quality professional and semi-professional models for working with color.
The diagram plotted differs somewhat from this one in terms of brightness uniformity. The monitor creates some vignetting, but it only affects three corners, leaving most of the lower area untouched.
Final line
The Dell Alienware AW2725DF reviewed in this article is an expected development of the manufacturer’s gaming line in one of the most popular segments – 27-inch WQHD monitors with a high operating frequency. The most thrilling solutions often create the greatest market excitement. However, this won’t be the case for QD-OLED due to the high cost of the device. For now, this is a full-fledged premium, which only a select few can count on. And even those must be ardent fans of the “aliens” style. Otherwise, you can look for an alternative on the same panel from other manufacturers with a more attractive price, a wider range of functions, less aggressive energy-saving technologies, and “OLED lifesaving” – you definitely won’t go wrong.
During the AW2725DF review, the monitor showcased all the typical features of modern QD-OLED panels. It also exhibited a comprehensive range of characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks common to Alienware gaming monitors in recent years.
For games, entertainment (multimedia), to show friends and yourself modern technologies in action, and to work with color at an amateur level – AW2725DF is suitable. If you plan to buy it for something more serious, then you cannot do without calibration. If you want to use it for everything and anything, at different levels (from amateur to professional), with many hours (10+) of daily use, and as the only monitor on your desktop – we would think about the idea of such a purchase more than once in your place. Good luck in making the right choice!
Dell AW2725DF price and availability
The new Alienware 27-inch 360Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor is available on Amazon.com for $780. Additionally, you can find it on Amazon.co.uk for £779.99.