The Alienware AW2725DF is a cutting-edge example of what a competitive gaming monitor should be. It’s a 360Hz 1440p variant, but it uses OLED for its infinite contrast and near instantaneous pixel response time. It is not cheap but is priced to compete, so let’s see if it should be your next gaming setup upgrade.
Alienware AW2725DF Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: OLED
- Refresh Rate: 360Hz
- Response Time: 0.03ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1500000:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m2 (400 cd/m2 Peak)
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 2, HDMI 2.1 x 1, USB 3.2 x 4, USB-C Downstream x1
- Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD): 23.8” x 20.98” x 9.59”
- Weight: 9.48 lbs
Design and Features
The Alienware AW2725DF has a simpler design than the AW3225QF, but we think that will appeal to more users. It has a different base design and a gunmetal-matte black color combination, so it’s a bit more discrete-looking. The display is bezel-free as well, and it has bright RGB lighting at the back and on the power button.
Dell’s unboxing experience isn’t eye-popping, but the product is laid out in a smart way that makes it easier. You are greeted by the stand, cables, and accessories, so you can put the base together and insert it into the monitor to lift it up. Assembly is, as always a breeze since everything snaps into place without the help of tools.
The box includes DisplayPort, a USB upstream port, and a USB-C to DisplayPort cable for connecting this monitor to laptops. You also get a small accessory box, documentation with a calibration report, and a panel cover for the I/O.
It isn’t massive or too imposing like its 4K counterpart. Alienware also made the monitor slimmer and lighter by design, although that’s mostly attributed to it having an OLED panel. Dell has also been pushing for greener alternatives, and part of that is the reduction of its material use and waste generation for its products.
The Alienware AW2725DF’s control layout is easily accessible with a single joystick. You can’t confuse it with the power button since the latter has RGB lighting and is located on the side of the display. The OSD itself is well-designed, so it’s very easy to master, even if there are a ton of options.
Its connectivity layout, on the other hand, needs a few more options to make it suitable for a flagship variant. It has two DisplayPort 1.4 slots, an HDMI 2.1 port, and three USB 3.2 slots at the back. It also has a USB hub with a type-C port and another USB 3.2, but it is located at the bottom of the chassis.
The full 360Hz output only works with DisplayPort, while the HDMI slot can only offer 144Hz with TMDS, HDR, and VRR. However, 120Hz mode did not work for the Xbox Series X this time. We think that it may need a firmware update, or it could simply be HDMI 2.0 with a disguise for marketing.
We feel that it could have included a DP slot with charging power since it is not a G-Sync ultimate model. However, we love the design of the recessed I/O since it can be concealed by a panel cover, and it has nubs for cable management. That, along with the stand’s cable passthrough, is a smart design that will make tidying up your setup easier.
There are no speakers with this model, but it deserves an equally opulent pair of headsets to complete the experience. OLED panels are very immersive, so it would make sense to invest in a set that can provide the full range of audio your games can offer.
Display and Performance
The Alienware AW2725DF sports a 27-inch OLED panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 360Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time. Its brightness is listed at 250 cd/m2 with a 400 cd/m2 peak, while the contrast is at 1500000:1. This model is HDR 400 True Black certified, meaning it is capable of better HDR and black luminance performance than any HDR 1000 or mini-LED monitor.
1440p isn’t considered “endgame” by many, but you have to remember that companies are grooming it to replace 1080p as the E-Sports resolution of choice. There was an initiative to put 1440p 360Hz in the limelight, and we think that its inevitable. It’s unknown when it will fully spread as the universal standard, but getting ahead of the curve is one way to avoid having to buy upgrades again and again.
The Alienware AW2725DF runs with no issue when it is connected to our Asus M16’s USB-C port. We think USB-C to DP connectivity was emphasized on this model since it is also suitable with a lot of Alienware’s juggernaut laptops. HDMI connection won’t cut it for mobile GPUs, so it makes sense to include the hardware and market it that way.
We had to select the 360Hz mode since it didn’t default to it, but that’s about what we did once it powered up. You will see an overlay that indicates panel health and status, but it will boot up after a few seconds. It’s also worth noting that the panel has a glossy surface, which provides better vibrancy and clarity but will require extra care against scratches and smudges.
The Alienware AW2725DF covered 100% sRGB, 96% ARGB, and 94% P3 for stunning color in any use case. The default accuracy had a deltaE average of 0.49, making it just as fantastic for editing as it is for gaming. Most users only need to drop the brightness setting to a comfortable level before using it.
Calibrating the monitor with our Calibrite Display Plus did not improve the dE average, which sat at 0.5 using the standard mode. It’s not worth getting the gadget for the monitor since it’s already at its best out of the box. We think it is only valid to get a colorimeter if you want to maintain the screen’s fidelity after a while.
The OLED panel’s maximum output reached 211 cd/m2, but it can punch up to 481 cd/m2 with HDR content. Its contrast is immeasurable for our colorimeter, proving why it is capable of true black luminance. OLED is the only way to go if you want the latter, and not even the most sophisticated mini-LED monitor can match it in that regard.
The Alienware AW2725DF was far from perfect when it came to panel uniformity. The upper right corner had a variance that was noticeable in some instances, but it mostly became detectable by a colorimeter instead of the naked eye. Note that this can vary with every unit made due to tolerances, so there are better ones out there.
One of the main benefits of OLED panels is their near-instantaneous pixel response time due to the absence of a backlight. The monitor is blur-free throughout, so it is very suitable for E-Sports use. The advantage of its higher refresh rate spoils you even if it’s not immediately noticeable.
The Alienware AW2725DF is a FreeSync Premium Pro monitor, but it is compatible with G-Sync. VRR is essential for graphics-heavy games, and dual compatibility will eliminate the need to switch to a different monitor if your next card is from another brand. Its input lag sits at a little under 2ms at 360Hz, making this the fastest monitor we have tested to date.
Thoughts on the Alienware AW2725DF
The Alienware AW2725DF is a clear winner when it comes to speed, image quality, and visual experience. The OLED panel is one of the visually fastest we have tested, thanks to its instantaneous response time and high refresh rate. The rich colors and contrast of the panel type are unmatched, and we think you won’t ever go back to IPS or VA if you experience this product.
The only limitation we can mention is its lack of additional features like USB-C with DP mode and power delivery. It’s not a cheat at $899, but you have to remember that the 240Hz models started between $999 and $1099 last year. We rate it as the best gaming monitor you can buy if your gaming is focused on speed and competitiveness, as opposed to the AW3225QF, which handles the eye candy aspect.
Pros:
- Fantastic Colors and Infinite Contrast
- Very Fast and Low Input Lag
- FreeSync/G-Sync
- Lower MSRP than Last Year’s Models
Cons:
- Limited Additional Features
- HDMI 2.1 Doesn’t Work with Consoles
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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