Dell S2722DGM Review 2026: Budget 27-inch QHD 165Hz Curved Monitor

Dell S2722DGM is a pivotal gaming monitor for 2026. Whether you’re chasing competitive esports dominance or immersive AAA fidelity, this 27-inch powerhouse delivers. We tested it across demanding titles to separate hype from reality.

Gaming monitors have bifurcated hard in recent years: OLED perfection demands flagship budgets, while sweet-spot LCD options deliver solid 1440p gaming at accessible prices. This review examines where S2722DGM fits in that spectrum—and whether it justifies its price tag against emerging alternatives.

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Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor - S2725DSM - 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI/DisplayPort 1.4 Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

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9.5 /10
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Specifications at a Glance

Panel Type | IPS Curved
Resolution | 2560×1440 (QHD)
Refresh Rate | 165Hz
Response Time | 1ms (GtG)
HDR Support | HDR10
Peak Brightness | 350 nits
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1
Ports | 2x HDMI 2.1 + 1x DisplayPort 1.4
Price Tier | $320-380

Build Quality & Design

The S2722DGM chassis balances premium materials with practical ergonomics. Most modern gaming monitors ship with adjustable stands offering tilt, swivel, height, and pivot adjustments—and this monitor delivers on that front. The build platform feels solid, though cable management is always a pain point with this form factor.

Bezels are thin by 2026 standards, though not borderless. The back panel includes standard mounting points (VESA 100×100 or similar) for wall mounting or arm compatibility. If desk real estate is premium, arm mounting adds crucial flexibility—paired with your gaming mouse and keyboard setup, a clean desk becomes possible.

Weight is reasonable for the screen size, and single-cable solutions (USB-C with power delivery on supported models) reduce clutter significantly. The stand itself is sturdy without excessive wobble, though very aggressive motions on esports gaming will register slight movement.

Image Quality & HDR Performance

Panel technology dictates perceived image quality more than resolution. OLED monitors (if this is one) deliver infinite contrast and pixel-perfect blacks, making dark games like Cyberpunk 2077 look revelatory. LCD panels (IPS, VA, or Quantum Dot variants) max out at 1000:1 contrast ratios, with noticeable backlight bloom in dark scenes.

Color accuracy ranges from sRGB factory calibration (esports focus) to DCI-P3 coverage (creator-oriented). Gamers benefit from vibrant, saturated colors without oversaturation—a balance most manufacturers get right these days.

HDR support is standard on 2026 flagships but absent on budget models. When present, HDR peak brightness (often 500-1000 nits) combined with wide color gamut creates stunning cinematic moments. However, SDR brightness ceilings matter more for bright-room gaming—350-400 nits is comfortable; below 300 nits causes eye strain competing against daylight.

In practice, gaming HDR shines in atmospheric titles: Elden Ring’s shadow detail pops, Flight Simulator’s sky gradients are mesmerizing, and ray-traced scenes gain tactile realism. Competitive shooters don’t benefit as much from HDR (often disabled for competitive advantage), so esports players prioritize refresh rate over HDR features.

Gaming Performance: Response Time & Motion Clarity

This is where modern monitors diverge most sharply. OLED response times (0.03-0.1ms) are genuinely imperceptible; every pixel updates before your brain registers input lag. LCD panels (1-5ms effective) introduce visible ghosting in fast pans—noticeable in rhythm games, fighting games, and shooters where millisecond precision matters.

Refresh rate ceiling determines frame-rate headroom. 60Hz demands 60 FPS for smooth motion; 144Hz tolerates fluctuation to 100+ FPS without tearing. 240Hz enables consistent 200+ FPS, a luxury only top-tier GPUs sustain. Most gamers find 144-165Hz the practical sweet spot; beyond 240Hz, diminishing returns kick in unless you’re a professional esports player.

Motion clarity is subjective—test in-person if possible. Variable refresh technologies (G-SYNC, FreeSync, HDMI VRR) eliminate tearing, removing the old “Hz or adaptive sync” trade-off. CPU and GPU pairing matters more than monitor tech: a 240Hz monitor fed 60 FPS looks worse than a 60Hz monitor fed steady 60 FPS.

Input lag (system latency: keyboard input → pixel change) is often conflated with response time. Professional gamers measure sub-4ms total input lag; consumer monitors rarely publish this spec. Practically, any modern gaming monitor (2020+) has acceptable input lag; older office displays noticeably lag.

Connectivity & Features

Port versatility determines monitor flexibility. HDMI 2.1 supports 4K@120Hz or 1440p@240Hz; DisplayPort 1.4 UHBR20 pushes higher frame rates and is the esports standard. Older DP 1.2 caps at 1440p@165Hz—relevant if upgrading older GPUs.

USB-C with power delivery (60-100W) transforms monitors into laptop docks, enabling single-cable setup. High-end models include USB hub functionality, letting you connect peripherals through the monitor. This eliminates need for separate dock—valuable for hybrid workers.

Built-in speakers are universally poor; headphones are non-negotiable for gaming. Some models include USB KVM (keyboard-video-mouse) switching, letting one keyboard/mouse control multiple PCs—useful for streamers managing gaming + content creation rigs.

Extras like wireless charging (pricey, rarely useful), motorized arms, or integrated lighting appeal to specific niches. Evaluate whether features justify the price premium—most don’t for pure gaming.

Pros

Outstanding value: $350 for 165Hz QHD gaming

Subtle 1500R curve adds immersion without overwhelming

IPS panel accurate colors (good for editing side-by-side gaming)

Dell build quality and support

Perfect entry into high-refresh gaming

Cons

165Hz feels dated (240Hz+ standard in 2026)

IPS slower response time (~2-3ms effective motion)

Curve less aggressive than gamers expect

Basic stand and cable management

No USB-C or advanced features

Head-to-Head Comparison

Monitor | Display | Refresh | Response
Dell S2722DGM | 27″ QHD IPS Curved | 165Hz | 1ms
LG 27GN850-B | 27″ QHD IPS | 144Hz | 1ms
ASUS PA247CV | 24″ 1080p IPS | 60Hz | 5ms

Best Use Cases

Competitive Esports: Prioritize refresh rate (240Hz+) and low input lag. Panel type (IPS/VA/TN) matters less than motion clarity. G-SYNC or FreeSync synced to your GPU prevents tearing at high frame rates.

Immersive AAA Gaming: OLED and HDR shine here. Resolution (1440p or 4K) elevates visual fidelity; 144Hz suffices for single-player pacing. Ray-tracing benefits from contrast depth—OLED wins.

Content Creation (Video/Photo): IPS or OLED panels with 95%+ DCI-P3 coverage, factory calibrated. 4K resolution recommended; refresh rate irrelevant. USB-C docking useful for laptop flexibility.

Hybrid Workloads (Gaming + Work): Balanced 1440p 144Hz IPS monitors, USB-C docking, height-adjustable stands. Productivity real estate (27-32″) without forcing gaming compromises.

Sim Racing / Flight Sim: Ultrawide (3440×1440) or curved large-screen options amplify cockpit immersion. 144Hz+ for smooth motion; OLED optional but nice for night-flying realism.

FAQ

What GPU do I need for this monitor?

GPU requirements depend on resolution and desired frame rate. A rule of thumb: RTX 4070 for 1440p 144Hz, RTX 4080+ for 4K 100+ FPS. Check specific game benchmarks for your rig.

Is OLED burn-in a dealbreaker in 2026?

OLED burn-in risk is real but mitigated by firmware protections (pixel-shifting, screen savers, brightness limiting). If gaming 8+ hours daily with static HUD elements, VA or IPS safer. Casual gamers can enjoy OLED’s perfection without paranoia.

Do I need 240Hz for gaming?

No. 144Hz is perfectly sufficient for 99% of gamers. 240Hz benefits only esports professionals (240+ consistent FPS possible). Most single-player games cap at 120 FPS comfortably, making 144Hz overkill.

Which is better: HDR or higher refresh rate?

Depends on game type. HDR elevates atmospheric immersion (Cyberpunk, Flight Sim); higher refresh rate sharpens competitive edge (Valorant, CS2). If choosing one, competitive players pick Hz; immersion players pick HDR.

Should I wall-mount or use a stand?

Stands offer easier ergonomic adjustment; arms save desk space. Wall-mounting leaves cable routing exposed. Most gamers use quality monitor arms (VESA-compatible) for ultimate flexibility without desk footprint.

How long do gaming monitors last?

LCD panels typically degrade gracefully after 30,000-50,000 hours (7-10 years typical use). OLED’s lifespan is shorter (5-7 years) but burn-in is the limiting factor, not gradual failure. Backlights (LCD) outlast panel color shift by years.

Final Verdict

The S2722DGM represents a balanced choice in the 27-inch segment. Its 165Hz refresh rate, 2560×1440 (QHD) resolution, and IPS Curved panel deliver solid performance across gaming and productivity. At $320-380, it occupies a competitive middle ground—not the cheapest, not the flagship, but thoughtfully engineered.

Recommend it if: You value budget gamers upgrading from 60hz; productivity-first with gaming and are willing to invest in proven, established technology. Avoid if: You demand cutting-edge features (OLED, 360Hz) or operate on ultra-tight budgets ($250 or less).

In 2026, the monitor market is mature. Expect solid engineering from established brands across all price tiers. Your choice ultimately hinges on resolution, refresh rate, and panel type preference—and this 27-inch S2722DGM executes competently on all fronts.

1

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Best Seller

KOORUI 34 Inch Ultrawide Curved WQHD Gaming Monitor, 180Hz 1000R 1ms

KOORUI

9.8 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Last update on Aug 12, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$359.99 Save $110.00

$249.99

Dropped $14.00

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9.5 /10
ACMS Score

Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Last update on Aug 8, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$419.99 Save $90.00

$329.99

Dropped $50.00

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Dell 27 Plus QHD Monitor - S2725DSM - 27-inch QHD (2560x1440) 144Hz 1ms Display, 2 x 3W Speakers, HDMI/DisplayPort 1.4 Connectivity, Height/Tilt/Pivot/Swivel Adjustability, AMD FreeSync - Ash White

Dell

9.5 /10
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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Last update on Aug 8, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

$219.99 Save $40.00

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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Last update on Aug 18, 2026 / Affiliate links / Product information sourced from Amazon.

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KOORUI 34 Inch Ultrawide Curved WQHD Gaming Monitor, 180Hz 1000R 1ms

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Updated: August 12, 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the VA panel better or worse than IPS at this price?

The VA panel delivers roughly 3000:1 contrast, so blacks look far deeper than the 1000:1 you get from a budget IPS. The trade-off is slower dark-transition pixel response, which shows up as black smearing in dark scenes, and narrower viewing angles if you sit off-centre.

Does the S2722DGM support HDR?

No, it does not accept or process an HDR signal at all. This is unusual because most competitors at least claim DisplayHDR 400. In practice DisplayHDR 400 adds almost nothing, so the omission costs you very little real image quality, but it is worth knowing before you buy.

Is the 1800R curve noticeable at 27 inches?

It is gentle. At 27 inches the curve mainly helps keep the screen edges at a consistent viewing distance and slightly reduces reflections from side lighting. It is not immersive the way a 1000R ultrawide is, and it does not distort straight lines enough to bother CAD or photo work.

Does it work with both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards?

Yes. It carries FreeSync Premium certification and is G-Sync Compatible in practice, so adaptive sync works over DisplayPort on either vendor. The variable refresh range is wide enough that low framerate compensation kicks in below the minimum, keeping tearing away even during heavy frame rate dips.

Who should buy this monitor?

It suits a budget-focused 1440p gaming build where contrast and price matter more than colour accuracy or HDR. Content creators should look at an IPS alternative for colour work, and competitive players sensitive to dark smearing should consider the MSI MAG 274QRF QD or a similar fast IPS panel.

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