The Dell G2725D is an entry-level 27-inch, 1440p gaming monitor that’s a refreshed replacement of the popular Dell G2724D, but it’s only different from its predecessor in just a few key areas. For one, it sports a different stand and has a fairly higher 180Hz refresh rate, but it doesn’t feature HDR support.
On performance, it stacks up well against other budget-level 1440p gaming monitors like the AOC 27G15 and the LG 27UD58-B. You’re also getting typical gaming features like FreeSync support and some overdrive settings, alongside basic connectivity like DisplayPort and HDMI ports and an audio jack.
Dell G2725D Specs
- Display size: 27-inch 16:9 widescreen
- Native resolution: 2560×1440
- Panel type: IPS
- Refresh rate: 180Hz
- Adaptive Sync: VESA Adaptive Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium
- Ports: 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- VESA mount: Yes, 100x100mm
Design and Features
The Dell G2725D sports a matte black and gray chassis with vents along the rear panel that look like window louvers on a vintage sports car. It looks appealing and aggressive, but not so bold to look insanely out of place in a home office or living room.
Build quality is good. The chassis is made of thick plastic, which is pretty much what you get with nearly all entry-level monitors. However, most surfaces feel rigid enough, and the monitor doesn’t feel cheap. Though inexpensive, the Dell G2725D’s look and feel match those of many gaming monitors that sell for almost twice the price.
Dell includes an ergonomic stand that offers tilt adjustments but doesn’t offer swivel and height adjustments, and you can’t use it in portrait orientation; all the adjustments are available on the Dell G2724D monitor. The stand is compact and requires minimal space, and the stand is fairly flat, which doesn’t take up much space on your desk. It also includes a 100×100 mm VESA mount should you need to use the monitor with third-party monitor stands and arms.
On the Dell G2725D, port selection is basic with a single DisplayPort and two HDMI 2.1 ports; only the DisplayPort can handle the maximum refresh rate of 180Hz, while the HDMI provides a maximum of 144Hz. The monitor has four buttons to control the OSD and a power button, but they feel rather stiff to use.
Gaming Performance
The Dell G2725D features a 27-inch (2560 x 1440) display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and is AMD FreeSync compatible. These specs, along with the 180Hz refresh rate, deliver a crisp picture that’s buttery smooth. At 400 cd/m2 nits, the display is bright, much better than what you’d find on budget gaming monitors.
Offering a speedy 180Hz refresh rate and a 1ms response time, the Dell G2725D makes a sensation out of most modern AAA titles, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and the Red Dead Redemption 2. The 1440p monitor’s two shooter presets both serve a unique purpose when playing a title like Siege, where FPS1 mode offers duller colors to prevent eyestrain, while RTS makes it especially easy to attack enemies.
The Dell G2725D does an excellent job displaying the lush scenery: Flowing rivers and the colorful fantasy characters of Dota 2 give you ample time to keep up with the action. The monitor’s RTS and FPS modes make the images excessively sharp – though they don’t look especially pretty, these modes create visible outlines around every character that could potentially help pro gamers spot allies and enemies.
With a maximum refresh rate of 180Hz and a fast response rate, this monitor provides good motion fluidity in fast-paced games. As mentioned, the monitor is compatible with both AMD FreeSync and G-Sync.
Motion clarity is fine, though perhaps not as good as expected, given the refresh rate. Monitors with IPS technology tend to have wide viewing angles, while VA panels tend to have an issue with “smear” when dark objects appear on a brighter background.
Dell G2725D Review: Bottom Line
Gaming monitors can be pretty expensive, but they deliver the best image quality, refresh rates, and video processing. With the Dell G2725D, you’re getting an affordable gaming monitor with a 180Hz refresh rate with both AMD FreeSync and G-Sync compatibility.
It’s one of the few budget gaming monitors I’ve reviewed with accurate color out of the box. Since the gaming experience is most affected by speed and response, a high refresh rate and adaptive sync become imperative. Even players of average skill will benefit when a game runs consistently at 180fps.
To achieve this without investing in a very expensive video card in your PC, 1440p resolution is the smart choice, and up to 27 inches offers enough pixel density to render a detailed image. And the refresh rate of at least 180Hz ensures smooth motion and low input lag. That’s where the Dell G2725D outshines most peers that offer 144Hz or 165hz refresh rates in the same screen size.
If you’re on a budget but want something bigger than a 22 or 24-inch screen, the Dell G2725D is good value. It prioritizes speed over other factors and delivers a solid gaming experience for the price. Value-oriented gamers should keep this monitor on their shortlist.