Head-to-head · Best USB-C Monitors

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE vs MSI Modern MD27UPHW

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 3.8). The gap is mostly about office professionals prioritizing photo/video editing — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best USB-C Monitors

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE

4.4

$660as of May 19

The Dell UltraSharp U2725QE is a productivity-focused 27-inch 4K monitor that delivers excellent image quality with DisplayHDR 600 certification. IT Pro praised its upgraded features including 120Hz refresh rate, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and improved contrast ratio. However, reviewers noted that while it's a worthy evolution for office use, it still falls short for serious gaming. RTINGS.com highlighted its matte anti-glare coating and enhanced on-screen display, though some users reported backlight uniformity issues. This monitor is best suited for professionals prioritizing photo and video editing over gaming performance.

Strengths

— Excellent image quality in both SDR and HDR with DisplayHDR 600 certification
— Improved 120Hz refresh rate for better productivity and light gaming
— 40Gbps Thunderbolt 4 connectivity supporting 120Hz 4K, USB 3.2 Gen 2, and 2.5Gbe Ethernet via single cable

Watch-outs

— Backlight and panel uniformity issues reported by some users
— Still not suitable for serious gaming despite 120Hz refresh rate

$660 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best USB-C Monitors

MSI Modern MD27UPHW

3.8

$349as of May 19

The MSI Modern MD27UPHW is a 27-inch 4K smart monitor that blends TV and PC functionality. PCWorld called it a 'solid smart monitor powered by Google TV OS' and noted its attractive design and included remote control. PCMag praised its bright image and streaming capabilities but noted the monitor's color performance is just so-so. The device is less expensive than many alternatives, though it lacks advanced color gamut and doesn't extend Ethernet connectivity to the connected PC.

Strengths

— Attractive and functional design with sleek white colorway
— Google TV OS is great for streaming and smart features
— Includes a TV-style remote control for easy navigation

Watch-outs

— Mediocre color gamut and performance
— Ethernet port doesn't extend connectivity to connected PC

$349 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Dell UltraSharp U2725QE

The Dell UltraSharp U2725QE is the productivity-focused pick — IPS Black contrast and Thunderbolt 4 give it the cleanest desk-docking story in the lineup. It trades the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM's gaming features for a much lower price, while beating the older U2723QE on contrast and the larger U3225QE on cost-per-inch.

MSI Modern MD27UPHW

The MSI Modern MD27UPHW is the smart-monitor wildcard — its Google TV OS and included remote let it double as a streaming display, which none of the Dell UltraSharps or the ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM offer. It trades color accuracy and panel quality for that flexibility; pick it only if the smart-TV features matter.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Dell UltraSharp U2725QE	MSI Modern MD27UPHW
Size	27 inches	27-inch
Resolution	3840x2160	3840×2160
Panel Type	IPS Black	IPS LCD
Refresh Rate	120Hz	60Hz
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4	2x HDMI 2.0b, DisplayPort 1.4a, USB-C (98W PD)
HDR	VESA DisplayHDR 600	VESA DisplayHDR 400
Weight	7.06 kg (with stand)	13.89 lbs

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