Dell S2718D monitor review: Crisp, beautiful and bright but lacks adjustability

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TA-ratings-90We’ve been doing a handful of Dell monitor reviews over the past few months and what we’ve used, we’ve liked. The Dell S2718D is the latest monitor Dell has sent to us to take a look at and there’s a lot to like but there may be some things you may not. Keep reading ahead to find out our thoughts on the Dell S2718D Ultrathin Monitor.

Specifications

The Dell S2718D has the following features and specifications:

  • HDMI
  • USB-C upstream
  • 2 x USB 3.0 downstream
  • Audio line-out
  • Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately)
  • Swivel: 90
  • Tilt: -5/+21
  • Device type: LED-backlit LCD 27″ 16:9 IPS monitor
  • Resolution: 2560×1440 @ 60Hz
  • Pixel pitch: 0.2331 mm
  • Brightness: 300 cd/m²
  • Contrast ratio: 1000:1 / 8000000:1 (dynamic)
  • Response time: 8 ms (normal); 6 ms (fast)
  • Vertical refresh rate: 48 – 75 Hz
  • Horizontal refresh rate: 30 -140 kHz
  • Color support: 16.7 million colors
  • Pixel per inch: 109
  • Screen coating: 3H Hard Coating
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 24.1 in x 7.1 in x 17.8 in – with stand
  • Weight: 15.1lbs

What’s In The Box

  • Dell S2718D
  • Power cable
  • Power adapter
  • HDMI cable
  • USB Type-C cable (C to C)
  • Manuals and software
Dell S2718D
It’s a beautiful monitor!

Design

Alright, let’s just address the elephant in the room that is my headline for this review. The Dell S2781D lacks some adjustability features that some users may find hard to swallow. For example, there is no height adjustment on this monitor. There is also no possible way to orient the monitor to portrait. Finally, the included stand is your only option as there is no VESA mount and the stand houses all of the connections. While none of these things mattered to the way I used the monitor, I realize some users may find these all deal breakers and they should know what this monitor isn’t. However, there are tilt and swivel adjustments which some may find adequate.

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Dell S2718D
If it weren’t for the lack of adjustability, this monitor would have been a Top Pick.

Now, that all being said. The design of this monitor is phenomenal. Yes, it lacks certain adjustability features many are going to want but this thing is absolutely beautiful. Let’s start with the materials used in its construction. Pretty much all aluminum and glass is what you have here and it just screams premium. The bezels on the front are nearly non-existent making it seem like you’re swimming in the picture. The stand is weighty and solid giving it a sturdy center but I did find the screen a little wobbly when typing aggressively and the desk would shake a bit.

Speaking of the stand. The stand is where all of the action is. The stand houses all of your connections along with all of your buttons, settings, and interface. This does mean that the monitor is dependent on the stand so you can’t mount this to the wall or multi-monitor stand. Overall the design is one of the best monitor designs I’ve seen and used. Unfortunately, I had to take some points away in this category for the lack of adjustability that I think some users will miss.

Display

The Dell S2781D has a QHD resolution which worked nicely paired with my 2016 MacBook Pro. This display is probably one of the best QHD displays I’ve used. It’s super crisp, bright, has good contrast, and colors just pop off the screen. The resolution gives you ample space for multi-windows and multi-tasking, there’s plenty of real estate to be had here.

Dell S2718D
Physical buttons to adjust settings. There is software for Windows but not for Mac.

Blacks are deep and whites are vibrant and the Dell menu buttons on the stand can help you calibrate the monitor to your liking.Reading text is great on the Dell S2718D with nice defined lines and no blurry letters. I used the monitor connected to my MacBook Pro so I didn’t do any gaming with this monitor. Even though it’s not a gaming monitor, I don’t think it would have too much trouble handling light PC gaming.

The Dell S2718D monitor has a flicker-free screen with ComfortView, a feature that filters out harmful blue light emissions. It’s designed to optimize eye comfort even over extended viewing. Overall, this display is super nice and gives you some really nice colors and contrast. It’s probably one of the best monitors I’ve seen in this price range.

Dell S2718D
I/O no more VGA or DVI folks.

Price/Value

With a retail price of $699.99USD, it’s not a super cheap monitor. You can find it on sale on Dell’s website and Amazon for cheaper and I highly suggest you pick one up at the sale price. I think this monitor has great value for what I would use it for, however. For some, the lack of adjustability may not be worth it to them.

Wrap Up

This is a high-quality monitor with a fair price tag. If you don’t need height adjustment, portrait mode, or a vesa mount then the Dell S2718D is one to consider.

*We were sent a review unit of the Dell S2718D for the purposes of this review.
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