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Dell 27 Ultrathin Monitor S2718D Review

by Lyle Smith

Touted as world’s overall thinnest profile in its class measuring just .25″ at the edge, the Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor (S2718D) is designed for media professionals looking for a high-end monitor with a modern build. The slim profile extends to the sturdy metal base and pivot arm, which both use very little real-estate on a desk surface. The Ultrathin monitor helps users de-clutter their desks with USB-C charging capabilities, so those who have a notebook that supports USB-C charging (i.e. the Dell XPS 13) only need one cable to drive their monitor and charge at the same time.


Touted as world’s overall thinnest profile in its class measuring just .25″ at the edge, the Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor (S2718D) is designed for media professionals looking for a high-end monitor with a modern build. The slim profile extends to the sturdy metal base and pivot arm, which both use very little real-estate on a desk surface. The Ultrathin monitor helps users de-clutter their desks with USB-C charging capabilities, so those who have a notebook that supports USB-C charging (i.e. the Dell XPS 13) only need one cable to drive their monitor and charge at the same time.

This slick-looking display is equipped with an IPS native Quad HD  resolution (2560×1440) and Dell high dynamic range, allowing users to experience a more comprehensive range of colors, greater clarity and a high contrast range of shades. The S2718D also features a wide viewing angle by leveraging in-plane switching technology and over 99% coverage of the sRGB spectrum.

To filter out blue light emissions for optimized eye comfort–something that is becoming more and more important to modern consumers–the S2718D uses Dell ComfortView. This technology is particularly ideal for those who find themselves in front of their computer over extended periods of time, as blue light is known to cause eye fatigue.

Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor (S2718D) Specifications

  • Device Type: LED-backlit LCD monitor – 27 inch
  • Features: USB 3.1 hub
  • Panel Type: IPS
  • Aspect Ratio: Widescreen – 16:9
  • Native Resolution: 2560 x 1440_‎ at 60 Hz
  • Pixel Pitch: 0.2331 mm
  • Brightness: 300 cd/m²
  • Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 / 8000000:1 (dynamic)
  • Response Time: 8 ms (normal); 6 ms (fast)
  • Color Support: 16.7 million colors
  • Input Connectors: HDMI
  • Display Position Adjustments: Swivel, tilt
  • Screen Coating: 3H Hard Coating
  • Color: Black
  • Dimensions (WxDxH) – with stand: 24.1 in x 7.1 in x 17.8 in
  • Weight: 15.1 lbs
  • Environmental Standards: ENERGY STAR Qualified
  • Compliant Standards: RoHS, TCO Displays, BFR-free

Design and Build

Dell’s bold claim of “the industry’s thinnest profile in its class” certainly rings true when you remove it from the box. With its borderless display and ultra-thin build, the 27 inch Dell S2718D is one of the nicest looking monitors out there and perfect for contemporary workspaces. The body of the monitor tapers from just over 1/2″ thick towards the center, down to just 1/4″ out at the edge. The base of the display consists of a slim riser connected to a rugged metallic surface, allowing it to sit firmly in place on our desk. Moreover, Dell uses a smart hinge design so users can tilt and swivel the monitor in a range of different positions to best suit their viewing needs. This all worked seamlessly while we were maneuvering it to suit our own needs.

All connectivity resides on the rear side of the Dell monitor`s metal base. The ports are conveniently lined up close together and are easy to access. From left to right is the power connector, HDMI port, USB Type C port, security lock slot, two USB downstream ports, and an audio line-out port.

The Dell S2718D is equipped with USB Type-C connectivity, which helps promote an all-in-one cable management workspace. For example, users can connect their notebooks and/or smartphones to the S2718D and charge both at the same time. A unique feature of the stand versus other Dell monitors are the controls for the screen settings being located on the stand foot, versus the bottom edge of the screen. From using both styles, we’ve liked this one more since the screen doesn’t wiggle when you go to adjust something so you don’t accidentally smudge the screen.

Dell has bundled everything you need to get the monitor up and running. Since the it comes fully assembled out of the box,, you can just lift and place it directly on your desk. Dell also includes a 130w notebook-style power adapter, as well as HDMI to HDMI and USB-C to USB-C cables.

Conclusion

The Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor (S2718D) is a beautiful-looking monitor that fits nicely in the company’s family of affordable high-end displays, making it a perfect companion alongside a new Dell computer or Mac. The monitor has an equally beautiful screen, which is great for picture and video editing or for simply enjoying an HD video. We also appreciate that this Dell monitor gives us the ability to charge our Dell XPS 13 in the StorageReview lab without using an outlet, as we have something plugged into just about every outlet in the building. Setup time was as long as it took to take it out of the box, plug it into a power source, and into a computer. The monitor can easily be shifted around for the best angle or shifted out of the way for those that use more than one monitor. ​

Dell 27 Ultrathin monitor (S2718D) on Amazon

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