Alienware is joining the race to launch a 27-inch 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor, competing with similar offerings from Asus, Samsung, and MSI. These new monitors boast a 240Hz refresh rate, a significant upgrade for gaming enthusiasts. Alienware’s version, the AW2725Q, offers a more compact and subtle design compared to its 32-inch curved predecessor, which was lauded as the best monitor at CES last year for its versatility and advanced features. The 27-inch model caters to those seeking high performance in a smaller, non-curved screen format.
The AW2725Q utilizes a Samsung QD-OLED panel with a technically 26-inch screen, delivering a sharp 166 pixels per inch. It supports a typical brightness of 250 nits and can reach 1,000 nits peak brightness in HDR mode while covering 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. This ensures vibrant and accurate colors, appealing to gamers and content creators alike. Like its competitors, Alienware’s new monitor promises top-tier visual performance, thanks to its advanced panel technology.
However, the AW2725Q has some trade-offs. It features DisplayPort 1.4 instead of the newer DisplayPort 2.1, which might occasionally require Display Stream Compression (DSC) to handle 4K at 240Hz. It does include two HDMI 2.1 ports supporting HDR, VRR, ALLM, and eARC for Dolby Atmos passthrough, enhancing its versatility. Although there is no USB-C video input, the monitor provides a USB-A hub and a single USB-C port with 15W charging. These connectivity options make it functional but not as future-proof as some might hope.
Alienware addresses potential concerns about QD-OLED burn-in with a three-year burn-in warranty and several preventive measures. These include a graphite sheet placed between panel layers and AI-based technology that monitors on-screen images to minimize burn-in and image retention. The monitor also supports Dolby Vision HDR, ensuring exceptional image quality while providing peace of mind for long-term usage.
What sets the AW2725Q apart is its price and availability. Priced at $900 in the US and $1,230 CAD in Canada, it is scheduled for release in March, with earlier availability in China and a later rollout in EMEA regions. Alienware’s competitors have taken longer to bring similar products to market, giving this monitor a potential advantage. This combination of cutting-edge features, burn-in prevention, and a competitive price point positions the AW2725Q as a strong contender in the premium gaming monitor market.