Affiliate Disclosure: This review contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. I bought this monitor with my own money and these opinions are genuinely mine.
The $1,600 Studio Display I Almost Bought
I'm tired of pretending Apple's pricing makes sense.
For six months, I'd been eyeing the Apple Studio Display. Everyone in my design team had one. They looked gorgeous on camera during Zoom calls. The integration with my MacBook Pro was supposedly "seamless." But every time I went to click "Buy," that $1,599 price tag made me physically recoil.
Here's what pushed me over the edge: My colleague Sarah—who'd been raving about her Studio Display for months—casually mentioned she'd just spent another $400 on a USB hub because Apple's monitor didn't have enough ports. Then she laughed about how she still needed to buy a separate webcam because Apple's built-in one was "fine but not great for professional calls."
I did the math. Studio Display + hub + decent webcam = over $2,000 for a monitor setup.
That same week, I stumbled across the Dell UltraSharp U2723QE during a late-night research spiral. Same 4K resolution. Better contrast. Built-in USB hub. 90W charging. Around $500. I thought it was too good to be true.
Five months later, I haven't touched my "Studio Display fund." This Dell has been sitting on my desk doing everything I needed from that Apple monitor—plus things the Studio Display can't do—for a third of the price.
Let me tell you why I'm genuinely shocked by how well this worked out.
What You're Actually Getting
The Product Basics
The Dell U2723QE isn't trying to be the prettiest monitor in the room. It's trying to be the most capable—and at around $500, it largely succeeds.
Here's what Dell shipped to my door:
Display Specs:
- 27-inch IPS Black panel (world's first in this size)
- 3840 × 2160 4K resolution (163 PPI)
- 2000:1 contrast ratio (double typical IPS)
- 400 nits brightness
- 98% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709
- 60Hz refresh rate
- 5ms response time (gray-to-gray)
- DisplayHDR 400 certified
Connectivity & Hub:
- USB-C with 90W Power Delivery
- DisplayPort 1.4 with DSC
- HDMI 2.0
- DisplayPort out (daisy-chaining)
- Four USB-A 3.2 Gen 2 ports (10Gbps)
- One USB-C downstream port
- RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet
- 3.5mm audio out
Physical Design:
- Three-sided thin bezels (seriously thin)
- Adjustable stand: height (150mm), tilt (-5° to 21°), swivel (±30°), pivot (90°)
- VESA 100mm mount compatible
- KVM functionality (switch between two computers)
- Cable management through stand
What's in the Box:
- 1.8m DisplayPort cable
- 1m USB-C to USB-C cable
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Power cable
- Stand (tool-free assembly)
The packaging impressed me immediately. Everything fit together logically, with clear instructions that didn't require an engineering degree. Assembly took exactly 12 minutes—just click the stand into place and tighten one captive screw.
The design language is classic Dell UltraSharp: professional without being boring. The bezels are thin enough to look modern but the overall aesthetic says "I'm here to work" rather than "look at me." If you're on camera regularly, this won't embarrass you.
Five Months of Daily Use
Week 1: The "This Can't Be Right" Phase
I connected my MacBook Pro via the included USB-C cable. The monitor immediately charged my laptop, displayed 4K at 60Hz, and gave me access to all the USB ports. No drivers. No configuration. It just worked.
Then I saw the blacks.
I'd read about IPS Black technology but assumed it was marketing nonsense. It's not. The first time I opened Photoshop with a dark interface, I actually thought something was wrong with my brightness settings. These blacks looked deeper than any IPS panel I'd used before.
For context: typical IPS monitors have 1000:1 contrast. This has 2000:1. That sounds like double, which sounds like it should be twice as black, but the math doesn't work that way. In reality, it's about 30-35% darker blacks. That might not sound impressive until you see it in person—then it's genuinely striking.
The color accuracy out of the box was exceptional. I ran my Spyder calibrator anyway (professional paranoia), and the Delta E was already below 2 in sRGB mode. Dell pre-calibrates these at the factory, and they're not lying about it.
But week one wasn't perfect. The USB-C implementation has a quirk that nearly sent this monitor back: you have to choose between "High Resolution" mode (4K 60Hz but USB 2.0 data speeds) or "High Data Speed" mode (full USB 3.2 speeds but compressed 4K if your device doesn't support DSC). My MacBook Pro handled it fine, but this is something buyers need to understand upfront.
Weeks 2-6: The Reality Check
Around week three, I hit the first real problem: my MacBook occasionally wouldn't recognize the monitor after waking from sleep. I'd have to unplug and replug the USB-C cable. This happened maybe once every 4-5 days.
Annoying? Yes. Deal-breaker? No. I updated the monitor's firmware via Dell's Display Manager software, and the issue reduced to maybe once every two weeks. It still happens occasionally, but I've learned to just accept it as the price of using third-party monitors with Macs.
The built-in KVM feature became more useful than I expected. I connected my work Windows laptop via HDMI and my personal MacBook via USB-C. With one keyboard and mouse plugged into the monitor, I could switch between computers using a hotkey in Dell Display Manager. This eliminated the cable swapping I'd been doing daily.
The Picture-by-Picture (PbP) mode lets you see both computers side-by-side on the same screen. I use it constantly during debugging—Windows on the left running tests, Mac on the right coding. This feature alone has changed how I work.
But here's something nobody mentions: the Ethernet port only works for one computer at a time when using KVM. If you switch inputs, your wired connection switches too. I ended up buying a small Ethernet switch for under $20 to solve this. Minor inconvenience.
Long-term: Five Months In
The monitor has held up exceptionally well. No dead pixels. No backlight bleed visible during normal use (there's some in the lower left corner on completely black screens in dark rooms, but I never notice it during actual work). The stand hasn't developed any wobble. The matte coating hasn't scratched or degraded.
Text clarity at 4K on a 27-inch screen is phenomenal. This is 163 PPI—noticeably sharper than 1440p monitors (110 PPI) and perfectly crisp for design work, coding, or reading documents all day. I can run at native 4K resolution in Windows and scaled resolutions on Mac without any blurriness.
I've paired this with proper monitor lighting and integrated it into my complete home office setup, creating a workspace that's genuinely comfortable for 8-10 hour days.
The color gamut continues to impress. The 98% DCI-P3 coverage means I can edit photos and videos with confidence. It's not a professional reference monitor like an Eizo ColorEdge, but it's more than accurate enough for freelance work and client deliverables.
What Actually Works
1. IPS Black Technology Is Real
The 2000:1 contrast ratio transforms the viewing experience. Darker scenes have depth. Black UI elements look properly black instead of dark gray. The improved contrast makes colors appear richer across the board—not just in dark content.
This is the best-looking IPS panel I've ever used, and I've tested probably 20+ monitors over the years.
2. The USB Hub Replaces a Dock
Four USB-A ports plus one USB-C downstream port means my monitor IS my hub. I've connected an external SSD, webcam, microphone, and keyboard receiver directly to the monitor. When I plug in my laptop via USB-C, everything just works.
The 90W power delivery charges my 14-inch MacBook Pro while in use. It's not enough for the 16-inch model under heavy load, but it works perfectly for my setup.
3. KVM Functionality Changes Workflows
Switching between two computers with one set of peripherals is smoother than I expected. Dell Display Manager lets you set keyboard shortcuts (I use Ctrl+Alt+1 and Ctrl+Alt+2) to jump between inputs instantly. The transition takes about 2 seconds.
Picture-by-Picture mode means I can reference one machine while working on another. This is clutch for testing, debugging, or just monitoring Slack on one system while focused on another.
4. Color Accuracy Out of the Box
Delta E < 2 in sRGB mode. 98% DCI-P3 coverage. 100% sRGB and Rec.709. These aren't exaggerated specs—I verified them with a colorimeter. For photography, video editing, and design work, this monitor delivers professional-grade accuracy at a non-professional price.
5. Build Quality Exceeds Price Expectations
The stand is rock-solid. Height adjustment is smooth and stays exactly where you set it. Swivel and tilt have perfect resistance—not too loose, not too stiff. The pivot to portrait mode works flawlessly (I use it occasionally for coding).
Cable management through the stand's central column keeps things tidy. The matte screen coating reduces glare effectively without that grainy texture some anti-glare screens have.
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The Problems Nobody Mentions
Let me be honest about what's frustrating, because these issues are real.
1. USB-C Mode Confusion Is Annoying
The "High Resolution" vs "High Data Speed" toggle drives me crazy. You shouldn't have to choose between 4K 60Hz and full-speed USB. Most users will leave it in High Resolution mode and accept USB 2.0 speeds, which is fine for keyboards and mice but terrible for external SSDs.
MacBook Pros with M1 or newer chips handle this transparently. Older devices or Windows laptops might get confused. Dell should have included better documentation about this limitation.
2. Mac Sleep/Wake Issues Are Real
About 15-20% of Mac users (based on Amazon reviews) report connection dropouts after sleep. Mine does this occasionally—maybe twice a month now after firmware updates. It's a quick unplug/replug fix, but it shouldn't happen on a monitor at this price point.
Windows users report far fewer issues. This seems to be a Mac-specific problem, likely related to macOS's historically poor third-party monitor support.
3. Port Placement Is Backwards
All ports face downward. Every single one. This made initial cable management a nightmare. You can't see what you're plugging in. You have to feel around blindly or use a mirror.
Dell claims this creates cleaner aesthetics, but I'd trade "clean lines" for accessible ports any day. The quick-access USB-C and USB-A ports on the left side partially solve this, but the main port cluster is genuinely annoying to access.
4. USB-C Cable Length Is Too Short
The included 1m USB-C cable is absurdly short. Unless your laptop sits directly in front of the monitor, you'll need a longer cable. I bought a 2m cable on day three. Dell should have included 1.8m like they did with the DisplayPort cable.
5. No Built-in Speakers
This is a $500+ professional monitor with no speakers. Zero. Not even bad ones. If you need audio, you're using external speakers or headphones. I don't personally care (I use noise-canceling headphones), but some users are surprised by this omission.
6. OSD Power Button Is Hidden
The joystick controls the on-screen display perfectly—finally, no more mushy buttons—but the power button is a tiny, recessed nub that's nearly impossible to find by feel. I still sometimes press the wrong thing trying to turn off the monitor.
7. 60Hz Might Feel Slow If You're Used to High Refresh
This is a 60Hz panel. If you've been using 120Hz or 144Hz displays, this will feel noticeably less smooth during fast motion. For office work and creative tasks, 60Hz is fine. For gaming or video editing with lots of scrubbing, you might notice the limitation.
8. HDR400 Is Basically Useless
DisplayHDR 400 certification sounds impressive but delivers almost nothing. The monitor doesn't get bright enough for true HDR impact, and there's no local dimming. I keep HDR turned off—it just washes out the image.
Comparing the Competition
vs. Apple Studio Display (around $1,600)
The Studio Display wins on: better built-in webcam, speakers, Apple ecosystem integration, slightly better industrial design.
The Dell wins on: price (1/3 the cost), USB hub functionality, KVM switching, DisplayPort connectivity, better contrast ratio, Ethernet port.
For Mac users who want the "Apple experience" and have the budget, the Studio Display makes sense. For everyone else, the Dell provides 90% of the functionality at 30% of the price. That's compelling math.
vs. LG 27UP850-W (around $450)
The LG is around $50 cheaper and offers similar features: 4K, USB-C with 60W charging, height-adjustable stand. But it has standard IPS (1000:1 contrast), only 60W power delivery, and less comprehensive USB connectivity.
The Dell's superior contrast and 90W charging justify the price difference if you're using a laptop that benefits from higher wattage. If you're on a tight budget and have a less power-hungry device, the LG is decent.
vs. BenQ SW270C (around $650)
The BenQ is specifically designed for photo editing with 99% Adobe RGB coverage (Dell only manages around 87%). It also includes a hardware calibration puck and 16-bit 3D LUT.
But the BenQ has standard 1000:1 contrast, only 2560×1440 resolution, and costs around $150 more. For professional print photographers who need Adobe RGB, get the BenQ. For everyone else—including video editors and designers working primarily in DCI-P3—the Dell's higher resolution and better contrast make more sense.
vs. Budget 4K Monitors (around $300-400)
There are plenty of 4K monitors in the $300-400 range from brands like ASUS, AOC, and budget LG models. They'll give you the resolution but typically lack:
- Factory color calibration
- USB-C connectivity
- Comprehensive USB hub
- Premium build quality
- Better-than-standard contrast
If you just need pixels and don't care about color accuracy or connectivity, save the money. If you're doing professional work, the Dell's extra $100-200 investment pays dividends in saved time and frustration.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Buy This
Buy It If You:
- Work from home with a MacBook or Windows laptop
- Need accurate colors for photo/video editing or design
- Want a single-cable USB-C solution with laptop charging
- Use multiple computers and want easy switching (KVM)
- Value better-than-average contrast in an IPS panel
- Need a comprehensive USB hub built into your monitor
- Can work with 60Hz refresh rate
- Want professional features without pro pricing
- Have around $500 budgeted for a monitor
Skip It If You:
- Need 120Hz+ refresh for gaming or smooth motion
- Want built-in speakers (there are none)
- Require Adobe RGB coverage for print work
- Can't tolerate occasional Mac sleep/wake quirks
- Need true HDR performance (HDR400 is weak)
- Want plug-and-play simplicity without mode switching
- Have a 16-inch MacBook Pro needing full-speed charging (90W isn't quite enough under heavy load)
- Expect Apple-level ecosystem integration
The Honest Verdict
Here's what matters after five months: this monitor does exactly what I needed it to do, and it does it well enough that I stopped thinking about the Studio Display entirely.
Is it perfect? No. The USB-C mode confusion frustrates me. The port placement is terrible. Mac sleep/wake issues shouldn't exist at this price point. These are real problems.
But the core experience—sitting down every morning to a gorgeous 4K display with deep blacks, accurate colors, and seamless laptop integration—has been consistently excellent. The monitor has never crashed, never developed issues, and continues to look as good as day one.
The value proposition remains compelling. For around $500, you're getting professional-grade color accuracy, IPS Black technology, a comprehensive USB hub, KVM functionality, and 90W laptop charging. Finding all that in competing monitors means jumping to $800+ territory.
Dell built a workhorse monitor that doesn't require you to make significant compromises. That's rarer than it should be.
Final Rating: 4.4/5 stars
Recommendation: If you need a 4K monitor for professional work and want USB-C connectivity with laptop charging, this is one of the best values available. The IPS Black panel and color accuracy punch above the price point. Just be prepared for minor quirks if you're a Mac user.
Practical Buying Guide
Where to Buy:
- Amazon: Around $500-550, faster shipping, easier returns
- Dell Direct: Sometimes on sale, occasional bundle deals
- B&H Photo: Good for business purchases, tax-free in some states
- Check all three—prices fluctuate by $50-100
What to Know Before Buying:
- USB-C charging at 90W works for most laptops but check your device's power requirements
- Mac users should update monitor firmware immediately via Dell Display Manager
- Keep the box for at least 30 days in case you need to return
- The 1m USB-C cable is probably too short—consider buying a 2m cable
- Windows users have fewer compatibility issues than Mac users
Firmware Updates: Download Dell Display Manager from Dell's website. It's free and enables:
- Firmware updates
- Hotkey customization for input switching
- Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture controls
- Easy access to monitor settings
- KVM configuration
Cable Recommendations:
- USB-C: Get a 2m cable that supports DisplayPort Alt Mode and USB 3.2
- HDMI: If using HDMI, get HDMI 2.1 for future-proofing
- DisplayPort: The included cable works perfectly
Calibration: The monitor arrives pre-calibrated and most users won't need to adjust anything. If you're doing professional color work, verify with your own colorimeter, but I found factory calibration to be excellent in sRGB mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does this work with M1/M2/M3 MacBooks?
Yes, perfectly. All Apple Silicon Macs support the Dell U2723QE without issues. You'll get 4K 60Hz, 90W charging, and full USB hub functionality. The occasional sleep/wake dropout affects all Macs regardless of chip, but it's infrequent.
Q: Can I daisy-chain another monitor?
Yes, via DisplayPort out. You can connect a second 4K monitor at 60Hz from the U2723QE's DisplayPort output, but you must use "High Resolution" USB-C mode. Your computer must support MST (Multi-Stream Transport). Macs don't support MST, so daisy-chaining doesn't work with macOS.
Q: Is this good for gaming?
It's acceptable but not ideal. The 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time are fine for casual gaming, but competitive gamers will want 144Hz+. There's no adaptive sync (FreeSync/G-Sync). If gaming is your primary use, look elsewhere. For occasional gaming while primarily doing productivity work, it's fine.
Q: How does KVM switching work?
Connect two computers (one via USB-C, one via HDMI or DisplayPort). Plug your keyboard, mouse, and peripherals into the monitor. Use Dell Display Manager to set hotkeys for switching. When you press the hotkey, the monitor switches inputs and USB devices instantly move to the other computer. It's surprisingly seamless.
Q: Does the Ethernet port work with both computers?
No. The Ethernet connection only works with whichever computer is currently active via KVM. If you need wired networking for both computers simultaneously, use an Ethernet switch.
Q: Will this charge my 16-inch MacBook Pro?
Yes, but with a caveat. The 90W power delivery will charge a 16-inch MacBook Pro, but if you're running intensive tasks (video rendering, compiling code, gaming), the laptop might draw more than 90W and slowly drain the battery. For typical office work, 90W is plenty.
Q: How do I fix the sleep/wake Mac issue?
First, update the monitor's firmware via Dell Display Manager. This reduces the frequency significantly. If it still happens, try: (1) use a high-quality USB-C cable, (2) connect to a different port on your Mac, (3) disable automatic display sleep in macOS Energy Saver preferences. Some users report success by setting the Mac to never sleep when plugged in.
Q: Is the matte coating too grainy?
No. Dell uses a light matte coating that effectively reduces glare without creating the grainy, washed-out look that some cheaper matte screens have. Text remains sharp and colors stay vibrant. I work near windows and rarely notice reflections.
Q: Can I use this in portrait orientation?
Yes. The stand pivots 90° smoothly. I occasionally use portrait mode for long documents or coding. The monitor detects the orientation change automatically. Weight distribution is good—it doesn't feel tippy in portrait mode.
Five Months Later: Long-Term Reality
The excitement of "new monitor day" wore off after about two weeks. Now it's just... my monitor. The thing I use every day without thinking about it.
And honestly? That's exactly what you want.
I'm not constantly adjusting settings. I'm not fighting with connectivity. I'm not squinting at washed-out colors or dealing with broken stand adjustments. The U2723QE has faded into the background of my daily workflow—which is the ultimate compliment for a tool.
The few annoyances I mentioned haven't gotten worse. The Mac sleep issue happens so rarely now (after firmware updates) that I barely remember it's a problem. The short USB-C cable? Solved with a $15 replacement cable in week one.
Would I buy this again knowing everything I know now? Absolutely.
Would I recommend it to other people setting up home offices? With appropriate caveats about Mac quirks and realistic expectations about HDR, yes.
The Dell UltraSharp U2723QE isn't the fanciest monitor I could have bought. It's not the one that makes guests say "whoa, what is that?" It's not the status symbol the Studio Display would have been.
It's just a really, really good monitor that does professional work at a non-professional price. Sometimes that's all you need.
Last Updated: December 2025
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