Alienware’s new AW2725QF gaming monitor promises to be the ultimate all-in-one solution, offering a seamless transition between 4K at 180Hz and 1080p at 360Hz with the press of a button. This unique dual refresh rate feature aims to cater to both cinematic immersion and competitive gaming needs. However, despite boasting an impressive IPS panel with exceptional color coverage and brightness, the AW2725QF falls short of its lofty aspirations due to its high price point and the questionable utility of its marquee feature.
The AW2725QF carries forward the familiar Alienware design language, showcasing a sleek curved back adorned with an illuminated logo and a minimalist stand that minimizes desk footprint. The monitor’s aesthetics are further enhanced by the thoughtfully designed cable management system, featuring a channel running up the stand’s rear, keeping cables neatly tucked away. Adding to the practicality, a headphone stand, similar to the one found on Alienware’s 500Hz gaming monitor, provides a convenient resting place for your audio gear. The stand itself offers a generous range of adjustability, encompassing height, tilt, swivel, and pivot capabilities.
Beyond its dual refresh rate, the AW2725QF comes equipped with features like picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture, common among Alienware monitors. It also includes a USB-C port delivering 15W of power but, unfortunately, does not support display input or a KVM switch. The connectivity options consist of two HDMI 2.1 ports (one supporting eARC and Dolby Atmos passthrough), a DisplayPort 1.4 connection, and a built-in USB hub with three Type-A ports and one Type-C port. Alienware’s on-screen display (OSD) is intuitive and user-friendly, controlled by a four-way joystick located under the front lip of the monitor. However, the activation of the dual refresh rate feature requires a two-second hold of the joystick, a less convenient approach compared to dedicated buttons found on other monitors.
The AW2725QF’s IPS panel delivers an impressive performance. The display achieves a peak brightness of 474 nits with a black level of 0.41 nits, resulting in a contrast ratio of approximately 1,100:1, a typical value for IPS panels. Color reproduction is exceptional, boasting 100% sRGB and 92% DCI-P3 coverage, falling just short of Alienware’s 95% claim. It also manages an impressive 85% AdobeRGB coverage, surpassing most IPS monitors. While the color accuracy out of the box is acceptable, calibration is recommended for more intense color-critical tasks. The AW2725QF’s HDR performance is bolstered by DisplayHDR 600 certification and Dolby Vision support, but it lacks the superior contrast offered by Full Array Local Dimming (FALD). Instead, it utilizes edge-lit backlighting with 16 vertical dimming zones, leading to a less impressive HDR experience compared to monitors like the Sony InZone M9 or Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q.
Gaming on the AW2725QF is generally enjoyable, regardless of the refresh rate mode chosen. The monitor’s size plays a key role in how effectively 4K and 1080p resolutions are displayed. While the difference in sharpness between the two modes is noticeable on the desktop, it becomes less pronounced during gameplay. The 1080p mode, while softer, resembles upscaling techniques like AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR). The dual mode feature proves beneficial for users who can’t consistently run all their games at 4K, offering the option to prioritize refresh rate by switching to 1080p when needed. However, the jump from 180Hz to 360Hz on an IPS panel isn’t as significant as it might seem. Beyond 240Hz, the benefits of higher refresh rates diminish on IPS panels due to their relatively slower pixel response times compared to OLED. Ultimately, the AW2725QF’s dual mode feature doesn’t quite deliver the same jack-of-all-trades functionality as seen on dual-mode OLED monitors.
Given the AW2725QF’s high price point of $600, it faces competition from budget-friendly 4K gaming displays priced between $400 to $500, as well as competitive 1080p displays like Alienware’s own 500Hz gaming monitor. In comparison to dual-mode OLED monitors that offer both esports and cinematic experiences, the AW2725QF feels like a diluted version of each.
The AW2725QF brings dual refresh rates to a more affordable price point, but it raises questions about the necessity of such a feature. The concept behind dual refresh rates is to switch between 4K for immersive experiences and 1080p for competitive gameplay. However, for most gamers, it’s more practical to choose a display based on a single resolution, saving money and potentially achieving better HDR performance at the same price point. When considering that monitors like the 240Hz LG UltraGear OLED 27 are available for a similar price, the AW2725QF’s value proposition becomes less compelling. While it offers solid performance for an IPS panel, the premium charged for the dual refresh rate feature makes it a difficult choice for most buyers.
