Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
- Table of Contents
- Top
- Main Differences
- Design
- Picture Quality
- Motion
- Inputs
- Features
- Comments
Dell S2721DGF vs MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Side-by-Side Comparison
Products
Dell S2721DGF
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Tested using Methodology v1.2
Updated May 09, 2024 07:49 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.comTested using Methodology v2.0
Updated Sep 12, 2024 07:04 PM
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Max Refresh Rate165 Hz
Size27"
Pixel TypeIPS
Native Resolution2560 x 1440
Variable Refresh RateYes
HDR10Yes
Max Refresh Rate165 Hz
Size27"
Pixel TypeIPS
Native Resolution2560 x 1440
Variable Refresh RateYes
HDR10Yes
Variants
- S2721DGF (27")
- Optix MAG274QRF-QD (27")
Our Verdict
Dell S2721DGF
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
The MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD and the Dell S2721DGF are both great monitors with similar gaming features. They're both 1440p monitors with a 165Hz refresh rate and outstanding response time. The MSI has a BFI feature, which the Dell doesn't, but it only works within a narrow frequency range. The MSI also has a USB-C input, which supports DisplayPort Alt Mode. On the other hand, the Dell is a better choice if you want to use it in a well-lit room because it has much better reflection handling. It also has a local dimming feature, but it performs terribly.
Notice: Two or more of the products selected have been tested with different test methodologies, so some of the results below aren't directly comparable. Learn how our test benches and scoring system work, and read more about the latest changes to our monitors test methodology.
Main Differences for
Threshold
Mixed Usage
7.7
Full Comparison
Design
Style
Design Picture
Curved
No
No
Curve Radius
Not Curved
Not Curved
Accelerated Longevity Test
Uniformity Pictures
Longevity Graph
Build Quality
8.0
8.0
Build Quality Picture
Ergonomics
9.2
9.0
Ergonomics Picture
Back Picture
Height Adjustment
5.1" (13.0 cm)
3.9" (10.0 cm)
Min Height To Top Of Panel
16.7" (42.5 cm)
Tilt Range
-20° to 5°
-20° to 5°
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
Yes, Both Ways
Yes, Both Ways
Swivel Range
-45° to 45°
-75° to 75°
Wall Mount
VESA 100x100
VESA 100x100
Stand
Stand Picture
Thickness Picture
Base Width
10.9" (27.6 cm)
11.8" (30.0 cm)
Base Depth
7.9" (20.0 cm)
8.3" (21.0 cm)
Thickness (With Display)
6.3" (16.0 cm)
7.8" (19.7 cm)
Weight (With Display)
14.6 lbs (6.6 kg)
13.4 lbs (6.1 kg)
Display
Display Picture
Size
27"
27"
Housing Width
24.1" (61.2 cm)
23.8" (60.5 cm)
Housing Height
14.2" (36.1 cm)
14.6" (37.0 cm)
Thickness (Without Stand)
2.6" (6.5 cm)
1.8" (4.6 cm)
Weight (Without Stand)
9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
Borders Size (Bezels)
0.3" (0.7 cm)
0.3" (0.8 cm)
Controls
Controls Picture
In The Box
In The Box Picture
Power Supply
Internal
External Brick
Picture Quality
Contrast
5.8
6.3
Checkerboard Picture
Native Contrast
882 : 1
1,195 : 1
Contrast With Local Dimming
971 : 1
N/A
Local Dimming
1.0
0.0
Local Dimming Video
Local Dimming
Yes
No
Backlight
Edge
Edge
SDR Brightness
8.0
8.0
Real Scene
341 cd/m²
347 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
364 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
367 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
364 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
367 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
368 cd/m²
372 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.001
0.000
Minimum Brightness
35 cd/m²
65 cd/m²
HDR Brightness
6.6
6.6
EOTF
VESA DisplayHDR Certification
DisplayHDR 400 - 1.0/1.1
No Certification
Real Scene
328 cd/m²
367 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
481 cd/m²
389 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
485 cd/m²
390 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
486 cd/m²
390 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
487 cd/m²
390 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
487 cd/m²
390 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
480 cd/m²
388 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
484 cd/m²
389 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
484 cd/m²
389 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
486 cd/m²
389 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
486 cd/m²
389 cd/m²
Automatic Brightness Limiting (ABL)
0.003
0.000
Horizontal Viewing Angle
8.5
7.7
Horizontal Viewing Angle Video
Horizontal Chroma Graph
Color Washout From Left
46°
30°
Color Washout From Right
47°
34°
Horizontal Hue Graph
Color Shift From Left
52°
55°
Color Shift From Right
55°
64°
Horizontal Lightness Graph
Brightness Loss From Left
48°
32°
Brightness Loss From Right
49°
37°
Black Level Raise From Left
70°
70°
Black Level Raise From Right
70°
70°
Gamma Shift From Left
60°
47°
Gamma Shift From Right
61°
50°
Vertical Viewing Angle
6.2
6.9
Vertical Viewing Angle Video
Vertical Chroma Graph
Color Washout From Below
32°
29°
Color Washout From Above
33°
28°
Vertical Hue Graph
Color Shift From Below
31°
48°
Color Shift From Above
34°
41°
Vertical Lightness Graph
Brightness Loss From Below
36°
33°
Brightness Loss From Above
37°
33°
Black Level Raise From Below
32°
70°
Black Level Raise From Above
22°
70°
Gamma Shift From Below
30°
31°
Gamma Shift From Above
30°
30°
Gray Uniformity
8.0
7.6
50% Uniformity Picture
50% Std. Dev.
3.975%
4.282%
50% DSE
0.132%
0.146%
Black Uniformity
3.9
6.7
Native Black Uniformity Picture
Native Std. Dev.
2.946%
1.541%
Black Uniformity Picture With Local Dimming
Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
7.261%
N/A
Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
5.9
7.1
Pre Calibration Picture
Pre Gamma Curve Picture
Pre Color Picture
Picture Mode
Standard
Srgb
sRGB Gamut Area xy
137.7%
96.8%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
3.43
6.63
Color Temperature (Avg.)
6,929 K
7,217 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.13
2.02
Color dE (Avg.)
3.55
4.41
Contrast Setting
75
N/A
RGB Settings
Default
Normal
Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
Brightness Setting
75
70
Measured Brightness
223 cd/m²
327 cd/m²
Brightness Locked
No
No
Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
9.8
9.8
Post Calibration Picture
Post Gamma Curve Picture
Post Color Picture
Picture Mode
Custom Color
User
sRGB Gamut Area xy
100.7%
100.5%
White Balance dE (Avg.)
0.54
0.62
Color Temperature (Avg.)
6,504 K
6,434 K
Gamma (Avg.)
2.17
2.19
Color dE (Avg.)
0.34
0.37
Contrast Setting
73
70
RGB Settings
100-96-97
100-90-92
Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
No Gamma Setting
Brightness Setting
30
11
Measured Brightness
99 cd/m²
100 cd/m²
SDR Color Gamut
9.4
9.9
sRGB Color Gamut Picture
sRGB Coverage xy
99.6%
99.5%
sRGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
User
Adobe RGB Color Gamut Picture
Adobe RGB Coverage xy
84.5%
100.0%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
User
HDR Color Gamut
9.1
9.2
Wide Color Gamut
Yes
Yes
DCI-P3 Color Gamut Picture
DCI-P3 Coverage xy
97.2%
96.7%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Desktop
User
Rec. 2020 Color Gamut Picture
Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
72.8%
81.3%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Desktop
User
HDR Color Volume
8.8
7.6
DCI-P3 Color Volume ITP Picture
1,000 cd/m² DCI-P3 Coverage ICtCp
89.8%
65.2%
DCI-P3 Picture Mode
Desktop
User
Rec. 2020 Color Volume ITP Picture
10,000 cd/m² Rec. 2020 Coverage ICtCp
71.0%
31.6%
Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
Desktop
User
Text Clarity
7.5
7.5
ClearType On
ClearType Off
Pixel Type
IPS
IPS
Pixels
Subpixel Layout
RGB
RGB
Reflections
8.1
7.4
Average Room
Average Room Off Picture
Bright Room Off Picture
Screen Finish
Matte
Matte
Total Reflections
4.4%
5.4%
Indirect Reflections
3.0%
3.0%
Calculated Direct Reflections
1.5%
2.4%
Gradient
9.7
9.8
Gradient Picture
Color Depth
10 Bit
10 Bit
SDR Color Volume
9.6
sRGB Color Volume ITP Picture
sRGB In ICtCp
97.5%
sRGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
Adobe RGB Color Volume ITP Picture
Adobe RGB In ICtCp
89.5%
Adobe RGB Picture Mode
Custom Color
Motion
Refresh Rate
8.5
7.5
Native Refresh Rate
165 Hz
165 Hz
Max Refresh Rate
165 Hz
165 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP
165 Hz
165 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
144 Hz
144 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
165 Hz
120 Hz
Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
60 Hz
60 Hz
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
Variable Refresh Rate
Yes
Yes
FreeSync
Yes
Yes
G-SYNC
Compatible (NVIDIA Certified)
Compatible (NVIDIA Certified)
VRR Maximum
165 Hz
165 Hz
VRR Minimum
< 20 Hz
< 20 Hz
VRR Supported Connectors
DisplayPort, HDMI
DisplayPort, HDMI
VRR Motion Performance
7.7
Pursuit Photo VRR
OD Mode CAD Comparison
Recommended VRR OD Setting
Fast
Variable Overdrive Advertised
No
Avg. CAD
176
Best CAD
164
Worst CAD
205
Refresh Rate Compliance
7.5
Fast GTG Sequence
VRR Compliance
Compliance @ Max Hz
50%
Compliance @ 120 FPS
62%
Compliance @ 60 FPS
74%
Response Time @ 60Hz
8.0
Motion Blur Picture
Response Time Table
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Fast
Normal
Rise / Fall Time
4.8 ms
9.0 ms
Total Response Time
11.6 ms
9.0 ms
Overshoot Error
1.0%
0 RGB
Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
6.5 ms
13.1 ms
Worst 3 Total Response Time
20.2 ms
13.1 ms
Worst 3 Overshoot Error
5.3%
0 RGB
CAD @ Max Refresh Rate
7.6
Pursuit Photo At Max Refresh
CAD Heatmap At Max Refresh
OD Transition Max Refresh Rate
OD fast
0 to 31
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Fast
Avg. CAD
166
Best 10% CAD
106
Worst 10% CAD
275
Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
First Response Time
3.5 ms
6.3 ms
Total Response Time
6.3 ms
6.3 ms
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Extreme
Fast
Motion Blur Picture
RGB Overshoot
1.9%
0 RGB
Worst 10% RGB Overshoot
14.7%
0 RGB
Worst 10% First Response Time
4.2 ms
11.4 ms
Worst 10% Total Response Time
10.6 ms
11.4 ms
Heatmap First Response
Heatmap Total Response
Heatmap RGB Overshoot
Response Time Table
CAD @ 120Hz
7.7
Pursuit Photo 120Hz
CAD Heatmap 120Hz
OD Transition 120Hz
OD fast
0 to 31
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Fast
Avg. CAD
160
Best 10% CAD
99
Worst 10% CAD
257
Response Time @ 120Hz
Worst 10% First Response Time
5.4 ms
9.3 ms
RGB Overshoot
0.6%
3 RGB
Total Response Time
7.4 ms
7.8 ms
First Response Time
4.2 ms
5.5 ms
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Super Fast
Fast
Worst 10% Total Response Time
10.8 ms
11.4 ms
Worst 10% RGB Overshoot
4.8%
10 RGB
120Hz First Response Heatmap
120Hz Total Response Heatmap
120Hz Heatmap RGB Overshoot
Motion Blur Picture
Response Time Table
CAD @ 60Hz
7.3
Pursuit Photo 60Hz
CAD Heatmap 60Hz
OD Transition 60Hz
OD fast
0 to 31
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Normal
Avg. CAD
197
Best 10% CAD
109
Worst 10% CAD
296
Response Time @ 60Hz
Recommended Overdrive Setting
Fast
Normal
First Response Time
4.8 ms
9.0 ms
Total Response Time
11.6 ms
9.0 ms
RGB Overshoot
1.0%
0 RGB
Worst 10% Total Response Time
20.2 ms
13.1 ms
Worst 10% First Response Time
6.5 ms
13.1 ms
Worst 10% RGB Overshoot
5.3%
0 RGB
60Hz First Response Heatmap
60Hz Total Response Heatmap
60Hz RGB Overshoot Heatmap
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
Backlight Strobing Picture
Backlight Strobing Frequency Picture
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
No BFI
Yes
Maximum Frequency
N/A
165 Hz
Minimum Frequency
N/A
120 Hz
Longest Pulse Width Brightness
N/A
136 cd/m²
Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
N/A
136 cd/m²
Pulse Width Control
No BFI
No
Pulse Phase Control
No BFI
No
Pulse Amplitude Control
No BFI
No
VRR At The Same Time
No BFI
No
VRR Flicker
8.7
VRR Flicker Video
VRR Flicker Graph
Dark Gray Flicker
0.8 RGB
Middle Gray Flicker
1.3 RGB
Light Gray Flicker
1.1 RGB
Image Flicker
10
10
Backlight Picture
Flicker-Free
Yes
Yes
PWM Dimming Frequency
>1000 Hz
0 Hz
Inputs
Input Lag
9.0
8.8
Native Resolution @ Max Hz
3.7 ms
3.8 ms
Native Resolution @ 120Hz
4.8 ms
4.9 ms
Native Resolution @ 60Hz
11.1 ms
9.0 ms
Backlight Strobing (BFI)
N/A
7.7 ms
Resolution
8.0
7.5
Native Resolution
2560 x 1440
2560 x 1440
Aspect Ratio
16:9
16:9
Megapixels
3.7 MP
3.7 MP
Pixel Density
109 PPI
109 PPI
Measured Screen Diagonal
27.0"
Screen Area
310 in²
PS5 Compatibility
5.0
4.9
PS5 Compatibility Photo
PS5 Compatibility Table
4k @ 120Hz
No
No
4k @ 60Hz
No
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
Yes
Yes
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
Yes
Yes
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
Yes
HDR
Yes
VRR
No
Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
5.8
7.1
XSX Compatibility Photo
XSX Compatibility Table
4k @ 120Hz
No
No
4k @ 60Hz
No
Yes
1440p @ 120Hz
Yes
Yes
1440p @ 60Hz
Yes
Yes
1080p @ 120Hz
Yes
Yes
1080p @ 60Hz
Yes
Yes
HDR
No
VRR
Yes
Inputs Photos
Inputs 1
Inputs 2
Video And Audio Ports
DisplayPort
1 (DP 1.4)
1 (DP 1.2)
Mini DisplayPort
No
No
HDMI
2 (HDMI 2.0)
2 (HDMI 2.0)
HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
No HDMI 2.1
No HDMI 2.1
DVI
No
No
VGA
No
No
Daisy Chaining
No
No
3.5mm Audio Out
2
1
HDR10
Yes
Yes
3.5mm Audio In
No
No
3.5mm Microphone In
No
No
USB
USB-A Ports
4
2
USB-A Rated Speed
5Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 1)
480Mbps (USB 2.0)
USB-B Upstream Port
Yes
Yes
USB-C Ports
0
1
USB-C Upstream
No USB-C Ports
No
USB-C Rated Speed
No USB-C Ports
No USB-C Upstream
USB-C Power Delivery
No USB-C Ports
5W
USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
No USB-C Ports
Yes
Thunderbolt
No
No
macOS Compatibility
macOS Screenshot
Features
Additional Features
Speakers
No
No
RGB Illumination
Fixed (On/Off)
Controllable
Multiple Input Display
No
No
KVM Switch
No
No
On-Screen Display (OSD)
OSD Picture
Dell S2721DGF
MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD
Comments
Dell S2721DGF vs MSI Optix MAG274QRF-QD: Main Discussion
What do you think of these products? Let us know below.
Looking for a personalized buying advice from the RTINGS.com experts? Insiders have direct access to buying advice on our insider forum.