Dell S2722DGM 27" Black 2021

The Dell S2722DGM is a 27-inch curved gaming monitor with a 165Hz refresh rate and sharp 1440p resolution. It offers strong contrast and color for a VA panel, though it skips extras like USB ports and real HDR. At around $500, it's a solid choice if you want an immersive curved screen without paying OLED prices.

In our testing, the S2722DGM lands in the 71st percentile for overall performance, which translates to strong, above-average gaming chops. The 165Hz refresh rate is smooth, and the 2ms GtG response time keeps motion blur to a minimum. You'll notice the difference coming from a 60Hz or even 120Hz panel, especially in games like Valorant or Apex Legends where every frame counts. The VA panel does have slightly slower dark transitions than a fast IPS, so you might catch a hint of smearing in very dark scenes, but it's not a dealbreaker at this price.

Color performance sits at the 73rd percentile, which is solid for a gaming monitor. The 99% sRGB coverage means games look vibrant and saturated without feeling overprocessed. It's an 8-bit panel, so you're not getting true HDR, but the 350 nits of brightness is enough for most rooms. Just don't expect it to fight off direct sunlight. For office work, text is sharp at 1440p on a 27-inch screen, and the curve is subtle enough that spreadsheets don't look warped.

Stacked against the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDPG or the MSI MAG 271QPX QD-OLED E2, the Dell S2722DGM looks like a budget-conscious alternative. Those OLED monitors deliver perfect blacks and insane response times, but they also cost significantly more. The Samsung Odyssey G60SD is another curved VA competitor, and it often trades blows with this Dell on contrast and speed, though Samsung's aggressive curve isn't for everyone. The LG UltraGear 45GX950A-B is in a different league entirely with its massive ultrawide format, so it's not a direct comparison unless you're cross-shopping screen size and aspect ratio.

The Gigabyte M Series OLED MO27U2 SA is a flat 4K OLED, which is a different beast. If you prioritize resolution and pixel density over refresh rate and curve, that's where your money should go. For pure 1440p curved gaming, the Dell holds its own against the Samsung but lacks the wider feature set of the ASUS or MSI OLEDs. It's a straightforward gaming monitor that doesn't try to do everything, and that's honestly refreshing.

Pricing floats between $498 and $517, which puts the S2722DGM in a competitive bracket. You're paying for the Dell build quality, the 165Hz refresh rate, and that curved VA panel. If you're dead set on a curved screen, this is one of the more affordable 1440p high-refresh options from a major brand. But if the curve isn't a must-have, you can find flat IPS monitors with similar specs for less, or even step up to a budget 240Hz panel for not much more money. The value here hinges on how much you want that 1500R curve and Dell's reliability.

The Dell S2722DGM is a 27-inch curved gaming monitor that hits a sweet spot for a lot of PC gamers. You get a 2560 x 1440 resolution on a VA panel with a 1500R curve, which wraps around your field of view just enough to feel immersive without being distracting on the desktop. The 165Hz refresh rate and 2ms gray-to-gray response time mean this thing keeps up with fast-paced shooters and racers, and AMD FreeSync Premium keeps things tear-free if you're running a Radeon card.

At around $500, it's positioned as a mid-range option that skips the premium price of OLED but still delivers solid specs. The 350-nit brightness and 99% sRGB coverage won't blow away a content creator, but for gaming and everyday use, the colors pop and blacks look deep thanks to that VA panel's contrast. If you've been searching for a curved gaming monitor that doesn't cost a fortune and can handle both work and play, this Dell is worth a look.

Build quality is what you'd expect from Dell. The stand offers height and tilt adjustment, and there's a 100x100 VESA mount if you want to slap it on an arm. Connectivity is basic but functional with two HDMI ports, one DisplayPort, and a headphone jack. It's not trying to be a USB hub, and that's fine for most setups.

Skip the S2722DGM if you're a competitive esports player who needs the absolute fastest response times. A 240Hz or 360Hz flat IPS panel will serve you better, even if it costs a bit more. Content creators who need wide color gamut coverage for photo or video editing should also look elsewhere. This monitor covers 99% sRGB, which is fine for gaming, but it lacks DCI-P3 coverage for professional color work. If you need a USB hub built into your monitor to clean up desk clutter, this Dell will disappoint. Look at something like the ASUS ROG Strix XG27AQDPG or a productivity-focused Dell Ultrasharp instead.

The Dell S2722DGM is a no-nonsense curved gaming monitor that delivers where it counts. The 165Hz refresh rate and 1440p resolution are a great pairing for mid-range to high-end GPUs, and the VA panel's contrast makes games look rich. It's not trying to be a content creation monitor or a smart TV replacement, and that focus works in its favor.

Should you buy this? If you want a curved 27-inch screen with smooth performance and don't need extras like USB ports or HDR, it's a solid pick. But if you're sensitive to VA smearing or want the absolute fastest response times, you might be happier with a fast IPS or saving up for OLED. For everyone else, this Dell is a dependable, good-looking monitor that won't let you down.