QD-OLED is nearing a price point where most buyers can join in, as Dell launches a new 27-inch monitor starting at just $350.
Last year, Dell introduced its most affordable QD-OLED monitor to date – AW2725D – at $550.
Exactly one year later, Dell cuts the price further, launching the new new 27-inch Alienware AW2726DM at a recommended retail price of just $350 / £370 / €420. The price is of the monitor expected to fall further as external retailers begin competing.
Some compromises
While QD-OLED delivers a very high baseline with vibrant colors, high contrast and fast response times, there are still differences between the cheapest and most expensive panels, and there are some compromises in AW2726DM,
The resolution is lower (2560x1440 pixels) and the refresh rate tops out at 240Hz. The biggest compromise, however, appears to be brightness, rated at 200 nits fullscreen and 400 nits peak. This may be somewhat low for daytime use and for HDR – although HDR is supported.
That said, you still get excellent picture quality that surpasses LCD monitors. The strong image quality elevates both gaming and movies, but note that QD-OLED panels use a triangular subpixel layout, which some users notice when working with text.
Also read: Why text looks bad on the new OLED and QD-OLED monitors
Dell's transition to OLED
With the launch, Dell continues its transition from LCD to OLED technology. Until now, the DM range had been known as gaming monitors based on IPS LCD panels.
Dell has also begun transitioning to OLED in media monitors with last year's launch of the Dell Plus S3225QC, though not yet in its professional UltraSharp lineup.
The OLED monitor market is expected to quadruple by 2030, driven by several new factories ramping up mass production of OLED panels this year and next year.
27" Dell Alienware AW2726DM – specifications
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