The post-it note still clung to my old Dell UltraSharp’s bezel. Scribbled on it, in hurried, late-night scrawl: “Don’t forget the sRGB calibration for color grading.” That monitor, a workhorse from years past, is a ghost of the past now. Its successor? The U2723QE. This new model had just landed in my lab, a few weeks ago, promising upgrades – and a chance to finally ditch that sticky reminder.

First impressions, always key in this game. The packaging, a study in sleek, efficient minimalism, immediately set a different tone. Unboxing felt… right. The matte screen, that 27-inch expanse of 4K real estate, practically whispered “professional.” No distracting glossy reflection, a boon for long days spent staring at waveforms and code. The 2000:1 contrast ratio, a noticeable improvement over the standard 1000:1, allows for better differentiation between dark and light shades. This really matters for my color-critical work, especially in video editing. That’s where those subtle nuances in gradients can make or break a finished piece.

The single USB-C connection is a huge leap forward. It’s a godsend for simplifying cable clutter. One cable handles everything: data, display, and power delivery. It’s a stark contrast to the multiple cables I’d use with my older setup. My laptop, my primary workstation, now sings in harmony with this monitor.

I tested it against my go-to reference point: my Eizo ColorEdge, a monitor that costs more than my first car. The Dell, though less expensive, holds its own admirably. The out-of-box color accuracy is surprisingly good. However, I’d recommend professional calibration if you’re doing hyper-critical color work. The Eizo, with its built-in calibration tools, still wins on that front. But frankly, for most projects, the Dell is more than enough. It’s a solid performance, no two ways about it.

One small thing to note: the internal speakers are, well, functional. They won’t blow your socks off. But let’s be honest: who relies on built-in monitor speakers for serious audio? I always recommend a decent pair of external monitors or headphones, anyway.

So, who is this monitor for? The aspiring video editor, the seasoned graphic designer, or even the serious home office user. If you need a high-quality display with a clean aesthetic, excellent connectivity and great color accuracy, without breaking the bank, this is the one. Go get it. It’s that simple.