The monitor incorporates a easy design with ultra-thin bezels—just like the Gigabyte MO27Q28G—giving it a glossy, borderless look. The AW2726DM measures 20.6 by 23.9 by 9.1 inches (HWD) with the stand, and weighs roughly 18.6 kilos. As for aesthetic prospers, you will not discover many. There is no RGB lighting, and the bottom of the monitor is apparent aside from Alienware’s signature alien head brand.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Confronted with an OLED monitor below $500, my first query is what was reduce from the construct to realize that wallet-friendly worth. On this case, the financial savings are possible attributable to the monitor’s OLED panel expertise. Primarily based on this helpful cheat sheet from TFT Central, the AW2726DM matches the profile of Samsung QD-OLED panels launched in early 2024.
Alienware declined to supply extra particulars in regards to the panel expertise past the printed specs, but when the expertise is a number of years previous, that explains why the specs are so just like Alienware’s 2024 OLED lineup. As an illustration, the AW2726DM’s specs are similar to the Alienware AW2725DF 360Hz QD-OLED, which launched early in 2024. They’ve similar pixel densities of 111 pixels per inch.
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(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Nonetheless, the longer you take a look at the specs, the extra variations you’re certain to identify. For one, 2024-era Samsung OLED panels are usually rated at 250 nits of most brightness, whereas the AW2726DM is rated at 200 nits. Additionally, the AW2726DM helps HDR however is just not DisplayHDR True Black 400 licensed (one thing we’ll look into within the testing part of our evaluation). General, although, the monitor continues to be an excellent deal at $350.
Extra cost-cutting methods vary from main to inconsequential. For instance, the monitor screws into the stand quite than utilizing clips like different trendy gaming screens (a minor gripe), and it lacks each USB-C and USB-A ports (a significant gripe if you wish to use it with peripherals and a laptop computer). There are additionally far fewer options constructed into the OSD than you may discover on costlier OLEDs, and there are not any inner audio system.
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
However what does make it into the monitor might be sufficient for you in case you’re an informal gamer. The AW2726DM presents ample tilt, pivot, and peak adjustment, and options two HDMI inputs, a DisplayPort enter, and a headphone jack. The monitor’s panel presents a 240Hz refresh charge, however you’ll solely be capable to entry it through DisplayPort. In case you’re utilizing HDMI, you’ll be capped at 120Hz.
A joystick on the again provides you entry to the monitor’s sparse OSD settings. There’s not a lot in the best way of OLED upkeep, apart from a pixel refresh choice. Pixel refresh is an important a part of extending your OLED monitor’s lifespan, because it prevents picture retention and burn-in. The monitor is brief on game-enhancing options, too. Choices to show body charge, alter show alignment, and set a timer spherical out the options. Don’t anticipate crosshairs, AI enhancements, or a number of refresh charge/decision combos (although you possibly can select a 4:3 facet ratio as an alternative of the 16:9 default).
(Credit score: Joseph Maldonado)
Whereas the monitor’s options are fairly primary by most requirements, I’m joyful to take primary if it means paying solely $350. For a few years, OLED expertise has been restricted to premium gaming screens and different high-end tech, so it’s encouraging to see it lastly attain mainstream pricing. The AW2726DM is cheaper than older Alienware screens just like the Alienware AW2725DF 360Hz QD-OLED ($650), in addition to the earlier backside of the OLED gaming monitor market, inhabited by the likes of the Gigabyte MO27Q28G ($599) and the AOC Q27G4ZD ($499).
