I tested a 1440p OLED monitor against a far pricier 4K model – and the cheaper one won

Taylor Clemons/ZDNET

While 4K has become the industry standard for TVs, PC monitors are still catching up. It’s a more popular option than it was a few years ago, but you’re still likely to pay a premium for an Ultra Hi Definition (UHD) screen. That goes double if you want it to be an OLED.

Also: Why an ultrawide monitor shouldn’t be your default choice for productivity

Thankfully, with a 1440p option, you can still get an ultra-high definition screen that hits the sweet spot between everyday use and high-end performance. But if you’re looking to upgrade on a more modest budget, or just aren’t sure how much resolution is too much, it can be hard to decide what type of screen you actually need.

To help you decide, I’ve tested two OLED monitors from Alienware: the AW2527Q and AW2627DM. Both are 27 inches, both feature QD-OLED panels, and both run at 240Hz refresh rate. The difference between them comes down to resolution: 4K (UHD) versus 1440p (QHD) — which is also sometimes referred to as 2K.

I made a list of each display’s features and tech specs, and I’ve taken a closer look at where they differ the most. Both screens are on a pretty even keel when it comes to color and contrast, so I focused on price, performance, and the real differences between 4K and 1440p.

Specifications

You should buy the Alienware 4K monitor (AW2725Q) if…

1. You’re a creative professional

Having an ultra-high definition screen is a must if you work with still photos, video, or digital art and graphics. The extra details that a 4K screen can provide can mean the difference between a successful project and something destined for the trash bin. You’ll get four times the resolution of a 1080p screen, and twice that of a 1440p monitor. And the ability to accurately recreate billions of colors means that you’ll get high-quality images on your screen and hues that will match your physical prints.

2. You’re a serious PC or console gamer

If you split your free time equally between PC and console gaming, or are a gaming content creator, a 4K OLED monitor can be an excellent upgrade to your setup. This screen from Alienware supports up to a 240Hz refresh rate for ultra-smooth motion in both 4K and 1080p.

Also: Have an old PC monitor laying around? Turning it into a TV is easier than you think

It also supports both AMD FreeSync Premium Pro and Nvidia G-Sync VRR to prevent screen tearing and stuttering, no matter what graphics card you have. The UHD resolution also means you’ll be able to get the most out of your favorite titles, on any platform.

You should buy the Alienware 2K monitor (AW2725DW) if…

1. You need a screen that can pull double duty

Sometimes, your work-from-home setup also doubles as your gaming rig, and you might need a screen that can handle everything from virtual meetings and spreadsheets to streaming and PC gaming. The 1440p resolution and OLED panel do a nice job of splitting the difference when it comes to detailing, color accuracy, and contrast.

It also means you can have the benefit of a UHD monitor without feeling like you’re wasting potential on word documents and less intensive game titles. You’ll even get support for AMD FreeSync Premium VRR and the same ultra-low response time as it’s high-end cousin.

2. You want a more affordable OLED

A 4K screen can cost a pretty penny, especially when you throw an OLED panel into the mix. The high cost of a UHD screen can be a big deterrent to anyone who needs to upgrade or replace their current monitor on a more modest budget. Take a look at these two models: the AW2725Q 4K monitor starts at $799, while the AW2726DM 2K monitor is less than half that at $319.

Also: How to turn your TV into a computer monitor in 3 easy steps – and for free

Opting for a 1440p OLED can often cut the expected prices almost in half, and you’ll get the same color accuracy, contrast, and response time as the more expensive option.

3. You have an older graphics card

If you’re trying to squeeze the absolute most use out of an older desktop or laptop before you have to replace it, your graphics card may not support 4K resolution output. Both Nvidia and AMD introduced 4K-ready GPUs way back in 2015, so if your build hasn’t been updated in the last ten years, you won’t be able to get the best resolution out of a UHD monitor.

You certainly don’t want to waste money on a screen you can’t take full advantage of when you could be using that cash to bring your rig more up to speed.

Writer’s choice

If I were to spend my own hard-earned money on either of these displays, I would have to pick the Alienware 27 2K monitor (AW2627DW). While it’s not the most impressive in terms of resolution, it feels nicer to look at for long periods of time. The dimmer screen and warmer color temperature help combat eye strain during long work days and evening gaming sessions.

The dimmer display also helps keep bright colors from looking blown out on such a small screen. With an identical refresh rate, response time, and OLED panel as its premium cousin, the 1440p version gives you the same performance for a much lower price.

Taylor Clemons

Staff Writer

Taylor Clemons is a tech writer and reviewer based near Cleveland, OH. After graduating from Tiffin University in 2011, they spent several years in lawn and garden manufacturing before working on their own (now defunct) game review site, Steam Shovelers. From there, Taylor expanded into writing about consumer technology like televisions, home audio equipment, and smart home devices at Lifewire. Taylor’s work can also be found at The Balance, TechRadar, Tom’s Hardware, SPY.com, GameSkinny, IndieHangover, The Inventory, and Forbes.

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