Apple LED Cinema Display (27-inch) vs Dell UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2721DE)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

LED Cinema Display (27-inch) compared with UltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2721DE)
AppleLED Cinema Display (27-inch)DellUltraSharp 27 USB-C Hub Monitor (U2721DE)
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2010April 2020
Display
Screen size27″27″
Resolution2560 × 1440 (QHD)2560 × 1440 (QHD)
Sharpness109 pixels per inch109 pixels per inch
PanelIPSIPS
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
Response time (grey to grey)–5 ms
Brightness (typical)375 nits (better)350 nits
Contrast ratio1,000:11,000:1
Colour range–99% sRGB, 99% Rec.709, 85% DCI-P3
DCI-P3 coverage–85%
Colour accuracy (Delta E)–Below 2
Screen finishGlossyMatte
ShapeFlatFlat
Colour depthUp to 16.7 million colours; panel bit depth is not specified16.7 million colours
sRGB coverage–99% sRGB and 99% Rec.709 claimed by Dell
Response time detailTypical 12 ms without a specified transition; omitted from the grey-to-grey row5 ms Fast, 8 ms Normal, grey-to-grey
Viewing angles178° horizontally and vertically178° horizontal and vertical
Pixel pitch–0.233 mm
Eye careAmbient light sensor adjusts brightness automaticallyFlicker-free panel and ComfortView low-blue-light mode
Calibration–Factory average Delta E below 2, according to Dell
Connections
Video inputsMini DisplayPortHDMI, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C
USB-C chargingNoneUp to 65 W (better)
USB ports3 × USB-A4 × USB-A
KVM switch–No
Ethernet–Yes
SpeakersYesNo
WebcamiSight camera with microphone–
DisplayPort detailCaptive Mini DisplayPort cable; audio support depends on the host MacOne DisplayPort 1.4 input and one DisplayPort output with MST support.
USB-C detail–USB-C upstream carries DisplayPort 1.4 video and USB 3.1 data, with up to 65 W Power Delivery.
Daisy chaining–DisplayPort MST output for a second compatible display.
USB hub detailThree powered USB 2.0 Type-A ports; upstream USB cable required for data, camera, microphone and speakers. Device charging works without a host connected.Two standard USB 3.0 downstream ports and two USB 3.0 downstream ports with BC 1.2 charging at up to 2 A.
Audio out–3.5 mm audio line output
Speaker detailBuilt-in 2.1 system with 49 W output–
Webcam detailBuilt-in iSight; maker specifications do not publish a megapixel figure–
Design
Stand adjustsTiltHeight, tilt, swivel, pivot (better)
VESA mountYesYes
Height adjustment–130 mm
Tilt–-5° to 21°
Swivel–-40° to 40°
Weight with stand10.7 kg–
VESA patternRequires the separately sold Apple VESA Mount Adapter Kit100 × 100 mm
Size with standCurrent UK specifications give 650 × 491 × 207 mm (width × height × depth). Original manual gives 651.7 × 488.1 × 208.13 mm; both give 10.7 kg.612.2 × 180 × 390.2–520.2 mm (W × D × H)
Size without stand–612.2 × 39 × 355 mm (W × D × H)
Weight without stand–4.19 kg
ControlsBrightness, colour profile and calibration through Mac OS X Displays preferences; no physical image controls (Macworld)–
ColoursAluminium enclosure with black glass bezel–
Power and support
Power useMaximum 250 W while charging a MacBook Pro; energy saver 1 W or less22.6 W on, 0.2 W standby, 0.2 W off, 160 W maximum
Power supplyInternal power supply; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
Laptop chargingSeparate captive universal MagSafe connector supplies up to 85 W; no USB-C power delivery–
SoftwareOriginal requirement Mac with Mini DisplayPort and Mac OS X 10.6.4 or later. July 2010 announcement specifies September availability.Dell Display Manager
CertificationsENERGY STAR 5.0; EPEAT Gold in the US, Canada, France, Germany and UKENERGY STAR and TCO Certified; EPEAT registration varies by country
In the boxDisplay, AC power cord and printed documentationStand, DisplayPort cable and USB-C cable

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