Apple Thunderbolt Display vs Dell UltraSharp U2711

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Thunderbolt Display compared with UltraSharp U2711
AppleThunderbolt DisplayDellUltraSharp U2711
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 20112010
Display
Screen size27″27″
Resolution2560 × 1440 (QHD)2560 × 1440 (QHD)
Sharpness109 pixels per inch109 pixels per inch
PanelIPSIPS (CCFL-backlit wide-gamut IPS.)
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
Response time (grey to grey)–6 ms
Brightness (typical)375 nits (better)350 nits
Contrast ratio1,000:11,000:1
Colour range–100% sRGB; 96% Adobe RGB
Colour accuracy (Delta E)–Below 5
Screen finishGlossyMatte
ShapeFlatFlat
Colour depthUp to 16.7 million colours; Apple does not specify panel bit depthUp to 1.07 billion colours with 12-bit internal processing, according to Dell.
sRGB coverage–100% typical, according to Dell.
Adobe RGB coverage–96% typical, according to Dell.
Colour accuracy–Factory-calibrated sRGB and Adobe RGB presets to average Delta E below 5 on a new unit, according to Dell.
Colour modes–Includes sRGB, Adobe RGB and a six-axis Custom Color mode.
Response time detailApple specifies 12 ms without identifying the transition; omitted from the grey-to-grey row6 ms grey-to-grey or 12 ms black-to-white, typical.
Viewing angles178° horizontally and vertically178° horizontal and vertical, typical.
Pixel pitch–0.2331 mm.
Eye careAmbient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness–
Connections
Video inputsThunderboltHDMI, DisplayPort
USB-C chargingNoneNone
USB ports3 × USB-A4 × USB-A
EthernetYes–
SpeakersYesNo
HDMI detail–One HDMI input; Dell lists up to 1080p video modes in its manual.
DisplayPort detail–One DisplayPort input; also two dual-link DVI-D inputs, VGA, composite and component video.
WebcamFaceTime HD camera with microphone–
Thunderbolt detailCaptive first-generation Thunderbolt input cable; two bidirectional 10 Gbps channels. Requires a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac, not a Mini DisplayPort-only Mac.–
Other connectionsGigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000Base-T), FireWire 800 with up to 7 W power, downstream Thunderbolt port and Kensington security slot–
Daisy chainingDownstream Thunderbolt supports compatible devices and a second Thunderbolt Display where the Mac permits it. The port does not directly support Mini DisplayPort, DVI or VGA displays or adapters.–
USB hub detailThree powered USB 2.0 Type-A ports; device charging can work without a host attachedFour downstream USB 2.0 ports and one upstream port; integrated multi-format card reader.
Picture by picture–Picture-in-picture and picture-by-picture modes with a second video source.
Audio out–Audio line out for external speakers; optional Dell soundbar support.
Speaker detailBuilt-in 2.1 speaker system with 49 W output–
Webcam detailFaceTime HD camera and microphone; Apple does not publish a megapixel figure in the specifications–
Design
Stand adjustsTiltHeight, tilt, swivel (better)
VESA mountYesYes
Weight with stand10.8 kg7.72 kg
Height adjustment–90 mm vertical extension, according to Dell.
TiltTilt adjustment only; no height, swivel or pivot adjustment (Macworld)–
VESA patternRequires the separately sold Apple VESA Mount Adapter Kit100 × 100 mm.
Size with standCurrent UK support specifications give 650 × 491 × 207 mm (width × height × depth). The original manual gives 651.7 × 488.1 × 208.13 mm and 10.7 kg rather than the support page's 10.8 kg.646.71 × 199.95 × 427.83–517.83 mm (width × depth × height).
Size without stand–646.71 × 93 × 385.67 mm (width × depth × height).
Weight without stand–7.72 kg without cables.
ControlsBrightness and colour profile through macOS Displays preferences; no on-screen menu or physical image controls (Macworld)Capacitive touch controls at the front right.
ColoursAluminium enclosure with black glass bezel–
Power and support
Power useMaximum 250 W while charging a MacBook Pro; energy saver 2 W or less. Apple environmental report at 230 V gives 108 W on at full brightness, 1.9 W sleep and 0.75 W off.113 W typical, according to Dell's manual.
Power supplyInternal power supply; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Laptop chargingCaptive Universal MagSafe connector supplies up to 85 W separately from the Thunderbolt cable; no USB-C power delivery–
SoftwareOriginal requirement OS X 10.6.8 or later and a Thunderbolt-equipped Mac. Announced 20 July 2011 with availability within 60 days; September sale month follows contemporary MacRumors reports of customer shipments, rather than the announcement date.–
CertificationsENERGY STAR 5.1; EPEAT Gold in the US and Canada–
WarrantyOne-year limited warranty and 90 days of telephone support–
In the boxThunderbolt Display, AC power cord and printed documentationMonitor and stand, power, VGA, DVI, DisplayPort and USB upstream cables, documentation and factory colour report.

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