Apple Thunderbolt Display vs Dell UltraSharp U2715H

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

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Thunderbolt Display compared with UltraSharp U2715H
AppleThunderbolt DisplayDellUltraSharp U2715H
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 20112014
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)–6 ms
Brightness (typical)375 nits (better)350 nits
Contrast ratio1,000:11,000:1
Colour range–99% sRGB
Colour accuracy (Delta E)–Below 3
Screen finishGlossyMatte
ShapeFlatFlat
Colour depthUp to 16.7 million colours; Apple does not specify panel bit depth16.78 million colours
sRGB coverage–99%
Colour accuracy–Factory calibrated to average Delta E ≤ 3.
Response time detailApple specifies 12 ms without identifying the transition; omitted from the grey-to-grey row6 ms grey-to-grey in Fast mode; 8 ms in Normal mode (Dell). TFTCentral found Fast introduced overshoot on its sample.
Viewing angles178° horizontally and vertically178° horizontal and vertical (typical).
Pixel pitch–0.2331 mm.
Eye careAmbient light sensor automatically adjusts brightnessAnalogue backlight dimming for a flicker-free display, according to Dell.
Connections
Video inputsThunderbolt2 × HDMI 1.4, 2 × DisplayPort 1.2
USB-C chargingNoneNone
USB ports3 × USB-A5 × USB-A
EthernetYes–
SpeakersYesNo
HDMI detail–Two HDMI 1.4 inputs with MHL 2.0 support.
DisplayPort detail–One DisplayPort 1.2 input, one Mini DisplayPort input and one DisplayPort 1.2 MST output.
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.DisplayPort 1.2 MST output; Dell lists one additional QHD 60 Hz display or two lower-resolution displays.
USB hub detailThree powered USB 2.0 Type-A ports; device charging can work without a host attachedFive downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports and one upstream USB 3.0 Type-B port; one downstream port supports BC 1.2 charging.
Audio out–Audio line out for external speakers; Dell says it does not support headphones.
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, pivot (better)
VESA mountYesYes
Height adjustment–115 mm.
Weight with stand10.8 kg–
TiltTilt adjustment only; no height, swivel or pivot adjustment (Macworld)-5° to 21°.
Swivel–-45° to 45°.
Pivot–-90° to 90°.
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.612.7 × 205.0 × 409.9–524.9 mm (width × depth × height).
Size without stand–612.7 × 46.4 × 363.4 mm (width × depth × height).
Weight without stand–4.91 kg, without cables.
ControlsBrightness and colour profile through macOS Displays preferences; no on-screen menu or physical image controls (Macworld)Touch-sensitive front buttons and on-screen display.
ColoursAluminium enclosure with black glass bezelBlack front frame and silver stand.
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.36 W typical, 88 W maximum with USB active; less than 0.5 W in standby.
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.Dell Display Manager.
CertificationsENERGY STAR 5.1; EPEAT Gold in the US and CanadaEPEAT Gold and TCO Certified Displays, according to Dell.
WarrantyOne-year limited warranty and 90 days of telephone support–
In the boxThunderbolt Display, AC power cord and printed documentationStand, power cable, Mini DisplayPort-to-DisplayPort cable, USB 3.0 upstream cable, factory calibration report and documentation.

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