Apple Thunderbolt Display vs Dell UltraSharp U2717D

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

Thunderbolt Display compared with UltraSharp U2717D
AppleThunderbolt DisplayDellUltraSharp U2717D
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 20112016
Display
Screen size27″27″
Resolution2560 × 1440 (QHD)2560 × 1440 (QHD)
Sharpness109 pixels per inch109 pixels per inch
PanelIPSIPS (LED-backlit IPS-type LCD; TFTCentral identified a Samsung PLS panel in its sample.)
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 2
Screen finishGlossyMatte
ShapeFlatFlat
Colour depthUp to 16.7 million colours; Apple does not specify panel bit depth16.7 million colours, according to Dell.
sRGB coverage–99% typical, according to Dell.
Colour accuracy–Factory calibrated to average Delta E < 2, according to Dell.
Response time detailApple specifies 12 ms without identifying the transition; omitted from the grey-to-grey row8 ms grey-to-grey in Normal mode; 6 ms in Fast mode, according to Dell.
Viewing angles178° horizontally and vertically178° horizontal and vertical, typical.
Pixel pitch–0.2331 mm.
Eye careAmbient light sensor automatically adjusts brightness–
Connections
Video inputsThunderboltHDMI, 2 × DisplayPort 1.2
USB-C chargingNoneNone
USB ports3 × USB-A4 × USB-A
EthernetYes–
SpeakersYesNo
HDMI detail–One HDMI input with MHL support.
DisplayPort detail–One DisplayPort input, one Mini DisplayPort input and one DisplayPort 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 MST output supports one additional 2560 × 1440 60 Hz monitor, according to Dell.
USB hub detailThree powered USB 2.0 Type-A ports; device charging can work without a host attachedFour USB 3.0 downstream Type-A ports and one upstream port; one downstream port supports BC 1.2 charging.
Audio out–Stereo audio line out for speakers; Dell says headphones are unsupported.
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
Weight with stand10.8 kg4.5 kg
Height adjustment–130 mm.
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.611.3 × 200.3 × 410.2–540.2 mm (width × depth × height).
Size without stand–611.3 × 48.3 × 355.6 mm (width × depth × height).
Weight without stand–4.5 kg, without cables.
ControlsBrightness and colour profile through macOS Displays preferences; no on-screen menu or physical image controls (Macworld)–
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.26 W typical, 74 W maximum with USB active, according to Dell.
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 CanadaENERGY STAR and TCO Certified Displays; EPEAT registration varies by country.
WarrantyOne-year limited warranty and 90 days of telephone support–
In the boxThunderbolt Display, AC power cord and printed documentation–

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