Last year was big for 27-inch OLED gaming monitors. Standouts like the Asus ROG Strix OLED XG27AQDMG, MSI MPG 271QRX QD-OLED, and Alienware’s own AW2725DF delivered top-tier performance, though they were all limited to QHD (2560 x 1440) resolution. Now, Alienware has kicked off 2025 by pushing the pixel envelope.
Meet the Alienware AW2725Q, a 27-inch 4K QD-OLED display, it offers the highest pixel density ever for an OLED panel of this size, delivering sharp and vibrant visuals that impress.
But while it’s an exceptional monitor, it doesn’t quite make a compelling case for existing OLED users to upgrade, especially when Alienware’s AW2725DF still offers more speed (360Hz vs. 240Hz) and a lower price.
This is my first time with a OLED monitor so the huge leap in quality is extremely noticeable, and the perfect monitor for console gaming , participatory for the PlayStation 5 Pro or Xbox Series X.
Design
The AW2725Q introduces Alienware’s new aesthetic direction. Gone is the diamond-shaped base, replaced by a rounded-square stand that offers better cable management and a striking Interstellar Indigo option. It weighs 14.9 pounds with the stand and measures 20.3 x 24 x 2.8 inches (H,W,D) when fully extended.
The stand redesign may irk competitive gamers who prefer angular feet for anchoring gear—something Alienware’s 500Hz AW2524HF still provides. That change parallels a drop in refresh rate too: this model peaks at 240Hz, compared to 360Hz on the AW2725DF. It’s still fast—especially for 4K—but hardcore esports players might look elsewhere.
On the back, you’ll find two HDMI 2.1 ports (one with eARC), DisplayPort, USB-B upstream, two USB-A, and a security lock. Under the screen edge: one more USB-A and a USB-C port with 15W power delivery. No built-in speakers though, and oddly, no headphone jack.
Display & Features
The QD-OLED panel here is gorgeous, with a graphite-film heatsink to help manage temps and minimise burn-in. Alienware has also added a touch of AI, it uses an algorithm to regulate pixel-level electrical current, enhancing panel longevity and uniformity.
This kind of AI isn’t new (Samsung and MSI have implemented similar tech), but it’s welcome nonetheless. Alienware’s real breakthrough is in pixel density—166 pixels per inch, versus 111ppi on the AW2725DF and 140ppi on the 32-inch AW3225QF.
The leap in sharpness comes thanks to an advanced QD-OLED printing process that uses quantum dot “ink” sprayed via micrometre-sized nozzles. The result? crisper visuals, deeper blacks and a smart, sharp image from 4K devices.
OLEDs don’t need to hit insane brightness numbers to impress, and what always matters more here is contrast. And like other OLEDs, this one offers astronomical contrast (rated at 1,500,000:1), producing those true blacks and rich highlights.
Performance
Input lag is also a critical consideration for gamers, and the AW2725Q impresses here too. The monitor boasts less than 1ms of input lag, and with testing, saw no ghosting or tearing in real-world testing across Assassins Creed: Shadows and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, to name a few notable recent jaw dropping visual experiences.
Yes, it’s limited to 240Hz, but that’s still more than enough for buttery-smooth gameplay across the board. Plus, it supports Nvidia G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and VESA AdaptiveSync for flawless motion regardless of your GPU.
That said, we did wish for a bit more brightness during some scenes, especially compared to the eye-searing levels IPS panels can hit.
Verdict & Value
In short, the AW2725Q is certainly ideal, if you either haven’t yet upgraded to OLED, or want to prioritise pixel precision in a compact footprint. If you already have a great OLED however, especially a 32-inch or 4K panel, the benefits may not justify the price tag.
The Alienware AW2725Q ultimately brings crisp 4K visuals and pixel-perfect clarity to a 27-inch OLED. It’s a top-tier monitor, no doubt, but not quite a must-have unless you’re stepping into OLED for the first time.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Superb contrast; Fantastic responsiveness and refresh rates; HDMI 2.1
Lowlights: Doesn’t redefine or push forward the existing OLED formula
Manufacturer: Alienware
Price: A$1199
Available: Now
Review based on unit supplied by Alienware and is available via the official Dell website.
