Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27" QHD vs ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27" WQHD
Dell UltraSharp U2722D ($399) and ASUS ProArt PA278CV ($349) are the most-recommended professional monitors under $500. Both offer factory-calibrated color accuracy and USB-C connectivity, but make different trade-offs in resolution, brightness, and port selection.
Updated June 22, 2026
Quick Verdict
4K resolution and 90W USB-C power delivery make U2722D the best single-cable docking monitor under $500.
Both are factory calibrated to deltaE<2. PA278CV covers 95% DCI-P3; U2722D has slightly better contrast via IPS Black.
PA278CV is $50 cheaper with equivalent color accuracy and includes a calibration report.
IPS Black panel offers 2000:1 contrast ratio versus PA278CV's standard 1000:1 IPS.
U2722D's 4K resolution versus PA278CV's 1440p is meaningful for photo editing and text clarity.
Detailed Comparison
27-inch 4K IPS Black, 3840×2160, 400 nits. IPS Black panel provides 2000:1 contrast — double the typical IPS. Excellent for reading text and dark-background content.
27-inch 1440p IPS, 2560×1440, 350 nits. QHD resolution is adequate for most creative work but lacks 4K pixel density for detailed photo editing.
100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3. Factory calibrated. Ships with deltaE<2 report.
100% sRGB, 95% DCI-P3. Factory calibrated. Ships with individual test report. Slightly less DCI-P3 coverage but negligible in most real-world workflows.
USB-C 90W power delivery, 4× USB-A 3.2, 1× USB-C upstream. Effectively docks most laptops with a single cable.
USB-C 65W power delivery, 3× USB-A, 1× USB-C. Charges most ultrabooks; may not fully power larger laptops under sustained load.
Full height, tilt, swivel, and pivot (portrait mode) adjustment. Smooth and firm Dell stand quality.
Full height, tilt, swivel, and pivot. ASUS's hinge mechanism is slightly stiffer but equally adjustable.
$399 MSRP. Frequently on sale for $349–$379. Premium justified by 4K and IPS Black panel.
$349 MSRP. The lower entry price and equivalent color accuracy make it better value for color-critical work that doesn't require 4K.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Dell UltraSharp U2722D 27" QHD | ASUS ProArt PA278CV 27" WQHD |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399 | $349 |
| Our Score | 8.4 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Panel | 27" IPS | 27" IPS |
| Resolution | QHD 2560×1440 | WQHD 2560×1440 |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 75Hz |
| Color Coverage | 99% sRGB | 100% sRGB, 100% Rec.709 |
| Ports | 1x Thunderbolt 4 (90W), 1x DisplayPort in/out, 2x HDMI, 5x USB-A | 1x USB-C 65W, 1x DisplayPort, 2x HDMI, 4x USB-A |
The Bottom Line
Dell UltraSharp U2722D wins for home office and docking use cases. Its 4K resolution, 90W USB-C power delivery, and four-port USB hub make it the most practical single-cable docking monitor in its price range. The IPS Black panel's 2000:1 contrast is better than anything at this price.
ASUS ProArt PA278CV wins for color-critical creative work on a tighter budget. The factory-calibrated deltaE<2 accuracy, 95% DCI-P3 coverage, and $50 lower price make it the better pick for photographers and graphic designers who need accurate colors without 4K resolution.
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