TechRadar Verdict
We’ve seen plenty of QD-OLED gaming monitors before.
Just remember you’ll need one heck of a graphics card to drive it.
But for 2025, it’s been shrunk down from 32 inches to 27 inches.
We give you the new Alienware 27 AW2725Q QD-OLED.
The new 27-inch version of Samsung’s QD-OLED panel delivers the latest five-layer tandem OLED structure.
This monitor also debuts Alienware’s new design language.
Time to find out what it’s actually like and where it ranks amongthe best gaming monitors in 2025.
That means there’s some savings to be had from the smaller form factor.
Moreover, this remains an extremely expensive display for a mere 27-inch monitor.
If pixel density is an absolute top priority, then it might just make sense.
Otherwise, a 32-inch QD-OLED for similar money is surely more appealing.
Alienware says it is “crafted to evoke a sense of mystery and transcendence.”
Frankly, that’s a tiny bit hyperbolic.
Not that the Alienware 27 AW2725Q is a bad looking display.
But the new AW30 design language isn’t a comprehensive success.
The shapes and design flourishes are soft and organic with a slightly dated 90s vibe.
Overall, the look and feel isn’t especially impactful or premium.
That said, it is well enough built and the AW2725Q boasts a fully adjustable stand and good ergonomics.
It boasts Samsung’s latest five-layer tandem OLED structure.
Specs like the 240Hz refresh and 0.03ms response are likewise dead ringers for existing 32-inch 4K QD-OLED monitors.
Elsewhere, this isn’t the most highly specified monitor when it comes to connectivity.
In practice, that aspect arguably underwhelms.
Not that the OLEDness here is anything less that you’d expect.
Rather, it looks just like what you’d expect in terms of full screen brightness and peakHDRsizzle.
This screen isn’t a step on in that regard.
So, full screen brightness is adequate rather than excellent.
That said, HDR performance in darker game scenes is just fantastic.
The glossy screen coating only enhances that sense of epic contrast.
No LCD-based display comes even close, not even those with full-array local dimming.
Outdoor game scenes are less impressive, albeit still pretty good.
Then there’s the lightning fast pixel response.
In fact, response is essentially a solved problem with these OLED monitors.
The 240Hz refresh rate makes for very fluid visuals, too, plus excellent input latency.
But if you’ve got one, you’ll love this monitor.
But what of the other key benefit, that high pixel density?
Honestly, there’s not much subjective benefit compared to a 32-inch 4K OLED.
And of course this screen is smaller and less immersive.
Otherwise, we’d go 32-inch for the larger, more cinematic experience.
It slightly detracts from the sense of contrast and, again only slightly, undermines black levels.
It’s not a deal breaker, but is worth being aware of.
The other related issue is the color balance marginally tilted towards warmth.
Performance:
Really the only thing this QD-OLED lacks is a teensy bit of full-screen brightness.
Otherwise, this really is state of the art in terms of flat panel tech.
It’s a stunning all-rounder, but for most gamers the 32-inch alternative makes more sense.
That’s especially true when a 32-inch 4K OLED can be had for the same price.
You like large, cinematic visuals
Here in 2025, a 27-inch monitor isn’t exactly massive.
Also Consider
Alienware AW3225QF
This 32-inch 4K QD-OLED is a little more expensive.
But then it’s larger and more immersive.
Uniquely among the 4K 32-inch OLEDs on the market, this monitor is curved.
The pixel density is much lower, but the immersion levels are off the map.
Assessing things like full screen brightness is critical, as is getting to grips with the high-DPI experience.
Checking out Alienware’s new design language was intriguing, too.
