Earlier this earlier, Dell released a slew of curved monitors to counter Samsung’s models that are based on Vertical Alignment (VA) panel technology. Still, Dell’s minimalist monitors, though lack the curve-feature, sport the same good looks and deliver solid performance, the Dell UltraSharp U2414H, is no different. This 23-inch display uses an In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel to deliver impressively accurate colors and unmatched grayscale performance. Its near-bezel-free design enhances seamless fit, making it convenient when used in a multi-monitor setup which is appealing to finance analysts and workstations.
Moreover, its is equipped with a generous feature set, including multiple video ports, a strong ergonomic design and more than enough USB ports.That said, the Acer R240HY bidx remains our Editors’ Top Pick midrange monitor thanks to equally impressive performance and packs a decent feature set, but the Dell UltraSharp U2414H is equally a strong contender, thus an easy choice to recommend.
Design and Features
The UltraSharp U2414H is clad in a glossy, piano-black cabinet, thin bezels and a 23.8 viewing area, making it a sharp-looking monitor. The cabinet is supported by a silver stand with a 26-degree tilt range (for both forward and backward movement), but it doesn’t have the height, swivel and pivot adjustments we’ve seen in other models. Also missing are VESA mounting holes, but for a monitor f its stature it isn’t much of a deal breaker.
The U2414H’s ports are located at the rear of the cabinet facing downward. Here you’ll find two DisplayPort inputs (one full size and one mini), two HDMI ports, an upstream USB 3.0 port, and four USB 3.0 downstream ports, and an audio output, with one supporting USB charging.
Performance
The UltraSharp U2414H’s Full HD (1920-by-1080) screen is designed to provide a more immersive experience than what you’d get from most budget screens, and it mostly succeeds. Although curved screens tend to offer more benefits, though, flat screen are still here to stay, but curved screen technology is more noticeable larger panels like the 34-inch Dell UltraSharp U3415W PXF79 or Samsung S34E790C.
The U2414H delivers rich colors and very dark blacks, but its output quality isn’t as accurate as what I saw with the Acer Predator X34 in testing. The panelwas able to display every shade of gray in the latest trailer of ‘Game of Thrones’, with excellent shadow and highlight details whilst testing images and every scene from the movie Allied on Blu-ray.
However, the panel responded with a sporadic motion blur while playing Call of Duty: Black Ops III on PlayStation 3. A 12.6 millisecond input lag (time taken to respond to controller command) isn’t something most gamers will like, but if you occasionally binge on casual gaming you might want to consider this budget buy. The ViewSonic XG2700-4K gaming monitor is our leader with a 7.9-millisecond lag time.
Final Verdict
If all you want is a functional monitor, and doesn’t mind the omission of features such as curved technology, or, doesn’t have the room to store a massive model like the Dell UltraSharp U3415W PXF79, the Dell UltraSharp U2414H will fit the bill. Its 23-inch IPS panel produces dark black and rich colors, and the 1080p resolution is a plus.
If you require a larger screen that gives you more control and quality while delivering excellent performance, check out our Editors’ Top Pick big screen midrange monitor, the ASUS MG28UQ 28. It offers faster hardware acceleration, a higher resolution (4K: 3840×2160), more accurate colors and superb connectivity. Still, if your budget doesn’t allow for a bigger screen, the Dell UltraSharp U2414H is a safe et for both casual gamers and enthusiast-level computing needs.
