Listen to the verdict
Want 4K + USB-C charging on a tight budget? LG 27UK850. Want a USB-C dock built into the monitor? Dell U2723QE.
Both are 27-inch 4K IPS monitors. The Dell adds three things many users will pay a premium for: 90W PD (vs LG's 60W), a built-in KVM switch, and 2.5GbE pass-through — effectively a docking station with a screen. If you already have a dock, or you only have one computer connected, the LG saves you money for nearly identical image quality.
The Dell Technologies clip below is that manufacturer’s own product video — marketing by one of the two parties this page compares, not independent evidence. The verdict here is ours.
Linus Tech Tips perspective
LTT on premium monitor value — useful context for why 4-year-old IPS still holds up.
Official Dell Technologies
Dell's own overview of the UltraSharp U3225QE — a larger 32" model from the same Thunderbolt-hub line, not the U2723QE this page ranks. Manufacturer marketing, shown for the hub concept only.
| Metric | LG 27UK850 | Dell U2723QE |
|---|---|---|
| Panel | IPS (standard) | IPS Black (2000:1 contrast) |
| Resolution | 4K 60Hz | 4K 60Hz |
| HDR | HDR 400 | HDR 600 + local dimming |
| USB-C Power Delivery | 60W | 90W |
| Built-in KVM | No | Yes (2 computers, 1 KB/mouse) |
| Ethernet pass-through | No | 2.5 GbE |
| USB hub | 2x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 1x USB-C upstream |
| Colour | 99% sRGB factory-calibrated | 98% DCI-P3 factory-calibrated |
| Adjustability | Tilt + height + pivot | Tilt + height + pivot + swivel |
| Price | Check current price | Check current price |
For pure display use — you want a 4K IPS panel, you charge your laptop via USB-C, you don't need extra ports — the LG produces an image effectively indistinguishable from the Dell. The 99% sRGB factory calibration is enough for video calls, content viewing, and non-colour-critical work.
If you already have a Thunderbolt dock (like a CalDigit TS4), the Dell's built-in dock features are redundant. The LG is the right monitor in that scenario.
If you don't have a separate dock and want your monitor to be the desk hub, the Dell is a different product entirely. One USB-C cable from your laptop to the monitor gives you: 90W charging, dual-monitor signal pass-through, KVM switching, ethernet, and 4 USB-A + 2 USB-C ports. That replaces a €200-400 dock.
The IPS Black panel is also a meaningful upgrade for contrast-sensitive work. 2000:1 contrast (vs standard IPS's 1000:1) makes dark scenes in video and HDR content look genuinely better, and the HDR 600 with local dimming is real HDR (the LG's HDR 400 is the "compliant but not impressive" tier).
| If you... | Choose |
|---|---|
| Already own a Thunderbolt dock | LG 27UK850 |
| Want monitor to be your desk hub | Dell U2723QE |
| Use two computers daily (work + personal) | Dell U2723QE (KVM) |
| Want best HDR for occasional film viewing | Dell U2723QE (HDR 600) |
| Charge MacBook Pro 16 from the monitor | Dell U2723QE (90W < required 96W ideal) |
| Charge MacBook Air / 14 from the monitor | Either works |
| Use wired ethernet | Dell U2723QE (2.5GbE) |
| Do colour-critical photo work | Dell U2723QE (DCI-P3) |
| Do general office work + content viewing | LG 27UK850 |
| Budget <€500 | LG 27UK850 |
Buy the LG 27UK850 if you want 4K + USB-C charging without paying for dock features you don't need. Best price-per-pixel in this comparison.
Buy the Dell U2723QE if you want one cable to handle laptop charging, KVM, ethernet, and USB hub. For a multi-computer setup or someone replacing a separate dock, the Dell is the better total package.
Read our full reviews: LG 27UK850 review · Dell UltraSharp U2723QE review
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