Honestly, I thought bigger meant better. More screen, more space, more productivity. That’s what I told myself when I first unpacked the Dell UltraSharp 32″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor. It looked stunning. Sleek, premium packaging, a stand that felt like it could hold up a small car, and a spec sheet that read like a tech enthusiast’s dream.
But after a few weeks of use, and then received the 27-inch version to test out. I found myself quietly enjoying the smaller screen more. Not because it’s better on paper. It’s not. But because it fits better into my actual life. I didn’t expect to prefer the Dell UltraSharp 27″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor
The 32-Inch: A Productivity Powerhouse
Having just reviewed the Dell UltraSharp 32″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, I can say without hesitation, it’s an absolute unit. I loved it. It’s got that premium feel, the kind that makes you want to rearrange your whole desk just to show it off properly.
The specs are stacked: 3840 x 2160 resolution, IPS Black panel with deep contrast, 120Hz refresh rate, and a ridiculous number of ports. Thunderbolt 4 with 140W power delivery, built-in KVM switch, Ethernet, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1; you name it, it’s probably on the back of this thing.
It’s not just a monitor. It’s a hub. A dock. A switchboard. I used it to run my laptop, desktop, webcam, mic, and even charge my phone. And it handled all of it without breaking a sweat.
But it’s big. Really big. The stand alone eats up a chunk of desk space, and while I mounted mine on an arm, it still felt like the monitor was looming over everything. I had to shift my keyboard, move my speakers, and rethink where my coffee mug went. I even moved my desk further away from the wall, just so I can push the monitor back. It sounds petty, but those little adjustments add up.
And as someone who uses dual monitors daily, that size becomes a real issue. Two 32-inch screens side by side? It’s overwhelming. There’s just too much visual real estate. I found myself constantly turning my head, losing focus, and struggling to keep things feeling cohesive. It’s impressive, sure. But not always practical.
The 27-Inch: Surprisingly Just Right
Then I tried the Dell UltraSharp 27″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor (U2725QE). Same resolution. Same refresh rate. Same Thunderbolt 4 hub. But smaller. More manageable. Less… imposing.
It felt like the monitor was part of the desk, not dominating it. I didn’t have to rearrange anything. My workflow stayed the same, but the space felt more open. I could glance around without feeling boxed in. And the screen? Still sharp. Still vibrant. Still fast.
The contrast isn’t quite as deep as the 32-inch’s IPS Black panel, but it’s close. And unless you’re doing high end colour-critical work every day, you probably won’t notice. I didn’t. I’ve edited photos, written articles, watched movies, and played a few games. It held up.
And ergonomically? It’s just easier. I found myself leaning in less, scanning less. Everything was within reach visually and physically. It’s subtle, but it adds up over a full workday.
What surprised me most was how quickly I stopped thinking about it. With the 32-inch, I was always aware of the screen. It was beautiful, yes, but also a presence. The 27-inch just blended in. It became part of the environment, not the centrepiece.
There’s something to be said for that. For gear that supports your work without constantly reminding you it’s there. The Dell UltraSharp 27″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor does that. Quietly, efficiently, and without fuss. Would I go back to the 32-inch? Maybe. For certain projects, sure. But for everyday use? This feels right.
The KVM Switch: A Must-Have, Built-In
Here’s the thing, I already use a KVM switch. Have for years. It’s baked into my workflow. I switch between my desktop and laptop constantly, and honestly, I can’t imagine going back to unplugging cables or juggling USB hubs. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes tools that quietly keeps everything running.
So when I saw that Dell had built a KVM switch directly into the monitor, I was genuinely excited. It’s a small detail, but for someone like me, it’s a game-changer. That enthusiasm definitely came through in my review of the Dell UltraSharp 32″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor, and I love that the Dell UltraSharp 27″ 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor keeps that same functionality. You get the size that suits your space, and you don’t lose the KVM or the generous port selection.
No extra box. No extra cables. Just seamless switching with a button press. It’s cleaner, faster, and more reliable than I expected. I’ve used it every single day without a hiccup. And now that it’s built into the monitor itself, I’m not sure I’d want to go back to a separate unit. It’s one of those features that quietly improves your setup in a way you don’t want to give up once you’ve tried it.
It’s not flashy. It’s not something you show off. But it makes everything feel smoother. More integrated. And when you’re working across multiple machines, that kind of simplicity matters.
Side-by-Side: What Actually Matters
| Feature | 32″ UltraSharp | 27″ UltraSharp |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz |
| Panel | IPS Black | IPS Black |
| Ports | 15+ incl. Thunderbolt 4, Ethernet, USB-C/A | Same |
| Power Delivery | 140W | 140W |
| Built-in KVM | Yes | Yes |
| Size | 31.5″ | 27″ |
| Price (AUD) | $1,379 | $1,049 |
Final Thoughts: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
I still admire the 32-inch. It’s impressive. Big, bold, and beautiful. If you’ve got the space and want a centrepiece, something that anchors your setup and makes a statement, I couldn’t recommend it more. It’s the kind of monitor that turns heads, even if it’s just your own.
But if you’re like me, working from a desk that’s already juggling a laptop, mic, speakers, and a few too many charging cables, the 27-inch might just be the smarter choice, especially if you need two monitors like I do. It fits in without fuss. No need to shift things around or rethink your layout. It just slots in and gets to work.
It’s not flashy. It’s not oversized. It’s just… right. Balanced, in a way that doesn’t call attention to itself. And that’s something I’ve come to appreciate more than I expected.
There’s a kind of quiet efficiency to it. I don’t find myself adjusting my posture or craning my neck. I’m not constantly aware of the screen’s size. It’s there when I need it, and invisible when I don’t. That sounds odd, maybe, but it makes a difference over time. As someone who can spend 12 hours or more a day on the computer, I can tell you that after a few days, you’ll thank me!
And sometimes, that’s enough. Not everything needs to be dramatic to be good. Sometimes the best gear is the kind that just works for you; comfortably, consistently, without getting in the way. As I said, this is a very personal thing, based on what I need. Whether you agree with me or not, one thing we can agree on is that the Dell UltraSharp 4K Thunderbolt Hub Monitor is a game changer, regardless of which size you get!
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