Dell to release S2318NX, S2418NX and S2718NX IPS Displays with HDR

The Dell S2318NX, S2418NX and S2718NX are based on the new InfinityEdge design and support ‘Dell HDR’, these monitors feature 23” (S23), 23.8” (S24) and 27” (S27) IPS (In Plane Switching) panels, likely LG Display AH-IPS panels. 

The resolution for all models is 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) with a 60Hz refresh rate and viewing angles of 178° specified both horizontally and vertically. The 27” model also supports AMD FreeSync via HDMI, although the refresh rate range of that is currently unknown but believed to be either 40 – 75Hz or 48 – 75Hz. A 1000:1 static contrast ratio is specified alongside a 6ms grey to grey response time and a 99% sRGB colour gamut. The 27” model supports AMD FreeSync via HDMI, although the refresh rate range of that is currently unknown but believed to be either 40 – 75Hz or 48 – 75Hz reports pcmonitors.info:

For a true HDR experience you need a backlight with many ‘dimming zones’ that can simultaneously display very bright and very dim content (naturally giving it a very high static contrast ratio). You also need an expansive colour gamut, expanding way beyond sRGB. Given the specifications, then, it seems a little confusing to then say that ‘this is an HDR monitor’. It would be more accurate to say that the monitor features ‘Dell HDR’, which is an intelligent processing algorithm used to ‘enhance’ the image where HDR10 content is being displayed. We have not yet had any hands-on experience with this technology so can’t say at this stage exactly how it works, but we feel it may ‘enhance’ content which supports it without really blowing users away in the sense that ‘real HDR’ might.

The included stand is tilt-only with the slender and self-contained monitors lacking VESA holes for alternative mounting. The ports include; VGA, HDMI (1.4a with Adaptive-Sync on 27” model only) and 3.5mm audio output. Further information on the S23, S24 and S27 can be found on Dell’s website. Note that similar models with the suffix ‘HX’ also exist (S2318HX, S2318HX and S2718HX) with a Waves Maxx Audio speaker integrated into the stand base. The models are now available in the US from the manufacturer, with wider retailer available there and in other regions expected shortly. If there is sufficient demand, we’ll consider reviewing at least one of these models.

The monitors sit in the $269.99 price ranges.