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[Review] Dell S2421HS: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Monitor

Dell S2421HS review
Pros
  • Adjustable stand
  • IPS Full HD 24-inch display
  • AMD FreeSync support
  • VESA mount compatible
Cons
  • No built-in speakers
  • Is not a hardcore gaming monitor
Known primarily for its laptops and desktop computers, Dell also manufactures a broad range of monitors to satisfy every user's needs, whether they're looking for productivity, entertainment, or even a gaming-oriented solution.

And in this review of the Dell S2421HS, it's time for you to get to know in-depth the main features of a highly praised 24-inch monitor that you can buy at a substantial discount in case it meets your requirements.

Overall, the Dell S2421HS presents itself as an elegant and ergonomic monitor whose day-to-day performance is just what you need to get your productivity tasks done and enjoy your favorite streaming content as it boasts a thin-bezel, sharp, and colorful Full HD 24-inch screen that you can easily adjust its height, tilt, swivel, and even pivot for a more comfortable viewing experience.



Table of contents


Tech Specs of Dell S2421HS


Brand/ModelDell S2421HS
Dimensions without Stand 20.77 x 12.70 x ‎‎2.11 inches
Weight without Stand 7.05 pounds
Display IPS | Anti-glare | 24-inch 
Resolution Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
Aspect Ratio16:9
Response Time4 ms (GtG)
Refresh Rate Up to 75 Hz
Brightness 250 cd/m2
Color Gamut 16.7 Million | 72% NTSC
Speakers No
VESA 100 x 100 mm
Connectivity 1x DisplayPort 1.2
1x HDMI 1.4
1x Headphone out


Image Quality

Dell S2421HS performance
The Dell S2421HS features an IPS 24-inch display that delivers an excellent viewing experience when watching from almost any angle, a respectable color accuracy of up to 16.7 million colors, and a crisp Full HD resolution (1080p) that is perfect for the average user considering its low price point and 24-inch diagonal.

Furthermore, it comes with a maximum brightness of 250 cd/m² which is ideal for indoor spaces, while its Flicker-Free technology will be a plus since it prevents flickers when streaming multimedia content which you can watch with a panoramic 16:9 aspect ratio.

Don't get us wrong, this isn't the best monitor in town, and it's far surpassed by high-end monitors such as the infamous LG 34WN80C-B or the recently reviewed LG 32QN600-B, which features a QHD resolution. But for those looking for a sharp Full HD display that's not too big to comfortably use on your desk, it's a great solution that far surpasses what's typically available within its price range. 

Although the Dell S2421HS is not a gaming-oriented monitor, its performance is good enough for watching movies, series, and sports, as well as not-so-demanding gaming, as confirmed by many users.

Specifically, this model boasts a refresh rate of up to 75 Hz and a response rate of 4 ms (GtG), while its AMD FreeSync support allows you to play your favorite casual games without noticing tearing, input latency, nor any stuttering on screen.

To be clear, this isn't a gaming monitor. For it to be considered a gaming monitor, we would be looking for different specs such as a higher refresh rate (typically over 140 Hz) and a faster response time - along the lines of 1ms -. If that's what you're in the market for, then you're more likely to benefit from the Asus VG248QG

However, if you're looking for a monitor mainly to get some work done, stream movies, and edit videos, then you're looking in the right place. 

Features

Whether you are watching videos, editing texts, or coding, you'll be able to keep your workplace organized thanks to the Dell EasyArrange software that allows split-screen of up to 48 zones as well as other adjustments in order to enhance your daily productivity. Sure, 48 zones might be a bit of an overkill for a 24-inch display but better to have and not need than to need and not have is what I always say.

It also has a built-in blue light filter function, so you can get your thing done without worrying about the side effects of working in front of the display for a long time. However, you could also opt to disable this feature which would be detrimental if you're using your monitor to edit pictures, for example. 

Design and Connectivity

The Dell S2421HS features a sturdy silver cabinet whose subtle textured pattern on the back gives it a premium look, while its ultrathin bezel design delivers an immersive viewing experience when streaming multimedia content.



Also, it comes with an ergonomically-designed stand that allows you to adjust its height (up to 100 mm), tilt (from +21° to -5°), swivel (from +60° to -60°), and pivot (up to 180°) so you can enhance your productivity on multitasking. This is perhaps, along with the competitive price tag and Full HD resolution, one of this monitor's most appealing features. 

Furthermore, its anti-glare coating will be very helpful as it delivers reflection-free images in any scenario, while its VESA support lets you place it on the wall in case you don't have enough space on your desk. However, being a 24-inch monitor, we highly doubt this would be the case. 

As for connectivity, it packs DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 1.4 outputs for connecting your laptop, computer or videogame console and a 3.5 mm audio jack for headphones or speakers since it doesn't have built-in speakers. There's an HDMI cable included, which is always a pleasant bonus.

What are customers saying?


Customers have been raving about the Dell S2421HS monitor! They've had some seriously good things to say about it. One customer found it a breeze to set up and adjust, loving the fact that they could easily tweak the height and tilt to their liking. And let's talk about the price! They thought it was an absolute steal, especially considering it came with an adjustable stand. Talk about value for money!

Additionally, customers were blown away by the image quality on this bad boy. They said the display was crisp, sharp, and brighter than their previous monitors. It made everything from reading text to viewing photos an absolute pleasure. Some folks even used it for design work, creating killer wallpapers and working with spreadsheets. Oh, and did I mention the built-in speakers? People were pleasantly surprised by the audio quality too.

Now, let's keep it real. There were a couple of hiccups. One model didn't have working speakers for some reason, so that customer had to return it. And a few folks thought the stand could have been sturdier or had more adjustment options. But hey, despite these minor gripes, most customers were over the moon with the Dell S2421HS. They found it user-friendly, loved the improved image quality, and thought it was an absolute steal.


Price and Similar Monitors

The Dell S2421HS is one of the most affordable solutions you will find if you're planning to buy a versatile 24-inch monitor with sharp picture quality so you can use it not only for productivity but also for entertainment and light gaming purposes.

However, if you prefer a 24-inch gaming-oriented monitor, you might consider the ASUS VG248QG as it boasts a high-refresh-rate 165 Hz TN FHD display with a response time of just 0.5 ms. Also, it comes with 2W built-in speakers.

On the other hand, if you'd like to fully immerse yourself in your work, there's also the option of buying a curved gaming monitor. Specifically, we just covered the LG 34WP60C-B, a gaming monitor that really raises the bar while keeping a pretty tight price point

Verdict: Should you buy it?

In summary, the Dell S2421HS is a balanced monitor you definitely won't go wrong with, thanks to its outstanding performance in most scenarios, including working on multiple programs at a time, streaming movies and series, and playing casual games that don't require a higher refresh rate.

Unlike other budget-friendly models, this monitor is highly adjustable in so many ways that you'll be able to work more comfortably without spending too much money on it, and it packs the expected connections for an entry-level solution plus an HDMI cable in case you didn't already have one lying around.

Lastly, we appreciate its premium design and bezel-less and anti-glare display, so you won't have to worry about distractions when focusing on your projects. Ultimately, a great monitor that's bound to make you very happy if you're looking to get the most value for your money on a 24-inch display that's not targeting gamers.