Planar Helium PCT2785 vs Dell S2418HN

The black levels are respectively low at 0.16cd/m², which helps the contrast ratio achieve 1100:1 which is much lower than the advertised 5000:1, but still quite good.

The response time is 12ms, which isn't lightning fast, but it's still quick enough to make the system feel more responsive than cheaper monitors. While not fast enough for high-level gaming, this monitor won't make your system feel slow or unresponsive.

It really does look like a massive tablet with a kickstand - but that's not a bad thing. There's no stand visible, leaving the front looking very clean. The stand can angle anywhere from 15-70 degrees which allows for flexible use, or it can be folded in and used flat on the desk or even mounted using the VESA mounting holes.

This monitor has many peripherals built-in, and unless you use them heavily they will do the job just fine. Unless you feel the need for dedicated hardware, the built-in stereo speakers work well enough, and the webcam and mic are acceptable quality for occasional recreational use (for business calls or other uses where quality is important, you'll want to upgrade to dedicated hardware).

This monitor doesn't need to be calibrated because it is color-accurate right out-of-the-box. The monitor's average color inaccuracy measures at 1.83 dE - which is too low to be seen by a human eye.

The monitor comes with an external speaker that is mounted on the base of the S2418HN.

Regarding the picture quality, the Dell S2418HN performs on the par with the very best monitors in its price bracket thanks to its high-quality IPS panel. This monitor reproduces good-looking pictures that are filled with vivid colors and inky blacks.