Review: BenQ’s 27-Inch 5K Thunderbolt 4 Designer Monitor: A Strong Contender to the Apple Studio Display at $1199

As of today, BenQ has commenced pre-orders for its inaugural 27-inch 5K Thunderbolt 4 Designer Monitor. Unveiled last autumn, the BenQ PD2730S serves as a formidable alternative to the Apple Studio Display, priced at over $1600, offering a similar pixels-per-inch range. I’ve tested the $1200 BenQ 27-inch 5K Thunderbolt 4 Designer Monitor with my M4 Mac mini for several weeks, and there are numerous aspects where it outshines the Studio Display.

Practical and Broad

For many Mac users, third-party monitors often involve compromises. Apple produces premium monitors featuring impressive resolution and design with a focus on compatibility and ease of use.

In contrast, the BenQ 27-inch Designer Monitor makes various choices that certain Mac users may find more appealing.

For instance, the Studio Display lacks a power button. The Designer Monitor provides a power button, an input switch, and a control for display settings. Additionally, it includes the wireless Hotkey Puck G3, a physical remote with a dial and several programmable buttons.

In terms of design, the Studio Display follows the same all-aluminum aesthetic as Apple’s Mac computers. While Apple monitors excel in design, the Designer Monitor primarily utilizes plastic, yet maintains adequate build quality. It still features a color palette of whites, blacks, and silvers that aligns with Apple’s design ethos.

Functionally, the Studio Display has its shortcomings beyond mere connectivity. It operates via Thunderbolt 3, offering three downstream USB-C ports. On the other hand, the Designer Monitor employs Thunderbolt 4 with an entirely different I/O configuration. Along with Thunderbolt 4 upstream with 90W power delivery, the PD2730S boasts HDMI 2.1, DP1.4, a downstream Thunderbolt 4 port, two USB-C ports, three USB-A 3.2 ports, and a headphone jack.

While the Studio Display excels in I/O capabilities, featuring “studio-quality” microphones and a decent 12MP Ultra Wide camera that can pan and zoom, its audio system is superior with six speakers supporting Spatial Audio. I have been using external speakers and my iPhone as a webcam with the Designer Monitor, although it does have a pair of 3W stereo speakers included.

The stand and mounting situation also favors BenQ.

The Studio Display from Apple comes with a nicely designed tilt-adjustable stand, but if you want a tilt- and height-adjustable stand, that will set you back an additional $400. Additionally, the VESA mount adapter comes as a separate purchase and not including a stand won’t save you any costs.

In contrast, the BenQ Designer Monitor is already VESA mount-ready and provides a versatile stand of high quality. It offers a tilt range from -5º to 20º and a smooth height adjustment of 150mm, ranging from 16.8 to 22.8 inches. There are no upfront configuration choices required, and no inflated costs for enhanced ergonomics.

A Worthy Mac Monitor

But how does the display stack up in comparison?

Many Mac users may prefer the standard glass display found in the Studio Display. If you opt for the anti-glare nano-texture glass from Apple, it adds an extra $300 to the price tag. The BenQ Designer Monitor features what it terms a Nano Matte Panel.

Both monitors are 27 inches, offer LED-backlit IPS panels, have a 60 Hz refresh rate, and reach a maximum resolution of 5120×2880. The Apple Studio Display can achieve 600 nits brightness while the BenQ Designer Monitor caps out at 400 nits. Apple includes the Apple Display (P3) reference mode, while BenQ supports Display P3 along with its MacBook-like M-Book pre-calibration. Furthermore, BenQ is compliant with VESA HDR400, which enhances high dynamic range content display, boasting a contrast ratio of 2000:1.

So, has BenQ managed to overshadow Apple in the 5K 27-inch display category? Personally, I still favor the Studio Display’s design, but I tend to prefer an anti-reflective screen and a height-adjustable stand. The Apple Studio Display is already priced out of the competitive range at $1600 standard. For the majority of users — myself included — the premium price of $2300 is unwarranted.

The BenQ 27-inch 5K Thunderbolt 4 Designer Monitor is now available for direct purchase from the company at a price of $1199. Pre-orders are currently open, with shipping expected to commence by March 1. Additionally, BenQ has launched pre-orders for the PD3226G monitor, a 32-inch 4K UHD 144Hz Refresh Rate 95% P3 Thunderbolt 4 Designer Monitor priced at $1099, with anticipated availability on Amazon following the initial launch phase.

Top Accessories for Mac Mini