BenQ: Competitor for Apple Studio Display from March
The PD2730S with 27 inches could be well suited for Mac mini and co. and beats Apple's 5K model in terms of price.
PD2730S from BenQ, next to it a Mac mini M4: even more 5K with 27 inches.
(Image: BenQ)
At one time, there were few alternatives to Apple's Studio Display with 5K resolution and a 27-inch screen diagonal, which has its roots in the Intel iMac. However, the range is now growing. After LG recently presented a new UltraFine screen with 6K and Thunderbolt 5 as well as 32 inches, which is still more of a competitor to Apple's outdated Pro Display XDR, BenQ is now following suit with a 27-inch model and 5K.
Color matching to a MacBook
The new screen is called the PD2730S and is marketed as a “27” 5K BenQ designer monitor”. It initially remained unclear which panel would be used. Thunderbolt 4 is integrated, i.e., not yet the newer Thunderbolt 5 standard. 1200 US dollars is quoted as the price, which is 400 dollars less than Apple's Studio Display, which costs 1600 dollars without tax in its home country (Germany: from 1749 euros at Apple, cheaper in stores).
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BenQ promises that the screen can be adjusted for color fidelity, either with or without a calibrator, using the AQColor process. In particular, the use in conjunction with a MacBook is emphasized. 98 percent of the P3 color space is covered, the connection is via USB-C, but there is also a DisplayPort and HDMI connection. The panel reaches 400 candela peak (i.e., HDR10 only) and has an LED backlight. The native contrast is said to be 2000:1 and the refresh rate is 60 hertz. The coating is matt.
German sales launch not yet announced
Thunderbolt 4 devices are supplied with up to 90 watts PD via a downstream connection, which is unfortunately a little low for a MacBook Pro. There are also two USB-C ports and three USB-A ports (3.2) and even a headphone jack has been included. It is commendable that the PD2730S can be mounted immediately on alternative stands or suspensions via a VESA mount; no additional hardware is required. The resolution is, 5120 Ă— 2880 pixels.
The new BenQ is not yet on sale, the US website only shows the possibility of pre-ordering. The PD2730S is currently not listed on the German website. Interestingly, BenQ also sells a Thunderbolt 4 32-inch monitor, the PD3226G, for 100 dollars less. However, this only comes with 4K.
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