As someone who understands the Apple ecosystem deeply, I would still choose the BenQ PhotoVue SW 321C over both Studio Display and even ProDisplay XDR. Objectively, this monitor is not only better, but also more affordable. In this article, we will review the BenQ PhotoVue SW321C.
Introduce
A monitor has always been something of a mystery to me because I can’t see why they could be so expensive if all they do is project an image. However, after several years of experimenting and using different services from many companies, I started to see differences between them. Some are horribly colored, others are invisible, and some even cause permanent damage to the eyes. The truth is, it’s hard to judge a good monitor if you don’t know how a bad monitor feels.
If I would sum up my experience with BenQ PhotoVue SW321C in a sentence, it might look like this: You won’t want to look at any other monitor other than the BenQ PhotoVue SW321C.
Quality build
The display is definitely a statement piece on your desk. It is not a small or light device. While other companies seem to aim to make their high-end displays as thin as possible, BenQ takes the opposite approach. Since the monitor is designed to be placed on a table, it is important for viewers to have the best viewing experience rather than a compact and portable design. That said, it’s still aesthetically pleasing, unlike some other models. If aesthetics are all you care about, then you can choose the cheese design of ProDisplay XDR.
Another thing worth mentioning is the stability of the screen. I don’t know about you, but it took me a lifetime to set up a new monitor at the right height, angle, and position on my desk. This step is very important because you look at the screen for most of the day and we all know how harmful an improper desk layout can be. Unfortunately, the screen seems to lack stability, perhaps due to the heavy weight of the screen. It can start to wobble quite easily. While not a significant negative, it can be annoying if you use a standing desk while typing hard – which I do.
There is a wide selection of ports that I love. Maybe this is because my computer only has 4 USB-C ports and nothing else, but I can’t stand devices with 0 port options. Luckily, the BenQ PhotoVue SW321C has HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C with 60W, an SD card reader, and a USB-B port. The USB-C port is perfect for plugging in a MacBook and letting it charge, however, it would be nice to see more power from it. What I like is the SD card reader. While many photographers have a dedicated SD card reader, having an in-display reader means less than a cable. While some users will point out that the monitor has HDMI 2.0 and not 2.1, I think the technology is more than enough as the current version of the BenQ PhotoVue SW321C will not be able to take full advantage of the newer technology.
As for the rotation angles, the monitor does a pretty standard range of angles: 45 degrees to each side, 20 degrees up, 5 degrees down, and a 90-degree axis. The ability to use this monitor in portrait mode is particularly useful for photographers who work primarily with portrait photography. It feels like I’m missing out on every relationship where I’m not taking advantage of all the screen real estate I’m given.
A separate word is needed for one of the monitor’s best hardware features: the hood. It protects the screen from unwanted glare and allows for a much better working experience. The hood can be assembled in a horizontal or vertical configuration, which is a great highlight of BenQ. The screen itself is coated with an anti-glare material, which can make the hood redundant. I actually had no issues with screen glare while working with the BenQ PhotoVue SW321C. Something a lot of photographers will appreciate.
Efficiency
Let’s talk hard numbers and actual performance of the monitor. Made for professional users, this monitor has some impressive features that professionals appreciate. The 32” model delivers 137ppi at 3840×2160 resolution. Although it lags behind Apple’s offerings, this still allows you to see details in images. Keep in mind that most of your images will likely appear on your phone screen, where the detail isn’t as good.
Brightness is only 250 nits, which is quite low compared to the competition, and some reviewers have pointed out that the screen reaches even less than this in real-world testing. The 1,000:1 contrast ratio is also a difficult parameter to reproduce in real life. Expect to achieve below. What works in favor of BenQ PhotoVue SW321C though the ability to maintain scope consistency. BenQ Uniformity technology makes this possible.
The monitor has been calibrated and I am happy to say that the factory calibration is near perfect. However, I will still use the calibrator from time to time. That said, it’s probably one of the most accurate monitors I’ve tested. Benq exceeded their Delta E<2 commitment.
Overall, the display’s performance is good, just lacking in brightness and contrast. I’d say this is remarkable and if you’re looking for the best solution on the market, this might not be your best bet.
What I like
- gate
- Accuracy
- anti-glare
- Quality build
What can be improved
- Brightness
- Contrast
- The stability
Stop thinking
The BenQ PhotoVue SW321C is a good monitor that offers a lot for its price. With Apple’s Studio monitor being a literal rip-off and the ProDisplay XDR offering an improvement not proportional to the price increase, this monitor could be one of the best options to consider. This is one of the best monitors in the BenQ lineup, with a price tag of $2,000. This monitor is an investment for those who appreciate a good monitor and use their computer a little more than watching Netflix.
