By In 2024, it will not be difficult to find ultrawide displays; nevertheless, the majority of these models are curved and still prioritize entertainment and games over work and content creation. The 34-inch flat panel BenQ PD3420Q provides an option with an emphasis on color accuracy; nonetheless, the monitor’s contrast ratio, HDR performance, and refresh rate are its weak points.
Features and specifications of the BenQ PD3420Q
At a glance, the specifications of the BenQ PD3420Q are quite interesting. The majority of rival monitors likewise employ an IPS panel, and almost all of these displays adhere to the 3440 x 1440 resolution. The MSRP of $699.99 for the display is also standard.
34-inch widescreen display
3440 x 1440 in its native resolution
In-Plane Switching (IPS) panel type
60 Hz refresh rate
No HDR: Adaptive Sync Indeed, certified by VESA DisplayHDR 400
Ports: 3 USB-A downstream, 1 USB-B upstream, 3.5mm audio, 2 HDMI, 1 DisplayPort, 1 USB-C with 65 watts Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode
Mounting VESA: 100×100 mm
Speakers: Two stereo 2.5-watt speakers
Cost: MSRP $699.99
The most important properties of a monitor aren’t those that are specified for a display. It offers extensive image quality modification, a wired puck for on-screen menu access, and software for adjusting display functions. While they won’t make a difference for everyone else, these are helpful for the monitor’s intended audience.
Design of BenQ PD3420Q
The Designer Monitor sub-brand of the corporation, which is intended for creative workers, includes the BenQ PD3420Q. Additionally, even though it works flawlessly with PCs, it is also heavily promoted as Mac-compatible.
Its tasteful yet modest design reflects that emphasis. With its short bottom chin that is unbranded by BenQ and its low bezels on three sides, the monitor provides an immersive viewing experience. Additionally, it uses a dark charcoal color palette that, despite seeming generic, is a good fit for its intended demographic. The idea is carried through to the back, which features a large expanse of black plastic with only a subtle, easy-to-miss BenQ logo as an accent.
Even if the design is generally uninteresting, there are a few minor elements that are noteworthy. Considering it is a 34-inch ultrawide display, the monitor is nearly flat, which is unusual. A curve can distort the appearance of images, digital art, videos, and other types of information that a creative expert might work on, even though it is more immersing in the entertainment domain. Thank you for sharing. I think that flat displays are preferable to curved ones unless they have extremely wide aspect ratios.
Excellent ergonomic stand supplied. With 60 degrees of swivel adjustment and 150 millimeters of height adjustment, it has a wider range of adjustment than others. It can be adjusted for height, swivel, and tilt. The stand’s base is somewhat wide but incredibly flat, ensuring that the area it takes up is still useful desk space.
Additionally, swapping out the stand for an external monitor arm is not too difficult. Because of its lightweight 9.6 pounds and 100x100mm VESA mount, the majority of high-quality monitor arms should be able to support the PD3420Q.
Menus and connectivity for the BenQ PD3420Q
The BenQ PD3420Q monitor has a USB-C connector with 65 watts of power delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode since it is designed with Mac compatibility in mind. Most mid-range laptops, like the Dell XPS 14 and the Apple MacBook Pro 14, work well with it. BenQ could have added a bit more power delivery, like 90 watts, since many laptops used by creative professionals will need more power than the USB-C port on the display can supply.
Three more USB 3.1 downstream ports and one more USB-C port provide more USB connection. Not only may USB-C be used to access the USB data ports, but USB Type-B is also an option that is frequently used to connect a desktop PC. When the USB-C connector is taken into account, there are a total of four visual connections available—two HDMI ports and one DisplayPort 1.4. The monitor’s left flank houses the 3.5mm audio jack, one USB-A connector, and one USB-C port, all of which are more conveniently located for use.
Image quality of the BenQ PD3420Q HDR
Although the BenQ PD3420Q is VESA DisplayHDR 400 certified and supports HDR, I wouldn’t suggest using it to watch HDR material. Even with the HDR mode enabled, the monitor’s maximum brightness of 330 nits is insufficient to show appreciably more detail. The monitor is further hindered by the contrast ratio, which increases the brightness of the dark portions of the display about the bright areas. Consequently, the contrast of the monitor is limited.
However, not all of the news is awful. The panel does a respectable job of displaying SDR content with HDR, despite the poor HDR performance. While this isn’t the case for all rival monitors, the color temperature, gamma, and color accuracy of SDR content are still adequate in this scenario. This is good news if you want to see HDR content on a desktop that is otherwise dominated by SDR programs and content in a window.
The BenQ PD3420Q: should you get it?
The BenQ PD3420Q makes an effort to be cautious. With its wide color customization options, puck controller for simple menu access, and reliable USB-C connectivity, it is aimed at creative professionals. However, to its fault, the PD3420Q never strives to accomplish more than what is required for that audience.
Professionals who solely work on projects requiring precise color accuracy and who need to make sure the display adheres to a specific color profile should choose it wisely. It may manage video editing, but only if you don’t work in 4K or HDR. It’s not very good for movies or games.
