By 5K displays are currently quite popular. 5K resolution was only accessible via a few monitors outside of Apple’s ecosystem, even though it was scarcely new (Apple first debuted a 5K iMac in 2024). But that is beginning to change thanks to monitors like the BenQ PD27230S. This feature-rich monitor comes with a built-in remote control, Thunderbolt 4 connectivity, and 5K resolution.
Specs and features
The BenQ PD2730S has a resolution of 5120 x 2880, making it a 5K widescreen monitor. It belongs to a brand-new generation of less expensive 5K displays that are just now beginning to appear on retail shelves. This monitor features revolutionary IPS technology, which nearly doubles the contrast ratio compared to the majority of previous IPS monitors, in contrast to preceding 5K displays.
- Size of display: 27-inch widescreen 16:9
- 5120 x 2880 native resolution
- Panel type: 10-bit In-Plane Switching panel with improved contrast
- 60 Hz is the refresh rate.
- No adaptive sync
- Yes, HDR 10.
- Among the ports are one HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, one Thunderbolt 4 with 90 watts of power delivery and DisplayPort Alternate Mode, one Thunderbolt 4-out with support for daisy-chain displays, one USB-C upstream, one USB-C downstream, and four USB-A downstream.
- Mounting VESA: 100×100 mm
- Two 3-watt speakers are used.
- Included is a remote control.
- Cost: $1199.99
In addition to resolution, the BenQ PD2730S stands out for its connection. It has four USB-A downstream connections and supports both Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C. The Thunderbolt 4 output also supports daisy-chain connections, so you can connect two monitors to a single PC video output.
Design of the BenQ PD2730S
Naturally, the BenQ PD2730S has a polished and appealing look because it is a member of the company’s designer sub-brand. It has a reasonably sized chin underneath and thin black bezels around the top and sides. BenQ uses “powdered white” matte plastics around the rear, which feel sturdy and have a clean appearance. The design is straightforward but effective overall.
The monitor is held upright by a sturdy silver-gray stand that offers a variety of ergonomic adjustments, such as tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment. With a 60-degree swivel and a 150mm height adjustment, the height and swivel adjustments provide greater flexibility than many other monitors.
Additionally, I appreciate the wide yet thin stand base that allows owners to use the desk space that the monitor takes up while maintaining stability. The display panel does, however, have a 100x100mm VESA attachment for use with external monitor arms and stands if you choose not to use it.
Connectivity
Despite being a 5K monitor, the BenQ PD2730S has other noteworthy features. Additionally, it is a Thunderbolt 4 monitor with a wealth of connecting options.
There are three visual inputs available: HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort Alternate Mode. I would like to have a second DisplayPort in this region, as connectivity is a little spotty. For most people, however, the existing video connectivity is adequate.
Naturally, the Thunderbolt 4 connector on the monitor also supports USB-C and up to 90 watts of Power Delivery for charging a laptop or tablet that is attached. Additionally, there is a Thunderbolt 4/USB-C downstream connector that can deliver up to 15 watts of power and supports daisy-chain video connections, which enable cleaner, easier monitor connections by allowing the Thunderbolt 4 output of one monitor to be routed to the input of another monitor.
Furthermore, the display features a USB-C downstream connector with 10Gbps of data and 7.5 watts of power, as well as a data-only USB-C upstream port that supports data rates up to 10Gbps.
Features
There are plenty of features on the BenQ PD2730S, particularly in the areas of color control and calibration. The business offers some software tools, such as Palette Master Ultimate (for users who have a colorimeter) and ColorTalk (a color-matching tool for those without one for calibration). Additionally, it works with Display Pilot 2, a program that gives you access to the majority of Windows’ monitor settings and choices.
As an alternative, BenQ’s distinctive puck-style rotary remote control or a joystick on the lower right bezel can be used to adjust the monitor’s settings. Changing settings is made faster and easier with the wireless puck. Although it will not be necessary for everyone, owners who frequently modify their monitor will value it.
Additionally, there are two 3-watt speakers on the monitor. Due to the absence of a subwoofer, they lack bass, which makes music sound muddy and tinny at higher volumes, just like the majority of packaged speakers. Nevertheless, the speakers are suitable for playing ambient music at lower volumes or listening to podcasts.
Performance
The BenQ PD2730S does not prioritize motion performance, such as HDR. It does not support Adaptive Sync and has a conventional refresh rate of 60 Hz. Because of this, the monitor is not a suitable fit for fast-paced PC games because it does not have the fluid frame-pacing and motion clarity that competitive gamers need.
To be fair, this is standard for a 5K monitor at the moment. At CES 2025, Acer unveiled a 5K display with a refresh rate of 144 Hz, but it is not yet on the market.
Conclusion
Although it is marketed to a particular demographic, the BenQ PD2730S is a great monitor. For professionals, such as digital artists and photographers, who need to work with high-resolution photographs, its precise SDR image, extensive connection, and practical design with numerous image quality settings make it an excellent choice.
The BenQ provides additional features for adjusting the image quality and greater connectivity than Asus’ more reasonably priced and comparable ProArt Display 5K PA27JCV. Creative experts should not be afraid to pay more for the BenQ PD2730S because of its additional features, but I would advise most people looking for a 5K display to get the ProArt since it is frequently almost as good as the BenQ and more reasonably priced.
