The BenQ PD3220U is a 32-inch 4K UHD Thunderbolt monitor designed for professionals in various fields, with its large screen size and high resolution ideal for tasks such as photo and video editing, with its Lightning strike port enabling fast data transfer rates and easy connectivity to other devices.
The monitor has a sleek and modern design, with thin bezels and a sturdy base that makes it easy to adjust the viewing angle. In addition, it has a built-in KVM switch, which allows you to easily control multiple computers with one keyboard and mouse. All in all, the BenQ PD3220U is a well-rounded monitor that offers impressive display performance, connectivity and design.
Unpack
The BenQ PD3220U came in a sturdy cardboard box decorated with images of the monitor and a list of key features. Inside, we found the monitor safe in a layer of foam, a quick start guide, the owner’s manual, and several cables, including HDMI, Display Portand USB-C.
First impression
When we took the BenQ PD3220U out of the box, we were immediately impressed by the monitor’s visually appealing design and sturdy construction. The monitor has a thin bezel and a sleek black exterior, with a sturdy base that makes it easy to adjust the viewing angle. It exudes professionalism and quality and we were immediately impressed.
Design and build quality
The design of the BenQ PD3220U is elegant and modern, with slim bezels that give it a sleek and professional look. The exterior of the monitor is black and minimalistic, with a panel covering the ports to keep them hidden when not needed. The base of the monitor is made of metal, which adds to the overall sturdiness and allows for easy adjustment of the viewing angle.
Specifications
Screen Mate: 32 inches
Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Solution: 4K (3840×2160 pixels)
Brightness: 350cd/m2
Answer Time: 4ms
see Corner: 178/178
Contrast Ratio: 1,000:1
Color support: sRGB 100%
Weight: 8.5kg / 18.7lb
In terms of build quality, the PD3220U is top notch. The monitor feels solid and well constructed, with the materials used being of high quality and durable to the touch, making the monitor last for a long time.
The base of the monitor is particularly well made, with a solid metal construction that allows smooth and easy adjustment of the viewing angle. Overall, the design and build quality of the BenQ PD3220U is excellent, making it a solid choice for professionals who value both style and durability in their monitors.
In use
First and foremost, the 4K resolution and high pixel density ensure an incredibly sharp and detailed display, with text crisp and easy to read, and images and videos looking stunning. The 100% sRGB color gamut and 10-bit color depth also produce accurate and vibrant colors, making this monitor perfect for photo and video editing tasks.
The PD3220U’s HDR (high dynamic range) capability is also a standout feature. This allows the monitor to display a wider range of contrast between light and dark areas of the image, which is especially useful when working with images or videos that have a wide color gamut. We found this feature added depth and dimensionality to the images we viewed on the monitor and made for a more immersive viewing experience overall.
In terms of connectivity, the PD3220U definitely stands out from the competition. The multiple HDMI and DisplayPort ports provide easy connectivity to various devices, and the USB-C port is a convenient feature for data transfer and power delivery. The built-in KVM switch is also a useful feature for those who work with multiple computers, as users can easily switch between them without constantly swapping keyboard and mouse connections.
We were able to connect this single monitor to an iPad Pro (using the new Stage Manager feature for multiple screens), U.S MacBook Aira HP EliteBook 865 G9and another PC, seamlessly switch between devices and let the peripherals follow.
To make things even better, we could also use the Hockey Puck controller to press one button or one turn of the dial to switch between these devices. So even if we choose to mount the monitor or place the back in a hard-to-reach position, we can easily change the settings.
One minor issue we encountered with the PD3220U is that the internal speakers are poor, which may be a drawback for some users. However, since it’s a professional-grade monitor, most users will likely have separate speakers or headphones to enhance it.
Final verdict
The BenQ PD3220U offers high-quality construction, an attractive design and impressive specifications. The 4K resolution, high pixel density and wide color gamut ensure a sharp and vibrant display, and the HDR capabilities add depth to images.
Its multiple connectivity options and built-in KVM switch make it a versatile choice for professionals, and the PD3220U’s overall performance and features make it a strong contender in the professional monitor market.
