Impressive Inexpensive Display
Review by Steve Baczewski
Ben Q’s 32″ 4K (3840×2160) PD3200U non-glare display is a wonderful marriage of pixel density, large-screen real estate, and a 10-bit color depth with IPS screen architecture. The results are an image clarity that’s perfect for image editing.
It has a 16:9 aspect ratio; 1,000:1 native contrast ratio; and a maximum brightness of 350 cd/m2. It looks exactly like the Ben Q SW320 I recently reviewed. On testing it, I achieved a 100% sRGB color space but only 79% of the Adobe RGB color space prized by professionals for its larger color gamut. After I finished testing the PD3200U and got down to making prints, however, I was surprised by how good the color accuracy and gamut is despite the lower Adobe RGB coverage. The screen reveals lots of highlight and shadow detail and smooth color gradients. The onscreen display (OSD) provides eight preset color modes but none achieved the accuracy I got by calibrating with a colorimeter.
The PD3200U is easily assembled. At 28 lbs. (with stand), it’s a bit heavy, but its solid build is reassuring, and the design includes a handle at the top of its vertical column for moving it around. The large base and column provide a sturdy foundation that allows smooth screen adjustments for tilt, swivel, rise, and rotation from landscape to portrait orientation.
The dark grey bezel is 0.5″ on three sides and 0.75″ at the bottom. In the lower-right corner is the five-button OSD control panel. Alternatively, BenQ provides a USB puck that lets you efficiently navigate the OSD menus and program its pads. In general, the menus are comprehensive; however, left out is a set of sliders for adjusting individual colors. In its place is a single slider for overall adjustment of hues that lacks precision. The IPS screen architecture provides viewing at acute angles without any perceived loss of brightness or color. The PD3200U is a solid performer. ■
