The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U is a reasonably-priced 4K monitor that’s geared towards professional endeavors such as editing or graphics design. The performance it offers used to be locked behind four-digit models, but the mature market has allowed these benefits to trickle down and reach the masses. Let’s look at whether this should be your next major upgrade that starts a career in editing or content creation.
BenQ DesignVue PD2705U Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1200:1
- Brightness: 250 cd/m2 (350 cd/m2 Peak)
- Speakers: Yes (2 x 2.5 Watts)
- Stand: Height – Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- Stand: Pivot – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB 3.2 x 4, USB-C PD90W x 1, USB-C Downstream x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack x 1
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 24.17 x 19.48” x 10.10”
- Weight: 22.05 lbs
Design and Features
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U looks like a premium business monitor with its simple yet sophisticated aesthetic. The matte black finish gives it a classic look that’s very easy to maintain with a few wipes. It has a bezel-free screen, although it still has inner borders like most modern displays.
This model has modest dimensions compared to the PD2705UA, although its base is still quite big for a desktop variant. It needs a little over 10 inches of depth, but the base is flat and thin, so it shouldn’t be too much trouble. The device is quite heavy at 22.05 pounds, but that only makes it feel more solid than its competitors.
The monitor’s build quality is superb, and is comparable with BenQ’s top-tier prosumer displays that are several times more expensive. It has a lot of plastic, but the panels are heavily reinforced and are free from defects. The included stand is firm and stable, so the screen will keep your configuration permanently until you decide to change it.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U has an OSD joystick, but it also comes with the brand’s signature Hotkey Puck. The gadget can be configured to your liking, so accessing common settings will become even easier or more convenient. Its very easy to use, and we think nothing more can be done to make adjusting the monitor’s settings more convenient.
The stand for this model offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. Its not as flexible as the monitor arm on the other variant, but you won’t have trouble with it apart from the space it consumes. You can use VESA mounts, but that’s an added expense that only becomes necessary in select instances.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U’s connectivity layout offers several options that make it more useful than your typical display. It has DisplayPort 1.4, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 90-watt USB-C port for modern laptops. It also has a bevy of USB 3.2 ports for accessories, a second USB-C port for upstream, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones.
It also has a pair of speakers with 2.5 watts of power per channel, but they do not have the brand’s treVolo tuning. They are crisper than most built-ins but are still limited by the driver’s size and low wattage. However, it is always nice to have a usable set for instances where headsets are uncomfortable to use.
Display and Performance
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U sports a 27-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 250 cd/m2 output and a 350 cd/m2 peak, while the contrast is listed at 1200:1 like most IPS monitors. This model is certified for HDR 400, but we all know how limited that is when it comes to HDR performance.
4K monitors are preferable for editing and content creation because they are sharper and offer more room. 27-inch models are extra crisp, so some scaling might be necessary for productivity to avoid eye strain. It’s more demanding for games, but this model is fortunately not made for that.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U covers 100% sRGB and 95% of the DCI-P3 color space for vibrant images in any situation. Its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.39, making it usable for content creation right away. Users won’t need to calibrate it, although specialized tasks will require that treatment.
Calibrating the monitor reduced the dE average to 0.81, placing it right next to high-end prosumer models that are twice as expensive. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve comparable results. It’s not usually practical to get one, but we recommend doing it for this monitor if you will use it for your job or business.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U’s backlight reached 348 cd/m2 at 100% backlight so that it can fight off a decent amount of glare. Its contrast peaked at 1149:1 at 35% brightness, so it’s slightly better than most IPS models out there. However, it’s still incapable of deep blacks and dark scenes, especially when it’s used in a dark room.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some issues on the corners due to backlight leaks. It is not visible against full-color or lighter backgrounds, but a darker one will reveal the difference. Note that this can vary with every monitor made due to tolerances, so there are better units out there.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U’s pixel response isn’t the best, but that can be expected since it’s limited to 60Hz. Leaving the overdrive at its High settings is your best bet since it doesn’t add overshoot, even if it quickens pixel transitions up to a certain degree. This means that it’s usable for casual games like story-rich titles, but E-Sports applications are out of the question.
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U is not compatible with FreeSync or G-Sync, but that’s okay since it is more for work than play. 4K gaming needs VRR, but it is not necessary here due to the monitor’s identity and purpose. Its input lag sits at 9ms at 60Hz, so it’s responsive enough not to feel sluggish in any scenario.
Thoughts on the BenQ DesignVue PD2705U
The BenQ DesignVue PD2705U is a superb pick if a color-accurate yet reasonably priced monitor is your desire. It offers great color and features that complement it, so it is very usable and practical for all levels of editing and content creation. It is built well and equipped with modern features, so it should be viable for years of use.
It is far from perfect, but most of the limitations are expected or acceptable for would-be owners. The main flaw here is the HDR performance since manufacturers continue to brandish it even if it’s severely limited by a product’s technical specifications. However, it’s still a fantastic buy due to the price since most prosumer monitors are at least twice as expensive.
Pros:
- Excellent Features and Functionality
- Accurate Colors
- Affordable Price
Cons:
- Poor HDR
- No VRR
About the Author: Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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