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Overall
The BenQ GW2780 is a sleek and stylish IPS monitor that’s perfect for everyday tasks such as gaming or productivity. This model isn’t a high-refresh or color accurate variant, but its combination of reasonable specifications and a price that doesn’t burn holes in pockets make it a popular choice. The BenQ GW2780 comes from a company with fantastic variants for every application or use, and we’re curious to see how this budget monitor stacks up.
BenQ GW2780 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 11920 x 1080 Full HD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60hz
- Response Time: 5ms (8ms Typical)
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 250cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (2 x 2 Watts)
- Stand: Height -No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot– No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 4x 1, VGA x 1, 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 24.09″ x 18.23″ x 21″
- Weight: 6.9lbs
Design and Features
The BenQ GW2780 flaunts a sleek yet plain design which makes it fit into a wider census of tastes. The chassis comes in matte black which helps the device to avoid smudges and dust, plus the scratches that follow when you try to wipe them off. The main highlight of the aesthetics is the three-side borderless design which is, in truth, a dual-stage treatment.
The monitor looks clean since there are fewer plastic parts to look at or contend with. This makes the BenQ GW2780 a viable option for dual or triple displays which won’t hurt your bank but look sexy as hell. But keep in mind that monitors like this model have a few caveats you have to bear with.
One such limitation is the BenQ GW2780’s tilt-only stand which severely limits your choices in the positional arrangement. Thankfully, this model is VESA compatible via bolt holes that are readily visible on the rear. Build quality is superb and the monitor feels solid and durable, so you won’t have to worry that it will fall apart when hung to a wall.
Since the BenQ GW2780 is a budget monitor, you don’t get valuable extras such as USB hubs or lighting features. The I/O panel only includes DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 1.4, and VGA, which in our opinion, is sufficient for everyday use. The product even manages to include a pair of 2-Watt speakers for basic audio, however, gamers will require something more powerful.
Display and Performance
The BenQ GW2780 includes a 27-inch IPS panel with a 1920 x 1080 resolution, 60Hz refresh rate, and 5ms response time. The screen is supported by a 250cd/m2 WLED backlight and rated with a 1000:1 contrast ratio. The immediate thing you will notice is that the display looks less crisp than usual due to the pixel pitch.
inch monitors definitely look better with a higher resolution such as 1440p or 4K, but we can’t dismiss the GW2780 just yet. The details are still cleaner than on a TV or a larger 1080p display, so for everyday purposes, this shouldn’t disappoint. Small objects in a game also appear larger, so getting that clutch headshot will be a bit easier.
The colors on the BenQ GW2780 look fairly good as well, but the IPS panel’s gamut performance is a bit underwhelming. The monitor only reached 92% sRGB coverage, but accuracy is excellent by default at Delta E 2.3. These scores aren’t sufficient for color-critical use, but the display looked satisfying enough for casual gaming needs.
The contrast could be a bit better since the blacks and low-lit images appeared a bit lighter than what we are used to. Of course, you can’t expect oily blacks from a budget IPS panel whose emphasis lies more in good viewing angles and reasonable color performance. The screen looked decently saturated despite this limitation and wanting something better will cost considerably more.
The BenQ GW2780 is a mixed-use monitor for the budget-conscious, so it does not include gaming features such as ULMB or FreeSync. The screen’s 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time become apparent when you play fast-paced games like PUBG or Call of Duty. There were some blurs and retention on the pixels from time to time, but you have to be actively looking for them.
During our review-slash-gaming sesh with the BenQ GW2780, we did not notice any delays or disconnected inputs in controls. The monitor felt responsive enough thanks to its sub-10ms input lag which is common and expected from modern 1080p displays. You can use this device for competitive play, but we still recommend spending a few extra bucks for a 144Hz model.
Thoughts on the BenQ GW2780
We consider the BenQ GW2780 as one of the most viable options if you need a display for multi-head setups or when budgets are restricted. The build quality is just as good and reliable as it is on the brand’s upmarket offerings, so we know this product will last. The key highlight of this monitor is its borderless design, which many makes and models still fail to deliver today.
Getting the BenQ GW2780 will provide instant gratification because it looks so good, but there are limitations you have to consider. This gadget isn’t suitable for photo editing work or high-level gaming due to the setbacks presented by its budget-oriented nature. But for everyday use, casual enjoyment, or productivity, this monitor is well worth its price tag.