The BenQ PD2506Q is an affordable and compact 1440p monitor for professionals who want an affordable, sharp, and accurate screen. Its main draw is its tight pixel density which you normally pay a premium for. Let’s see if the BenQ PD2506Q is a must-buy for budding artists, photographers, and social media moguls.
BenQ PD2506Q Specifications
- Screen Size: 25 Inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1440 QHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: None
- Stand: Height –Yes
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Pivot-Yes
- Stand: Swivel – Yes
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (100 x 100)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, DP Out MST x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C PD65W x 1, USB-C Downstream x 1, USB 3.2 x 4, 3.5mm Jack
- Dimensions with Stand(WxHxD): 22.4” x 21.7” x 10.1”
- Weight: 16.8 lbs
Design and Features
The BenQ PD2506Q looks like a regular monitor compared to the Mobiuz models we’ve seen in recent times. It has a matte black finish so that it won’t clash with any setup or theme. The display has thinner bezels than the previous model, so it’s nicer to look at since there are fewer distractions.
It’s obviously smaller than most 1440p monitors since most of them have 27-inch screens. But that’s one of the main draws of this monitor. It’s less than 2 feet wide, and a little over 10 inches deep, so most standard-sized desks can accommodate it. It’s a bit heavy for its size class, but 16.8 pounds shouldn’t be too much for anyone.
Unlike other entry-level and midrange monitors, its build quality is as solid as the brand’s high-end offerings. The plastics used were free from any defect and were thick enough to withstand flexing and cracking. The included stand is firm and stable, so you don’t have to worry about a sagging or shaky screen.
The BenQ PD2506Q has an OSD joystick and some hotkeys for easy access to its valuable filters and settings. Other prosumer variants have the hotkey puck, but it’s unnecessary, especially since it would raise the price. We consider joysticks as a must-have since they are underrated creature comforts that make the user experience and ownership more pleasant in the long run.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. An ergonomic stand is essential for this model since it was designed to be used in tandem with another PD2506Q. You can also use VESA mounts, but that’s not always necessary for those with standard-sized desks.
What’s most interesting about the BenQ PD2506Q is its connectivity layout which includes a surprising number of options. You can slot each for DisplayPort 1.2 and HDMI 2.0, along with a 65-Watt USB-C slot that supports DP Alt Mode. The second DP slot is for daisy-chaining a second display, while the other USB-C slot on the side is for mobile devices.
You also get three USB 3.2 slots with the monitor, a Type-B upstream port, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones. BenQ didn’t add speakers with this model, so you will need dedicated gear for audio. That’s understandable based on the price, but built-ins would add more value for the consumer.
Display and Performance
The BenQ PD2506Q sports a 25-inch IPS panel with a 2560 x 1440 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 400 cd/m2 maximum, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS monitors. This model has HDR 400 certification, but that’s not a primary consideration for its intended audience.
This monitor’s pixel density is its main strength in this very diverse market. Some users don’t want to go straight for 4K and would rather avoid the limitations of 1080p. 1440p’s allure as the middle ground is amplified by the fact that this monitor is compact while having an extra sharp appearance.
The BenQ PD2506Q covers 100% sRGB, 85% DCI-P3, and 77% Adobe RGB, so it’s not as vibrant as the other DesignVue monitors. However, it was calibrated from the factory with an average of 0.91 for sRGB and 1.41 for DCI-P3. Most users won’t need anything beyond that, so the monitor is good to go once it’s plugged in.
Calibrating the monitor reduced its dE average to 0.61, bringing it right next to its higher-tiered siblings in performance. It’s a fantastic option if you don’t want to spend too much immediately. However, you will need a colorimeter to achieve the same result, so you might spend more if you need this kind of output.
The monitor’s backlight put out 305 cd/m2 in SDR, but it peaked at 451 cd/m2 when it’s HDR mode kicked in. Its contrast reached 915:1 at 70% brightness, indicating that it isn’t capable of deep blacks or true HDR. If you want true HDR performance, you’d have to spend more on a monitor with a mini-LED backlight.
Panel uniformity for the test sample had some very minor variances across the panel’s quadrants. They are not noticeable in most instances, but pitch-black scenes can reveal them if you look close enough. There are no signs of backlight bleeding, but that can vary between every unit made due to tolerances.
The BenQ PD2506Q isn’t built to be a fast gaming monitor, so it is prone to some blurring and ghosting in fast-paced scenes. It’s not as bad as what happens with a VA panel, so adding a bit of overdrive can reduce it up to a certain degree. However, we don’t recommend pushing the monitor’s overdrive to its maximum since doing that will add overshoot.
The BenQ PD2506Q doesn’t have FreeSync or G-Sync compatibility like most of the DesignVue monitors. That’s understandable since it wasn’t meant for gaming, plus a stable 60FPS at 1440p isn’t a lot these days. Input lag sits at 9ms at 60Hz, so it’s responsive and smooth enough for any task.
Thoughts on the BenQ PD2506Q
The BenQ PD2506Q is an excellent buy at its current price point for those who need an entry-level prosumer screen. It is built well with sought-after features like USB-C and KVM functionality, so it’s flexible and very reliable. The screen is calibrated for accuracy from the factory, so it’s going to be ready for use once you plug it in.
There are no deal-breakers with the BenQ PD2506Q, although it’s far from perfect. Its glaring flaw is its HDR performance which shouldn’t be advertised over its excellent color quality. However, asking for more from a $350 monitor is too much, so the dismal HDR output isn’t a massive concern.
Pros:
- Robust Design and Build Quality
- Excellent Color Accuracy
- USB-C Connectivity
Cons:
- Low Contrast
- Dismal HDR Performance
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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