Just wondering how it compares to the PD3200U and PD3220U.
I think it technically replaces the PD3200U.
Cheers!
I think it technically replaces the PD3200U.
Cheers!
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Anyone tried the BenQ PD3205U yet?
- Thread starter Sharky II
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I literally just got this monitor. My current one finally crapped out and was in the middle of picking up the PD3200U when I noticed they just "upgraded" that monitor with this PD3205U.
Specs-wise, they seem similar, with the upgrades being more about the connectivity and physical aspects of the monitor.
I'm coming from an LG, so will need a little time to see how this one works out, but my interest in getting it was primarily having the 99%/100% REC 709 space specifically as a color/gamut option in the monitor with maximum accuracy. Some early reviews I've seen had this monitor with a really excellent Delta rating (one video had a factory measurement of 0.22).
Hopefully it works out!
That's great, congrats! Looking forward to any more views you can share!
Very few reviews of this available on YouTube etc. I'm unsure if the panel is actually any better than the 3200 - it must be I suppose as it offers a wider colour gamut?
I just want an accurate monitor and don't care too much about the rest - the 3220 is very sexy with it's tiny bezels, but I think it's a bit too expensive for me @ over £1000
The 3205 is £699 in the UK.
I am even contemplating seeing what comes up on the second hand market, although you can't really return something on eBay because you think it has a bit too much backlight bleed...
Very few reviews of this available on YouTube etc. I'm unsure if the panel is actually any better than the 3200 - it must be I suppose as it offers a wider colour gamut?
I just want an accurate monitor and don't care too much about the rest - the 3220 is very sexy with it's tiny bezels, but I think it's a bit too expensive for me @ over £1000
The 3205 is £699 in the UK.
I am even contemplating seeing what comes up on the second hand market, although you can't really return something on eBay because you think it has a bit too much backlight bleed...
So my initial impression is that the monitor is really quite excellent. Very uniform throughout and incredible color accuracy.
Ironically, the monitor is rated by BenQ as 99% SRGB/REC709 vs 100% on the PD3200U. But it's essentially the same. The new monitor does add HDR10. They share the same color gamut, no wider color here. You'd need to step up to the 3220U for the wider P3.
This monitor does have the sexier thin bezels you seek. Definitely a nice looking monitor.
If you're looking for an incredibly color accurate monitor that works fully in SRGB/REC709, than this monitor is perfect. It has the same contrast ratio as the higher end models they have, so color gamut and hardware features are primarily the differentiators between these models.
Mine came with a Delta E of average 0.2 from factory. I calibrated it with my i1Display Pro Plus and it stayed roughly the same at 0.2. An incredible score. Anything less than 2 is considered excellent, with less than 1 being not perceptible by eye. It exactly matches what I'm seeing on my Flanders reference monitor, which is connected via 3G SDI from my Kona output in Rec709, which gives me even more confidence in the monitor.
I would look at another monitor if your needs are beyond those color spaces and gamuts. I'm very happy with this monitor and I'm coming from it replacing a much wider gamut monitor.
Ironically, the monitor is rated by BenQ as 99% SRGB/REC709 vs 100% on the PD3200U. But it's essentially the same. The new monitor does add HDR10. They share the same color gamut, no wider color here. You'd need to step up to the 3220U for the wider P3.
This monitor does have the sexier thin bezels you seek. Definitely a nice looking monitor.
If you're looking for an incredibly color accurate monitor that works fully in SRGB/REC709, than this monitor is perfect. It has the same contrast ratio as the higher end models they have, so color gamut and hardware features are primarily the differentiators between these models.
Mine came with a Delta E of average 0.2 from factory. I calibrated it with my i1Display Pro Plus and it stayed roughly the same at 0.2. An incredible score. Anything less than 2 is considered excellent, with less than 1 being not perceptible by eye. It exactly matches what I'm seeing on my Flanders reference monitor, which is connected via 3G SDI from my Kona output in Rec709, which gives me even more confidence in the monitor.
I would look at another monitor if your needs are beyond those color spaces and gamuts. I'm very happy with this monitor and I'm coming from it replacing a much wider gamut monitor.
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@PowerMike G5 - How is the text crispness and detail? I'm looking for a multipurpose monitor (general productivity first, with occasional photo editing use) and the day-to-day sharpness is important.
Text looks crisp and good to me. I am coming from another 4K 32" monitor, so I haven't noticed anything different in regards to detail. I guess this would depend on what monitor you are using now, in terms of perceivable difference.
Thanks so much for your in-depth review. As you're someone with reference monitors etc, it's really valuable. Thanks again.
I'm coming from a 24" 1080p monitor so theoretically anything should look better. But I'm also a new convert to the 16" M1 MBP and love the sharpness and clarity. I know non-Apple displays can't compete with the Studio Display and XDR but I'm trying to get as close as possible within a reasonable budget.
All 4k 32 inch monitors should be about the same for sharpness. If you want sharper and can't do the Studio display or XDR, consider a 4k 27" as it'll be the same number of pixels as the 32" but in a smaller space and therefore sharper
Yeah, coming from a 24" 1080p monitor, either 27" or 32" 4K monitors will feel like an upgrade to you. I guess it comes down to how much size you really desire in a monitor.
There are also a ton of monitors out there that can do that for much cheaper too. I would only go with this BenQ if you require incredibly accurate color fidelity within the colorspaces/gamuts it provides. Mines measures at Delta E < 0.3, which is incredibly accurate.
Delta E < 3.0 is fine for most general usage and still close, and opens the door to a ton more options on the market for you.
So, I ended up pulling the trigger on the PD3205U and generally like it. Great size, resolution is pretty good (far better than the 1080 display), color fidelity is really impressive, build quality is excellent, and the stand/dark gray color lends to a very low-profile look in a home office.
That said - I didn't realize the 350 nits brightness rating was peak, not standard (250 nits). I didn't expect it to match a MBP but even max brightness settings are unimpressive in a moderately lit room. HDR mode helps a little but the color accuracy suffers as a result. It's a bit disappointing. The PD3220U is 300-400 nits which I suspect would make all the difference.
If you primarily work in a darker room without a lot of natural light this display would be perfect. I don't, so this unfortunately may end up going back in favor of something brighter unless I can find a way to bump brightness levels higher.