This is a 32 inch IPS 4k gaming monitor from BenQ that is worth shortlisting even if you
are like me - not much of a gamer and more of a creator.
This particular model EX3210U, has some very unique features, like the fact that it has
a 144hz refresh rate, fantastic built-in speakers and something that I enjoyed a lot since I
reviewed the Samsung M7 - a remote control. Before I get to the rest of the interesting
features, like the built-in microphone I’d like to point something out.
Not sure if you’ve noticed this trend the last few years, but it’s worth mentioning
it, especially if you are on a lookout for a new display. Because of the smartphone tendencies
and evolutions, there are few products features that are bound to become the new norm - like
high-refresh rate. Up until recently, there were the two monitor
camps - color accurate high-pixel density displays with standard panel response and
refresh rate of 60Hz and lower resolution monitors with high-refresh panels (usually
above 120Hz) that resonate with the gamers out there. As technology evolves however,
these two divisions are slowly but surely merging into one, where in my observations
the gaming displays are taking a bit of lead. By bumping up the display resolutions and
adding more accurate panels that can cover for example 98% of the DCI-P3 color gamut
while also retaining the speed and response time, creative people like me get a chance
to choose something like this BenQ EX3210U monitor should the industrial design allows
it. To be completely transparent, this monitor
is more of a next generation console and PC monitor than something the average Mac creator
might think of and because of that and as someone who knows little about gaming displays,
I am going to talk about from the perspective of the average Joe. And Joe would say - if
you are ejoying this video SUBSCRIBE...because...WHY NOT?
I know for a fact that the most important thing about this EX3210U model is that it
features HDMI 2.1. 2.1 is the new HDMI standard that supports much higher bandwidth, allowing
display likes this to run all the pixels at 144hz. In fact it allows for VRR (ot variable
refresh rate), which helps to keep games looking smooth. That means less image lag, stutter
and frame tearing similar to the effect achieved by FreeSync and G-Sync.
Plugging а PS4 Pro things immediately stand out in terms of color density and pop, making
the gaming experience an absolute joy. All HDR marketing lingo aside though, this
monitor is not very bright. At standard mode the 300-ish nits is not something to brag
about and when it comes to high-dynamic range, the advertised 600 nits is more of a short
lived achievement, rather than something sustained. The average me however, is totally fine with
that when I close the blinds and I forget all fancy words once things get serious. SHOW
GAMEPLAY WITH SOUND And they can get serious and immersive because
one can rarely witness such built-in sound system. The 2.1ch speakers are not extremely
loud but they do sound rich and punchy making this display more than enough for some people.
I did mention that there is a built-in microphone with get this - Private Mode. As it turns
out it is an omnidirectional microphone that is also able to operate is in a directional
mode and thanks to some clever software magic it can also work in a Private mode which apparently
helps narrow the input to whatever is coming out in front of it. There’s also a hidden
light that hints when the mic os on, as well as a mute mic button below it. I’ll let
you be the judge of the sound quality but I’ll tell you this - there are few alternatives
out there that can argue with this great built-in feature.
I want to take a moment and talk about the On screen controls for a second. As much as
I like how the actual UI looks, I think BenQ went a bit far in terms of inventing new terminology.
As someone who’s used to picture profiles like sRGB, Rec 709 and DCI-P3 I looked at
the settings and I kept thinking, what does FPS, RPG and Racing game represent. I mean
I know that they are game related profiles, but where’s my DCI-P3 profile? I had to
google to find out that out of the box, M-book profile is the one that comes close to what
a Macbook use should use. I wouldn’t though, because color are far off from what a Macbook
pro can represent. The audio presets actually make more difference.
FPS, RCG, SPG, Cinema Pop-life are again audio presets that are rather confusing, but RCG
definitely stands out while playing call of duty. For everything else the Cinema preset
seems the setting that has it all. On another note the speakers aren’t very powerful.
I kept using the monitor at the maximum level of 50 throughout gaming and that didn’t
feel enough. Then I realised that all this sound is actually coming from just a monitor
and I became appreciative again. So, if we step back from the world of gaming
for a second, the questions that remains is this. Is this monitor good for productivity?
See, with gaming monitors, there’s always the risk of getting something hideous looking
that subconsciously screams Fortnight while you are trying to focus on editing a photo
in Lightroom. This big boy from BenQ is not ad subtle as some other displays that I’ve
tested with great image quality and high-refresh rate, but it definitely looks less gamerie
and more like something that came out from a sci-fi movie. Given the fact that it comes
in my preferred size of 32” I can tell you that I am pretty happy rocking it on a daily
basis. Using it for productive purposes I did have
to get use to some compromises however. This monitor has plenty of ports on the back and
some subtle RGBs of course and all the other bells and whistles that I mentioned earlier,
but it lacks one major port that I personally most care about - USB-C with thunderbolt.
If it had that, I would’ve been able to connect my very capable 16” M1 Max MacBook
Pro and still play games on it, while chargin, running sound, picture and everything else.
This would’ve made this BenQ monitor an instant recommendation - almost. Since it
doesn’t come with USB-C thunderbolt, I have to choose between running it through the HDMI
and live with lower refresh rate (if I choose not to use a dock or dongle), or running it
via the display port, which doesn’t run the speakers.
Going back to the confusing on screen controls and the fact that BenQ plasters the DCI-P3
Colour gamut that I care most about, there’s no real preset or calibration for it, even
though the panel supports it. Calibrating should show the monitor’s full potential,
because the built in M-book mode is quite bad and I’d rather stay in sRGB.
If I have to point out something that is really important to me, that is the Flicker-free™ certification.
I suffer from migraines and that certification from a global leader like TUV is something
to appreciate. During my last 2 weeks of use, I didn’t notice anything that might annoy
me or potentially trigger discomfort. The display matte coating is also great btw, handling
reflections admirably. I did mention that it comes with a remote
control earlier and this is definitely something that I enjoy a lot no matter if I am using
the display on a console or plugged into a PC or Mac. It is extremely easy adjusting
the volume and switching between the profiles on the fly and long gone is the silly joystick-on-the-bottom
fiddling. In terms of looks and design, even the conservative
in me can’t argue that I like the sharp line and overall presence. Beside the bottom
chin that holds some of the speakers, the top and side even, thin bezels look very stylish.
I can rarely deem a monitor good locking on the back either, but this EX3210U is defnitely
someithing to admire if your desk is in the middle of the room. I wish it was able to
go a bit higher on the stand, but I appreciate the angle adjustments and overall firmness
on the desk. No vertical orientation is possible here, but that’s common for this size and
as always, there’s always the option for a VESA mount, despite the fact that this will
hide the awesome white and red accents on the stand. Overall very sturdy monitor that
has a great presence on any desk. Coming at a price of $1100, this is not a
cheap monitor. Looking at the competition, price-wise the EX3210U is right above something
equivalent, but in 27” and below other monitors that live in the ultrawide category. If it
only had a bit brighter display, less confusing on screen controls, proper calibration standards
and USB thunderbolt - it would’ve been a hit.
I am planning on upgrading my monitor guide soon BTW. The one from last year was very
well received from many of you so stay tuned for that and subscribe to the channel. If
you enjoyed that video, check out my Monitor playlist here and as always,
It’s been an absolute pleasure, This is E
Over & Out.