BenQ PV3200U 31.5 inch UHD monitor for video editing professionals

If you are a video editor seeking high-performance equipment, the BenQ PV3200U monitor is worth considering. This professional-grade monitor is tailored for video editing, featuring a generous 31.5-inch screen and UHD/4K resolution. With excellent factory color calibration and built-in 2.1 speakers, it promises to enhance your editing experience without unexpected surprises.

Before diving into the details of this review, we want to express our gratitude to BenQ for their trust in El Chapuzas Informático, providing us with the opportunity to analyze this product.

Technical specifications of the BenQ PV3200U

Unboxing and Accessories

The unboxing experience of the BenQ PV3200U begins with a robust, oversized cardboard box that boasts impressive protection. Inside, thick foam padding ensures that the monitor remains securely in place during transit. This level of attention to packing is crucial, as it minimizes the risk of damage.

The accessory kit is comprehensive and includes essential documentation, notably the calibration report. This report assures that the monitor delivers accurate color reproduction, with a delta E value of 1.1267 for our unit, achieving a normalized brightness of 255 nits.

Additionally, you will find a split stand, which is essential for the monitor's stability, a power cable, a USB-C cable for data and power connection, the Hotkey Puck G3, and a cable management solution. However, it's worth noting the absence of an HDMI cable, which could be a limitation for users without compatible USB-C ports.

Overview of Hotkey Puck G3

The Hotkey Puck G3 is a new version of a classic BenQ accessory. Previously limited to the PD family, this updated controller allows easy navigation through the OSD menu and offers several shortcuts to various functions. Notably, this version is now wireless, eliminating the need for a USB cable connection.

Design and Build Quality of the BenQ PV3200U

Once unboxed and set on our workspace, the BenQ PV3200U presents itself as a sleek and elegant monitor with reduced bezels. Measuring 480.22 - 595.22 x 714.5 x 210.46 mm and weighing 8.73 kg, it fits well in a professional environment. The aesthetics are understated, only highlighted by the two integrated speakers positioned at the bottom of the screen.

31.5-inch UHD IPS LED Panel

This monitor features a 31.5-inch IPS LED panel with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (Ultra HD). With a 16:9 aspect ratio, it boasts a pixel density of 140 PPI, ensuring impressive image clarity. While it's not designed primarily for gaming, its 60 Hz refresh rate and 5 ms GtG response time are adequate for its target audience.

As a video editing monitor, the BenQ PV3200U strikes a balance between brightness (350 nits - 400 nits peak HDR) and a contrast ratio of 1000:1. It supports up to 1.070 million colors, with coverage of the DCI-P3 color space at 95%, Rec.709 at 100%, and sRGB at 100%. Furthermore, it boasts a Delta E ≤2 rating, validated by Calman, ensuring its color accuracy for professional use, and is certified with VESA DisplayHDR 400 for HDR content playback.

Integrated 2.1 Speaker System

One standout feature of the BenQ PV3200U is its integrated 2.1 speaker system. This setup includes two 2W speakers at the front corners and a 5W woofer located at the rear of the screen. This combination provides a decent audio experience, allowing users to preview their edits without needing external speakers.

The monitor's rear view is sleek, with a well-finished stand that allows for 115 mm height adjustment, 90º rotation for vertical positioning, and tilt from -5º to 20º. Additionally, users have the option to remove the stand and utilize a VESA 100 mount for further flexibility.

Connectivity Features of the BenQ PV3200U

On the rear side of the BenQ PV3200U, you'll find a range of connectivity options. It includes three HDMI 2.0 ports and one USB-C port that is compatible with DisplayPort. However, it lacks a dedicated DisplayPort connection, which is something professionals might miss.

The USB-C port is particularly valuable as it supports up to 65W charging, allowing users to power their devices without a separate power cable. Additionally, it features a hub with three USB 3.2 Gen1 ports on the right and a 3.5 mm headphone jack, along with a standard power input and a Kensington lock port for security.

Performance Testing of the BenQ PV3200U

Having installed the BenQ PV3200U in our testing setup, we compared it to a 27-inch UHD monitor. The transition to a 31.5-inch display is significant, particularly for multitasking and working with split screens, enhancing productivity.

Color Accuracy and Calibration

In terms of color accuracy, the IPS LED panel impresses right from the start. Our tests with a Spyder 5 calibrator indicate that the BenQ PV3200U covers the sRGB color space at 100%, which is essential for any professional monitor. It also achieves a 93% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, a strong value for video editing. However, it only covers 87% of the AdobeRGB space, which might not suffice for high-end photo editing tasks, particularly when using software like Photoshop or Lightroom.

These results place the BenQ PV3200U in the mid-range of monitors, performing adequately but not exceptionally in color coverage.

Brightness Management

The specifications claim a brightness of 350 nits, with peaks reaching 400 nits for HDR content. In our measurements, the monitor consistently delivered a mean brightness of 190 nits across its panel. Despite this, the uniformity was commendable, indicated by low variability across different zones measured. Although we could not measure HDR content directly, the brightness levels are sufficient to avoid eye strain during extended use.

Latency Evaluation

Using an NVIDIA LDAT latency meter, we assessed end-to-end latency, which measures the delay from clicking the mouse to action on the screen. The BenQ PV3200U recorded a latency of 44.9 ms, categorizing it as relatively slow. However, this outcome aligns with its specifications and intended use case.

Summary of Benefits and Drawbacks

Pros of the BenQ PV3200U

• Elegant design with high-quality finishes.
• 31.5-inch UHD panel with excellent image clarity.
• Good color coverage and factory calibration.
• Highly adjustable stand with up to 115 mm height capability.
• Flicker-free technology and blue light filter for eye comfort.
• Single USB-C cable connectivity for compatible devices.
• Three-port USB hub for additional connectivity.

Cons of the BenQ PV3200U

• Higher price point may limit market competitiveness.
• 60 Hz refresh rate might not justify the cost.
• Lacks a native DisplayPort input.

Other Considerations

• Integrated speakers are better than average but not suitable for professional sound editing.

The BenQ PV3200U is available for purchase at approximately 805 euros from the official website. While not budget-friendly, it competes with OLED models on the market.

We at El Chapuzas Informático award the BenQ PV3200U with the Silver Award, recognizing its strong performance despite some shortcomings.

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