BenQ BL3200PT review

The BenQ BL3200PT is a 32-inch VA-panel monitor aimed at computer-aided design (CAD) professionals, but this high-specified 2,560×1,440 screen would suit anyone seeking a plus-sized screen for gaming, watching films or editing photos or videos.

At 13kg, the BL3200PT is extremely heavy, but for the most part it feels very well made. There’s a generous amount of height adjustment, and the stand also has built-in swivel adjustment. Another great addition is the on-screen display controller, which fits into a round hole in the stand. This performs the same function as the wedge-shaped controllers often supplied with BenQ gaming monitors, but with the BL3200PT it takes the form of a plastic disc. It looks great, and is much easier to use than the touch buttons on the front of the monitor.

The point where the panel meets the stand is the one weak area we found; it’s fairly wobbly and means the panel continues to move for a few seconds after a nudge. The Acer B326HUL is far more stable in this regard.

In every other area, the BL3200PT is an exceptionally well-built monitor. A welcome design feature is the addition of side-mounted VGA, DVI, DisplayPort, HDMI and USB3 ports. This is particularly useful for mobile workers who may not be stationed at a desk permanently and therefore find themselves plugging their laptop into the screen every day.

The BL3200PT’s 2,560×1,440 VA panel is fantastic. In terms of image quality, it has very similar qualities to the Acer B326HUL meaning there is very little to choose between them. Out of the box the screen was able to display 100 per cent of the sRGB colour gamut, an important trait for those working on colour-sensitive tasks. The contrast level of 2472:1 is very high indeed, while the 0.1cd/m2 black level is down in the inky depths. It’s a very pleasant monitor to use. Our high-contrast test images revealed a high amount of detail not visible on other monitors with lower contrast, while colours were bright and vibrant and blacks remained deep.

Colours remained consistent across the screen’s surface, and there was very little shift in colour or brightness in the corners as a result of head movements. However, a 32-inch monitor may be too big for many users. Combined with the monitor’s high resolution, there’s a huge amount of desktop on offer and you will find yourself having to move your head and neck more than you would with a smaller screen. Whether you are comfortable with this will come down to personal preference, but it’s certainly a bonus when dealing with applications with multiple toolbars or windows such as video editors.

The BenQ BL3200PT also has a huge array of adjustment options available through its on-screen menus. Settings for all manner of working environments are available, with modes for CAD software, animations and web browsing just three of the 15 presets available.

The BenQ BL3200PT is one of the best monitors we’ve ever reviewed. Its design is subtle but stylish, and its screen quality is second to none. Its biggest showpiece is its price – £500 is great value for such a screen. It wins a Best Buy award.