BenQ GW2765HT review

The BenQ’s GW2765HT’s price looks too cheap to be true, but it really is a 27in IPS display with a 2,560×1,440 pixel (WQHD) resolution for under £300.

Typically, IPS panels cover a wider area of any given colour gamut, and can display the most challenging and vibrant colours. IPS panels also produce wider viewing angles than TN panels, but they’re not as quick to respond as a TN screen, which can usually change the colour of any pixel in 1ms. This IPS panel can manage a 4ms response time and refreshes at 60Hz, making it acceptable for casual gamers, but not for twitchier players.

Our colour calibrator reported a sRGB colour gamut coverage of 99.8 per cent of the sRGB colour gamut, which is a mightily impressive figure, particularly as the monitor was not calibrated. It did miss out on the brightest reds and blues, and there were minor deviations throughout the colour spectrum, but in everyday use you’re unlikely to notice the slight shading differences. If you work in graphic design, we’d recommend the ViewSonic VP2772.

The GW2765HT’s contrast level of 1064:1 is around what we’d expect for a display at this price, and it allows more detail to be seen in darker spots in games and movies. The 0.37cd/m2 black level means fairly deep blacks, and the screen’s LED backlight is relatively uniform across the panel. The screen coating is neither matt nor glossy; it has a little shine to it but also just a hint of grain that you may notice if you look closely.

The GW2765HT is designed for enjoying films and casual games rather than heavy design work, but there is a dedicated button on the monitor to adjust the blue light setting, and the backlight also uses flicker-free technology, another known cause of eye strain. At maximum brightness, the screen produces a very bright 397.8cd/m2 of light. Sadly, navigating the monitor’s on-screen menus is a frustrating pursuit because the navigation buttons are on the back. You have to feel for them, and we often found ourselves hitting the wrong button.

The screen’s bezels are made of glossy black plastic, which looks a little cheap. Considering the price, this is forgivable, as is the lack of a USB hub. The height-adjustable stand is a welcome addition, and there’s plenty of screen tilt, too. It doesn’t swivel, though.

The BenQ GW2765HT is an excellent monitor. The 2,560×1,440-pixel resolution and the visually pleasing quality of the IPS panel make the GW2765HT’s sub-£300 price a real steal.