Versione in Italiano QUI
Introduction
When it comes to monitors, my eyes always light up: some might call me a hopeless nerd, but perhaps it’s simply because I’ve had the chance to experience the difference between working on generic monitors and working on monitors truly worthy of the name. So when BenQ asked me to put the PD3225U to the test, I certainly couldn’t refuse.
As we know, BenQ produces different series of monitors because different users have different needs, and therefore require different technologies. For example, a gamer will be more interested in the refresh rate, making BenQ’s EX series perfect for them, while for us print enthusiasts, the SW series is ideal with its gamut designed to fully cover the Adobe RGB color space. But as we’ve already seen in THIS article, we might be looking for something else entirely.
In this crowded galaxy, the BenQ PD3225U belongs to the “Professional Designer” series (hence the PD in its name). This series is primarily aimed at creatives such as graphic designers, photographers, video editors, and other digital artists who need monitors with high color accuracy, high resolution, and advanced color control features.
In this review, we’ll explore its main features and why, as you can already tell from the title, it’s described as a “Mac Ready” monitor.
Design and Build
The design and build quality of the BenQ PD3225U reflect the company’s commitment to creating a monitor that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing for modern workspaces. The BenQ PD3225U features an elegant and minimalist design, with a borderless frame on all four sides that maximizes the visible screen area, offering an immersive and distraction-free viewing experience. This design choice not only makes the monitor ideal for multi-screen setups but also contributes to a clean, contemporary look that fits perfectly into our work environments.
The build quality of the PD3225U is evident in the materials used and the attention to detail. The monitor is equipped with a sturdy and versatile ergonomic stand that allows adjustments in height, tilt, rotation, and pivot, enabling us to easily find the most comfortable viewing position suited to our specific workflow. This flexibility is especially important for those who spend long hours in front of the screen, as it helps reduce physical fatigue and promotes proper posture. Additionally, the integrated VESA mount offers further mounting options, allowing the monitor to be attached to walls or monitor arms, optimizing desk space and improving workspace organization.
It’s absolutely clear that the design of the BenQ PD3225U was intended to integrate seamlessly into a Mac ecosystem, not only in terms of functionality (as we’ll see shortly) but also aesthetically, thanks to its modern look and clean lines, which Apple has accustomed us to. As a Mac user, I couldn’t be more excited about it.
Image Quality
By now, one of the characteristics we expect from BenQ—without compromises but rather new advancements with each monitor released—is image quality.
The BenQ PD3225U uses a new 32-inch LG IPS Black panel with 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), offering a 178° viewing angle and a pixel density of 140 PPI, ensuring sharp and detailed images.
The IPS Black technology significantly improves contrast compared to conventional IPS panels, with a native contrast ratio of 2000:1, allowing for deeper blacks and more vibrant colors. Additionally, this technology ensures the same level of color accuracy even in lower gray tones, including at the edges of the monitor. This is particularly useful for professional design applications that utilize content with low gray tones.
The monitor supports HDR10 and VESA DisplayHDR 400, ensuring better brightness and dynamic range in HDR images. Moreover, BenQ’s AQCOLOR technology provides 98% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and 99% coverage of the sRGB and Rec.709 color spaces. When properly calibrated, the monitor can achieve color accuracy with ΔE ≤ 2, making it ideal for design, video, and photo post-production work where color fidelity is crucial.
Regarding calibration and profiling operations, the BenQ PD3225U supports so-called software calibration, meaning you can use the probe and software provided by the probe manufacturer (so it is not possible to use BenQ PMU, for example). I recommend using a Calibrite HL probe and the Calibrite PROFILER software to achieve maximum accuracy.
Being a monitor from the PD series, it understandably does not claim AdobeRGB coverage. If you’re looking for AdobeRGB coverage (essential for print work), the recommendation remains to opt for the SW series, such as the already reviewed SW272U or SW321C.
Mac-Ready Features
As the title of this review already suggests, BenQ designed the PD3225U with Mac users in mind.
First and foremost, thanks to the M-Book color mode, the monitor ensures consistent color matching with connected Mac devices, minimizing color differences between the monitor and the MacBook display. This is essential for those who use multiple screens and require color continuity across all monitors in use.
Additionally, the monitor also supports ICC profile synchronization through ICCsync, which simplifies color reproduction across different Mac devices. This feature is integrated into BenQ’s Display Pilot 2 software (which we’ll discuss in more detail later), offering other customization options to enhance productivity and color management.
Connectivity and Accessories
The BenQ PD3225U offers a wide range of connectivity options, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and two Thunderbolt 3 ports that support data transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps and 85W of power delivery for charging connected devices (including Macs!).
Additionally, the monitor features a built-in USB hub with three USB 3.2 ports, providing a versatile solution for connecting peripherals and storage devices.
Another useful feature is the included Hotkey Puck G2 controller, which allows you to assign custom shortcuts for quickly accessing color modes, input settings, and other frequently used functions.
In terms of Mac compatibility, the PD3225U also supports Daisy Chain connectivity, enabling you to connect up to two 4K displays with ultra-high-speed connectivity!
Visual Comfort and Ergonomics
For those of us who spend long hours in front of monitors, visual comfort and ergonomics are far from secondary considerations.
The BenQ PD3225U is equipped with eye protection technologies, such as the Low Blue Light filter and Flicker-Free technology, which reduce eye strain during long work sessions.
As always, BenQ implements its Uniformity Technology, ensuring even distribution of brightness and color across the entire screen, reducing variations that can further tire the eyes and potentially compromise our graphic work.
As mentioned earlier, ergonomics are further enhanced by the stand’s adjustable height, tilt, rotation, and pivot, allowing users to find the most comfortable viewing position. And thanks to the IPS panel, we can be sure that the image on the screen will always be viewed correctly.
Differences with the BenQ PD3220U Monitor
Those paying close attention know that BenQ previously offered the PD3220U monitor, which seemingly had similar characteristics. So, what are the differences with the new BenQ PD3225U? Compared to the PD3220U, the BenQ PD3225U offers:
- IPS Black panel for deeper blacks
- Standard brightness of 400 nits versus the previous 250 nits
- 98% P3 gamut coverage compared to the previous 95%
- Achievable Delta E (color accuracy) lower than 2 (previously lower than 3)
- 2.5W speakers (versus the previous 2W)
In essence, BenQ has optimized an already high-end PD series monitor by incorporating feedback from the community.
BenQ Display Pilot 2 and Display ColorTalk
The (free) applications BenQ Display Pilot 2 and Display ColorTalk further enrich the BenQ PD3225U’s features and potential.
The BenQ Display Pilot 2 application is software designed to enhance productivity through efficient monitor settings management. This tool allows users to customize the interface according to individual preferences, making it easier to access various functions such as ICC profile synchronization (ICCsync), brightness control, and software dimming adjustments. With the Application Mode, you can assign specific settings to each application used, ensuring the monitor always operates with the optimal parameters for the type of content displayed. This flexibility simplifies the workflow and saves valuable time, eliminating the need to manually adjust settings each time you switch between applications.
BenQ Display ColorTalk, on the other hand, is an application developed by BenQ to facilitate color management between monitors and Mac devices without the use of an external calibrator. This application will help to achieve color matching between a MacBook and the BenQ monitor, thus improving color consistency across devices. Display ColorTalk allows users to visually align colors from a primary monitor to a secondary monitor through manual adjustments in a step-by-step process. This feature is particularly useful when an external calibrator is not available (though I always recommend using one).
Conclusions
The BenQ PD3225U not only excels in image quality thanks to its 4K UHD resolution, HDR support, and new IPS Black technology on a 32” panel that delivers deep blacks and vivid colors, but it also stands out for its seamless integration with Apple devices, both aesthetically and functionally, thanks to the M-Book color mode and BenQ’s Display Pilot 2 and Display ColorTalk applications.
As always, BenQ focuses on color accuracy, supported by near-total coverage of the most commonly used color spaces such as DCI-P3 and sRGB, making it particularly suitable for design, photography post-production (though not focused on print), and video.
BenQ’s attention to detail is also evident in its ergonomic features and advanced connectivity options. The multi-directional adjustable stand offers exceptional flexibility, allowing the monitor to adapt to different workstations and reducing fatigue during long sessions. The Thunderbolt 3 ports and built-in USB hub simplify cable management and peripheral connectivity, contributing to a tidy and efficient workspace.
In conclusion, the BenQ PD3225U is certainly a valid choice for those looking to pair a monitor with their Apple ecosystem for graphic, photographic, and video use where extended color space coverage, like Adobe RGB, is not required.
As always, if you’re interested in this monitor and would like to take advantage of a discount on your purchase, feel free to contact me HERE.
