BenQ MA320U evaluate: reasonably priced and versatile 32-inch, 4K show

Worth When Reviewed

$599.99

Finest Costs At present: BenQ MA320U

$729.99

BenQ’s 27-inch MA270U (reviewed individually) gives a really reasonably priced different to Apple’s costly Studio Show, however its sub-$500 price ticket does contain some compromises. On this evaluate we’re wanting on the 32-inch MA320U is barely dearer, at $599.99/£549.99, however in addition to offering a bigger display it additionally addresses a number of the weaknesses of its 27-inch stablemate and produces a brighter show with bolder, crisper colours. Only for the file, although, we must always level out that the display really measures 31.5 inches when measured diagonally.

Unsurprisingly, the essential design of the 2 MA-Collection screens may be very comparable, with a silver and black case that’s principally made out of plastic. It may well’t match the slimline magnificence or the sturdy aluminium development of Apple’s shows, but it surely does present options which might be lacking from its dearer Apple rivals. Most notably, the stand supplied with the MA320U means that you can alter the peak of the display at no further price – whereas Apple prices an additional $400/£400 to offer that possibility with its Studio Show. Going one step additional, the MA320U may also rotate via 90-degrees into the upright (portrait) place, which may be helpful for graphics or photo-editing work.

BenQ pays good consideration to smaller particulars too, together with a cable holder that clips onto the stand and helps to maintain your cables a little bit tidier – which is especially useful in case you’re utilizing the show with each a desktop Mac and a MacBook laptop computer, or maybe a Home windows PC. There’s additionally a rubber pad on the bottom of the stand the place you may relaxation your MacBook, or smaller objects equivalent to a set of AirPods (though it’s a disgrace that the pad doesn’t present Qi wi-fi charging as effectively).

Tucked across the again of the display you’ll discover two HDMI ports for video enter, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a headphone socket that’s positioned on the underside fringe of the display for simple entry. There are not any DisplayPort connectors, however one of many USB-C ports helps DisplayPort for video enter when linked to a Thunderbolt port in your Mac. That USB-C port additionally gives as much as 90W charging for a MacBook laptop computer, which was wonderful for charging my 14-inch MacBook Professional, though 16-inch fashions want extra energy so that you’ll in all probability nonetheless want to make use of the exterior energy provide supplied along with your MacBook.

The second USB-C port on the show gives 15W energy for charging smaller units, whereas the 2 USB-A ports present 7.5W. And, in case your Mac is linked to the show by way of USB-C – fairly than HDMI – then you can even use the USB-C connection to switch knowledge as effectively, permitting you to attach units equivalent to an exterior solid-state drive to the show, or a keyboard and mouse. That makes it straightforward to attach all of your peripherals and different units to the show, so as to simply choose up your MacBook and take it with you once you depart, whereas all of your peripherals stay plugged into the show and able to use once you return.

The MA320U does have a small set of built-in audio system, however they’re pretty weak so you might wish to use that audio connector to plug in some headphones for listening to music, video or taking part in video games. I used to be additionally happy to search out that I might use the USB ports on the show to offer audio enter for my trusty little BeoPlay speaker as effectively.

The MA320U actually scores effectively for its connectivity options, however picture high quality is simply as vital, and it does enhance on BenQ’s inexpensive 27-inch mannequin. The show’s decision remains to be 4K (3840×2160), however in addition to offering a bigger display than the MA270U, the MA320U additionally improves stronger picture high quality too, stepping as much as 550 nits brightness (600 nits with HDR) that sits effectively alongside the show of my MacBook Professional. Distinction is sharper than the MA270U as effectively, and the MA320U consists of an ‘M-Guide’ mode that’s designed to match the colors of a MacBook show. It additionally helps 99% of the sRGB color customary, and 97% of the DCI-P3 customary for video-editing, so it may possibly actually be used for fundamental graphics, images and video work, though skilled and inventive customers may want a show that gives much more exact color controls.

However, for basic use at dwelling or in an workplace, the MA320U gives a vibrant and daring show that could be a worthy companion for the built-in show on my MacBook Professional. BenQ additionally gives an app known as Show Pilot that runs on Macs and Home windows PCs. The Show Pilot app gives a pull-down menu that sits within the Mac’s fundamental menu bar, and means that you can rapidly alter settings equivalent to the color profile, or turning HDR on or off. Admittedly, the app is a little bit fiddly to make use of, and does assume fairly a variety of technical data, particularly with regards to selecting color profiles and HDR settings, however it’s going to nonetheless turn out to be useful for individuals who have to do some picture or video-editing every so often.

Do you have to purchase the BenQ MA320U

The MA320U may be very a lot meant as a general-purpose show to be used at dwelling or in an workplace, and it could not meet the wants of artistic {and professional} customers. However, at lower than half the value of Apple’s Studio Show, it does present a gorgeous and versatile 4K show, and can significantly enchantment to MacBook homeowners who want an reasonably priced exterior show for his or her laptop computer.

See how the BenQ MA320U compares to different audio system we have now examined in our spherical up of the Finest Mac screens and shows we have now examined.