Gaming Monitor Roundup 2014

BenQ XL2720Z Review

Manufacturer: BenQ
UK price: £347.12 (inc VAT)

Specifications

• Screen size 27in
  
• Resolution 1,920 x 1,080
  
• Refresh rate 144Hz
  
• TFT-panel type TN
  
• 3D support Yes (active)
  
• Overdrive Yes (enabled by default)
  
• Inputs VGA, DVI, 2 x HDMI, DisplayPort
  
• Audio HDMI audio out
  
• Extras USB hub
  
• Dimensions (mm) 640 x 270 x 425 (552) (W x D x H)
  
• Portrait mode Yes
  
• Weight 7.73kg
  
• Mount VESA 100mm

Fortunately, BenQ’s second submission for this test is of an entirely different calibre than the RL2455HM. The XL2720Z is the latest 27-inch instalment in the brand’s successful line of 120/144Hz monitors. It is quite a bit more expensive than its smaller cousin, but delivers features in spades, starting with optional 3D support using Nvidia 3D Vision 2. It also comes with a ‘low blue light’ option as well as a flicker-free backlight.


Starting with connectors, the XL2720Z features every conceivable input, including both VGA and DisplayPort, as well as two HDMI inputs and dual-link DVI. A USB hub is also integrated. Integrated speakers are absent, which is just fine by us.

BenQ’s screen features a motion blur reduction technology through the use of a special backlight, that synchronizes with the refresh rate and switches the backlight off in between showing new frames. This causes a significant drop in brightness, to nearly one third of the maximum we measured without it.


That brightness isn’t too high to start with, although it should still be plenty high enough for just about every environment. The contrast isn’t too great either (though 900:1 still isn't bad), but response times are excellent. Colour accuracy, sadly, is not so hot, and the gamma deviation is too large for our liking. Also, the colour temperature is far too high at 7,631K. Even so, for fast-paced FPS games this is definitely a worthwhile option. The energy consumption turned out to be surprisingly low for such a large screen; another plus in our book.


The extras make BenQ’s screen well worth considering, but of the two 27-inch models in this test, Asus’ VG278H is our favourite.