Is this the Best and Sharpest 4K 32" Monitor For Your M1, M2 and M3 Mac? BenQ PD3225U

[@TheWonderSanctuary]

Just bought this monitor for my MacBook Pro M4 & this video confirms I made the right decision. Thank you for this video!

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching

[@taylowendy]

I think another great selling point is the eye care feature. Today we are sitting at our monitors more. We need to take better care of our eyes and people are developing more neurological issues (migraines). I think I’m going to look into BenQ for my next monitor. This was a helpful review. Thanks, Craig!

[@craigneidel]

Yes, that is a nice feature as well. Thank you for watching.

[@Jaxplode]

How does Mac deal with the scale? Can you use the native 4K resolution with scaled text that is not so small? these are my biggest concerns.

[@craigneidel]

I have no issues with it at all. Looks good to me.

[@thomaskremer9219]

I bought the device and am very satisfied with my M3 Max. Greetings from Germany

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for the info and I love Germany. I have been there 8 times now. Anyhow thanks for watching the channel.

[@albertoselvaggi]

very nice review, thx. i m thinking to buy 3 of them for my music studio and connect them to a mac studio m2 ultra.

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching and the post.

[@musiciankellett]

I bought the 3225U though I was very tempted by the Studio display. There's still a voice in my head saying stewoooodioooo dissssplaaayyy but it just isn't worth it for me with the gorgeous aluminium back hard against the wall. The text is absolutely crisp and I don't use the sound because it's in a recording studio. I hook my iPhone up for Zoom. A height adjustable stand and non reflective screen, 2000:1 contrast plus 32". No contest for me, but like you say, if you are somewhere where image counts, the studio display just looks amazing.

[@craigneidel]

Yes, the Studio Display is a great monitor for sure.

[@martindot7720]

So whats the better choice? PD3225U or MA320U?

[@craigneidel]

Depends on budget of course. The PD model is a slightly better panel but you get about 90% of that in the MA version which I recommend for most.

[@martindot7720]

@ i want to have the best possible Monitor ….i have to say that the Studio Display sucks if for example windows Notebooks are not 100% supported or it is Not possible to Connect a PS5. So you wouoe reconmend the PD Version? Especially regarding Thunderbolt

[@dannyize]

Thanks for the review. I will be looking for a large monitor for my Mac mini. I was leaning towards the Studio Display. There are many nice perks on this Benq. I really like its hub and ports. I'd like to know if it can switch between inputs to support a second Mac/PC.

[@buitho439]

Why dont you try Samsung S9 Infinity?

[@craigneidel]

I always say just try it out if you can to see if you like it. For me having the 32" is great as I'm not huge on multiple monitors but we are all different. Colors are very good on this but it's a matte screen and the Studio is Glossy so that will make a difference depending on what you need.

[@dannyize]

I can't afford either right now, but it's good to have choices. I'm moving soon, so I might as well wait. Currently using a portable 16" panel ($100). Connects via single TB cable and it's quite nice. But I agree with you, Craig: I prefer one big panel over multiple displays. Edit: I watched again and I see that it does indeed have input switching. Nice.

[@craigneidel]

Yeah, it's a nice monitor but save your money until you need it since they can be expensive. When you are ready though it's a good choice for sure.

[@Zhinix04]

yes. there is a built-in KVM switch. you can use the same monitor, mouse and keyboard on multiple devices, and switch with with the press of a button on the hotkey puck, or from the screen menu

[@gurlzrok]

Just purchased M2 MAC Studio and was looking at the 322OU. This is great info! coming from a PC I have a question, does this monitor have to be calibrated like my PC did? Also, not using with laptop, do I still set in MacBook mode?

[@craigneidel]

Look at 3225u. I did video on that if you search. Brighter too. Also no calibration for either.

[@davidw2454]

Hi, great review being an owner of a MacBook Pro M3 this would seem a great option for my personal work photo editing, however I also have a works PC laptop for Business work would both of these work through the hub connections.

[@craigneidel]

Yes, you can use this with a PC as well with the ports the monitor has.

[@ThisMichaelBrown]

Fantastic review, thanks!

[@craigneidel]

for sure and thanks for watching.

[@asan1050]

Craig! a nice one. Thanks for posting this video

[@craigneidel]

Thanks, it's a nice monitor overall for sure. $1000 is quite a bit for a monitor but it has a very clean panel and is huge.

[@TheBurtle005]

Which Mac (desktop version) would be good for this monitor to edit pictures, videos etc...?

[@craigneidel]

M2 Mac mini. Get 16 gb ram if you can swing it.

[@hangingoutwithryan]

Great review. Got a couple of them on the way now. Exited to see how awesome they are in real life :)

[@craigneidel]

Thank you and I wish you the best of luck.

[@diadsoul1]

Hi thank you for detailed review. I d like to use it as my main monitor with my win pc, but sometimes plug my mcb pro, do i ned to swtch cable connection everytime, or does it works simltaneously? You mentioned that two computers can be hooked at the same time, but two different os? thank you a lot!

[@Zhinix04]

they have a built in KVM, so can be hooked up to several devices. (HDMI/displayport for the pc and thunderbolt for the mac for instance.. just switch between them at will, using the same mouse and keyboard. I'm switching between a mac mini, MBP and my ipad pro for instance)

[@diadsoul1]

@@Zhinix04 Thank you so much!

[@craigneidel]

Yes, can work with several devices. Thanks again for watching.

[@jaymeez]

32” LG UHG IPS monitor at Costco is on sale for $240.

[@craigneidel]

Nice tip.

[@pattip8110]

I debated between this BenQ and the Alienware 32" 4K UHD 240Hz Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3225QF) - This one was on sale and cheaper than BenQ. Also, BenQ wasn't in stock. I would love to know your thoughts on this monitor to be used with a M2 for editing. I wasn't looking for a curved monitor but the price difference sold me! New Subscriber 🎉 Hoping for a future review on this model! Thanks for this breakdown!

[@craigneidel]

I have not used the Alienware too much so I can't really offer too much there. I just did a new review of a more cost effective BenQ monitor on my channel so check out my channel and look for the Mid Range BenQ and it's $599 and very close to the more expensive BenQ. That could be the one.

[@brianbs7348]

really good review i will have a look

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching

[@dancevids23]

Does it work with Mac studio or Mac mini? Or does it have to be iPad or Macbook pro running it?

[@craigneidel]

Yes, it will work with all Macs.

[@electroonext]

Great information thanks.

[@craigneidel]

You got it thanks.

[@RockTo11]

Does it work with real computers too?

[@craigneidel]

Yes I said it works with Macs. Funny

[@digginestdogg90]

No. At 400 nits it does not possess the dynamic range at all. I looked at them, found their colors muddled and unappealing, and chose the Studio display in the end.

[@craigneidel]

I didn't see that at all so not sure if you had settings correct. It's bright enough for almost any type of work in my opinion. But get what works best for you as that is what matters.

[@AhmadQ.81]

Wish it has 120Hz and eArc support!

[@craigneidel]

Yeah that would be an upgrade.

[@torontodev525]

thanks Craig, I am getting this after this video..

[@craigneidel]

Thanks for watching. Do your research as I always say but I like this for sure and it's a very large display. Nice professional monitor.

[@torontodev525]

@@craigneidel Actually I have been doing research, thats how I landed on your channel. :) I have Mini - Mac and use Window for me day job, and have been debating if I should Mac Display or something else and I reckon this would be better for me. thanks Mate.

[@craigneidel]

@@torontodev525 for sure and thanks for watching the channel.

[@tomdfrog]

I do not get the 4k display craze. I have never seen anyone use them at their native resolution. Everyone's OS does pixel doubling/halving contortion to get the elements on screen to be readable. Typically, making it an effective 1920x1080...just super crisp. All that money for just HD work area. Maybe if all you do is play games and videos...but for regular use...(IMHO) a display with a native 2560x1440 is ideal. Easy to read on, extra real estate, and MUCH lower price. Also explains why Apple went the 5k route. Half of 5k...2560x1440 I got lucky. Scored some sweet 27" 2560x1440 Dell displays before the big price increases. At the time, the BenQ I wanted was $700...got all 3 Dell's with tax and free shipping for $650. They replace 3 30" Apple Cinema Displays.

[@craigneidel]

Some scale better then others and this one does a very good job where I don't even notice it at all. The screen is large and vibrant and a pleasure for getting work done. Also, when you scale it the text can be 2560 x 1440 but when you watch videos and other stuff like that it would still come in as 4K (or design work) if you have it setup correctly.

[@juurstudio]

So it's not really usable at native 4K resolution without any scaling?

[@nazar_ua]

try 4k downscaled to 2k next to the native 2k monitor of the same size. Then you'll get it. If not - consider that other people can have better vision and clearly see the BIG difference.

[@dmartyn3809]

Added to my wish list!

[@craigneidel]

It's a nice monitor to get work done.

[@digitalmarketinghumans]

That monitor looks so cool!

[@craigneidel]

It's one of my favorite screens

[@Zhinix04]

many go on complaining about "only 60Hz".. that's plenty, in most games you're not getting more than 60fps in 4K anyway. (unless you spend silly money on a mad gaming PC and GPU. but these monitors are designed for image quality, not FPS) works like a dream for gaming too. I got the 27" model, exactly the same screen, just a little smaller. (don't have space for a 32" on my desk). perfect for design and gaming.

[@craigneidel]

I agree but I'm not a huge gamer. But for what I do 60 Hz is fine and even the Studio Display is 60 Hz. Overall I tell people get what they need personally, but many people like to tell us what we need when they are different then us. I agree with you and the 60 HZ is fine as long as you know what you are buying and are not gaming 24/7. Thanks for watching.

[@Im2qwik]

I tired the last one you reviewed and sent it back...too dark...bought a Mac Studio display and luv it..this sounds like a better model...the extra size would be great..Apple needs to step up with a 32" studio display with better hz..good review thanks Craig

[@buitho439]

You should try Asus Proart 32 inches instead of Apple Studio Display.

[@buitho439]

@@yuri.moiseyev Studio Display is much more expensive compared with other 4K and 5K monitors.

[@Im2qwik]

@@buitho439 yup apple tax but I’m okay with it

[@Im2qwik]

@@buitho439 maybe next year if apple does not step up

[@buitho439]

@@Im2qwik Don't you think 27 inches screen would be small in the next 3-5 years?

[@winstonsmith1222]

Can you do a 27” under $600 monitor with good colour accuracy for prosumer photographers please

[@craigneidel]

I made a video on some monitors the experts recommend, see that video. I also like this one - www.benq.com/en-us/monitor/professional/pd3205u.html but it's all up to the user.

[@houssamalucad753]

The best one right now is by far the Spectrum One (glossy version), but the company is sketchy so don't count on the warrenty

[@craigneidel]

Yeah I head the company could be an issue but maybe getting better.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@craigneidel just buy for B&H or Amazon or anywhere where returns and cancellations are easy, don't get it straight from them

[@craigneidel]

Nice tip.

[@sglatitude]

For the quality and its price in comparison to Apple Studio; as Bob Barker said “the price is right”

[@sglatitude]

Apple studio has much smaller screen real estate (27 inch) as compared to 32 inch BenQ. For old man like me, bigger screen real estate is a plus point. Not to mention, I already have Sonos Beam gen2, sub mini, and pair of Era 300 which I believe offer better speaker than Apple Studio, coupled with Insta360 Link. The Thunderbolt 3 in the BenQ is good enough and connected to one of Thunderbolt 4 of Belkin Thunderbolt 4 dock. I’m very pleased with my current setup.

[@craigneidel]

I like it but it comes down to if you want a larger screen. The studio display is nice but smaller and this could go on sale also eventually. But I always tell people to just try them out first or have a good return policy and then if you like it keep it. Thanks for watching.

[@sglatitude]

@@yuri.moiseyev no really. Before I switched to BenQ, I had a 38-inch ultrawide LG that was amazing for multitasking-I could have three windows open side-by-side, which really sped up my workflow. I ended up giving it to my son for his projects, so now I'm on this BenQ.

[@craigneidel]

It all depends on what works best for you. I like to work on a single monitor but I know others like dual or triple setups.

[@maurogreco001]

hello scaled on mac mini m2 ???

[@craigneidel]

I thought it was fine

[@bryans8656]

That's a beautiful monitor. More than I need, but beautiful nonetheless.

[@craigneidel]

It's a very clear panel and huge.

[@craigneidel]

@@yuri.moiseyev Nothing, I said that in the video - zero.

[@johnnygladwin586]

How’s this for coding ?

[@craigneidel]

I don't code but they have a coding mode as well and people do like it.

[@A.H_610]

When the Mac we use is 120hz, and the iPhone is also 120hz, then the monitor would not be 60hz. They need to update this before continuing to send this monitor to reviewers. The idea that designers don't care about the refresh rate is an old mentality now as even they are used to the snappy comes from the 120hz.

[@craigneidel]

Yes, but it is what it is right now. I really don't notice this but I know some people won't buy a monitor that isn't 120 HZ or higher.

[@ernie599]

How fast is the firewall with an SSD on it?

[@craigneidel]

Firewall?

[@buitho439]

@@craigneidel I think he wanted to mention about Firewire.

[@craigneidel]

Ok, thanks but firewire was from many years ago.

[@Mobius494]

Is this a back lit monitor?

[@craigneidel]

I think so. Also look at a video I just did a day or two ago on a new BenQ monitor that is only $599 and another good choice with about 85% of these features.

[@Mobius494]

@@craigneidel Okay thanks!

[@craigneidel]

You got it.

[@lorenzodorsi243]

Does it work with a Windows PC?

[@craigneidel]

Yes, for sure.

[@houssamalucad753]

I would just get the new QD OLEDs 4K, much better monitors (colors, contrast....) that can also game(240hz), and with the 3 year warranty I'm not afraid of burn in anymore.

[@craigneidel]

Maybe but my channel is more about Macs and with the M-Mode that matches a MacBook's colors these are very nice. I don't game that much.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@craigneidel If you're serious about color work you probably have a monitor calibration tool. And you don't really need it anyways, since both your mac and those monitors have accurate SRGB and HDR modes, they would match almost perfectly anyways.

[@craigneidel]

Yes, that is why I like the BenQ as it has the MBook mode.

[@NewWalls98]

I didn't look at their QLEDs policy, but gigabyte policy for burn in does NOT cover static elements. So if you do get burn in from static elements (shortcuts, start bar, browser bar, window edges), its NOT covered by warranty. Be sure to read the small print before you bite the bullet so you don't regret it in 2-3 years.

[@houssamalucad753]

@@craigneidel what? how much did BenQ sponsor you for to be chilling them like that? This monitor is cool but it isn't even close to the best out there for the price.

[@remierrard6195]

60hz !! WTF !!! in 2024 ! Shiiiit !

[@craigneidel]

Nice pleasant response. Funny.

[@remierrard6195]

@@craigneidel But no, but we have to stop saying that 60hz is enough for work. I'm in architecture and all day I zoom in and out on my screen. We don't realize it but we do this all the time. I'm fed up with this myth that only gamers have the right to 120hz. These people didn't understand anything. All day long I zoom in and out.

[@craigneidel]

For many 60 Hz is fine with they types of work they do, and I'm sure some Architects are Ok with it. I'm just saying we all have different tolerances and for many 60 Hz is fine. A few years ago it was 100%. I mean I have been using a 5K imac with 60 HZ to create 650 videos and other stuff and I don't even notice it. Maybe if side by side but in everyday work it's more then fine. Yes, it could be better but I really don't notice it at all so I just have a different need is all. But, if you don't like it that's fine to since we all have different needs.

[@jackcapella2707]

Not worth the price. Color accuracy is good but for a 1k monitor today we need a minimum of 500 nits and 120Hz.

[@craigneidel]

In your opinion which is fine. Check out the video I did on a Mid Ranger BenQ 32 inch 4K monitor for around $599 which is brand new.

[@QGDeclined]

Does monitor reviews "I hate specs". What.

[@craigneidel]

@@QGDeclined I do showcases of products. Cover most specs too but I don't do full reviews