BenQ PD3225U vs Apple Studio Display

In our review of the BenQ PD3225U, we were really impressed at BenQ’s efforts to make a monitor that offers better Mac compatibility than most.

In fact, we ranked it one of the best alternatives to the Apple Studio Display thanks to its impressive color accuracy and “M-book” mode for out-of-the-box calibration with Macs.

However, while the BenQ PD3225U is aimed at creative professionals looking for a budget-friendly 4K UHD option, the Apple Studio Display targets users looking for an ultra high quality 5K Retina screen with seamless integration with macOS.

Here we take a closer look at how they compare head-to-head to get better idea of which one is right for you.

Comparison Table

Below is a side-by-side comparison of how the BenQ PD3225U and Studio Display match-up spec-by-spec.

The table compares BenQ’s monitor against the the base level standard glass Apple Studio Display although there is also a more expensive anti-glare Matt-coated version available too.

There is also a 27 inch version of the BenQ, the PD2725U, which is the same size as the Studio Display but has lower color accuracy than the 32 inch version (which is why we’ve opted to compare the 32 inch model).

We also like the fact that the PD3225U gives you that added extra screen estate compared to the Studio Display.

You can use the search tool if you want to compare a specific feature.

	BenQ PD3225U	Apple Studio Display (Standard Glass, Tilt Adjustable Stand)
DISPLAY
Size	31.5″	27″
Panel Type	IPS-Type LCD	LCD
Aspect Ratio	16:9	16:9
Native Resolution	3840 x 2160	5120 x 2880
Maximum Brightness	400 nits / cd/m2 (Sustained in SDR mode/ Peak in HDR Mode)	600 nits / cd/m2
HDR Support	Yes, HDR10	No
Contrast Ratio	2000:1	–
Response Time	5 ms (GtG)	–
Refresh Rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Variable Refresh Technology	No	No
Color Support	1.07 Billion Colors (10-Bit)	1.07 Billion Colors (10-Bit)
Color Gamut	99% sRGB 98% DCI-P3 99% Rec. 709	–
Viewing Angle (H x V)	178 x 178°	–
Pixels Per Inch (ppi)	140 ppi	218 ppi
Finish	Anti-Glare / Matte	Glossy with Antireflective Coating
Touchscreen	No	No
CONNECTIVITY
Inputs	2x HDMI 2.0 1x DisplayPort 1.4	No
Outputs	1x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm (Headphone)	No
HDCP Supports	Yes, Version 2.2	No
USB I/O	1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) (Charging/DisplayPort Alt Mode) 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) (Charging/DisplayPort Alt Mode) 2x USB-A 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-B 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 Side: 1x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-A 3.1/3.2 Gen 2	3x USB-C 3.1/3.2 Gen 2 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)
USB Power Delivery	85 W (via USB-C) 15 W (via USB-C)	96 W (via USB-C)
Multi-Input Support (Picture in Picture, Multi input support)	Picture-in-Picture (PIP), Picture-by-Picture (PBP)	No
SPEAKER
Built-in speakers	Yes, 2x 2.5W	Yes, 6
HARDWARE
Processor	–	Apple A13Bionic
Built-in Microphone	–	Yes
Webcam	–	User-Facing: 12 MP
ELECTRICAL
Power Consumption	Maximum: 230.0 W	–
Input Power	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
Power Adapter	Internal	–
GENERAL
Operating conditions	32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C at 10 to 90% Humidity	50 to 95°F / 10 to 35°C at 5 to 90% Humidity
Certifications	TUV Flicker Free, TUV Low Blue Light	–
Stand Adjustments	Tilt: 25° (-5 to 20°) Swivel: 60° (-30 to 30°) Rotation: 90° to -90° Height: 5.91″ / 150 mm	Tilt: 25° (-5 to 20°)
Mounting-Hole Pattern	100 x 100 mm	100 x 100 mm
Lock Slot	Yes, Kensington	No
Dimensions	28.1 x 24.7 x 10.7″ / 713.7 x 627.4 x 271.8 mm (with Stand) 28.1 x 16.2 x 2.9″ / 714.8 x 411.4 x 74.8 mm (without Stand)	24.5 x 18.8 x 6.6″ / 62.3 x 47.8 x 16.8 cm (with Stand)
Weight	18.1 lb / 8.2 kg (with Stand) 14.6 lb / 6.6 kg (without Stand)	13.9 lb / 6.3 kg
PRICE	Buy Now: $1099.99	Buy Now: $1,599

Here’s a closer look at how some of these key features compare in more detail.

Display Quality

Resolution

• BenQ PD3225U: Features 4K UHD resolution (3840×2160) with a pixel density of 140 PPI. While great for larger screens, it lacks a bit of sharpness when scaling MacBook retina display which have a much higher pixel density. The result can be text that appears a bit blurry when inspected close-up although it’s not enough to bother most users.

• Apple Studio Display: Offers a 5K Retina resolution (5120×2880) with 218 PPI, ensuring superior sharpness and clarity for detailed creative work and reading text. The Studio Display scales MacBook retina displays perfectly.

Color Accuracy

• BenQ PD3225U: Features 99% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, 99% Rec. 709 and HDR10 support, delivering extremely impressive color accuracy for video editing and design. In fact, it’s one of the most color accurate displays we’ve tried with a Mac.
• Apple Studio Display: Covers P3 Wide Color with True Tone technology, delivering industry-leading color reproduction and dynamic adjustment based on ambient light. The 5K resolution advantage and higher pixel density mean the colors look incredibly vibrant on the Studio Display.

Brightness

• BenQ PD3225U: The BenQ supports up to 400 nits of brightness which is suitable for general indoor use but not so good in brightly lit environments.
• Apple Studio Display: Apple’s display supports up to 600 nits, providing better visibility in well-lit settings (especially if you get the Matt display finish) and more vibrant HDR content.

Build Quality and Design

Materials

• BenQ PD3225U: Has a sturdy plastic build with a matte anti-glare screen. The neck of the stand is metal but like most monitors nowadays, the rest of it is plastic and doesn’t have the same premium feel as the Studio Display. The monitor is however made from 85% recyclable materials unlike the Studio Display.
• Apple Studio Display: It’s almost impossible for any monitor to compete against the Studio display’s gorgeous aluminum build quality and Apple’s display wins out easily in this respect.

Stand & Adjustments

• BenQ PD3225U: Includes a fully adjustable stand with height, tilt, swivel, and pivot capabilities. It’s easy to adjust and you turn the screen 90 degrees for a portrait view too.
• Apple Studio Display: Limited to tilt adjustment unless upgraded with the optional height-adjustable stand but this will set you back another $400/£400. It seems crazy that you have to play extra for this considering the monitor starts at $1,599 so bear this in mind if you need your display to be fully adjustable.

Connectivity

Ports

• BenQ PD3225U: 1 USB-C (65W), 1 DisplayPort, 2 HDMI 2.0, 4 USB-A ports, and an audio jack, offering excellent versatility. The USB-C port will also charge your MacBook but it’s not Thunderbolt enabled meaning you can’t daisy-chain it with other displays.

• Apple Studio Display: One Thunderbolt 3 port and three USB-C ports, optimized for Mac users but less versatile overall. Those who want to connect via HDMI are out of luck with the Studio Display.

Audio and Camera

Speakers

• BenQ PD3225U: Like most monitors nowadays, the BenQ doesn’t impress in this area with basic 2W built-in speakers which are functional but underwhelming.
• Apple Studio Display: There’s no competition with Apple’s six-speaker surround system with Spatial Audio, delivering far superior audio. There’s not a monitor on the market that can compare with it.

Camera

• BenQ PD3225U: No built-in camera.
• Apple Studio Display: 12 MP Ultra-Wide camera with Center Stage which is idea for high quality video conferencing. There have been complaints that it doesn’t provide the high quality images you’d expect especially in low light but it’s so far ahead of most monitor webcams, there’s no real competition.

macOS Integration

• BenQ PD3225U: BenQ’s recent models have really made an effort to embrace macOS such as the hotkey puck for quick adjustments, integrated keyboard controls and “M-Book mode” for out of the box configuration with Macs. Unlike BenQ’s more recent MA270U though, there’s no limited Siri integration.

• Apple Studio Display: Unsurprisingly, Apple’s monitor is fully integrated with macOS, offering exclusive features like True Tone, Hey Siri, and seamless scaling.

Pricing

• BenQ PD3225U: The full retail price is $1,099 for the 32 inch model although this is frequently on offer at less than $1,000 which is excellent value for a 32-inch professional monitor with these specs.
• Apple Studio Display: The Studio display starts at $1,599, but goes to well over $2,000 dollars more if you add a Matt display and adjustable stand.

Conclusion

The BenQ PD3225U is an excellent monitor for professionals on a budget, offering great color accuracy, generous screen estate and impressive macOS compatibility at an affordable price.

Although the specs may be lower than the Apple Studio Display, the color accuracy is superb and it’s hard to emphasize how much difference the added screen estate makes if you’re working for long periods and multi-tasking.

In contrast, the Apple Studio Display is a premium choice for those who want 5K resolution, seamless macOS integration, the highest build quality and an amazing webcam/sound system.