BenQ has delivered yet another impressive tool for photographers and content creators with the SW242Q monitor. Packed with features that cater to professionals who require high color accuracy and precision, this 24-inch IPS panel strikes a balance between performance, size, and value.
Key Features:
- Panel Size: 24-inch
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Brightness: 400 cd/m²
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Color Coverage: 98% DCI-P3
- Ports: USB-C with 90W power delivery, HDMI, DisplayPort, SD card reader, and more
Design & Features
The SW242Q boasts a modern and compact design, making it an excellent choice for those with limited desk space. Despite being only 24 inches, it is built to impress with its high-quality materials and a faux leather pad on the base that adds a premium touch. It’s fully adjustable, offering height, tilt, and swivel customization, including portrait mode.
A standout feature is the comprehensive connectivity, particularly the inclusion of a USB-C port capable of 90W power delivery. This feature alone makes it a great fit for photographers who rely on laptops for their workflows. With a single cable, you can transfer data, charge your laptop, and connect peripherals like external storage and SD cards, all while driving the display.
Performance
One of the first things that stands out is the 16:10 aspect ratio and the 1600p resolution, which is a significant upgrade over standard 1080p displays at this size. The result is a pixel density of 125 pixels per inch, providing crisp and sharp details that are vital for tasks like photo editing. While it’s not quite as dense as a 4K display, it strikes an excellent balance between clarity and affordability.
The factory calibration is also top-notch, with Pantone Validation and Calman verification ensuring that color accuracy is exceptional right out of the box. The 98% DCI-P3 color coverage allows for precise color representation, making this monitor ideal for professionals working in digital cinema or graphic design.
Drawbacks
While the SW242Q offers great value, there are a few compromises. The panel size may be limiting for users who are used to working with larger displays, and although it supports HDR10, the lack of local dimming and limited contrast makes its HDR performance less impactful compared to high-end models. If HDR or deep blacks are essential for your work, an OLED or mini-LED panel might be a better, though more expensive, option.
Final Verdict
The BenQ SW242Q might be smaller than what most professionals are used to, but it more than makes up for it with its feature set and price. The 2560 x 1600 resolution offers a noticeable improvement over 1080p, and the USB-C connectivity with 90W power delivery makes it a versatile addition to any setup. For those with limited space or budget, this monitor provides a great balance of performance, features, and price, making it a solid contender in the photo editing monitor market.
