logo
BenQ PD2730S review: For creatives using Mac, this 5K monitor ticks a checklist

BenQ PD2730S review: For creatives using Mac, this 5K monitor ticks a checklist

Hindustan Times5 days ago

A year ago, BenQ's PD3225U display set a really high bar for creator focused monitors, specifically for those using an Apple Mac Studio, a Mac mini or a MacBook Pro, for instance. A year later, it is the turn of the BenQ PD2730S to provide an alternative choice to gold standard that is the Apple Studio Display. This time around too, the demographic BenQ hopes to line up with their wads of cash, are the creative professionals. In terms of a price comparison, the PD2730S is priced at ₹1,02,500 while the Studio Display is priced ₹1,59,900. There are reasons to prefer each, and this is that sort of workflow, where personal preferences will eventually outweigh core specs.
Speaking of which, these would generally revolve around how a user perceives clarity, colour reproduction, colour precision followed by the secondary layer of good-to-haves such as viewing angles, panel illumination levels and a matte coating, if at all. Apple charges extra for that option, BenQ has the nano-matte coating to reduce reflections available as standard with the PD2730S IPS monitor which has a 5K resolution (that's a good 218 pixels per inch on this 27-inch panel). The game to find value is clear, and that's only good news for a consumer who is spending top money for these optimised screens.
One could arguably complain that BenQ could have done more to give the PD2730S a more upmarket look. Visually, the thick plastic chin and the plastic back don't really fit well on a premium display. It is a for-purpose design, and while there's nothing wrong with it, a premium touch was perhaps essential. No shortage of connectivity ports though, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4 with DisplayPort Alternate Mode as well as 90-watt power delivery. There can perhaps be an argument for a dedicated display port option, but for most workflows, this array should suffice.
The software suite was the PD322U's strong suit, and that continues with the BenQ PD2730S. It can get a bit confusing for the uninitiated, but once everything is in place, this IPS display can really shine through. There is the Palette Master Ultimate software, essentially a calibrator if you have an external device such as a Datacolour Spyder, or the alternate being Display ColorTalk for similar controls. The BenQ PD2730S has Pantone and Pantone Skin Validation certifications, which lends credence to the sort of accuracy that creative workflows would require. Perhaps not what you and I may need for Zoom calls, but editing requires everything to be as realistic as possible. You can also download the BenQ Display Pilot 2 for finer display controls, such as desktop partitioning, daisy chain more than one monitor and configuring the Wireless Hotkey Puck.
Compared to some previous displays, the wireless puck is rather fun to use — and a quick way to change settings, though for most use cases, once may be more than enough. The only real weak-link in the BenQ PD2730S proposition would be the middling 3-watt speakers. That's in stark contrast to Apple's speaker implementation in the Studio Display. These speakers, specifically, struggle to be too loud, have no sense of lower frequencies (due to the lack of any subwoofer) and barely enough to listen to a podcast as you get on with your work. An external speaker will be the need of the hour.
The BenQ PD2730S is meant for creative workflows, and image quality, colour accuracy and viewing needed to be top notch. And it is, with the layer to reduce reflections, really adding value. One school of thought could point to a limiting 400 nits of brightness, which may be a tad on the lower side for certain video editing, but that may be a fraction of the collective time you spend with this display. Contrast, colours and viewing angles are a troika of strong points for the PD2730S, though you may feel an OLED panel could have given this monitor greater powers still. It is more cross platform too, than Apple's display, if you have a Windows machine to connect this with.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

WWDC25: Apple's iOS 26 to feature 'Liquid Glass' UI design, revamped apps
WWDC25: Apple's iOS 26 to feature 'Liquid Glass' UI design, revamped apps

Business Standard

time13 minutes ago

  • Business Standard

WWDC25: Apple's iOS 26 to feature 'Liquid Glass' UI design, revamped apps

At WWDC25, Apple is expected to introduce iOS 26 with translucent 'Liquid Glass' design, revamped core apps, and deeper AI integration across the system New Delhi Apple is set to kick off its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC25) from June 9, with a keynote event. While Apple is anticipated to preview a visual overhaul across its platforms, the next version of iOS is expected to take centre stage with a new design language. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the upcoming version of the iPhone operating system will be full of 'Liquid Glass' UI elements—hinting at more translucent designs for menus, search bars, icons, and more. Previously, it was reported that Apple is also planning to change the naming convention for its operating systems. For instance, the upcoming iPhone software could be branded as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19, bringing naming consistency across the ecosystem. WWDC25: What to expect from iOS 26 Liquid Glass design Bloomberg earlier reported that iOS 26 will be the biggest overhaul since iOS 7. The user interface is said to draw inspiration from visionOS, the operating system that powers Apple's Vision Pro headset. With the new report claiming Apple will likely call this design 'Liquid Glass,' users can expect translucent menus and panels, subtle motion effects, and possibly dynamic shimmer elements that respond to device movement. Apple is also reportedly tweaking app icons, making them rounder than current versions. Additionally, UI elements like navigation bars in native apps (such as the App Store and Apple Music) are expected to float, with refreshed layouts to support easier in-app search. These changes will not be limited to iOS 26. Gurman noted that it is 'part of a push to make Apple's operating systems more cohesive — with a similar look across the whole line-up.' That suggests similar visual updates could arrive on macOS, iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, and even Apple CarPlay. While the Liquid Glass interface may be the headline announcement, Gurman also said this new UI will lay the groundwork for Apple's 20th anniversary iPhone—reportedly called 'Glasswing.' This future iPhone, planned for 2027, is said to feature curved glass on all sides, ultra-slim bezels, and no visible cutouts. Revamped core apps iOS 26 is also expected to introduce design updates across key native apps, including Phone, Camera, and Safari. Phone app: Apple will reportedly add a new view combining favourite contacts, recent calls, and voicemails in a single scrollable window. The update will be optional, with a toggle to switch back to the old layout. Safari: The browser will get a more transparent, glassy address bar. Camera: A simplified interface is expected. As per 9To5Mac, the app will primarily focus on Photo and Video modes, with sub-menus for exposure and other settings. Quick toggles like flash and Live Photos will appear at the top of the screen. Apple may also add support for polls in Messages, and the ability to set chat background images, similar to WhatsApp. Other expected app updates: Messages: Auto translation and polls, potentially AI-assisted. Music: Animated album art on the lock screen. Notes: Markdown export support. Preview (from Mac): PDF annotation support coming to iOS. New Game app Apple is reportedly working on a new cross-platform Game app. This will act as a central hub for launching installed titles, viewing achievements, checking leaderboard standings, and Browse editorial content. Tabs in the app may include: Home, Arcade, Play Together, Library, and Search. Apple Intelligence and Siri Apple Intelligence is not expected to be the main focus, but updates are still likely. These include: Live call translation — potentially usable with AirPods. Genmoji 2.0 — including the ability to combine emojis into new ones. Third-party AI models — expanding partnerships beyond OpenAI to Google and Anthropic. New SDK — to help developers integrate AI tools like Writing Tools into their apps. Apple may also preview its LLM-powered Siri, offering on-screen awareness, personal context, and natural language interactions. More details on delayed Siri features could also be shared. AI-powered battery optimisation Apple is reportedly working on a new AI-based battery optimisation system. It will analyse app usage, charging behaviour, and background activity to improve power efficiency. A new lock screen indicator showing estimated charging time may also debut. Improved switching options Apple may introduce a wireless eSIM transfer feature to help users switch from iPhone to Android more easily. According to Android Authority, iOS 26 could include a new 'Transfer to Android' option in Settings for this purpose.

Apple heads into annual showcase reeling from AI missteps, tech upheaval and Trumps trade war
Apple heads into annual showcase reeling from AI missteps, tech upheaval and Trumps trade war

Mint

time15 minutes ago

  • Mint

Apple heads into annual showcase reeling from AI missteps, tech upheaval and Trumps trade war

After stumbling out of the starting gate in Big Tech's pivotal race to capitalize on artificial intelligence, Apple will try to regain its footing Monday at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference. The presummer rite, which attracts thousands of developers to Apple's Silicon Valley headquarters, is expected to be more subdued than the feverish anticipation that surrounded the event during the previous two years. In 2023, Apple unveiled a mixed-reality headset that has been little more than a niche product, and last year WWDC trumpeted its first major foray into the AI craze with an array of new features highlighted by the promise of a smarter and more versatile version of its virtual assistant, Siri. But heading into this year's showcase, Apple faces nagging questions about whether the nearly 50-year-old company has lost some of the mystique and innovative drive that turned it into a tech trendsetter. Instead of making a big splash as it did with the Vision Pro headset, Apple this year is expected to focus on an overhaul of its software that may include a new, more tactile look for the iPhone's native apps and a new nomenclature for identifying its operating system updates. Even though it might look like Apple is becoming a technological laggard, Forrester Research analyst Thomas Husson contends the company still has ample time to catch up in an AI race that's 'more of a marathon, than a sprint. It will force Apple to evolve its operating systems.' If reports about its iOS naming scheme pan out, Apple will switch to a method that automakers have used to telegraph their latest car models by linking them to the year after they first arrive at dealerships. That would mean the next version of the iPhone operating system due out this autumn will be known as iOS 26 instead of iOS 19 — as it would be under the current sequential naming approach. Whatever it's named, the next iOS will likely be released as a free update in September, around the same time as the next iPhone models if Apple follows its usual road map. Meanwhile, Apple's references to AI may be less frequent than last year when the technology was the main attraction. While some of the new AI tricks compatible with the latest iPhones began rolling out late last year as part of free software updates, Apple still hasn't been able to soup up Siri in the ways that it touted at last year's conference. The delays became so glaring that a chastened Apple retreated from promoting Siri in its AI marketing campaigns earlier this year. 'It's just taking a bit longer than we thought,' Apple CEO Tim Cook told analysts last month when asked about the company's headaches with Siri. 'But we are making progress, and we're extremely excited to get the more personal Siri features out there.' While Apple has been struggling to make AI that meets its standards, the gap separating it from other tech powerhouses is widening. Google keeps packing more AI into its Pixel smartphone lineup while introducing more of the technology into its search engine to dramatically change the way it works. Samsung, Apple's biggest smartphone rival, is also leaning heavily into AI. Meanwhile, ChatGPT recently struck a deal that will bring former Apple design guru Jony Ive into the fold to work on a new device expected to compete against the iPhone. 'While much of WWDC will be about what the next great thing is for the iPhone, the unspoken question is: What's the next great thing after the iPhone?' said Dipanjan Chatterjee, another analyst for Forrester Research. Besides facing innovation challenges, Apple also faces regulatory threats that could siphon away billions of dollars in revenue that help finance its research and development. A federal judge is currently weighing whether proposed countermeasures to Google's illegal monopoly in search should include a ban on long-running deals worth $20 billion annually to Apple while another federal judge recently banned the company from collecting commission on in-app transactions processed outside its once-exclusive payment system. On top of all that, Apple has been caught in the cross-hairs of President Donald Trump's trade war with China, a key manufacturing hub for the Cupertino, California, company. Cook successfully persuaded Trump to exempt the iPhone from tariffs during the president's first administration, but he has had less success during Trump's second term, which seems more determined to prod Apple to make its products in the U.S.. 'The trade war and uncertainty linked to the tariff policy is of much more concern today for Apple's business than the perception that Apple is lagging behind on AI innovation,' Husson said. The multi-dimensional gauntlet facing Apple is spooking investors, causing the company's stock price to plunge by nearly 20% so far this year — a decline that has erased $750 billion in shareholder wealth. After beginning the year as the most valuable company in the world, Apple now ranks third behind longtime rival Microsoft, another AI leader, and AI chipmaker Nvidia.

Vivo X Fold 5 display details and key details officially revealed
Vivo X Fold 5 display details and key details officially revealed

Hindustan Times

time17 minutes ago

  • Hindustan Times

Vivo X Fold 5 display details and key details officially revealed

Vivo is prepared to launch its new foldable mobile phone, the Vivo X Fold 5, soon. The company's product manager, Han Boxiao, recently posted an image on Weibo revealing the device's internal screen. This has provided insight into the display technology it will use. Let's take a look at what the upcoming foldable from Vivo has to offer. According to the image, the Vivo X Fold 5 is expected to use advanced LTPO 8T panels on both its inner and outer screens. These panels support an adaptive refresh rate that adjusts to the content being displayed, helping to deliver smooth visuals for activities such as scrolling and gaming. The phone is built with a high pixel density and resolution to enhance the display clarity. Also read: WWDC 2025: How to Watch Apple's Live Event and What to Expect from iOS 26, AI Tools and More One notable upgrade is the display's peak brightness, which reaches 4,500 nits. This level of brightness will improve screen visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. The device also features full-brightness high-frequency PWM dimming as per the shared image. This, combined with TÜV Rheinland's Global Eye Protection 3.0 certification, aims to reduce eye strain during long usage sessions. Vivo has also partnered with Zeiss to tune the colour accuracy on both screens for precise and consistent colour output. Also read: Google pauses 'Ask Photos' AI Feature to address performance issues Furthermore, the image shared by Boxiao reveals a design change with the introduction of a new physical button on the left edge of the phone. This button replaces the alert slider found on the previous X Fold 3 models. Vivo has not yet confirmed the button's function, but it might offer programmable shortcuts or quick access to certain features. Vivo has also confirmed the X Fold 5 will be lighter and thinner than its predecessor. It weighs 209 grams, which is less than the 219 grams of the X Fold 3 and the 236 grams of the X Fold 3 Pro. When unfolded, the phone measures 4.3mm in thickness, and when folded, it is 9.33mm thick. While these dimensions are slightly larger than those of the Oppo Find N5, the device still ranks among the slimmer and lighter foldable phones on the market. Also read: iOS 19 to take to boost iPhone's battery life with help of AI Moreover, Vivo has stated that the X Fold 5 will offer strong durability. It can operate in cold temperatures down to minus 20 degrees Celsius and has IP5X dust resistance and IPX9 water resistance ratings. Reports suggest that Vivo plans to launch the X Fold 5 in India, potentially on July 10, alongside the Vivo X200 FE. This would mark the first time the standard X Fold model becomes available in the Indian market, as earlier only the premium X Fold 3 Pro was sold there. The launch could expand foldable phone options for Indian consumers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store