BenQ has a range of monitors for everything. The monitor we are reviewing here is the BenQ EX3203R. A 32 inch all rounder that is poised to knock your socks off.
Design & Build
The EX3203R is a great looking monitor. Huge screen with minimal bezels on the front, beautiful minimal stand peeking from below and a simple cable management solution in the back. It’s easy to say that the design is on point. The stand is also really sturdy and super easy to move around. The plugs are well spaced and the little wire cover is also a nice addition. Overall this monitor gets an A+ for design and build. Nothing you won’t expect from BenQ.
The buttons at the bottom of the monitor are click-y and nice to use. The power button is distinct and lights up. All in all a good design.
Specs & Performance of the BenQ EX3203R
This monitor is classified as a gaming monitor and if you look at the spec sheet you would know why.
The specs are:
- 31.5” LED display
- 144 Hz Refresh Rate
- 2560 x 1440 resolution (QHD)
- 4ms Response
- VA Panel
- HDR
- B.I.+ Sensor
- FreeSync 2 Support
- No Speakers
Having a VA Panel is not something I would normally consider very gammer focused. A pro gamer is more focused around response time and refresh rate. A VA Panel is usually much better for the visual aspect.
The BenQ EX3203R definitely delivers the visual side of things. The viewing angles are pretty decent for a curved monitor and the colours absolute pops. The monitor does support HDR, so go figure.
Keeping the visuals in mind, the EX3203R has a 4ms response time. While the 144Hz refresh rate is great and the FreeSync 2 support helps make the overall gaming experience perfect.
In a pro environment where a deficit of 3ms or more can be the difference, this monitor is more focus on the regular semi-pro gamer who wants to be wowed by the view rather than the win.
While this monitor is not of the level of the Zowie range of monitors offered by BenQ, it definitely delivers a stunning and fun gaming experience.
BenQ has added a sensor that adjusts the viewing experience and helps HDR kick. All of this helps make a beautiful viewing experience. While gaming I would turn this off, however for movies and other uses this is prefect fine to have and works quite well.
Ports and What’s in the box
The BenQ EX3203R has a brilliant selection of ports giving you connectivity and very good expandability.
Here is the complete breakdown of the ports:
- Video In:
- 1x DisplayPort 1.2
- 2x HDMI 2.0
- USB:
- 1x USB (Type-C)
- 2x USB 3.1 Gen 1
- Audio:
- 3.5mm Audio out
In the box you get all the cables you would need; HDMI, DisplayPort and a USB-C Cable. That’s about everything you would need to get you started.
The USB-C port on this monitor makes me especially happy since it future proofs this monitor better than most other gaming monitors out there. This was a great addition from BenQ. I personally wouldn’t buy any monitor, gaming or otherwise, without a USB-C cable.
Stand
The Stand of the BenQ EX3203R is quite a looker. You can bring the monitor up and down and even tilt it a bit forward and backwards. This mechanism happens with great easy and you will enjoy using this stand.
The stand also has this pretty hole in the back, with a chrome ring around it which allows for basic cable management. It looks and feed super premium.
The base is also nice and wide, while also being minimal.
One thing you miss is the ability to rotate your screen or the base. While these may not be a deal breaking for most, it is something to consider, especially for more seasoned gamers and perfectionists.
Summary
Ever since curved monitors launched, I have never really been a fan of them. They are very individual focused and the minor benefits they provide are not worth the downsides. When it comes to gaming, the benefits start taking precedence. That is because a curved screen provides a more immersive gaming experience than a flat screen. Then again this monitor is more visually appealing that pro gamer focused. So overall I am a bit confused.
The official price of the BenQ EX3203R is pretty high, coming in at over 2,000 AED, but you might be able to get it for less since it is available on Amazon.com for about 399$ (~ 1,470 AED)
If you use your monitor at an individual level more often, then the BenQ EX3203R is the perfect all rounder that is future ready.
