Overview
Five-K detail immediately sets apart the 27" BenQ PD2730S, a 27-inch 5K creator monitor with dense pixels, wide-gamut colour and Thunderbolt 4 docking. The 5120 x 2880 IPS panel reaches 218 PPI, covers 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3, and combines 2000:1 contrast with calibration-focused software. Thunderbolt 4 supplies 90 W and daisy-chain output, joined by HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a large 10/5 Gbps USB hub. DisplayHDR 400 has no brightness headroom because typical and peak figures are both 400 cd/m², and the 60 Hz ceiling is for creation rather than fast gaming. The BenQ SW242Q is smaller and 16:10; the PD2730S prioritises 5K detail, Thunderbolt bandwidth and a broader desktop. It is compelling for detailed creator work; gaming speed and meaningful HDR are not its strengths.
Key Highlights
- 5120 x 2880 at 218 PPI - PD2730S's core clarity and workspace specification
- 48 Hz - 60 Hz refresh - exact motion range, not a reused generic ceiling
- 2000 : 1 contrast with 400 cd/m² typical brightness
- Thunderbolt 4 supplies 90 W and daisy-chain output, joined by HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a large 10/5 Gbps USB hub
- The BenQ SW242Q is smaller and 16:10; the PD2730S prioritises 5K detail, Thunderbolt bandwidth and a broader desktop
Who Should Buy the Benq PD2730S
Display Performance
Gaming Performance
HDR & Brightness Reality
PD2730S carries HDR10 / DisplayHDR 400, but the hardware sets clear limits. Typical brightness is 400 cd/m² and the published peak is 400 cd/m², with 2000 : 1 contrast. That can preserve HDR input and lift small highlights, yet it is not enough for strong highlight-to-shadow separation. Local dimming is not published. Treat HDR as compatibility and modest tone expansion, not as the monitor’s main reason to buy.
Connectivity & Ports
Desk Fit & Ergonomics
Real-World Use Cases
Pros & Cons
- The 5120 x 2880 IPS panel reaches 218 PPI, covers 100% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3, and combines 2000:1 contrast with calibration-focused software
- Thunderbolt 4 supplies 90 W and daisy-chain output, joined by HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4 and a large 10/5 Gbps USB hub
- The stand offers 150 mm height adjustment, ±30° swivel and tilt, but the sheet lists no portrait pivot
- Published 48 Hz 60 Hz refresh matches its intended role
- 2000 : 1 contrast is clearly stated rather than inferred
- DisplayHDR 400 has no brightness headroom because typical and peak figures are both 400 cd/m², and the 60 Hz ceiling is for creation rather than fast gaming
- HDR position: HDR10 / DisplayHDR 400 with 400 cd/m² typical brightness
- Closest alternative: The BenQ SW242Q is smaller and 16:10; the PD2730S prioritises 5K detail, Thunderbolt bandwidth and a broader desktop
Score & Ratings
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | BenQ |
| Series | DesignVue |
| Model | PD2730S |
| Model Alias | DesignVue PD2730S |
| Full Product Name | BenQ PD2730S |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Available Colors | Black and Silver |
| Specification | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27-inch | |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 | |
| Panel Type | IPS (BOE) | IPS (BOE) gives wide viewing angles for desk use; black depth still follows the published 2000 : 1 contrast. |
| Panel Technology | Nano Matte Panel | |
| Backlight Type | W-LED |
| Specification | Value | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 5120 × 2880 | |
| Pixel Density | 218 PPI | 218 PPI is very fine at normal desk distance; scaling needs depend on eyesight and operating-system settings. |
| Pixel Pitch | 0.116 mm (millimeters) |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Panel Bit Depth | 10 bits (8 bits + FRC) (FRC: Yes) |
| FRC | Yes |
| Display Colors | 1073741824 colors |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Refresh Rate Range | 48 Hz - 60 Hz |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| HDMI Ports | 1× HDMI 2.1 |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 |
| DisplayPort Input | 1× DisplayPort 1.4 |
| DisplayPort Version | DisplayPort 1.4 |
| USB-C Video Input | 1× USB-C |
| DisplayPort Alt Mode | Yes |
| HDCP Support | Yes |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Built-In Camera | No |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| VESA Mount | 100 × 100 mm |
| VESA Size | 100 × 100 mm |
| Removable Stand | Yes |
| Height Adjustment | 150 mm |
| Height Range | 150 mm |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight With Stand | 8.22 kg |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Input | 100–240V |
| AC Frequency | 50/60Hz |
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Energy Star | Energy Star |
| EPEAT | EPEAT Gold |
| TCO Certified | TCO Certified |
| TÜV Flicker-Free | TÜV Rheinland Flicker-free Certified |
| TÜV Low Blue Light | TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certified |

