Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing

Apple Studio Display vs BenQ PD3225U

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Apple Studio Display comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Mac users seeking premium color accuracy — read the strengths below before deciding.

Apple Studio Display
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing
Apple Studio Display
6 sources3 derived$1,549.99as of Sep 25

The Apple Studio Display delivers exceptional color accuracy and build quality in a 27-inch 5K IPS LCD panel with full DCI-P3 gamut coverage. While its $1,600 price tag is high, reviewers noted it offers seamless Mac integration and excellent color uniformity. The display lacks true 10-bit panel support and miniLED backlighting that some creatives might expect, though it does include built-in webcam and speakers. It serves as a premium option for Mac users seeking a high-end display but may not justify its cost for those outside the Apple ecosystem.

Strengths
  • — Excellent color accuracy and uniformity
  • — 5K IPS LCD panel with full DCI-P3 gamut coverage
  • — Nano-texture glass option for reduced reflections
Watch-outs
  • — Price tag of $1,600 is steep for a 5K IPS panel
  • — Incompatible with Windows operating systems
BenQ PD3225U
Ranked #3 in Best Color-accurate Monitors For Video Editing
BenQ PD3225U
8 sources$849.99as of Sep 25

The BenQ PD3225U features an IPS black panel for improved contrast and deeper blacks compared to its predecessor. Reviewers noted its suitability for professional editing tasks, though some found the speaker quality lacking compared to competitors like the Apple Studio Display. The monitor's design is described as functional but utilitarian, and while brightness has improved, it remains modest at 400 nits. This display targets professionals seeking a high-resolution editing solution, though those prioritizing audio quality or aesthetic design may want to consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — IPS black panel delivers deeper blacks and minimized light leakage
  • — UHD 31.5-inch display with high resolution
  • — Purposeful and functional design
Watch-outs
  • — Speaker system not on par with Apple Studio Display
  • — Limited refresh rate and lack of adaptive sync, per PCWorld

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Display provides unmatched color accuracy and seamless Mac integration, surpassing the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV and BenQ PD3225U in this regard.

BenQ PD3225U

The BenQ PD3225U excels in contrast and black levels with its IPS black panel, outperforming the ASUS ProArt Display PA279CRV in this area, but it lacks the color gamut coverage of the Apple Studio Display and the 5K resolution of the Dell UltraSharp 40 Curved Thunderbolt Hub Monitor.

Specs side-by-side

SpecApple Studio DisplayBenQ PD3225U
Display Size27 inches31.5-inch
Resolution5120×2880UHD
Panel Type5K IPS LCDIPS black
Refresh Rate60Hz60Hz
Color GamutDCI-P398% P3, 100% sRGB, and 100% Rec.709
Brightness500 nits SDR400 nits
ConnectivityThunderbolt 5, USB-CThunderbolt 3, HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, USB-A, USB-B
Contrast Ratio1,000,000:12000:1
Dimensions1.22 x 14.25 x 24.53 inches—
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