BenQ’s latest IPS panel squeezes an impressive photo-editing feature set into a compact package
24 inches? For a monitor aimed at photographers? Oh dear, this is going to be a blocky, low-res 1080p affair, right? Nope. The BenQ SW242Q is actually a 1600p panel. With a 16:10 aspect ratio, that makes for 2,560 by 1,600 pixels.
Many creative pros and photo editors might prefer a 4K panel, for sure. But a 4K monitor with the kind of feature set offered here costs serious money. So the BenQ SW242Q’s proposition is to offer a slightly smaller screen that still offers decent pixel density, plus a very strong feature set at an appealing price.
What kind of feature set, you ask? Highlights include USB-C with 90W of power delivery, Pantone and Calman verification, factory calibration, broad colour coverage, plus a few extra frills like an SD card reader and more. Overall, it’s a strong package in the field of best monitors for photo editing. And an intriguing value proposition versus a cheap 4K panel for similar money that doesn’t come with the comprehensive creator-friendly feature set.BenQ SW242Q: Design & features
Great build quality
Fully adjustable stand
Comprehensive connectivity
When it comes to screens aimed at content creators, the 24-inch BenQ SW242Q feels distinctly compact. But it’s very nicely built and feels like a quality item throughout. The stand is sturdy, while the faux-leather pad on the base adds an unusual aesthetic and tactile flourish, while the minimalist design looks contemporary and is unlikely to date.
You also get full adjustability, including height, tilt, swivel and rotate into portrait mode. Connectivity is another strong point. The usual HDMI and Displayport interfaces obviously feature. But given how popular laptops now are with photo editing pros, the USB-C connector with 90W of power delivery is the main highlight.
The single-cable connectivity it allows for laptops is something you won’t be able to live without once you’ve experienced it. The BenQ SW242Q also has a two-port USB-A hub and an SD Card slot.
