The BenQ Zowie XL2546K is an outstanding 240Hz gaming monitor; along with its fast response time, this TN panel will give you all the competitive gaming advantages that’ll you need.
In addition, the 25-inch size and its high resolution will provide you the necessary screen real estate that you’ll need to give you the best immersion experience.
However, being a TN panel, you’ll often get reduced viewing angles, which isn’t ideal for creatives and producers.
But before investing in the BenQ Zowie XL2546K gaming monitor, let’s check out its specifications, design performance, and features.
Specifications
- Screen Size: 25-Inches
- Resolution: 1920×1080 FHD
- Refresh Rate: 240Hz
- Response Time: 1ms
- Panel Type: TN
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
- Brightness: 320 cd/m²
- Screen Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Built-In Speakers: No
- Stand Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt: Yes
- VESA Mount: Yes, 100x100mm
- Connectivity: 1x DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack
- Weight: 13-lbs
Display Design
The BenQ Zowie XL2546K monitor measures 25-inches and has an excellent aesthetically pleasing design. Thanks to its matte-black design, the display, in general, feels premium and has an excellent quality to the overall feel.
You can also find the cool BenQ Zowie logo on the top rear of the display and has a nice red finish to the design.
In addition, the monitor has a thick bezel design; however, it shouldn’t cause any immersion issues. But compared to other displays, the XL2546K’s bezels should have been thinner.
You’ll notice that both sides have a nice anti-glare shield to them, which is another excellent bonus that the XL2546K comes with.
The stand is ergonomically well designed; however, it may wobble just a bit due to its size and foundation.
You can adjust the monitor in height, tilt, pivot, and swivel, which is excellent if you want to view the monitor in different positions.
If you’re not fully on board with the default stock stand, you can swap it out for a 100x100mm VESA mount, allowing more freedom of movement.
You can find the OSD panel on the right rear of the monitor, which consists of three physical buttons along with a joystick. The buttons and joystick make it easier and convenient to navigate with the OSD configurations with ease.
You’ll be able to find the connectivity on the rear of the display which you’ll have to tilt the monitor to amok the connections.
The connectivities consist of one DisplayPort 1.2, one HDMI 2.0, and one audio jack. There are not many connectivities, but you can always invest in an HDMI switch to connect multiple electronic devices as well.
Overall the design of the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is not the most aesthetically pleasing compared to other BenQ models, but it shouldn’t be an issue in the appearance department.
Performance and Features
The BenQ Zowie XL2546K runs a 1920×1080 FHD resolution, with a fast 240Hz refresh rate and a speedy 1ms response time, which is great if you’re a competitive gamer. Also, the monitor doesn’t have HDR features because it prioritizes speed and performance.
Also, the resolution is outstandingly excellent; you’ll have more than enough screen real-estate to have extra windows and projects opened, thanks to its 2.1 MP. And images and text look pretty sharp due to its 88 PPI density as well.
However, the XL2546K doesn’t come with HDR10 and HDR features in general, so you won’t get that extra boost in colors and contrasts because the XL2546K mainly prioritizes speed and performance.
In addition, the contrast ratio sits at 1000:1, along with a 320 cd/m² brightness level. The SDR brightness is a bit low and won’t overcome glares when placed directly to a light source.
The XL2546K’s response time is outstanding and will give you smoother buttery-like graphics when viewing fast-paced action scenes.
You can turn on the overdrive feature as well, from “Off,” “High,” and “Premium.” “Off” being the default will provide you the default settings. If you want to pump out the XL2546K’s potential, then you’ll have the option to set the overdrive feature on “High.” However, there may be a bit of overshoot and graphical artifacts as well present.
Being a TN panel, the monitor doesn’t have a great viewing angle, which isn’t recommended for creatives and producers alike. If you view the monitor from different angles, the images and colors start to fade, which is standard for a TN display.
Additionally, the monitor has a 98% sRGB and a 75% Adobe RGB coverage, which will provide you excellent color gamut and performs excellent when editing images, photos, and color grading.
Being a TN panel, the contrast ratio isn’t as extraordinary compared to an IPS, so when viewing dark scenes, the darks will turn out to be a bit grayed out.
The great news is that the XL2546K monitor has FreeSync and is also G-Sync certified. The VRR ranges from 20Hz to 240Hz and will give you a smoother, buttery-like experience when gaming when FreeSync is enabled.
Although the XL2546K is G-Sync compatible, you’ll need to connect through using the DisplayPort if you want to use G-Sync fully.
The XL2546K’s input lag sits around 2ms which is low, which is a great thing. However, the input lag increases when above when the VRR is at 60Hz.
Pros
- Excellent, fast 240Hz refresh rate.
- FreeSync enabled, and G-Sync certified.
- Ergonomics is on point.
- Response time is superb.
Cons
- No HDR.
- Dark scenes may be a bit grayed out.
Conclusion and Thoughts
Overall the BenQ Zowie XL2546K is an excellent gaming monitor in general and will provide you that fast 240Hz refresh rate along with a quick 1ms response time to get your competitive gaming needs to be met.
Compared to the Alienware AW2521HF gaming monitor, both have similarities such as their 240Hz refresh rate, however, the Alienware display is an IPS panel which will give you broader viewing angles when viewing the monitor from different sides as well.
If you’re also looking for a higher refresh rate monitor, then you’ll need to check out ASUS ROG PG259QN. The Asus display provides you a 360Hz of refresh rate, which is more than the XL2546K.
The monitor also supports FreeSync and is also G-Sync certified, allowing you to immerse yourself in your gaming and multimedia experiences.
However, the viewing angles aren’t as great, let’s say to an IPS, because the XL2546K is a TN panel; however, it shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t work on different angles.
Additionally, the XL2546K is a well-rounded gaming display that will offer you a versatile monitor to add to your gaming arsenal.
If you’re looking to invest in a gaming monitor, then you’ll need to give the XL2546K a go. You can also check out some of the quick 240Hz gaming monitors as well, or your standard 144Hz gaming displays.
