The BenQ MA270S is now available in Germany and, as a 5K monitor with Thunderbolt 4, is aimed primarily at Mac users who are looking for a cheaper alternative to the Apple Studio Display. Announced back in February, the monitor is now listed at several retailers for 999 euros – the Apple counterpart costs around 1,600 euros.
BenQ MA270S: 5K resolution and Nano Gloss panel
At the heart of the BenQ MA270S is a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 5,120 × 2,880 pixels, which corresponds to a pixel density of 218 PPI. This means the monitor achieves a sharpness on a par with Apple’s Retina displays. The contrast ratio is specified as 2,000:1 and the maximum brightness is 450 nits. HDR10 is supported and 99% of the DCI-P3 color space can be covered.
One special feature is the glossy Nano Gloss surface. In contrast to the usual matte panels, this is intended to ensure deeper black levels and more vivid colors – a feature that many Mac users are used to from their MacBook displays. The refresh rate is 70 Hz.
Thunderbolt 4 and extensive connections
When it comes to connectivity, BenQ relies on modern equipment: two Thunderbolt 4 ports (USB-C) and two HDMI 2.1 ports are available. Connected laptops can be charged with up to 96 watts via Thunderbolt. The second Thunderbolt port allows an additional device or even a second monitor to be connected via daisy chain. There are also two additional USB-C ports with 35 and 15 watts of charging power.
Thanks to the integrated USB hub and KVM switch, the BenQ MA270S can eliminate the need for a separate docking station. Anyone switching between a MacBook and a stationary computer can do so conveniently using the KVM function – with a single keyboard and mouse.
Optimized for macOS – compatible with Windows and consoles
BenQ clearly positions the MA270S as a Mac monitor. The in-house colour optimization technology is designed to ensure that the colors match those of a MacBook exactly. Brightness and volume can be controlled directly via the function keys of a Mac keyboard, which was previously reserved for Apple’s own displays. The included “Display Pilot 2” software offers additional configuration options.
Despite the clear Mac focus, the monitor is also compatible with Windows PCs and games consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch. Integrated stereo speakers (2 × 3 watts) are also on board.
Technical data of the BenQ MA270S at a glance
| Features | Display details |
|---|---|
| Display | 27 inch IPS, Nano-Gloss surface |
| resolution | 5,120 × 2,880 pixels (5K) |
| Pixel density | 218 PPI |
| Brightness | 450 nits |
| Contrast ratio | 2.000:1 |
| Color space | 99 % DCI-P3, 99 % sRGB |
| Color depth | 10 bit (1.07 billion colors) |
| HDR | HDR10 |
| Refresh rate | 70 Hz |
| Response time | 5 ms (GtG) |
| Connections | 2× Thunderbolt 4 (96W/15W), 2× HDMI 2.1, 2× USB-C (35W/15W) |
| Speakers | 2 × 3 watt stereo |
| Ergonomics | Height-adjustable (150 mm), tilt, swivel, pivot |
| Special features | KVM switch, daisy chain, macOS function key support |
| The price | 999 Euro (RRP) |
Conclusion: Exciting alternative to the Apple Studio Display
With the BenQ MA270S, Mac users get a 5K monitor with Thunderbolt 4 that offers many of the strengths of the Apple Studio Display at a significantly lower price. For 999 euros, it comes with a comprehensive range of features including daisy chain support, KVM switch and a glossy panel that is specially designed for macOS color reproduction. If you want to save around 600 euros compared to the Apple original and can do without an integrated webcam, you should take a closer look at the MA270S.
The monitor can already be ordered from various retailers. Further details can be found on the official BenQ product page.
