BenQ's 27-inch monitor is a solid QD-OLED contender, but I wouldn't spend $100 more for 4K over 500Hz

Our BenQ Mobiuz EX271UZ review is now live, and while it's a little tame on features, the gaming monitor's QD-OLED efforts are impressive. You're practically getting the vibrancy that can trade blows with seasoned wielders of the panel, paired with the quality you'd expect from the longstanding display maker, but there's actually a 1440p 500Hz version of its 27-inch screen that feels like a better choice for $100 less.

Over at Amazon, the 1440p 500Hz BenQ Mobiuz EX271QZ and its aforementioned 4K sibling sit side by side. For whatever reason, the QHD version is available for $849.99, while the UHD model is $100 more at $949.99. My issue is that it feels like there should be a different pricing tier happening here, and the latter version feels better equipped to take on contenders in its category than the 4K model.

Don't get me wrong, I'm glad BenQ is trying to cover all bases here. Being able to choose between 4K and 1440p by swapping speed out for resolution will cater to genre players and FPS enthusiasts alike, but I can't help but feel like QHD is going to look good enough spread across 27 inches to justify simply going for the 500Hz model.

There are a couple of smaller perks you will get by spending $100 more, like a USB-C hub with 90W Power Delivery and a panel that's technically a generation newer. From experience, I wouldn't say either is worth specifically grabbing a more expensive model for, though, unless you're really into comparing black levels side by side, or want to plug a gaming handheld straight into the display.

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1440p 500Hz screens are starting to become a norm, with the Sony Inzone M10S offering up a QHD 480Hz panel and its upcoming sibling, the creatively named Inzone M10S II, tipping things into 540Hz. Even the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6, a screen that was previously capped at 360Hz, now comes in flavors that hit 500Hz, and with all those examples being 27-inch, they look pretty damn sharp despite not hitting 4K.

That's not to say I don't want to see larger, faster screens. One of my personal favorites, the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE, offers the best of both worlds with its 4K 240Hz and 1080p 480Hz dual mode. Sony's latest screen is actually set to boast similarly versatile powers since it can switch to full HD to achieve a ridiculous 720Hz.

The point I'm making is that, when it comes to gaming, I'm not so sure 4K at 27 inches is worth choosing over 1440p with ultra-fast refresh rates. There are instances where I've been impressed with the sheer pixel density that can be achieved at this screen size, with the Alienware AW2725Q achieving otherworldly results, but I'd say saving $100 for a faster monitor in general is a no-brainer.

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