BenQ RD280U review: a 4K monitor just for programmers

The BenQ RD280U occupies a subcategory of monitors I haven't tried, or even seen before, their new flagship in a [reads notes] programmer-centred line-up. At first mention, I questioned whether going this specific was needed, and the answer came directly from BenQ: Oh, absolutely it is. 

They sounded pretty convincing, so I was intrigued. Can you send me one to test, I asked. They said, well that's why we got in touch in the first place you silly man (I'm paraphrasing here). 

So for the last few weeks, I've had the unique-looking RD280U (it's a 3:2 ratio) on my desk, and after those weeks, I can see BenQ's point.

BenQ RD280U review: Key specifications

Design and build

Yes, like almost every monitor in the known universe, the BenQ RD280U is a black rectangle with a big glass panel at the front and a collection of ports on the back. However, there are some important differences to your regular hybrid or gaming-focused monitor to note here.

The first is the dramatically different aspect ratio. Not content with the taller 16:10 ratio that's making inroads (particularly on laptops) in the last couple of years, the RD280U is presented in glorious 3:2 ratio. This is done, according to BenQ, to offer more vertical workspace for programmers. I had to adjust my laptop stand, seat height and more to adjust for this when setting it up (and if you have back problems, make sure you have help, because it's a heavy one, this), so it definitely makes for a different experience right from the go.

On the silver-coloured back, there is a very decent collection of ports, including both HDMI and DisplayPort connections, a trio of USB-A ports, a USB-B data-only port and two USB-C ports, one of which is capable of up to 90W power delivery for a laptop. So it doubles as a handy USB hub too for port-deprived laptop users [side-eyes in the direction of Apple], and you can daisy-chain up to three monitors together as well (dependent on the computer plugged into it, of course)

The front-facing OSD controls are placed at the bottom of the monitor, sticking down from the bottom bezel. Not having to fumble around the back to change your settings is definitely a plus for famously inflexible and easily aggravated me. They're also inventively presented as a touch-control 'Function bar', which makes for a rather fun user experience (once you get your head around how to use it efficiently, I'm sure you'll do that quicker than I did).

Everything here is built for function over aesthetics, but the back does have a grooved circular pattern for texture, and there is a soft ambiglow light effect that can project onto the wall behind the screen, if you're absolutely aching for some flair. Oh, and there's a proper classy leather strap on the stand for keeping your cables tidy.

There's tilt, swivel and height adjustment on offer here, so if you want to set up your laptop or an additional display next to it, everything can be adjusted to make it line up nicely.

Features and performance

It's the glass panel on the front, though, that's the most important here. The IPS panel is a 4K offering, with 3840x2560p resolution thanks to the taller-than-usual aspect ratio, and as it's a programmer-focused display, there are some interesting touches here. 

First is the prominent anti-glare coating which almost gives the screen a matte texture. This has the effect of accentuating the blacks by way of minimising any reflection. This, in turn, aims to make text on black background sharper and clearer, which I can attest it certainly achieves. 

There are also a host of eye-care features on board, aimed at people staring at the black mirror for extended periods of time. These include environment-aware auto-dimming, customisable light modes and colour-temperature settings, with a special Dark Mode to maximise the colour-differentiation text effect for coding, and a Circadian Mode, which automatically adjusts the screen's colour temperature throughout the day, mirroring the natural sunrise-to-sunset cycle. 

Another clever feature is the ability to preset certain modes for certain programs, by binding your IDE with the monitor's coding modes.

There are some compromises here, though, which all underline how squarely this screen is focused on a single segment of creatives.

First is the contrast ratio. Despite packing 1.07 billion colours, the contrast ratio is only 1200:1. It's all focused on the dark end here, and I guess there's only so many colours of text you need on-screen at a time, standing out from that sea of matte black. Photo editors and graphic designers will almost certainly want more.

Then there is the refresh rate, which tops out at 60Hz. Video editors and game devs will have to look elsewhere, and a test gaming session was very quickly aborted, due to both the limited contrast ratio and low refresh rate. 

However, BenQ isn't trying to appeal to gamers or video maniacs here, and for text-on-black-screen purposes (and to recreate those scenes in The Matrix), the RD280U works sublimely.

Price

The BenQ RD280U officially retails for $599.99 in the US and £549.99 in the UK, but keep an eye on the deals widget below, which might show you better prices in your area if there are discounts anywhere.

This is not a huge amount of money for a 4K pro monitor, but perhaps reflective of the extreme niche it occupies.

Who is it for?

Programmers. It's for programmers. I've been very clear about this. BenQ is very clear about this. It's not for gamers (you've got loads to choose from already, calm down), it's not for video editors (you also have loads, you spoilt brats), and due to the limited contrast, it's not ideal for photo editors either (like you don't have enough already pfft). 

Again, programmers. It's for programmers. Got that? Good.

Buy it if:

• You're a professional programmer

Don't buy it if:

• You're not a professional programmer