What is it?
The BenQ XL2536 is a 24.5 inch, 144hz gaming monitor geared toward high-end e-sports players that uses BenQ’s new Dyac technology to increase the smoothness and responsiveness of the image. The BenQ XL2536 also comes with the S-Switch, which allows a player to switch modes and presets quickly without getting lost in sub-menus. The BenQ XL2536 also comes with shields and a specially designed bezel to lower the impact of glare on a gamer’s vision.
Specifications
- LCD size (inch) 24.5
- Aspect ratio of 16:9
- Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 at 144Hz (HDMI 2.0, DP, DVI-DL)
- Display area 543.744 x 302.616
- Pixel pitch (mm) 0.276
- Typ. brightness (cd/㎡) 320
- Typ. contrast 1000:1
- Typ. DCR (DyNamic Contrast Ratio) 12M:1
- Panel type TN
- Response time 1ms (GtG)
Connectivity
- Input/Output connector DVI-DL/HDMI x2/DP1.2/headphone jack/microphone jack USB
- Downstream x3 Upstream x1
Electricity
- Power supply (90~264 AC) Built-in
- Power consumption (On mode) 50W
Size & Weight
- Dimensions (HxWxD mm) 515.43(Highest)/445.75(Lowest) x 569.94 x 226.04
- Net weight (kg)7.6
- Gross weight (kg) 11.1
Pros
- Great size for e-sports and desktop users
- Amazing color and responsiveness at 144hz refresh
- Solid, durable construction
- Wide variety of connections
- The S-Switch allows for great customization and the ability to change quickly from mode to mode
- The Dyac system gives the image greater clarity and response
- Monitor height and angle are easily adjusted
Cons
The only significant con I can find for the BenQ XL2536 is the price. At $379.00 currently, it may be a little outside entry-level gamers’ budgets, but for e-sports gamers, this is a fair price for high performance.
I love this monitor. I may not be a hardcore e-sports gamer, but I enjoyed the performance thoroughly while playing sessions of Fortnite and Black Ops 4. I loved the depth and clarity of the picture and, as I mentioned, the response. Both games demand the ability to see opponents at a distance and get a target on them, which would be either blurry or impossible on lower quality monitors. Web and video playback through Netflix and Amazon look great, though keep in mind that it is only capable of a 2K image. Standard office apps also look very crisp and text is very easily read without any straining or adjusting.
I did bounce around the adjustments a bit to change the black depth and contrast depending on the game or app I wanted to choose, but as I previously stated, the S-Switch is a great addition. I hope that other monitor companies either have a similar option (or a well-designed remote). Menu buttons have always seemed to be an afterthought and can be extremely frustrating for gamers like myself who love to tweak their settings. The BenQ XL2536 does not have traditional HDR, which may be an issue for gamers and games that benefit from it. That being said, DYAC is a good substitution that really helps that Dynamic Range.
I think anyone who plays games and wants the most out of their setup will be well served to purchase the BenQ XL2536. The smoothness and clarity are things that you will notice when you switch to inferior monitors and will crave to return to. As someone who hates to fidget with small monitor controls, the S-Switch is a godsend. The BenQ XL2536. should absolutely be on anyone’s consideration list of gaming monitors.
A sample of the BenQ XL2536 was made available by BenQ. All opinions expressed here are my own.
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