BenQ XR3501
Almost has all the right specs. Almost.
Oh, XR3501, how we want to adore you. Dancing around in that attractive little 144Hz number, those long ultra-wide-screen runs of pixels... and then we look a little closer. It’s at this stage, we wonder whether this display is the premium solution that we’re lead to believe it is.
With a matte panel in a 35-inch ultra-wide-screen 21:9 aspect ratio form factor, cranking along at a rapid 144Hz refresh rate, the display is ultimately let down by its resolution and subsequent pixel density.
Stretching a resolution of 2,560 x 1,080 across the 35-inch display space results in a low pixel density of 79 pixels per inch (ppi). This reduced pixel density gives way to image reproduction that appears blurry and unsatisfyingly undefined. By contrast, the AOC unit (back over the page) is a similar 35-inch form factor and sporting a 2000R curvature rating. Yet, the AOC presents a crisp, detailed image reproduction for the most part enabled by the display’s pixel density of 106 ppi.
The rapid refresh rate is a desirable attribute for many gamers that prefer the fast pace of first-person shooter titles or driving games. However, when considered as the sum of its parts, especially when placed into the same consideration as contemporaries like the ASUS MX34VQ and AOC Agon AG352UCG, based on the price point, the 144Hz refresh doesn’t stand out sufficiently to justify the reduced resolution of 2,560 x 1,080 — you’re left wanting for the extra pixels to go pushing the simply more impressive 3,440 x 1,440 resolution.
Verdict
Pixel density isn’t high, so if you’re used to a fine image, you’ll find this display blur-inducing.