BenQ EX3501R

An ultrawide monitor with HDR

While high dynamic range (HDR) – a display technology that offers higher contrast and more vivid colours – is becoming ever more commonplace in TVs it hasn’t really taken off yet in PC monitors. So when a monitor such as the BenQ EX3501R comes along boasting HDR support, you can’t help take notice. And HDR is only one of the exciting features to be found here, thanks to an ultrawide 21:9 aspect radio, AMD FreeSync support, and USB-C connectivity.

Price and availability

A 35-inch ultrawide curved monitor is never going to be cheap, but at £709 ($899), the BenQ EX3501R isn’t horrendously pricey, and compares well to the AOC Agon AG352UCG and Acer Predator X34, both of which are slightly more expensive, but with similarly impressive specs.

The BenQ is also a fair bit pricier than the LG 34UC79G-B, which costs £592 ($625). However, while LG’s screen has a 21:9 aspect ratio, its resolution is lower (2,560x1,080) than the EX3501R’s (3,440x1,440), which feels much easier to use.

Design

Unlike monitors which are aimed at gamers and have striking designs to match, the BenQ EX3501R is positioned as a ‘video enjoyment monitor’, which means the large screen – and the content it displays – are the stars of the show here, with the rest of the monitor’s design being smart, yet sedate.

The metal stand feels sturdy, and allows for vertical adjustment of 60mm and tilt adjustment of between -5 and 20 degrees. Assembly is tool-less, which means you can attach the screen to the stand without having to dig out a screwdriver, making installation much simpler.