Usage & Performance
This display has many different gaming-focused features, which we will get into in just a little bit, but I first want to talk about my overall impressions. The first thing I noticed when I turned the display on was just how bright it was. My previous monitor only has a brightness level of 250 cd/㎡, whereas the BenQ Zowie XL2546 as a brightness level of 320 cd/㎡.
While many companies have opted for smaller, “borderless” designs this display keeps the traditional borders we are used to, but they are designed a little bit differently. The have a special designed frame that is made to reduce light reflection from the screen. And I have to say it does a good job at it. There is also no light bleed at all.
Now on to gaming, the first thing you are going to notice if you are moving from a 60 Hz display to a 240 Hz display is how fluid and smooth things are. Going from 60 Hz to 240 Hz is like night and day. Now if you are moving from a 120 Hz or 144 Hz display you can still tell the difference it is not as drastic though. Once you game on something over 100 Hz you really will never go back.
So one of the big selling features of this display is Zowie’s Dynamic Accuracy technology (DyAc). Basically this technology was developed to help see better when recoil is introduced. Zowie explains that DyAc maintains remarkable clarity during in-game movements. We tested this out in a few different games, mainly Counter-Strike: GO, Overwatch, and Fortnite. I was actually surprised at the difference. During intense battles I was able to find my enemy with more accuracy, even when I was unloading on them and I was experiencing recoil. DyAc is something you definitely have to experience, but I can tell you it is not a gimmick, it works.
This display also makes use of the Black eQualizer tech, which is made to increase visibility in dark scenes without overexposing the bright areas. This definitely comes into play in darker maps and levels where you might not be able to spot someone so easily. The Black eQualizer has 20 levels, which means you can really bump it up if need be. Below are two shots, one with the Black eQualizer off, and one with it on at level 15.
While TN panels are great for high refresh rates, they do not have the best viewing angles. That is probably why BenQ has given the Zowie XL2546 one of the best stands out which allows you to set it up the best angle to suit your needs. For me sitting about two feet away from the display worked just find and I didn’t notice any issues.
