The Apple Studio Display has long served as the benchmark for 'Mac-friendly' monitor technology. However, with the latest model’s recent price hike to $2,599, many tech journalists argue it is overpriced for a display that relies on what many consider to be ageing panel technology.
This month BenQ has announced the MA270S – a monitor that has very similar tech specs, but at a far more affordable price point of $1,499 – a whopping $1,100 cheaper than the Apple Studio Display.
The standout feature of the MA270S is its IPS LED backlight panel with 5K resolution (5120 x 2880) at 70 Hz. With a pixel density of 218 ppi, it perfectly matches the native macOS scaling, ensuring that text remains pin-sharp and UI elements are sized exactly as they appear on a MacBook.
Of course, there is also the single-cable setup, facilitated by a Thunderbolt 4 port that handles both data and 96W of power delivery to charge a MacBook.
Unlike most third-party monitors that struggle with colour drift, the MA270S uses BenQ’s Mac Colour-tuning technology. It covers 99% of the DCI-P3 gamut and features a Nano Gloss panel, which provides the deep blacks and vibrant contrast typically associated with Apple’s glossy glass displays, but with a specialised coating to manage reflections.
Seamless macOS integration
BenQ has gone beyond hardware specs to ensure the monitor 'feels' like a Mac.
Through the Display Pilot 2 software app, users can:
Sync Controls: Adjust the monitor's brightness and volume directly using the Mac keyboard.
FocuSync: Automatically match the display’s brightness to the room's ambient light or macOS Focus Modes.
Smart KVM: Allows you to control two different Macs (like a MacBook Pro and a Mac Studio) with a single keyboard and mouse. It also supports Thunderbolt daisy-chaining, enabling a dual-monitor 5K setup with minimal cabling.
Priced at A$1,499 in Australia, the MA270S offers a compelling value proposition, providing the 'Retina experience' and pro-grade ergonomics – including a height-adjustable stand – without the traditional 'Apple tax'.
You can find out more on the BenQ website.
Tech specs
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Screen Size: 27 inch
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Panel Type: IPS with LED backlight
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Resolution: 5120x2880 (5K) at 218 PPI
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Brightness: 450 nits (typical and peak)
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HDR Support: HDR10, VESA DisplayHDR 400
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Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (Native)
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Colour Gamut: 99% P3, 99% sRGB
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Colour Modes: Display P3, sRGB, M–book, ePaper, and more
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Refresh Rate: 70Hz
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Response Time: 5 ms (GtG)
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Screen Coating: Nano Gloss
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Aspect Ratio: 16:9
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Display Colours: 1.07 billion
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Colour Temperature: 5000K, 6500K, 9300K, User Defined
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Gamma: 1.8 – 2.6, sRGB