The BenQ EW3880R: A Monstrously Good Monitor for Work & Play?
In the world of productivity, a good monitor can be a game-changer. But what if you want a monitor that’s equally adept at work and play? That’s where the BenQ EW3880R WQHD+ IPS curved ultra-wide monitor comes in. Designed for those seeking a truly immersive experience, this 37.5-inch behemoth packs a 21:9 aspect ratio, powerful 2.1-channel speakers, and a host of modern connectivity features. With a price tag of Rs. 97,500 in India, it’s a bold statement for a niche audience. But is the BenQ EW3880R the ultimate premium monitor? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
BenQ EW3880R Monitor Design: A Statement Piece
From the moment we unboxed the BenQ EW3880R, its sheer size and imposing presence were undeniable. This is no ordinary monitor. The 37.5-inch WQHD+ (3840×1600-pixel) 60Hz IPS LED panel curves gracefully, creating an immersive 21:9 aspect ratio. It’s a striking design that immediately commands attention.
Adding to the visual impact, a speaker grille sits prominently below the screen, housing the 2.1-channel speaker system. Two 3W mid- and high-range drivers, coupled with an 8W woofer, promise a powerful audio experience. A discreet button in the bottom-right corner provides access to the built-in high dynamic range (HDR) mode, offering more versatility and image depth.
The monitor’s thickness is noteworthy, and at its size, the 2300R curvature is prominent. This curve is not just for aesthetics; it significantly reduces light reflections and glare, offering a more enjoyable and distraction-free viewing experience.
The centre-balanced stand provides ample adjustability, with up to 120mm height, 15 degrees of tilt, and 15 degrees of swivel. This robust stand allows for optimal viewing angles and comfort, catering to a range of user preferences.
It’s important to note that the stand’s large footprint requires ample desk space. You’ll need to ensure sufficient room behind and in front of the monitor to comfortably use it. While the curve helps with edge visibility, the monitor’s sheer size might be overwhelming for a smaller workspace.
BenQ EW3880R Monitor Features & Specs: A Connectivity Powerhouse
Beyond its impressive appearance, the BenQ EW3880R boasts a compelling feature set. The HDR10 support and 300 nits peak brightness in HDR mode (250 nits without HDR) guarantee a vibrant and immersive visual experience. A split-screen mode allows you to run two devices simultaneously, maximizing productivity and multitasking capabilities.
The connectivity options are equally impressive: two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one USB Type-C port. The USB Type-C port is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for both a DisplayPort signal and up to 60W of power charging for compatible laptops. Two downstream USB 3.0 Type-A ports further enhance connectivity, creating a powerful docking station with a single cable.
The HDRi button (accessible on the monitor and remote) allows for manual activation of HDR, providing three presets: Cinema HDR, Game HDR, and standard HDR, each optimized for their specific usage. Also included is a Night Mode, which adjusts audio settings to enhance voice clarity at lower volumes.
The monitor’s remote control is a welcome addition, offering convenient control over power, source selection, Night Mode, HDR, brightness, volume, and other basic settings. The remote operates on a CR2032 battery, which is thankfully included. This small but efficient remote makes controlling the monitor significantly simpler than using the physical buttons located on the back.
BenQ EW3880R Monitor Performance: A Multitasking Master
While the BenQ EW3880R is marketed as entertainment-friendly, it sets itself apart from similar offerings like the Samsung Smart Monitor M7. Its larger size, curved screen, and 21:9 aspect ratio create a distinct viewing experience that caters to a different audience.
This monitor shines as a large, immersive screen for laptop or PC use, with its wide aspect ratio making multitasking a breeze. Running two applications side-by-side is effortless, providing a seamless multi-monitor experience without the borders.
We tested this with the Realme Book Slim, utilizing the included USB Type-C cable to deliver a full-resolution 60Hz experience. The monitor automatically adjusted the resolution for optimal clarity, and Windows provided scaling recommendations for excellent legibility and app visibility.
The split-screen functionality is particularly impressive, allowing for the use of two input devices simultaneously. We connected a Realme Book Slim and a MacBook Air using the HDMI port, and both devices seamlessly adjusted their resolutions to fit the screen space. The split-screen options provide flexibility, offering a 1:1 split, 2:1 split, or a picture-in-picture mode for the secondary input.
Beyond multitasking, the BenQ EW3880R excels as a reference screen for reading and video content. Its sharp display and accurate colours make it perfect for occasional photo editing tasks. The sharpness and brightness, even without HDR, ensure text remains legible from a distance and with native magnification enabled in Windows. The curvature significantly reduces light reflections, offering a clean and consistent viewing experience regardless of ambient light conditions.
For video and streaming content, the monitor shines. Despite the unique aspect ratio and WQHD+ resolution, streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video are limited to full-HD resolution, whether using native Windows apps or web browsers. However, native 21:9 content, such as Red Notice on Netflix, scales perfectly to utilize the entire screen, creating a true cinematic experience that compensates for the resolution cap.
The monitor’s sharpness and accurate colours further enhance video viewing, making it fitting for post-work entertainment and evening movie marathons. While HDR improves brightness and colour impact for video content, we found it preferable to use it sparingly for everyday tasks.
The 2.1-channel speaker system delivers decent sound quality, despite lacking significant volume. The audio is clear, detailed, and well-tuned for shorter distances, but you’ll need to run it at the highest volume for optimal clarity. The Night Mode, while helpful, only offers a minor improvement to voice clarity at lower volumes. Although not comparable to a dedicated speaker system or headphones, the audio quality is good enough for a monitor and has been optimized for both productivity and entertainment usage.
Verdict: A Pricey Investment for a Niche Audience
The BenQ EW3880R curved ultra-wide monitor is a unique offering from BenQ. Its large size, imposing design, and robust features make it an ideal choice for professionals who work and play on their computer. The sharp visuals, accurate colours, and excellent motion rendering provide an immersive experience. Modern connectivity options cater to a wide range of devices and connection scenarios, with the split-screen mode being a major highlight for multitasking. The built-in 2.1-channel speaker system adds to the entertainment factor, making it a versatile choice for those who want a single display for both work and leisure.
However, the Rs. 97,500 price tag is a significant hurdle, even for a curved ultra-wide monitor. This is a niche product, designed for specific needs and usage patterns. While its features and capabilities are impressive, the price point makes it a substantial investment. If your workload and entertainment habits align with its features, the BenQ EW3880R might be worth the cost. However, for those who need a more versatile and affordable option, other monitors on the market might better suit their needs and budget.
