BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX review: performance matches the price

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Two-minute review

BenQ has built a strong reputation for delivering great monitors that cater to creators and gamers. Supporting both ends of the spectrum is the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX. One of the finest 32-inch mini-LED displays released this year, this 4K monitor is highlighted by an IPS panel that features a peak brightness of 1,000 nits and DisplayHDR 1000 certification. Offering a fantastic contrast ratio of 1000:1, there are 1,152 local dimming zones with a color gambit covering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% P3.

That alone would make this a fine monitor for creatives who stream or edit photos and videos. Meanwhile, PixSoul Engine does a fantastic job of making game visuals top-tier by using BenQ’s Game Color Database for advanced game-specific color modes. It also incorporates AI calculations for real-time adjustments of brightness and contrast, meaning regardless of what style of games you’re into, the visuals will look fantastic.

Performance-minded gamers needing a competitive edge have much to appreciate about the EX321UX. Paired with the respectable 144Hz refresh rate, the EX321UX also has a 1ms response time and FreeSync Premium Pro capabilities. Then there are various graphic overlays for both frame rate counters and crosshairs as well. Outside of PC gaming, there are enough ports to satisfy streamers and multi-platform gamers alike. As with most higher-end BenQ monitors, the EX321UX comes with an intuitive remote control, which makes applying various settings an easy task.

Those ports also allow for KVM, letting you use a set of keyboard and mouse inputs on two video import devices. This is great for streamers who use one PC for gaming and another for streaming with software like OBS. On the sound side of things, an eARC HDMI port gives 7.1 channel audio support for your choice of speakers.

The EX321UX could be considered the best mini-LED display in the 32-inch space now if a few things didn’t hold it back. The most notable aspect is the high $1,199 price point, which, when compared to the rest of the best 4K gaming monitors available that offer similar performance, might be a bit too much. Then again, the image quality alone is worth the price of admission.

The other issue is that the focus on adding eARC compatibility means this monitor doesn’t have a built-in speaker system. If money isn’t a problem and you have a nice speaker or headset system ready for use, the EX321UX is an absolute must-buy.

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Price & availability

• How much does it cost? $1,199/£ 1,099.99/ AU $2,199
• When is it available? Available now
• Where can you get it? Available in the US, UK, and Australia

The BenQ EX321UX is now available in the US, UK, and AU territories for $1,199, £1,099.99, and AU $2,199 respectively. Potential buyers across those countries can buy directly from the manufacturer’s online store or various retailers like Amazon. For an IPS mini-LED panel, the cost may seem like a lot compared to other 32-inch 4K gaming monitors. However, the 1,000 nits brightness, HDR, PixSoul AI Engine, and 99% P3 and Adobe RGB makes this one of the best looking gaming monitors available. That doesn’t even count the loads of extras from eARC HDMI and KVM capabilities to the selection of ports and overlays.

If that’s a bit much, the Gigabyte M32UC is a wonderful alternative for around $450 and comes with built-in speakers. One would say that for the $1,199 price range, potential buyers could move into the OLED realm through outstanding gaming monitors like the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9.

• Value: 4.5 / 5

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Specs

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Design

• The overall design is more in line with function over form
• Features remote control and loads of ports

Weighing in at around 16 lbs, the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX is easy to control during setup. There’s an attached screw at the base that connects to the neck which is then linked to the display’s back panel. Once that’s done, you can adjust for height, tilt, and swivel. Going for more of a three-leg base means that the front legs aren’t obtrusive and won’t take up much space.

When it comes to the visual design on the EX321UX, it’s definitely more function over form. The front looks pretty boring - but who cares when the image quality is that beautiful? Having an all white back panel does offer a slight amount of aggressive flair, and you won’t find customizable RGB lighting.

Power comes from a standard power port that connects to a brick adapter before the power socket. The power port sits next to a large number of ports that allow you to connect various video and audio outputs alongside features like KVM capabilities. Outside of the singular eARC HDMI port, there are two standard HDMI 2.1 ports and a singular DisplayPort 2.1. Then there are three USB-C connections for various usage in addition to three USB-A ports. Rounding out the ports is a 3.5mm headphone jack so you can connect one of the best gaming headsets available to make up for the lack of built-in speakers.

On the bottom center is the power button, thumbstick for settings navigation, and quick switch button. These do a good enough job of changing various options, but the included remote comes in pretty handy, too. Navigating menus to change settings such as audio, video, and feature settings or even just turning it on and off was a breeze.

• Design: 4 / 5

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Features

• PixSoul Engine provides great image enhancement
• eARC HDMI allows great audio experiences
• KVM and various overlays significantly add to the total package

As mentioned previously, the highlight of the BenQ EX321UX’s outstanding image quality is an accumulation of its mini-LED IPS panel, high brightness, and 1,152 local dimming zones with a color gambit covering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% P3. Taking things over the top is the PixSoul Engine, which utilizes BenQ’s Game Color Database for game-specific color modes and integrated AI algorithms for real-time adjustments of brightness and contrast. This does a fantastic job of making games look better while providing necessary visual information and avoiding damage to the immersive experience. Though the pre-selected image filtering looks great, the default Display HDR mode is simply wonderful in terms of image quality.

Not many gaming displays feature eARC HDMI as many gamers usually use headphones anyway. However, having the port that supports 7.1 channel audio on hand is something special for video editors and gamers who don’t want to put on a headset. Of course, video content through YouTube or streaming services like Netflix could benefit from the capability if you’re fine with using supported speakers.

KVM capabilities are perfect for streamers who offset the heavy computing of games on one computer with high-fidelity video streaming on another device. It works pretty simply and switching between devices takes roughly as long as switching between video inputs. Finally, there are various overlays for frame rates and crosshairs for shooter fans. All of these features are controlled through the in-display thumbstick or handy remote control.

• Features: 4.5 / 5

BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX: Performance

• Image quality is outstanding and enhanced by PixSoul
• Game performance sets the standard for high-end gaming monitors

Modern PC gaming benchmarks of visual fidelity look amazing on the EX321UX, such as Cyberpunk 2077, Hellblade II: Senua’s Sacrifice, Alan Wake II, and more. The 1,000 nit brightness and 1,152 local dimming zones allow for bold, crisp color and incredibly deep blacks. HDR capabilities further enhance visuals without the brightness making images look flat. This even applies to more general computing tasks like web browsing where font reading is a pleasurable experience. Color accuracy is fantastic thanks to its high color gamut which many Adobe Suite users will appreciate.

Gaming performance is pretty top tier as well. The max 144Hz refresh rate allows for buttery smooth gameplay while the 1ms response time allows for lag-free tracking of on-screen elements. Holding all of that together to prevent screen tearing is FreeSync Premium Pro compatibility. Some of the games we tested, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, proved that the EX321UX can handle fast-paced, twitch leaning gameplay. Add various overlays like crosshairs and competitive gamers will definitely have an edge with this display.

• Performance: 5 / 5

Should you buy the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX?

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How I tested the BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX

The BenQ Mobiuz EX321UX was tested over a two-week period. During the day, tasks primarily involved using Google Chrome and Slack. This included working with Google Docs, project management software Asana, and social media management tools like Hootsuite.

Slack was also used extensively for communication across different channels, providing an opportunity to test the monitor's performance during general everyday use. Additionally, Adobe Suite software, including Premiere Pro and Photoshop, was used to evaluate color accuracy on the monitor.

To assess overall image quality, games such as Alan Wake II, Forza Motorsport (2023), and Hellblade II: Senua’s Sacrifice were played, focusing on technical visual details and art direction. Performance and game enhancement features were tested with games like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Other games played included Starfield and Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

I have spent several years covering monitors and other PC components for TechRadar. In addition to gaming, I have over a decade of experience with Adobe Suite.

• First reviewed November 2024