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BenQ SW242Q 24" specifications and in-depth review

BenQ SW242Q 24"

Manufacturer: BenQ

The BenQ SW242Q is a 24.1-inch monitor built specifically for photo and video editing workflows, offering a 2560 x 1600 resolution IPS, LED-backlit display at 125 ppi. Its stand supports tilt and swivel adjustments, and the unit is also compatible with VESA mounting solutions, giving users a degree of flexibility in how they set up their workspace.

On the color side, the SW242Q covers 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and 100% of sRGB, displaying up to 1.07 billion colors at a typical brightness of 400 nits with a 1000:1 contrast ratio. Connectivity includes one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort output, USB Type-C, four USB ports, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. The panel delivers wide 178-degree viewing angles both horizontally and vertically, while operating power consumption sits at 27W with a standby draw of just 0.3W.

Pros
  • Wide color space coverage with 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB makes it well-suited for color-critical photo and video editing work
  • Supports color calibration, allowing users to fine-tune display accuracy for professional output
  • The stand offers both tilt and swivel adjustments, providing meaningful ergonomic flexibility
  • VESA mount compatibility gives users the option to use third-party mounting solutions
  • Connectivity includes USB Type-C, four USB ports, HDMI 2.0, and DisplayPort, covering a range of wired device connections
  • The 2560 x 1600 resolution on a 24.1-inch panel results in a sharper-than-standard image at 125 ppi
Cons
  • No adaptive synchronization support, which limits smooth rendering during variable frame rate content
  • Portrait mode is not supported, reducing layout flexibility for users who work vertically
  • Lacks built-in stereo speakers, requiring an external audio solution
  • No Picture-in-Picture functionality, limiting multitasking options on screen
  • The monitor has no ambient light sensor, so brightness cannot adjust automatically to room conditions
  • Wireless connectivity is entirely absent, with no Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or AirPlay support
Who is this for?

This monitor is a strong fit for photographers and video editors who need accurate, consistent color reproduction in their daily work. The 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB coverage, combined with support for color calibration, makes it a reliable tool for color-grading and retouching tasks where display accuracy is critical. Users who work at a fixed desk setup will also benefit from the tilt and swivel stand adjustments and VESA mount compatibility, which allow for a well-configured, ergonomic workspace. The broad connectivity options, including USB Type-C and four USB ports, further suit users who connect multiple peripherals simultaneously.

Who is this NOT for?

Users looking for a display suited to gaming will find this monitor lacking, as it offers only a 60Hz refresh rate with no adaptive synchronization, making fast-paced or frame-sensitive content a poor match. Those who need a flexible multi-window setup will also be limited, since Picture-in-Picture is not supported and portrait mode is unavailable. Additionally, users who rely on wireless connectivity or need built-in audio output will find this monitor falls short, given the complete absence of Wi-Fi, Ethernet, AirPlay, and stereo speakers.

Display:

Display type IPS, LED-backlit
screen size 24.1"
resolution 2560 x 1600 px
pixel density 125 ppi
Adaptive synchronization None
has anti-glare coating ✕
refresh rate 60Hz
maximum horizontal viewing angle 178º
maximum vertical viewing angle 178º
has a matte panel ✕
has a glossy panel ✕
has a touch screen ✕

The BenQ SW242Q uses an IPS, LED-backlit panel measuring 24.1 inches with a 2560 x 1600 px resolution and a pixel density of 125 ppi. The display runs at a 60Hz refresh rate and offers wide viewing angles of 178 degrees both horizontally and vertically. Adaptive synchronization is not supported, and the screen lacks anti-glare coating, a matte finish, a glossy surface designation, and touch input capability.

General info:

Type Photo/video editing
supports total tilt ✓
Has a swivel stand ✓
Supports VESA mount ✓
height 364 mm
width 539 mm
thickness 219 mm
weight 7800 g
supports portrait mode ✕
volume 42966.924 cm³

Designed for photo and video editing use, the BenQ SW242Q measures 539 mm wide, 364 mm tall, and 219 mm deep, with a total weight of 7,800 g. The stand supports both tilt and swivel adjustments, and the monitor is compatible with VESA mounting, offering flexibility in positioning. Portrait mode is not supported. The unit has a total volume of approximately 42,966.924 cm³.

Colors:

brightness (typical) 400 nits
supports color calibration ✓
display colors 1070 million
contrast ratio 1000:1
Adobe RGB coverage 99%
sRGB coverage 100%

The SW242Q delivers a typical brightness of 400 nits alongside a contrast ratio of 1000:1, and its display is capable of rendering 1,070 million colors. Color space coverage is broad, with 99% Adobe RGB and 100% sRGB coverage, making it well-suited for color-sensitive work. The monitor also supports color calibration, allowing users to fine-tune output accuracy directly.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 1
supports Thunderbolt ✕
DisplayPort outputs 1
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack ✓
has a DVI connector ✕
USB ports 4
Has USB Type-C ✓
HDMI version HDMI 2.0
supports Ethernet ✕
supports Wi-Fi ✕
has AirPlay ✕
mini DisplayPort outputs 0
has a VGA connector ✕

The SW242Q provides a solid range of wired connectivity options, including one HDMI 2.0 port, one DisplayPort output, and four USB ports alongside a USB Type-C connection. A 3.5 mm audio jack is also present for headset use. The monitor does not support Thunderbolt, DVI, VGA, or mini DisplayPort, and there are no wireless capabilities — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and AirPlay are all absent.

Power:

operating power consumption 27W
standby power consumption 0.3W

The SW242Q draws 27W during normal operation and drops to just 0.3W in standby mode, reflecting a modest power footprint across both active and idle states.

Features:

has PiP ✕
has stereo speakers ✕
has built-in smart TV ✕
has a remote control ✕
supports Dolby Digital ✕
supports Dolby Digital Plus ✕
has DTS Surround ✕
has an ambient light sensor ✕
has a front camera ✕

The SW242Q omits a number of features commonly found on multimedia-oriented displays. It has no built-in stereo speakers and does not support Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, or DTS Surround audio formats. Picture-in-Picture is not available, and there is no remote control, front camera, or ambient light sensor. Smart TV functionality is also absent.

Final Verdict

The BenQ SW242Q is a purposefully focused monitor built around the demands of professional color work, and its specifications reflect that clearly. With 99% Adobe RGB coverage and full sRGB support backed by hardware color calibration, it delivers the kind of display accuracy that photo editors and colorists genuinely depend on. The 2560 x 1600 resolution on a 24.1-inch panel adds useful sharpness, and the practical stand adjustments alongside VESA compatibility make it adaptable to a dedicated workspace. Its limitations — no adaptive sync, no portrait mode, no built-in audio, and a 60Hz ceiling — are consistent with a display that was never designed for entertainment or gaming. For users whose priority is color-accurate editing in a stationary professional setup, the SW242Q delivers a coherent and well-specified tool.

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