Side by side

BenQ MA320U vs PD3205U: Controls are shared between two computers on PD3205U, and MA320U saves stand depth

Quick verdict

Go with the MA320U for a MacBook-centered desk and a shallower stand. For a two-computer workflow that makes use of its documented KVM, the PD3205U is the fit.

Before you buy

Why, and what it costs you

Detail should be compared at the actual screen size

About 139.9 pixels per inch is what MA320U works out to, against 139.9 for PD3205U. Their pixel densities are close enough that layout and connection needs separate them more strongly.

Where this comes from

Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. The inputs are 3840 × 2160 at 31.5 inches and 3840 × 2160 at 31.5 inches. Because the diagonals are published nominal values, these figures are approximate.

The catch

BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

A 120Hz work monitor feels smoother than its 60Hz ceiling.

The catch

BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

High-refresh gaming is not what a 60Hz panel is for.

BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

Why pick it
  • Rely on one MacBook as your main computer
  • Want a shallower stand
The catch
A 120Hz work monitor feels smoother than its 60Hz ceiling.
See price & reviews on Amazon
BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

Why pick it
  • Share a keyboard and mouse across computers
  • Like using DesignVue controls for creative work
The catch
High-refresh gaming is not what a 60Hz panel is for.
See price & reviews on Amazon

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Comparison updated , Product data updated , Amazon.com / United States

What this page compares

A MacBook-centered desk and a shallower stand favor the MA320U. The PD3205U suits a two-computer workflow that benefits from its documented KVM.

A bigger image is not the upgrade

Which one fits

Pick the situations that sound like you

  • Rely on one MacBook as your main computer

    With a 31.5-inch 4K 60 Hz panel and up to 90 W USB-C power, MA320U is the MacBook-focused option. Check the intended control functions against the connected Mac.

    BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
    Better fit
    BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C
    Depends
  • Share a keyboard and mouse across computers

    A KVM for sharing keyboard and mouse between connected computers is documented for PD3205U. Check the required upstream cables and host routing.

    BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
    Depends
    BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C
    Better fit
  • Want a shallower stand

    Against 256.8 mm for PD3205U, MA320U's stand is 220.2 mm deep. That leaves 36.6 mm more front-to-back room before cable clearance.

    BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
    Better fit
    BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C
    Depends
  • Like using DesignVue controls for creative work

    This preference rests on PD3205U's DesignVue controls and documented KVM. In every other respect, its 31.5-inch 4K panel and 90 W charging ceiling match MA320U.

    BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook
    Depends
    BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C
    Better fit

In practice

Differences you will notice

Detail should be compared at the actual screen size

About 139.9 pixels per inch is what MA320U works out to, against 139.9 for PD3205U. Their pixel densities are close enough that layout and connection needs separate them more strongly.

How we worked this out

Pixels per inch = √(width² + height²) / diagonal. The inputs are 3840 × 2160 at 31.5 inches and 3840 × 2160 at 31.5 inches. Because the diagonals are published nominal values, these figures are approximate.

Keep native detail apart from game speed

Per frame, MA320U draws 8.3 million native pixels and PD3205U 8.3 million. Refresh ceilings are 60Hz and 60Hz respectively.

How we worked this out

Native pixels = width × height. Refresh interval =1000 / Hz, which gives 16.7 and 16.7 ms. These calculations concern signal and cadence and are not measured frame rates, input lag or pixel response.

About 1.4 inches of desk depth is given back by MA320U

Compared with PD3205U, its stand is 36.6 mm shallower, and panel diagonal and resolution are not reduced.

How we worked this out

256.8 - 220.2 = 36.6 mm, or 1.44 inches. Each panel is 31.5-inch 3840 × 2160.

Option A
BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

BenQ, MA320U

MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

MacBook users get 90-watt charging and familiar brightness controls from this roomy matte 4K display, and no Thunderbolt dock is needed.

Best for
A bigger MacBook screen whose everyday controls stay simple

Facts we checked

  • 31.5-inch IPS panel, 3840 by 2160 at 60Hz
  • USB-C video connection delivers up to 90 watts
  • 714.5 mm of chassis width and 220.2 mm of stand depth
  • 115 mm of height adjustment and 97 percent P3 coverage
Option B
BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

BenQ, PD3205U

DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

Text and drawings come out physically bigger on this larger 4K design screen while the pixel count stays the same. A KVM and a 90-watt USB-C connection let a desktop and a laptop share one keyboard and screen.

Best for
Larger 4K design work, with two computers sharing one desk

Facts we checked

  • 31.5-inch IPS panel, 3840 by 2160 at 60Hz
  • KVM and Hotkey Puck G2, plus 90-watt USB-C power delivery
  • Including the stand, 714.7 mm wide and 256.8 mm deep

Spec by spec

Where they really differ

Where BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook and BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C differ
SpecBenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBookBenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-CIn practice
Native resolution3840 × 21603840 × 2160Usable logical workspace changes with operating-system scaling.
Panel diagonal31.5 in31.5 inThe measured active diagonal may differ slightly from a nominal screen class.
Maximum refresh60Hz60HzLook at the exact input, resolution and overclock conditions.
Panel technologyIPSIPSA measured color or motion winner is not established by panel type alone.
Laptop powerUp to 90WUp to 90WFor the desired delivery, the host, cable and negotiated power profile all have to support it.
Chassis width714.5 mm714.7 mmLeave additional room for cables, arms and neighboring equipment.
Stand depth220.2 mm256.8 mmMore desk depth can be taken by the included stand than by the display cabinet.

Trade-offs

What each pick costs you

With BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBook

  • Compared with the MA270U, the same 4K pixel count is spread over the 31.5-inch panel's larger area.

With BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-C

  • Don't mistake its 99 percent sRGB specification for the wider DCI-P3 coverage of other DesignVue models.

Decision guide

How to decide

The MA320U is for a MacBook-centered desk and a shallower stand. The PD3205U is for a two-computer workflow that benefits from its documented KVM.

01

A bigger image is not the upgrade

31.5-inch 4K 60Hz IPS monitors, both of them. Picking one over the other changes neither the number of pixels nor the refresh-rate ceiling.

02

A KVM can make a separate switch unnecessary

Keyboard-and-mouse sharing between connected computers is documented for the PD3205U. Confirm the exact cable routing and don't assume every USB hub switches between hosts automatically.

03

On a shallow desk the MA320U has a measurable advantage

Listed stand depths are 220.2 and 256.8 mm. Chassis width stays almost the same, and the BenQ MA model leaves more front-to-back room.

Check these before you buy

  • Check that you have the right model suffix and that your computer and chosen port support the refresh rate.
  • Measure the stand depth and chassis width. Then look at the laptop's charging requirements and the cable's capability.

What this page can’t tell you

  • These pixel density and refresh interval figures are calculated from published specifications and do not come from a measured visual-quality or latency test.
  • The USB-C power figure is the highest level that can be negotiated. It does not guarantee full-speed charging for every laptop.

By the numbers

What the data shows

What we found across the computer monitors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.

How many fit

This guide keeps all 50 models in play. The pick rests on the facts and trade-offs on this page.

50 models fit, out of 50 checked
Show the facts and the math
Models in the comparison
50 models
Sources
4 covering these models
Product data updated

How we countedNo needs are preselected here. Open the matcher and add the ones that apply to your home, room or setup.

The facts and sources behind each product in this recommendation
ProductNeeds it meetsFacts we checkedSources
BenQ MA Series 32-inch 4K Monitor for MacBookNone of these needs is a documented match
  • 31.5-inch IPS panel, 3840 by 2160 at 60Hz
  • USB-C video connection delivers up to 90 watts
  • 714.5 mm of chassis width and 220.2 mm of stand depth
BenQ DesignVue 32-inch 4K USB-CNone of these needs is a documented match
  • 31.5-inch IPS panel, 3840 by 2160 at 60Hz
  • KVM and Hotkey Puck G2, plus 90-watt USB-C power delivery
  • Including the stand, 714.7 mm wide and 256.8 mm deep

Ready to buy

See today’s price and what owners say

Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.

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