BenQ ZOWIE RL2455 24-Inch Monitor Review

Introduction

Console gamers tend to gravitate towards large televisions because they prefer the couch experience and are less likely to notice visual imperfections from a large distance. As a result, monitor manufacturers focus on the PC market and understand that it’s their core audience. However, the rise of competitive eSport gaming has resulted in more console players being concerned about panel responsiveness to gain an advantage over their closest rivals. Popular franchises like Halo and Call of Duty have a mammoth prize pool which makes the prospect of becoming a professional gamer really enticing.

To cater towards customers in this emerging market, BenQ ZOWIE released a new display entitled the RL2455. This particular model sports a 1920×1080 resolution across a 24-inch screen and 60Hz refresh rate. Also, the monitor opts for a TN panel which allows for an extremely fast 1ms (GtG) response time. On another note, the product has a typical brightness of 250 cd/m2, 1000:1 static contrast ratio and 0.276mm pixel pitch. Other notable features include an anti-glare frame and flicker-free technology to reduce eye fatigue. Priced at £139.99 , the BenQ ZOWIE RL2455 is an affordable solution for the console user who wants to move beyond a traditional TV without spending a lot of money. Here is a brief video from the manufacturer detailing the benefits of a monitor for console owners:

Specification

Packaging and Accessories

The BenQ ZOWIE RL2455 comes in a really attractive box sporting a red and black colour scheme. This particular infusion of colours is eye catching and should appeal to the core gaming demographic. On another note, the box contains a stealth image of the monitor, distinctive BenQ ZOWIE branding and additional information about the key features such as HDMI connectivity. Honestly, the box’s aesthetic is wonderful and the durable cardboard should withstand a few knocks during delivery.

Once opened, we can see the stand, base and power adapter are neatly contained in specific compartments. Also, the accessories are placed within a compact cardboard box which makes it really simple to store any excess cables without them being misplaced. The polystyrene moulds cushion the display rather well and offer excellent protection. The unboxing process is splendid thanks to the intelligent layout and it’s remarkably easy to re-pack the monitor just in case any problems arise.

The base is constructed from a relatively thick plastic which doesn’t flex too much if pressure is applied at an extreme angle. Also, the base’s matte black finish isn’t overpowering and shouldn’t accumulate dust over time. The horizontal strip connects to a secondary piece which helps to balance the display while incorporating the screwless mounting point. To add a more gaming orientated appearance, BenQ ZOWIE included a simple, yet stylish red strip which looks pretty smart.

Unfortunately, the stand opts for a glossy coating which is a nightmare to keep clean and attracts fingerprints at a blistering pace. I’m a little perplexed by this design because the base has a clean matte finish. Perhaps, BenQ ZOWIE wanted to create a colour contrast between these two elements. Whatever the case, I think it’s a misstep and manufacturers should avoid glossy plastic if possible.

On the underneath section, we can see the base has a metal piece which improves the balance and allows it to cope with the monitor’s weight more effectively. As expected, the base uses a number of rubber feet which prevents the monitor from sliding and helps to reduce screen wobble. Sadly, the limited surface area, lightweight construction and horizontal shape struggle to contend with the monitor’s 24-inch frame. While it’s perfectly usable, the display doesn’t feel planted and if you’re a heavy typist, the monitor might begin to wobble ever so slightly.

The monitor is bundled with an AC adapter, HDMI cable, safety instructions, user’s guide and device information. Please note, monitor review samples are usually bundled with an EU power cord with an additional cable provided for the UK press. On the retail model, you should receive the appropriate power adapter for your region.