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To read about our monitor tests in-depth, please check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test PC Monitors. We cover brightness and contrast testing on page two.
Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level
BenQ rates the EX2510S at 280 nits for SDR signals but we only got to 258 in our test. Either number is a bit lower than typical, but it is bright enough for indoor use. Our office has a sunny window, and we had no trouble using the monitor at 200 nits.
Black levels are good for the IPS category and result in a contrast ratio of just over 1,000:1, average and over our standard. Newer panels are creeping up to 1,100 and 1,200:1 and we noted that last year’s EX2510 performed better in this test.
After Calibration to 200 nits
Calibration evens the playing field a bit so the EX2510S slips to fourth place in the black level and contrast tests. The ratio is consistent though which is a good thing. Visually, it will be hard to tell a difference between the top four screens though the HP has a wider color gamut which gives it an advantage.
That consistency carries over to the ANSI test which better represents real-world content. The EX2510S is a solid performer. Some screens have a little more contrast but BenQ is comfortably in the hunt.
Current page: Brightness and Contrast
Prev Page Response, Input Lag, Viewing Angles and Uniformity Next Page Grayscale, Gamma and ColorChristian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.
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