BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710Q Review: Is It Worth Buying in South Africa 2026?

Quick Answer

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710Q is a 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS gaming monitor that offers excellent colour accuracy, a responsive panel, and BenQ's HDRi technology. In South Africa for 2026, it represents strong value for gamers who want a step up from 1080p without paying flagship prices, typically landing between R6,500 and R8,500 depending on the retailer.

The BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710Q has been on South African gamers' radar since it launched, and in 2026 it sits in an interesting position in the local monitor market. At 27 inches with a 2560x1440 (QHD) resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, it targets the sweet spot between esports-focused 1080p monitors and the premium 4K tier. If you are upgrading from a 1080p 60Hz screen or looking for a single monitor that handles both competitive gaming and content consumption well, the EX2710Q deserves serious consideration.

Panel Performance and Image Quality

The EX2710Q uses an IPS panel, which gives it wide viewing angles and accurate colour reproduction straight out of the box. IPS panels show colours more consistently than TN panels regardless of where you are sitting relative to the screen, which matters both for gaming and for creative work like photo editing or video watching.

The 1440p resolution at 27 inches hits a pixel density of approximately 109 PPI, which is noticeably sharper than 1080p at the same size. Text looks cleaner, fine details in game environments are more visible, and you can comfortably use the monitor as a productivity screen without fonts feeling fuzzy.

The 165Hz refresh rate with 1ms MPRT (moving picture response time) keeps motion looking clean during fast-paced gaming. The panel supports AMD FreeSync Premium, which eliminates screen tearing for AMD GPU users across a wide VRR range. NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible certification means it also works well with RTX cards, though NVIDIA users get a slightly narrower VRR window than AMD users on FreeSync Premium monitors.

BenQ's HDRi (High Dynamic Range intelligence) implementation is a mixed story. It uses an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust HDR performance to your room lighting conditions, which is genuinely useful for long sessions in changing light. However, the peak brightness of approximately 400 nits limits true HDR performance - this is DisplayHDR 400 territory, not DisplayHDR 1000 or 1400 that you need for truly impactful HDR visuals.

Gaming Features and BenQ-Specific Technology

BenQ includes their proprietary gaming modes in the EX2710Q, including FPS Mode, SPG Mode, and RPG Mode, each adjusting colour temperature, sharpness, and brightness levels to suit different game genres. These presets are genuinely useful rather than gimmicky - the FPS Mode in particular brightens dark areas meaningfully without blowing out highlights, helping you spot enemies in shadowed environments.

The built-in 2.1 speakers with a subwoofer element are surprisingly decent for a gaming monitor. They will not replace a dedicated headset or external speakers, but for casual gaming without wanting headphone fatigue, they hold up. The treVolo audio system BenQ markets is a real differentiator compared to the token stereo speakers on most monitors in this price range.

The OSD (on-screen display) is controlled via a joystick on the back-right of the monitor, which is far more intuitive than multi-button navigation systems. Switching inputs, adjusting brightness, or changing presets takes seconds rather than the frustrating trial-and-error that plagues poorly designed monitor menus.

Value Assessment for South African Buyers in 2026

In the South African market for 2026, the EX2710Q competes in a category where local pricing and import availability create interesting dynamics. At its typical local price range of R6,500 to R8,500, it sits against other 27-inch 1440p 165Hz IPS monitors that may offer similar panel specs at lower prices, but usually without BenQ's build quality, warranty support, and brand reputation for monitor longevity.

BenQ offers a three-year warranty in South Africa, which is meaningful for a monitor purchase. Monitor warranties are often overlooked until you encounter a dead pixel or backlight issue two years in, at which point a solid warranty saves you a significant replacement cost.

For South African gamers pairing this monitor with a mid-range GPU like an RX 7600 or RTX 4060, the 1440p resolution hits a comfortable performance target where you can reach 100+ FPS in most titles without needing an expensive high-end card.

Who Should and Should Not Buy the EX2710Q

Buy the EX2710Q if you are upgrading from a 1080p monitor and want noticeably better image quality for both gaming and productivity. It is also a strong choice if you watch a lot of content on your monitor alongside gaming, since the IPS colour accuracy and decent speakers add value beyond frame rates.

Skip it if you are a hardcore competitive FPS player who prioritises the absolute lowest response time above all else - dedicated TN or high-end OLED panels will serve that use case better. Also skip it if true HDR performance is important to you, since DisplayHDR 400 certification means HDR content looks only marginally better than SDR in most scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the BenQ MOBIUZ EX2710Q work with a PS5 or Xbox? A: Yes. The EX2710Q supports HDMI 2.0 input, which allows 1440p at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz from consoles. PS5 and Xbox Series X both support 120Hz at 1080p over HDMI 2.0, so it pairs well with current-gen consoles for a smooth experience.

Q: Is the EX2710Q good for South African loadshedding conditions? A: Like all monitors it requires power, but it consumes relatively little at around 25-35W in typical use. It recovers quickly when power returns without needing reconfiguration, and the settings are saved to internal memory so you do not lose your preferred profile during an outage.

Q: What GPU do I need to run the EX2710Q at 1440p 165Hz? A: For consistent 165Hz at 1440p in demanding titles, you want at least an RX 7700 XT or RTX 4060 Ti. Mid-range cards like the RX 7600 will hit 100-120Hz in most games with medium-high settings, which is still a significant improvement over 60Hz.

Q: How does the EX2710Q compare to the EX2710 (non-Q) model? A: The EX2710Q is the 1440p version; the standard EX2710 is a 1080p panel. The Q model offers noticeably sharper image quality and is worth the price difference if your GPU can handle the additional rendering load at 1440p.