Philips' 346B1C USB-C Ultrawide Monitor Targets Both Productivity and Gaming

(Image credit: Philips)

Today, Phillips released a new ultrawide monitor, the 346B1C. This is a curved 34-inch monitor with a VA LCD panel, but contrary to what you would think, it isn’t manufactured by Phillips -– rather, this is an MMD monitor being sold under the Philips brand.

(Image credit: Philips)

Philips’ new monitor is built to be a productivity-oriented monitor, but that doesn’t stop it from having some qualities that would make it work as a gaming monitor. On the productivity front, it’s got a large 3440 x 1440 resolution, and on the gaming front it’s has a respectable 100 Hz refresh rate and adaptive sync for fighting screen tears. That adaptive sync works down to a 48 Hz refresh rate. With these specs, think of it as a productivity-oriented monitor for someone who does enjoy firing up a game from time to time, but isn’t massively competitive.

(Image credit: Philips)

As far as other specifications go, the monitor has a typical contrast ratio of 3,000:1, a 5ms gray-to-gray response time, 1500R curvature and a Delta E of less than 2 on the sRGB color spectrum, which is pro-level accuracy. 

Another strong point the monitor has is its connectivity options. For display inputs it has a DisplayPort 1.2 connector, HDMI 2.0 and USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 with power delivery up to 90W. The monitor also has a USB hub built in with one upstream connection and four downstream connectors. Wrapping things up is an Ethernet port and 3.5mm jack for audio out.

Philips 346B1C Specs

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LCD Panel Type VA LCD
Backlight Type W-LED system
Panel Size 34 inches / 86.36cm; 1550R curvature
Display Screen Coating Anti-Glare, 2H, Haze 25%
Effective Viewing Area (H x V) 797.2 x 333.7
Aspect ratio 21:9
Maximum resolution 3440 x 1440 @ 100 Hz
Pixel Density 110ppi
Response time (typical) 5ms (grey to grey)
Brightness 300 nits
Contrast Ratio (Typical) 3,000:1
Colour Gamut (typical) NTSC 100%; sRGB 119%; Adobe RGB 90%
Signal Input 1x DisplayPort 1.2; 1x HDMI 2.0; 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 x 1 (upstream, power delivery up to 90 W)
USB 1x USB-C; 1x USB-B (upstream); 4x USB 3.2 (downstream with 1 fast charge B.C 1.2)
Audio (In/Out) Headphone out

At the time of writing, the monitor is already listed for pre-order on Amazon for $479.99. Broader availability is expected in November.

Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

  • digitalgriffin
    48Hz to 100Hz means it doesn't support lfrc. So it's a no go. Decent price for the features. But as stated not a great gaming monitor.
    Reply
  • Soaptrail
    digitalgriffin said:
    48Hz to 100Hz means it doesn't support lfrc. So it's a no go. Decent price for the features. But as stated not a great gaming monitor.

    What does IFRC stand for?
    Reply
  • digitalgriffin
    Soaptrail said:
    What does IFRC stand for?
    LFRC = low frame rate compensation. To have it your top frequency must be 2.5x's you lowest frequency. 2.5 * 48 = 120Hz

    It really helps when games get juttery due to a frame time spike.
    Reply