Today, Phillips released a new ultrawide monitor, the 346B1C (opens in new tab). This is a curved 34-inch monitor with a VA (opens in new tab)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.
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 (opens in new tab). 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.
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 (opens in new tab) 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
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 (opens in new tab)for $479.99. Broader availability is expected in November.