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Philips 326E8FJSB Monitor Review: Jumbo Screen, Beer and Pizza Price

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Conclusion

There’s no question that computer monitors are getting larger as prices become more attractive. There are few who would say a 32-inch panel is too big. That extra real estate means more immersive gaming, larger photos and videos and a workspace more suited to multi-tasking. We used to say 27 is the new 24. And we can remember a time when 19 inches was considered large. If it is now possible to buy a competent 32-inch display for just $280, are we seeing the next paradigm shift?

The Philips 326E8FJSB certainly checks enough boxes to qualify as a good gaming monitor. With FreeSync and a reliable 75Hz refresh rate, it’s suitable to anchor gaming rigs at many budget levels. With solid scores for both panel response and input lag, the 326E8FJSB uses its 75Hz refresh rate to its full potential. If you can’t swing an $800 graphics card, that’s no problem with this monitor. QHD resolution means your PC won’t have to deal with an 8.3 megapixel workload. While the 93ppi density has a few downsides, most notably in Windows’ tiniest fonts, it didn’t detract from our gaming experience.

That pixel density didn’t hurt the quality of photos or video either. Video processing was every bit as good as that of more expensive monitors, like the 32-inch AOC Agon AG322QC4 and AOC Agon G322QCX. Even though those screens run up to 144Hz, they don’t deliver a significantly better gaming experience unless you pair them with a super-fast graphics card.

We also appreciated the 326E8FJSB’s extra bit of color saturation. It sticks close to the sRGB standard but boasts an extra 13 percent of gamut volume. That’s color you’ll see in everything you do, and it still looks accurate and natural.

For $280 at this writing, the Philips 326E8FJSB is hard to beat. Currently, there’s nothing else that competes on price. While you don’t get speakers, USB ports, or a multi-adjustable stand, you do get everything required to enjoy games, watch movies, or get through workday tasks. This monitor is certainly worthy of serious consideration.

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Image Credits: Philips Computer Monitors

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Christian Eberle
Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian 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.