Today marks 43 years since the first commercial Compact Disc (CD) pressing. Polygram in Germany is credited with pressing the first copies of Abba's The Visitors on this date, back in 1982. The CD format would take off in a direction which would have been highly unexpected at the time, ending up as a foundation of the Multimedia PC age. However, CDs didn’t kill the audiophile thirst for vinyl, and, on the flip side, some artists are still releasing CDs, even in the 5G and fiber digital streaming age.

While the first commercial CDs were factory pressed some 43 years ago, the discs were in development for quite some time ahead of this date. According to various sources, Sony and Philips clubbed together in 1979 to create a digital music disc.

Beethoven’s influence?

Among the first prototype CDs, a format with an 11.5cm diameter which was capable of storing an hour of music was an early front-runner. Philips apparently had a production line ready for such silver coasters. However, the final 12cm diameter and 74 minutes capacity was apparently favored as it was sufficient for a complete recording of Beethoven's 9th Symphony - Sony president Norio Ohga’s favorite musical opus.

We must note that there are conflicting 74m CD audio origin stories, though. Another credits the desire for this particular uninterrupted audio duration to famed conductor Herbert von Karajan. Similarly, the Wilhelm Furtwängler’s 1951 recording of Beethoven's 9^th (74 minutes long) is said to be the reason for this time target.

By June 1980, the CD audio Red Book standard was finalized. Abba’s The Visitors entered production in Aug 1982, though wouldn’t hit retail on its new fangled format until March 1983. Meanwhile, the first CD album released in the U.S. is thought to be Bruce Springsteen’s Born In The U.S.A., released in September 1984.

According to Statista, CD album sales peaked in the year 2000, with around 943 million sold in the U.S., alone. The format’s fall from grace has been pretty fast since then, but things have recovered a little since the 2020 low.

Computers and optical media

For computing enthusiasts, like us, the announcement of the CD Yellow Book standard is probably more important than the audio standard. This new standard, which would reach the market in 1985, added binary data to CD storage.

Yet another significant change came in 1988, however. In this year, the ISO 9660 standard came into being, defining a file structure for CD-ROMs. CD burners, which created another huge ripple in the PC pond, began to first become available to the public in 1992. But it would take until the latter half of the 90s, when pricing, interfaces, and software began to democratize CDs as digital storage, archiving, and sharing essentials for everyone.

Reading about people using CDs with computers in 2025, as almost as archaic sounding as the use of floppy disks. Nevertheless, some music fans still prefer physical CDs to digital platforms (and the vinyl) such desires have probably spurred the likes of Taylor Swift to release almost 20 physical variations of her latest release, The Tortured Poets Department – including CDs, LPs, and even cassettes. If you count digital variants, there are 36 editions of this album you could buy.

Philips announced a new initiative called "Philips Fixables" which aims to encourage self-repair on some of its products by offering officially drafted 3D printable replacement components. The files are made available for free over at Printables.com. This is where Philips plans to archive files for more official replacements that can be 3D printed at home.

This is a new idea, so only one component is available right now for download. The piece happens to be a 3mm comb for one of their shavers, but Philips assures there will be more components made available for more of their devices over time. This isn't the release of a grand library of parts by any means, but it does showcase a shift in supporting communities in search of businesses that support repairable hardware.

Philips is a storied brand of lighting and electronics that goes back to 1891 when it was founded in Holland. With such a rich history, you’d expect that its gaming monitors would be more mainstream but in terms of volume, they are off the beaten path.

This doesn’t mean it can’t run with best gaming monitors. In fact, I have a 27-inch QD-OLED screen here that smoked my speed tests. It’s the Evnia 27M2N8500, and it officially has the lowest input lag I’ve ever recorded. Let’s take a look.

Philips Evnia 27M2N8500 Specs

The 27M2N8500 is a 27-inch QHD QD-OLED. QD, or Quantum Dots, means more color – about 14% more than an OLED without the technology. That’s a difference easily seen in a side-by-side comparison. The QD-OLEDs I’ve reviewed of late have all filled around 110% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, just like this one. The 27M2N8500 sports decent accuracy too. Though it benefits from calibration, it isn’t absolutely necessary. It runs close to the mark for white point and gamma.

The big draw here is its speed. It runs at 360 Hz rather than the 240 Hz more commonly seen in this category. And it doesn’t cost any more than its competitors. Prices at this writing are around $650. So, you’re getting the fastest and most colorful 27-inch QHD OLED out there for no extra money.

Of course, you’ll need a stout video card to hit those frame rates, but the reward is great. I won’t spoil the test result yet but the 27M2N8500 didn’t just break the input lag record by a small margin, it erased it. Complimenting this is Adaptive-Sync in Nvidia and AMD flavors. It doesn’t currently appear on Nvidia’s certified list but given the large number of Philips displays there, it’ll likely be joining the club soon.

The image is exactly what one expects from a premium QD-OLED: colorful and contrasty. The 27M2N8500 has a variable brightness feature that works more subtly than most other monitors but still delivers punchy highlights and those trademark infinite black levels. Brightness is also on par with others, with a peak brightness of around 250 nits for a full white field and 440 nits for a 25% window. Philips claims 1,000 nits for a 3% window, and my tests revealed no reason to doubt this.

Physically, it stands out with an all-white aesthetic and Philips' unique Ambiglow lighting feature. Rather than backlit logos or projected images, Ambiglow is a bias light meant to cast its goodness on the wall behind. You can specify many different colors and effects, have the show sync with the on-screen action, or use it as a true bias light. This is when you dial in a neutral white color with brightness at 10% of the monitor's peak level. It closes the user’s pupils slightly, increasing the perception of both sharpness and contrast. I use this method with my TVs and projection screen at home to a very positive effect.

The Evnia 27M2N8500 may not be as famous as many of the displays from companies starting with the letter “A”, but it certainly beats them handily in the speed contest. You'll want to read on if you’re looking for a competitive edge.

Assembly and Accessories

All the Philips Evnia gaming monitors I’ve reviewed come in a white and lavender-adorned box with their contents packed in recyclable molded pulp rather than crumbly foam. The 27M2N8500 goes together without tools to form a reasonably solid package. There’s a bit of play where the panel snaps onto the stand but overall build quality is sound. The cable bundle is white to match the monitor and includes IEC power for internal supply plus HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB. You also get an adaptor with hardware for aftermarket arms and brackets.

Product 360

White monitors tend to disappear when the picture is on, which is good. The 27M2N8500 blends smooth white textures with silver metal accents and a speckle finish on the base. The bezel is thin and flush around the top and sides with a silver strip at the bottom that sports “Philips” and a small power LED at the lower right.

You can see more white plastic in the back with a soft scalloping pattern on the component bulge. The small rectangles around its perimeter are the Ambiglow LEDs. They are very adept in their task of enhancing the image. They can follow on-screen movement which creates a unique effect. You can call up specific effects like starry night or breathing. The LEDs can also follow audio, which I haven’t seen anywhere else. The possible combinations are endless, and spending hours just playing with Ambiglow is easy.

The stand has an all-metal upright and a deep base with a metal core. It offers a 5/20-degree tilt adjustment, a 30-degree swivel, and a 5.2-inch height range. There is no portrait mode. The panel’s attachment point is a bit small with some play, but I was never concerned about longevity. Overall, the build quality is solid.

The input pack is clearly labeled and includes a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 and USB 3.2, one upstream and two down. I did not find a KVM feature in the OSD. Two internal five-watt speakers play to a good volume without distortion. You can also plug a pair of headphones into the 3.5mm jack.

OSD Features

The 27M2N8500’s OSD appears when you press the joystick around the back right. This is the monitor’s only control key. The directional clicks offer quick access to picture modes and inputs.

The 27M2N8500 OSD reminds me a bit of vintage Windows and how it looked in the ‘90s. It’s divided into seven sub-menus starting with SmartImage, Philips’ name for picture modes. There are eleven in total, aimed at specific game or entertainment types, and tasks. The best choice is the default, Standard, which allows access to calibration and color gamuts. The native space is 110% of DCI-P3, making the 27M2N8500 very colorful. You can also select sRGB and Adobe RGB for critical work. A calibration data sheet included with each sample ensures accuracy.

If you’re looking for the variable brightness feature, it’s in the first menu under SmartContrast. It’s an on-or-off affair that subtly brings more pop to the image. It’s less aggressive than the competition but it still delivers SDR peaks of around 400 nits.

The Game Mode menu has a selection of aiming points, including one that changes color to maintain contrast with the background. There is also a sniper mode and shadow boost to bring out dark detail for better visibility. Low Input Lag is grayed out in the photo, but trust me, it’s working all the time, as you’ll soon learn.

Ambiglow has its own menu and myriad of options. You can follow video or audio, specify fixed effects, or leave the lights in static mode. If you choose low brightness, static white, it acts as a bias light which works great when playing in the dark. It casts a subtle glow on the wall behind that enhances the viewer’s perception of sharpness and contrast.

The 27M2N8500 has many OLED panel care features including pixel shift, refresh, logo protection and dimmers for taskbars and screen boundaries. I have seen no evidence of burn-in in any OLED I own or have reviewed. Letting the refresh routine run every so often is enough to prevent damage when the display is used for typical gaming and computing tasks.

Philips Evnia 27M2N8500 Calibration Settings

In the 27M2N8500’s Standard picture mode, calibration isn’t strictly necessary. The tone is slightly warm which is a forgivable error, more so than green or blue. I noted slight gamma inaccuracies that I could not fix. A few tweaks to the RGB controls took grayscale tracking errors well below the visible threshold. Color is slightly oversaturated, which is typical of the Quantum Dot OLEDs I’ve tested. Gamut coverage is just over 110% of DCI-P3. It has options for sRGB and Adobe RGB if you need them. They do not allow calibration but are accurate enough for grading tasks. My SDR settings are below.

HDR signals enable six additional modes, five of which are adjustable for brightness, contrast, and luminance tracking. The 27M2N8500 is in a very small group of HDR monitors that allow any sort of tweaking in HDR mode. The SmartContrast (variable brightness) works more aggressively to deliver brighter highlights.

 Gaming and Hands-on

Assuming you haven’t skipped to page two yet, you might wonder how fast the 27M2N8500 is. It’s the third 360 Hz OLED I’ve tested, and I’ve experienced one 480 Hz example, so I know what to expect. Truthfully, all 240 Hz OLEDs are fast with low input lag and perfect motion resolution. So, the question is, how much better can it get?

It’s hard to quantify just how quick these OLEDs are other than to say that they are extremely precise. Translating a mouse movement to an action on the screen always comes with a slight delay. We’re down to just a few milliseconds here so perceptually, there is no delay. The 27M2N8500 is so quick that I doubt even the best pro gamer could detect any lag. I played first-person shooters for hours and it never hesitated to respond to my wishes.

You will need a fast video card to see the 27M2N8500 at its best. I used a GeForce RTX 4090 and couldn’t quite maintain 360fps at QHD resolution with max detail in Doom Eternal. I stayed consistently over 330fps though which is hardly any slower. To say that gameplay on this monitor is addictive would be an understatement. I’ve experienced most of the fastest gaming monitors available and this one is as good or better than any of them. I asked myself why 500 Hz FHD LCD monitors exist when 240 Hz OLEDs hit my desk. Now I really wonder why anyone would choose one over something like the 27M2N8500. It is truly at the point where I can’t imagine better.

The image is stunning whether the content is SDR or HDR. Though I am always happy to see an sRGB option, I am accustomed to seeing the full gamut all the time. No one will complain about too much color and the 27M2N8500 has lots. It looked great before calibration and even better after. I noted gamma issues in testing, but they did not impact any of the content I viewed.

The speakers are better than average with a lot of distortion-free volume available. At 50%, it was too loud so if you need to hear game audio over other background noise, there’s plenty of headroom for that. There wasn’t much bass but the built-in speakers simply don’t have the physical size to produce frequencies below 120 Hz. No matter, I was satisfied with the 27M2N8500’s integrated sound.

During workday tasks, I never missed the higher pixel density of 4K. At 27 inches, QHD means 109ppi which is more than enough to hide the dot structure. Small text was free of jaggies and easy to read thanks to the high contrast. Perfect blacks really do make a difference.

Takeaway: The 27M2N8500 has no real flaws for everyday use and gaming. I’ll discuss a few color and gamma anomalies on pages four and five, but in context, this display's incredible speed and video processing precision far outweigh any other considerations. As a gaming monitor, it currently has no equal.

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The comparison group consists of the fastest OLEDs I’ve tested, ranging from 240 to 480 Hz. They are the Asus PG27AQDP, MSI’s MPG271QRX, Aorus’ FO27Q2, Alienware’s AW2725DR, and Pixio’s PX277 OLED MAX. All of them run at QHD resolution.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Response times are in lockstep with refresh rates. 240 Hz consistently draws a white field in 4ms while 360 Hz takes 3ms and 480 Hz takes 2ms. Visually, there is no difference because any OLED running at 240 Hz or faster has zero motion blur. Higher rates won’t go beyond perfection.

The 27M2N8500’s input lag score is simply astounding. I ran the test 15 times to create a more accurate average. The raw data ranged from 8 to 11ms which shows very consistent performance. It is officially the fastest monitor I’ve ever tested, and I can’t help but wonder how long this record will last. It beats the previous champ, Aorus’ FO27Q2 and the 480 Hz Asus PG27AQDP. It also smokes the other two 360 Hz screens. Whatever is in Philips’ secret sauce, it works.

Test Takeaway: As a competition monitor, the 27M2N8500 has no equal. I’ve tested 480, 500 and 540 Hz monitors, and none have input lag this low. If you’re looking for perfect video processing and a display that will give you an edge, the 27M2N8500 is it.

Viewing Angles

After the speed tests, the rest of my results may seem boring by comparison, but everything about image quality matters, including viewing angles. The 27M2N8500 looks like a typical QD-OLED, with near-perfect rendering of the grayscale step pattern at 45 degrees off-axis. There is a subtle red tint, which is no different from any other QD-OLED I’ve photographed. Brightness and gamma are consistent. The top view is similar, with a slightly more apparent red tint and a tiny reduction in gamma. This is excellent performance.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The issues of bleed and glow we saw in LCDs of the past seem to be non-existent in today’s premium OLED screens. I have yet to find a bad example and the 27M2N8500 is one of the best I’ve measured. With just 2.06% deviation from the center zone, there are no visible issues whatsoever, just smooth tones at all brightness levels and in all colors.

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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

The varying results in the first chart speak to the aggressiveness of each monitor’s variable brightness feature. When I can, I turn it off for this test which is the case for the 27M2N8500, Alienware and MSI screens. Therefore, a 25% window and a fill field pattern measure the same. If you turn on the 27M2N8500’s SmartContrast option, the peak for a 25% window is around 400 nits. In all cases, black levels are unmeasurable as is contrast.

After Calibration to 200 nits

With SmartContrast turned off, I only had to lower the brightness control a few clicks to measure 200 nits. When it’s turned on, a typical screen only gets a little brighter. The 27M2N8500’s variable brightness option is more subtle than others. This means I only had to lower the brightness by five clicks to make the image comfortable for long-term viewing.

Test Takeaway: The 27M2N8500 has the same brightness and contrast performance as other OLEDs in its class when variable brightness (SmartContrast) is turned off. Philips’ version is more subtle than others, so it only adds a little more punch to the image. This is not a negative because contrast is still infinite. Black levels are perfect no matter what OLED you look at. If you need a very bright screen, the Pixio might be a better option.

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The 27M2N8500 ships with a calibration data sheet that shows reasonable accuracy. It doesn’t need adjustment, but a few tweaks will improve the picture.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

I began the tests in the 27M2N8500’s default Standard mode which enables all image adjustments including color temp, gamma and gamut. The first chart shows a slight warmth which is a forgivable error that will be hard to spot in real content. Green and blue tints are more obvious to the user. Gamma is a bit wonky in that it runs too dark until around 60% brightness where it crosses into the too-light range. This is a minor issue that cannot be corrected.

Calibration brings the grayscale errors to less than 1dE, well below the visible threshold. The gamma issue at 90% is a bit lighter which muddles some highlight areas. Though this is far from a deal-breaker, the 27M2N8500 is a bit weaker than others in this test.

The sRGB mode has slightly warmer grayscale tracking and the same gamma errors. No adjustments are available, but it is close enough for most color-critical work.

Comparisons

3.16dE is right on the edge for calibrate or not but since the 27M2N8500 has predominantly red errors, it can be used satisfactorily without adjustment. With a few tweaks of the RGB sliders, the average goes down to 0.36dE, a class-leading result.

The gamma test shows a wider range of values than average with 0.51 separating the highest from the lowest. This is the 27M2N8500’s one weakness. The average value is 2.22 which is just 0.9% off the mark so at least it stays near the spec. But there is some room for improvement.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The 27M2N8500’s initial color run shows general oversaturation which is typical of Quantum Dot monitors. That’s why I call them “DCI-P3+” screens. The extra color isn’t to spec, but it won’t offend anyone either. The average error of 2.61dE is very good. With calibration, the magenta hue error is fixed, saturation is unchanged, and the average drops to 2.06dE, excellent performance. In the sRGB mode, the error is similarly low at 2.28dE. The 27M2N8500 is qualified for most color-critical work but if you need more precise numbers, the Asus PG27AQDP might be a better choice.

Comparisons

In a group of premium displays like this, the 27M2N8500’s last-place color result is not a negative. 2.06dE is well below the visible threshold. For SDR content, it exceeds the mark for saturation, but I doubt anyone would complain about this. Whether you calibrate or not, it has solid color accuracy.

In the volume test, the 27M2N8500 is just a hair under the first place FO27Q2. In practice, no one can see a difference between 110.53% and 110.33%. The 27M2N8500 is plenty colorful with rich hues and a bright natural presentation. sRGB over-achieves a bit, with 109.73% coverage. That’s due to an oversaturated red primary.

Test Takeaway: The 27M2N8500 is supremely colorful in the manner of all QD-OLED monitors. Accuracy isn’t at the top of the class but for gaming, it will satisfy any player. Only minor gamma issues keep it from perfection.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

Displays like the 27M2N8500 are the best way to enjoy HDR content thanks to their large color gamuts and deep contrast. An HDR10 signal applied to the Philips enables six new picture modes, five of which are adjustable for brightness, contrast, luminance curve and color saturation. This is an unusual level of flexibility for an HDR display. Most have few or no options. I ran all tests in the 1000 Max mode, which has the highest peak white level.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The 27M2N8500 isn’t super bright but it is bright enough to be effective at presenting HDR as long as you aren’t playing in a room soaked in sunlight. If you really need high peak output, the Pixio is one of the brightest 27-inch HDR monitors I’ve tested. However, in a typical media room or office, the 27M2N8500 delivers as much impact as the others.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The 1000 Max mode delivers slightly warm grayscale tracking and an EOTF that rides close to the reference. Areas from zero to 40% brightness are a bit too dark so some shadow detail might be hard to see. The tweaks available in the OSD can be used to tailor the 27M2N8500 to different content. Not all HDR material is the same.

In the color test, I noted slight oversaturation from 20 to 80% but at the 100% targets for red and blue, the 27M2N8500 comes up slightly short. Most content doesn’t use those extreme values but one might occasionally see a little less verve in the brightest scenes. Green is fully covered, and the secondaries hit their hue targets. The BT.2020 test shows the same behavior and maxes out at 85% red and blue, and 75% green. This is good performance but there is some room for improvement.

Test Takeaway: It’s hard to dislike HDR presented by any QD-OLED monitor and the 27M2N8500 truly looks amazing. However, I noted slight undersaturation in the brightest examples of red and green and some dark shadows where detail was hard to see. Adjustments are available though which is something most monitors don’t allow. While there is room for improvement, users can tweak to a better HDR image with a few adjustments.

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I’ve observed in the past that OLED gaming monitors, especially 240 Hz QHD models, are hard to differentiate. They are incredibly close in all my video processing and image fidelity tests. They all have perfect black levels and infinite contrast. And though they differ in peak brightness, they are all more than bright enough. The Philips Evnia 27M2N8500 stands out strongly in one area, gaming performance. Taken purely on input lag, it is the best gaming monitor I’ve ever experienced.

You’ll have noted by now that I rated the 27M2N8500 4.5 stars. That might be hard to reconcile with my glowing comments about its gaming performance but allow me to explain. As a gaming monitor, it has no equal in responsiveness. It has, by a good margin, the lowest input lag I’ve ever measured. It beats displays with higher refresh rates and is easily the most precise screen I’ve experienced. The half-star deduction is because image accuracy has a little room for improvement.

The 27M2N8500 can be enjoyed without calibration, but I could only reduce the grayscale error. Slight gamma issues in both SDR and HDR modes make some shadow detail hard to see. HDR adjustments in the OSD or each game’s tweaks can compensate for this. So, optimal image quality requires some work.

Though I’ve rated a couple of OLEDs higher, none can boast the low input lag of the Philips Evnia 27M2N8500. It isn’t necessarily from a mainstream display manufacturer, but I suspect when word of its prowess gets out, more eyes will turn in Philips’ direction. And it doesn’t cost more than its slower competitors. Gamers looking for a competitive edge should definitely check it out.

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There’s no denying that 49-inch 32:9 monitors are cool. Once you find a space large enough to accommodate on, and unpack the coffin-like carton, they provide a view into the virtual world like no other class of display.

The only thing more remarkable than a 49-inch gaming monitor is a 49-inch OLED gaming monitor. Adding in that special panel with its infinite contrast, true blacks, and saturated color takes the experience to another level. The latest OLEDs include Quantum Dots in their designs for even more color among the best ultrawide gaming monitors. 100% of DCI-P3? Try 114%. That’s how much coverage I measured from my present subject, Philips’ Evnia 49M2C8900. It’s a DQHD, 5120x1440 resolution screen with 240 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, HDR400 and wide gamut color. Let’s take a look.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 Specs

At this writing, a 49M2C8900 will set you back around $1,500. That’s competitive with other 49-inch OLEDs like the Asus PG49WCD, but the Philips runs at 240 Hz versus 144 Hz. 240 Hz OLEDs have proven to deliver the best video processing and smoothest gameplay. They render perfect motion resolution, which means moving objects have no blur and retain their full detail. Rapid camera pans don’t break up background textures, and input lag is extremely low.

As a Quantum Dot OLED, the 49M2C8900 renders a massive color gamut. Philips claims 99% coverage of DCI-P3, but I measured over 114%, making it one of the most colorful panels I’ve ever tested. Accuracy is assured by a factory calibration supported by an included data sheet for each sample. Mine measured up as promised, so no adjustment was required.

The 49M2C8900 isn’t the brightest monitor in its class, but it tops 400 nits in HDR mode. That is about the same output I’ve seen from other 49-inchers. If you want significantly higher brightness, the 45-inch Corsair Xeneon Flex and AOC AG456UCZD deliver 1,000 and 600 nits, respectively. But in practice, the 49M2C8900 has the same superb HDR quality as every OLED I’ve seen.

The curve radius is a not-too-extreme 1800R, making the 49M2C8900 well-suited for work and play. With 5120x1440 DQHD resolution, it is the exact equivalent of two 27-inch 16:9 QHD panels. So, you get the same screen area but with a curve and no dividing line, neat.

The 49M2C8900 wouldn’t be complete without some form of Philips’ Ambiglow feature. An array of LEDs rings the back of the monitor and casts color and light on the wall behind. You can have a static bias light or a variety of breathing and flashing effects, or sync the light show with what’s happening on-screen. No gaming monitor has lighting this flexible and fun.

HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4 inputs support the latest signal formats, and you get a USB-C that covers DisplayPort functions. A USB hub is included with one upstream and four downstream ports, two of which provide power for charging. You also get a handy remote control which makes OSD navigation a snap. And the chassis is finished in white with silver trim making it stand out among the legions of black monitors that adorn most desktops.

Assembly and Accessories

The 49M2C8900 comes packed in large blocks of crumbly foam. The panel is well protected, so much so that I had to attach the stand while it was still in the box and lift it out. 49-inch monitors are awkward to unpack, and this is the best way to get everything set up safely. You’ll need to find the two bolts that secure the upright to the panel’s attachment point. A Phillips-head screwdriver is included. If you want to use an arm, there’s an adapter bracket with a 100mm VESA mount. The included cables are light gray to match the white finish. You get one each of DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A/B, and an IEC power cord. I also found a small handheld remote in the box with batteries included.

Product 360

At a hair shy of four feet wide, the 49M2C8900 requires some extra desktop space. But it makes a great alternative to two 27-inch 16:9 screens. The white and silver finish is a nice touch that isn’t seen too often. It’s a welcome change to the black and gray of so many other displays. The front bezel is flush and narrow. The screen is very glossy and will pick up stray reflections if you have bright lights or sunny windows. Placement should be carefully considered so you don’t spoil that stunning image. The curve is ideal for gaming or productivity and wraps the screen around the user’s viewpoint without image distortion.

With 109ppi pixel density, sharpness is no problem. The picture is crystal clear and extremely colorful. As it is an OLED, there is no color or light level change when viewed off-axis. This is the ideal tech for an ultra-wide screen. To control the OSD, you can reach around the back right to find the 49M2C8900’s tiny joystick. Or better yet, use the included remote, which is white and comes with batteries.

From the side, you can see the stand hardware, which is reasonably solid, though the attachment point is a bit small. There is some wobble when making adjustments. You get full ergonomics with 4.8 inches of height, 20 degrees of swivel, and 5/15 degrees of tilt. Movements are firm, and once you get the panel positioned, it stays put. At the top of the stand is a headphone hoo,k, and at the bottom, a small cable clip.

The input panel is fully stocked with two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, one USB-C with DP functions, and a USB hub with one upstream and four downstream ports. You also get a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are four internal speakers, two tweeters, and two ported woofers with 7.5 watts of power each. The 49M2C8900 has some of the best integrated audio I’ve heard short of a high-end television. DTS processing is in the mix with sound modes and a multi-band equalizer. The speakers are far enough apart to create a believable surround effect. And there is plenty of distortion-free volume available.

OSD Features

You can summon the 49M2C8900’s OSD by pressing the joystick in back or keying the remote. There are seven sub-menus along with signal information on the bottom.

Each picture mode (SmartImage) has its own independent settings for brightness/contrast, gamma, sharpness and color temp. There are no RGB sliders or color management, but the default Standard mode is well within spec out of the box. The full color gamut is in play for SDR and HDR content unless you turn on sRGB which then accurately renders that colorspace.

Game Mode includes a selection of crosshairs and an option to change color on the fly so it remains in contrast with the background. You can also boost shadow detail if you’re having difficulty seeing in the dark. A sniper mode provides three magnifications and can be positioned anywhere on the screen.

Ambiglow is the LED lighting feature, and it has many settings that change both color and effect. The coolest way to use it is to coordinate it with the on-screen action. It changes in real-time and extends the image past the edge of the screen. It can also be used as a bias light, which has science behind it. A soft white glow against a neutrally colored wall increases the perception of sharpness by enlarging the viewer’s pupils slightly. I use this technique with my TV and projector screen at home and it is very effective.

Philips has really pulled out the stops for the 49M2C8900’s audio. The four internal speakers include five sound modes that alter the size and shape of the stage to suit different content. It works quite well and increases the sense of immersion and suspension of disbelief when gaming. It’s useful for watching movies and TV content as well. If you like to tweak, a five-band equalizer is included too.

To guard against OLED burn-in, the 49M2C8900 has a pixel orbiter, screen saver and refresh routine. The refresh will run every four hours if you wish. A message comes on to let you know and you can opt out if you want. In my experience, I have yet to see burn-in on any OLED monitor or TV.

Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 Calibration Settings

The 49M2C8900 has 10 task-specific picture modes, but Standard, the default, is the best choice for gaming or productivity. HDR signals enable five additional modes. In Standard, you can select color temps by Kelvin value and choose a gamma preset. To stay on-spec, leave it set to 6500K and 2.2. If you want the correct sRGB color gamut for SDR, turn that option on. There is no user color temp nor is there color management, so a full calibration is not possible. But it is not needed either. Below are the brightness settings for commonly used output levels. There is no dimming option for SDR; the SmartContrast feature is grayed out in every mode.

Dynamic contrast is in play for HD, raising the peak to 438 nits. You can adjust brightness, contrast and color saturation in three of the modes. I noted significant black crush in all modes which obscures the darkest shadow detail. To get the most out of the 49M2C8900’s HDR, some in-game adjustments are required.

Gaming and Hands-on

Being a 240 Hz OLED, I’m predisposed to like the 49M2C8900. The combination of low input lag and perfect motion resolution is addictive. Aiming and shooting is so much more precise than any LCD panel short of 500 Hz. The picture is super crisp and colorful, with incredible depth and texture. The best Mini LED might approach this level of quality, but it won’t quite get there. Currently, OLED has no equal in contrast.

Adaptive-Sync is no problem whether you run Nvidia or AMD. I pegged the frame counter at 240 with a GeForce RTX 4090. You’ll need some horsepower to move 7.37 million pixels around. It’s fewer than Ultra HD but twice as many as QHD. If you’re shopping for 49-inch monitors, though, you want 240 Hz. 144 Hz by visual comparison is too blurry. The 49M2C8900’s motion resolution is perfect at all times. I never saw any blur or breakup of background textures or foreground objects. Once you play like this, no other monitor will do.

The screen’s width and curvature easily fill one’s peripheral vision. I play shooters to test monitors, and Doom Eternal was enough to keep me playing for hours. If you are a racing and driving sim fan, this is your monitor. You can look down to the apex of a corner as if you were in an actual car. The 49M2C8900 enables you to look where you want to go.

I noted some crushed shadow detail when tweaking the in-game controls, as I usually do. You can read about this on page five of this review. To see all shadow areas in the game, you must increase black levels. Otherwise, some detail will be lost. I noted this issue in videos played through web browsers and through an Apple TV 4K. It only showed up in HDR mode. SDR content played without problems. I appreciated having the choice to turn on sRGB when the SDR color looked too saturated.

The 49M2C8900’s best feature apart from the gorgeous image, is its built-in sound. It is easily the best I’ve heard to date, thanks to four speakers and actual bass. Two of the speakers are termed woofers and they delivered frequencies I had not heard before from monitor speakers. The DTS sound modes came in handy for expanding the sound stage. The Shooter option really helped when playing Doom Eternal. I could actually differentiate the music from the other sounds. This made the experience much more immersive and cinematic.

For workday tasks, the 49M2C8900 behaves just like two 27-inch QHD monitors. The curve isn’t enough to cause distortion and there are no issues with off-axis viewing. You can put documents anywhere on the screen and read them easily.

Takeaway: The 49M2C8900 is appropriate for any application, game, video or productivity. Its color is exemplary with high saturation and accuracy. SDR and HDR contrast are both superb, but HDR has some shadow detail issues that must be compensated for with in-game adjustments. I did this successfully and had an addictive play experience thanks to its 240fps performance and perfect motion resolution. This is a gaming monitor that you won’t want to part with.

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The 49M2C8900’s comparison group is all OLED. I’ve brought in Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G9, Corsair’s Xeneon Flex, AOC’s AG456UCZD, Aorus’ CO49DQ and Asus PG49WCD. All are either 49 or 45-inch screens.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

240 Hz OLED is where it’s at and the two 144 Hz screens here are at a significant disadvantage. They will still outperform a 144 Hz LCD panel with less motion blur, but at 240 Hz, there is no blur whatsoever. The 49M2C8900 sits atop both charts with a 4ms draw time and just 22ms of total control lag. You can get a bit less lag from a 360 or 500 Hz screen, but a 240 Hz OLED has perfect motion resolution. And there is no overdrive or strobing happening. This is native performance with no tweaking required.

Test Takeaway: Perfect motion resolution means no blur. And the 49M2C8900 with its 240 Hz refresh rate delivers that. A 360 Hz OLED won’t be any smoother, it will just have a tad less input lag. At 22ms, the 49M2C8900 is more than capable of supporting the most skilled gamers. It can’t really get much better.

Viewing Angles

Viewing angles are essential for any 32:9 screen, so OLED is the most logical technology for monitors of that size and shape. The 49M2C8900 has no issues worthy of concern. The side view is slightly warmer in tone, but there is no light loss or change in gamma. The top view also retains gamma, color and brightness. You can view it from any angle, or share it, with no reduction in image quality or fidelity.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

As premium monitors, I’ve seen no uniformity issues with any of the OLEDs I’ve reviewed. That said, the 49M2C8900 is one of the very best, with zero visible hotspots in a 10% gray field pattern. There is no visible bleed or glow, and all colors are perfectly uniform from edge to edge.

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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

Some OLEDs let the user choose between constant and variable brightness. The 49M2C8900 only allows the former. I got the same values measuring both window and full field patterns. That means there will be no change in brightness as content shifts. The peak white level of 248 nits isn’t super bright, but it’s more than enough for any office or media room. And since it doesn’t shift, it is easier to find a comfortable output level. The black level cannot be measured since the pixel array is turned off when a 0% signal is displayed, so contrast is theoretically infinite.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Since the 49M2C8900 cannot be calibrated in the traditional sense, I simply dialed down the brightness slider to 200 nits. This equalizes the field for testing, but in practice, I’d run at closer to 120 nits. A 49-inch screen at 200 nits is very bright and will cause some fatigue after a few hours. No matter the brightness setting, the picture is stunning with its deep blacks and superlative contrast.

It is also impossible to measure an ANSI checkerboard pattern as the black levels are too low. In this regard, the 49M2C8900 behaves the same as all OLEDs.

Test Takeaway: Though some OLEDs have greater peak brightness than the 49M2C8900, they all look the same when set to 200 nits. I have yet to find any OLED that is weaker or stronger than any other in this test. You would only need more output if the environment demanded it.

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The 49M2C8900 has 10 total picture modes. Standard affords the option of color temp and gamma presets but there are no RGB sliders. Luckily, it’s calibrated at the factory and my sample measured up to its claims.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The 49M2C8900’s default grayscale tracking test is visually perfect, with all errors below 2dE. 3dE is considered the point where issues are visible to the naked eye. Gamma is slightly wonky with a dip from 10-30% and again at 90%. This is due to luminance values that are too high. Some shadow detail is a tad lighter than it should be. The overall average isn’t too far off, but if you want to compensate, the 2.4 gamma preset is a reasonable compromise.

If you turn the sRGB option on, the gamut shrinks correctly, and grayscale tracking is unaffected. But the gamma at 10 and 20% drops even further, making shadow areas grayer. If you want to run sRGB color, I recommend selecting the 2.4 gamma preset to get that contrast back.

Comparisons

The 49M2C8900 has the best out-of-box grayscale tracking with a very good 1.34dE score. When the other monitors are calibrated, it drops to fifth place, but since the error is completely invisible, it’s a wash. Viewed side by side, there are no visual differences in grayscale tracking between any of the screens.

The group’s gamma tracking is close as well. The 49M2C8900 has slight shadow anomalies, but they will be hard to spot in content. Its deviation of 1.82% represents an actual value of 2.16. The 0.19 range of values is mainly due to the dip I observed in the darker luminance steps.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

I seriously doubt anyone will complain about the 49M2C8900’s color accuracy. You can see that it’s very saturated with extra verve in all six colors. There are no visual errors here, but the large gamut coverage is plain to see. Tracking is linear and on its hue targets, so nothing will look un-natural.

In the sRGB chart, you can see some slight undersaturation in red and blue, but the other colors are on target. These are very minor errors, and the 49M2C8900 is still qualified for color-critical work in both color spaces.

Comparisons

The 49M2C8900 sits fourth in a very color-accurate group of monitors. There are no visual issues with any of them, and at 1.89dE, you can use the Philips for color grading and mastering work. Remember that no calibration has been performed like the other monitors. This is excellent performance.

When comparing OLED’s color volume, Quantum Dots will always win the day. You can see the clear divide between the top three and the rest. The 49M2C8900 along with the Aorus and Asus screens are within a hair of each other at over 114% coverage of DCI-P3. The rest make do with just under 100%. While this difference is small in practice, it is visible. The main bonus with QD-OLEDs is their higher green saturation. The 92.91% value for sRGB is due to the under-saturated red and blue primaries.

Test Takeaway: The 49M2C8900 delivers bold and vibrant color in all applications. Most users will choose the full gamut for both SDR and HDR but if you want sRGB, it’s there and fully usable. I’d have liked to see adjustable RGB sliders and better gamma tracking but these are minor nits. The Philips image is as stunning as any other OLED.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

For the latest HDR games and video, there’s no better tech than OLED. The 49M2C8900 embodies that like every other example I’ve reviewed. HDR10 signals enable five additional modes, three of which have adjustable brightness, contrast and color.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The HDR Game mode is the default and best choice. If you find it too bright (unlikely), it has brightness, contrast and color controls. For top performance, max the brightness slider and leave the remaining options alone. The 49M2C8900 isn’t the brightest HDR monitor out there, but it is bright enough to deliver a killer image with deep blacks and highlights that pop. With its huge color gamut, it will look more vivid than OLEDs without Quantum Dots. As always, black levels and therefore, contrast cannot be determined with any currently available instruments.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The 49M2C8900 has perfect HDR grayscale tracking with all errors below 2dE. That is better than most HDR monitors can boast. But there is an issue with luminance tracking, as you can see. Basically, no signal level below 20% is visible. This behavior is repeated in all the HDR modes, and there is no option to compensate. Once you hit 20%, it tracks close to reference and transitions to tone-mapping at 60%, which is correct for the measured levels. To fix the issue of crushed shadow detail, you’ll need to use in-game HDR controls. Most titles have something available in their menus to fix this. If you’re thinking you can use the Shadow Boost feature in the Game Mode menu, it is unfortunately grayed out.

HDR color tracks well with general over-saturation that’s comparable to other HDR gaming monitors. Points are linear, so there is no loss of detail. The 49M2C8900 is extremely colorful and uses its large gamut to the fullest. It covers a good deal of Rec.2020 as well so content mastered to that gamut will have that extra verve.

Test Takeaway: The 49M2C8900 renders a superb HDR image in every respect except for shadow detail, which is crushed below 20% brightness. If you can compensate either in-game or by using controls in your source component, this issue can be mitigated. There is plenty of color and brightness and accuracy is high. If Philips took care of this with a firmware update, I’d be happier.

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I’m running out of positive adjectives to describe OLED gaming monitors. They are so close in performance that it’s impossible to buy a bad one. That’s a good thing considering their premium pricing, but this is one area where you will not regret buying the best. Any 240 Hz OLED will deliver addictive imagery and gaming. You only need to decide which size and shape is right for you.

For those seeking maximum width, the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 is a top choice. It delivers the blur-free motion and low input lag of a 240 Hz OLED. It has infinite contrast with perfect black levels, and it’s bright enough to render highlights that pop. The Quantum Dot layer successfully expands the color gamut to over 114% of DCI-P3 putting it on par with other QD-OLEDs. And it will save you around $100 over the price of a Samsung OLED G9 while delivering the same performance.

Audio isn’t usually a deciding factor when buying a computer monitor but sound is very important to gaming. You can wear headphones, of course, but the 49M2C8900 gives you the option not to. It has the best-integrated sound I’ve heard with its four speakers, DTS sound modes, bass presence, and plenty of distortion-free volume. And it has a remote control which might sound like a small thing but in practice, it’s a major uplevel in convenience.

If you want to fill your desktop with a mega-wide screen, the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900 is a great option. It’s an OLED, it’s a Quantum Dot OLED and it’s a superlative gaming monitor. Definitely check it out.

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A rare LaserDisc prototype has been sold on eBay for an eye-watering sum. The Philips-made product, described as an “HD Mac 12 Glass Plate N.66733 - Laserdisc Prototype - Extra Rare” sold for nearly $1,000. What is most extraordinary is that this is simply a piece of 12-inch optical media, not hardware like a player, a decoder, or any rare movie content for the platform.

The machine-translated Italian listing appears to say that this old optical disc is a very rare sample, designed to test this new HD video technology implemented in the early 1990s. According to the seller, very few such discs are available, as they were never commercially sold. Meanwhile, the condition is described as “various,” but to us, it looks poorly aged and possibly shows signs of laser rot.

Given the above description and some memory of visiting TV and hi-fi stores in the 90s, we reckon that the prototype testing disc may contain a variety of movie clips, trailers, and technical demos. The seller might not be the original owner of this disc or had access to a player, so they can’t truthfully describe its content in a sales listing.

LaserDisc HD history

Introduced in 1993, High Definition LaserDiscs were commonly known as Hi-Vision media at the time. They used a new MUSE (Multiple sUb-nyquist Sampling) encoding format to compress the audio/video stream enough to achieve decent feature lengths onto a single platter.

Japan’s NHK was the first to broadcast HD-quality TV in 1991, with up to 11 hours per day of content available to viewers by 1995. LaserDisc HD (AKA Hi-Vision, or MUSE LD) was a physical format created to hold the same quality of audio-visual content. Sony launched some of the first movie LaserDisc HD discs, including Lawrence of Arabia, Bugsy, and A League of Their Own.

Regarding quality, the LaserDisc HD format more than doubles the resolution of NTSC, moving from 525 to 1125 scan lines, and broadens the screen aspect ratio from 4:3 to the still popular 16:9.

YouTuber Techmoan made two videos about HD LaserDiscs a few years ago. If you want to know more about the format and hear his valued opinion on the quality and value, please click through. From Techmoan’s video, we have put together the approximate optical media-based video format timeline below:

• 1978 - LaserDisc introduced just two years after the first VHS VCR
• 1993 - LaserDisc HD launched (took 14 years to arrive, but died in 1997)
• 1996 – DVD (1998: 1% of households, 2006: 85% of households) A cheaper format, but DVD video quality was ‘good enough’ for most before HD TVs proliferated
• 2006 – HD-DVD and Blu-Ray – first mass-market players / media
• Now – most people download or stream video entertainment

It is thought that LaserDisc HD ultimately failed as it was too expensive for the player and decoder, with the limited market size and cutting-edge components required at the time to play, decode, and watch the discs in HD.

Retro anything = ka-ching?

Nowadays, LaserDisc HD players are few and far between, with eBay samples priced at around $2,500, decoders at about $500, and a few movies that we checked were $350 each. If the market is such that people are willing to pay those prices for the hardware and media, it is probably not surprising that someone will buy a rare LaserDisc HD prototype for $1,000, even if it has laser rot.

Providing some perspective, ancient AV hardware and media isn’t that expensive compared to some of the prices retro computer component sales have achieved in recent years. For example, a year ago, we saw a rare 3dfx Voodoo 5 6000 sell for $15,000. In addition, a broken PCB from an Apple-1 computer prototype had a guide price of $500,000 yet sold for $677,196 in 2022.

Today, Philips launched the Evnia 49M2C8900. This monitor is the newest addition to the Evina 8000 gaming monitor series. It promises a host of features such as a 48.9-inch 32:9 aspect ratio QD-OLED display, a 240 Hz refresh rate, a response time of 0.03 ms GtG, a built-in 30W DTS speaker system, and immersive Ambiglow surround lighting.

Philips characterizes the Evnia 49M2C8900 as a premium gaming monitor but says it is also an excellent display for work. It backs up its statement by highlighting its comprehensive USB-C docking station, which offers 90W power delivery, the integrated KVM switch, a VESA mounting option, and included ergonomic stand. Users with their eyes glued to the screen for extended periods will also benefit from OLED's true blacks and a LowBlue mode.

Gaming is, of course, where the Evnia 49M2C8900 excels. Its resolution of Double-QHD (5210x1440) delivers plenty of detail (remember to buy one of the best graphics cards for gaming). Gamers will appreciate the 240 Hz refresh rate, a response time of 0.03 ms GtG, and VESA ClearMR (Clear Motion Ratio) 13000 certification to ensure blur-free gaming.

Helping provide a good overall and integrated immersive experience, this 1800R curved Evnia also features built-in DTS Sound with 30 W output (via 4x 7.5W speakers). Ambiglow lighting is also built-in to extend the on-screen action to the surrounding periphery.

The display's great color stats will benefit both games and more serious work. Philips says the true 10-bit QD-OLED panel used is certified for DisplayHDR True Black 400, and offers up to 450 nits peak brightness. The monitor's color gamut covers 99% DCI-P3, equivalent to 153.1% sRGB. Factory calibrated, users should find the display's sRGB mode offers a <2 delta E.

Connectivity is provided by the monitor's 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB type-C (with DP-Alt mode, and 90W power delivery), and an audio jack. The aforementioned USB-C hub provides four USB data ports.

Philips mentions mid-September availability for the Philips Evnia 49M2C8900. We don't have US pricing yet, but the UK MSRP is £1,650, and buyers in mainland Europe will be asked to spend €1,950. Depending on the finalized price and test performance, the Evnia 49M2C8900 might find a place in our Best Ultrawide Gaming Monitors 2023 feature.

Samsung's Cheaper Challenger (Same Panel)

If you like the look of the above monitor, you might also be tempted by the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 DQHD gaming monitor, now available for $1,799 at Best Buy. Both monitors are based upon the same Samsung QD-OLED panel; however, the Evnia's supporting features like DTS Sound and Ambiglow might give it the edge.

Undoubtedly, we are in the midst of an invasion, and it’s a good one because it means more OLED monitors are appearing on desktops and in gaming rooms. Regarding ultimate picture quality, OLED panels deliver super-low black levels, tremendous contrast and saturated color. The self-emissive nature of OLED means there is no trickery involved, like with LCDs and their modulating backlights. While Mini LED has made significant strides with its many dimming zones, OLED remains the contrast king.

I’ve looked at a few smaller OLEDS recently, but Philips offered its 42-inch Evnia 42M2N89 for review. It’s a full-fledged gaming screen with 4K resolution, 138 Hz, Adaptive-Sync, wide-gamut color and HDR. It isn’t super bright but will top 485 nits in HDR mode. It also covers nearly all of the DCI-P3 gamut and has some of the most accurate out-of-box color I’ve ever seen. Let’s take a look.

Philips Evnia 42M2N89 Specs

The 42M2N89 is an RGB/W panel which means in addition to red, green and blue sub-pixels, there is an extra white pixel to help increase brightness. That is only somewhat effective as it is not the brightest OLED I’ve seen. The current field of 27-inch OLEDS from Corsair and Asus peak at around 1,000 nits in HDR mode, while this jumbo Philips managed 485 nits in my tests. So, it’s not super bright, but it is bright enough. With incredibly low black levels, its contrast is tremendous.

Color is the 42M2N89’s finest attribute. Philips claims 95% coverage of DCI-P3, and that’s exactly what I measured. Straight out of the box, it delivers nearly perfect numbers with only tiny and invisible errors measured during testing. This is truly a unpack and go product with no tweaking required.

Philips’ usual set of gaming and convenience features are all included. You get aiming points, a sniper mode, Adaptive-Sync and a reliable 138Hz refresh rate. The 42M2N89 is certified FreeSync Premium by AMD, but has not been certified by Nvidia. However, it runs G-Sync just fine over the DisplayPort 1.4 input. And it delivers the same smoothness I’ve observed from other OLED monitors. With no need for overdrive, it maintains high motion resolution and makes more of a given frame rate than a comparable LCD panel.

Philips’ Ambiglow lighting feature is also included. I’ve found this useful during Philips monitor reviews because I can use it as a bias light. By setting the color to white and using a low brightness level, the glow reflected from the wall behind the panel closes my pupils enough to improve the perception of sharpness and contrast. This is something no other monitor manufacturer has in their products. Of course, you can also set Ambiglow to follow the sound and/or video, which creates quite the light show.

In addition to a beefy stand, you get a handheld remote that makes control a breeze. A KVM feature uses the many USB ports to provide easy connections for multiple systems controlled by a single keyboard and mouse. The 42M2N89 delivers a full-featured and quality package for $1,400.

Assembly and Accessories

Most monitors this large are packaged like televisions and stand on non-adjustable feet. The 42M2N89 is in every way a super-sized computer monitor, including the design of the stand. After freeing the contents from the crumbly foam, I bolted the base, upright and panel together using the included hardware and miniature Phillips-head screwdriver. The cable bundle has IEC power, USB-A, B & C, HDMI and DisplayPort. They’re all finished in a light gray to compliment the white panel and base.

Product 360

The 42M2N89 is an all-screen design with a bezel so thin you barely notice it when the power is on. The panel isn’t super-thin like some OLEDs but at only three inches, it can be mounted on the wall using the included adapter bracket. The panel stands off enough to prevent blockage of the Ambiglow LEDs which are arrayed around the component bulge. In the back photo, you can see the OSD joystick and the input panel labels, which are in the traditional up-and-under location.

Inputs include a single DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1 and a USB-C, which passes video at 3840x2160 and 138 Hz. There are four downstream and one upstream USB that are supported by KVM options in the OSD. You can bind them to different video inputs to control two systems from a single keyboard, mouse and screen.

The stand is really a jumbo version of the one found with most computer monitors. Typically, large screens like this include fixed feet or legs with perhaps a tilt adjustment. The 42M2N89 has full ergonomics, including a 120mm height adjustment, 5/15 degrees tilt, and 20 degrees swivel. There is no portrait mode.

The remote is handy and includes all necessary controls for OSD navigation, plus audio volume, input selection and picture modes. You’ll want to keep it nearby because, ideally, the seating position will be too far away from the 42M2N89 to use the joystick.

In the side view photo, the bit on top of the upright is not a handle. Try to pick up the monitor by this piece of plastic, and you’ll likely break it. It is a headphone hook. You can also see the hinged attachment point for the panel. I’ve seen this in all the Evnia series monitors and it is a weak point. Though it is metal and seems up to holding everything together, it is a little wobbly due to its relatively small size.

OSD Features

The 42M2N89’s OSD has a game-oriented look with sub-menus along the top and signal info across the bottom. It includes nearly everything needed for gaming and convenience.

The SmartImage menu has every possible image control except for RGB sliders. You can select from five gamma presets and even choose between DCI-P3 and sRGB gamuts. But the color temperature can only be changed using Kelvin value presets. Normally, I would be unhappy about this, but the 42M2N89 is so good out of the box that I can’t complain. The accuracy here is quite impressive.

In GameMode, you can toggle Adaptive-Sync and engage an aiming point. The Smart Crosshair helps change color on the fly to maintain maximum contrast with on-screen content. The change is instantaneous, so you’ll always be able to see the reticle. In this menu, you can also boost shadow detail and engage a sniper mode with three possible magnifications for the center of the screen.

The Ambiglow menu has many color and effect options for the LEDs in the back. I use this in Static Mode, color white, minimal brightness, as a bias light. But you can have the show follow audio, video or both for a super-fun light display that will impress your friends.

Philips takes audio seriously with DTS-tuned integrated 10-watt speakers and five different sound modes. Each has a distinct character achieved by variations in frequency response and phase. You can also adjust a five-band EQ if you want to tweak it manually.

The KVM feature can be used with the USB-B upstream port or the USB-C input. It’s super easy to configure this for two different video sources like a PC and a console. Then, connect your controllers using the four USB-A ports on the bottom.

The 42M2N89 includes a pixel orbiter, screen saver and refresh functions to prevent burn-in. The refreshers run when the panel is in standby. I left the orbiter on all the time and never saw it working. The screen saver blanks the screen after a time of inactivity. The screen also dims after a few minutes when you aren’t doing anything. Though OLED burn-in is possible, it is hard to achieve. I have a nearly three-year-old LG OLED TV showing no signs of image retention whatsoever.

Philips Evnia 42M2N89 Calibration Settings

If you were wondering, you can’t calibrate the 42M2N89. But it’s completely unnecessary as it hits all the marks right out of the box in the default Standard picture mode. My initial tests showed no visible grayscale, gamma or color errors. The native gamut is DCI-P3, and you can switch to sRGB with almost no effect on the other parameters. HDR is similarly precise and offers four additional picture modes. HDR Game is the default and best choice there. Below, I’ve listed the brightness settings for commonly used output level targets. Note that these were determined using 25% window patterns rather than full fields. Like all OLEDs, the 42M2N89 dims as the average picture level increases.

Gaming and Hands-on

As I review more OLED monitors, I find myself wanting one more and more. When a flat 16:9 4K example appears, I’ll likely pull the trigger. The color, contrast and high motion resolution are truly addictive, and the 42M2N89 is no exception.

Its 42-inch size demands that the user make a reality check. You can’t realistically sit two or three feet away from such a large screen. But if your space is large enough to let you sit four or five feet back, it’s perfect. As compelling as 21:9 ultra-wides are, the extra height afforded by a jumbo monitor is a real enhancement to both work and play. Even up close, the pixel structure is not an issue. The 42M2N89 sports 106ppi which is only a tad lower than the 109ppi of a 27-inch QHD panel.

I never noticed any jaggies or other artifacts. Small text was crystal clear and enhanced by the 42M2N89’s tremendous contrast. Blacks are true and deep and add to the sense of depth and dimension. Color is richly saturated and perfectly accurate. It renders a completely natural image that looks right in every respect. Based on my test results, I adjusted the brightness to its maximum and found that it was the right level for both work and entertainment.

A screen as big as the 42M2N89 needs to function as a television. You’d be missing out if you didn’t watch movies on it. I was happy that it was compatible with all video frame rates, including 24p, 50p and 60p. That means you can watch movies and other content in their intended cadences with no processing. So, there won’t be any judder or artifacts associated with frame rate conversion.

Of course, gaming is the 42M2N89’s principal design intent so I spent many hours wading through enemies in Doom Eternal and exploring the lush jungles and ruins of Tomb Raider. Rendered games look incredible with detail and realism that’s next level. Not only are highlights truly three-dimensional, but shadows are also deeply foreboding, and motion is super smooth. No matter how fast I moved the mouse, the image never broke up or became blurry. No LCD can match the gaming feel of the 42M2N89 or any other OLED I’ve tried.

Sound quality is on another level from typical integrated monitor speakers thanks to the extra space afforded by the 42M2N89’s large chassis. Though there are only two speakers, sound stretches beyond the perimeter of the image to create a realistic sense of depth. Each sound mode has its own character, and I couldn’t pick a favorite. I suggest trying them all to see which one fits your room the best.

I also enjoyed the Ambiglow feature as a bias light and its ability to follow sound and video. It would change speed and intensity as I moved through virtual environments, and it gave the impression that the screen was even larger than its physical size. This is a super-cool feature that only Philips offers.

Of special note is the 42M2N89’s stand. Unlike other jumbo screens that just offer non-adjustable feet, the one here is an up-sized version of a traditional monitor stand. That means you can raise the panel up higher to create a centered eyepoint in the vertical position. This meant my peripheral vision was completely covered both horizontally and vertically. With a typical right-on-the-desktop placement, I’d have to sit lower to accomplish the same thing. That’s another thing unique to Philips.

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 The OLED panels I’ve reviewed come in QHD and 4K resolution at refresh rates of 120 to 240 Hz. Sizes range from 27 to 48 inches. The most direct comparison is Asus’ PG42UQ which I reviewed a few months ago. I also have Corsair’s 27QHD240, Asus’ PG27AQDM, Philips’ 34M2C8600 and Aorus’ FO48U.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Response times are roughly the same for an OLED and an LCD at a given refresh rate. But the OLED is smoother and doesn’t need to rely on overdrive to maintain motion resolution. So, the 42M2N89 is smoother at 138 Hz than even the best LCD running at 144 Hz. Relative to the other OLEDs here, it isn’t quite as smooth as the 175 and 240 Hz screens. And it is visually the same as the 120 Hz Aorus. That extra 18 Hz doesn’t make a significant difference.

When input lag is added to the equation, the 42M2N89 moves up the order. It has a low input lag mode which I switched on for all tests. It has no downside, so you can always leave it engaged. It beat the Corsair by 3ms which is impressive considering the difference in refresh rate. The 42M2N89 is more than qualified for the competition. The only caveat is that you’ll need a stout video card to keep a game running at 138fps in 4K resolution.

Viewing Angles

OLEDs have better off-axis image quality than LCDs because their polarizing layer is much thinner. You can see in the 42M2N89 photos that there is no change in luminance in the horizontal plane, but there is a slight shift to red. Gamma is unchanged so you won’t see any reduction in detail rendering. The vertical view is also good, with a slight reduction in output and a blue shift.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My 42M2N89 sample showed some unique behavior in the black field pattern tests. Typical OLEDs have unmeasurable black levels, but the 42M2N89 doesn’t shut its pixels entirely off, so I was able to get readings when testing. The blacks are super low, but they are measurable. That is not to say they are visible. Even with all the room lights off, I couldn’t see any light coming from the screen. But this meant I could conduct the black field uniformity test with a zero percent pattern. There were no visible issues, but the meter recorded a 10.9% deviation from the center zone.

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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

Though it has an extra white sub-pixel, the 42M2N89 isn’t as bright as other OLEDs I’ve tested. But it is bright enough. Like every OLED, it gets brighter as the average picture level decreases. I used 25% window patterns for this test. Peak output in the default Standard picture mode is just under 200 nits for a window and 135 nits for a full white field.

Black levels are just within my meter’s ability to measure as the screen isn’t completely blanked like other OLEDs. Visually there is no difference, but I recorded a super-low 0.007-nit result. That resulted in a 27,726.9:1 contrast ratio. While that may sound like a negative when compared to the other OLEDs, there is actually no visible difference in practice.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Since 193 nits is the 42M2N89’s peak output level, and I couldn’t calibrate it, the second set of results is the same – 0.007 nits black and 27,726.9:1 contrast.

The ANSI result is much higher because the 100% parts of the checkerboard pattern are smaller than a 25% window. They measured around 210 nits average, so the intra-image contrast ratio is higher. Don’t be swayed by the other panel’s infinite contrast and zero black levels. In practice, they don’t look any better than the 42M2N89. It’s just that my instruments are unable to measure their black luminance.

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I was initially bummed that the 42M2N89 cannot be calibrated, but once I measured it, I came away impressed. This is a seriously accurate monitor, as in professional level.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

It is safe to say that OLED panels in general are very color accurate. None of the monitors require calibration and only benefit slightly, if at all, from adjustment. The 42M2N89 has no visible grayscale errors with all dE values under two. Three is the generally accepted level where issues become visible. Lower values are considered visually perfect. I noted two slight aberrations in gamma, slightly light shadows and slightly dark highlights. But these errors are also visually acceptable. This is excellent performance. Because I could not calibrate the 42M2N89, there is no post-calibration test result.

If you switch on the sRGB gamut, it shrinks the color space correctly and the grayscale is unchanged. But gamma becomes more skewed with a visibly lighter shadow area in the 10 and 20% steps. This is a visible error that cannot be corrected. Color-wise, sRGB mode is fine but its gamma issues mean a slightly less punchy image.

Comparisons

Since the 42M2N89 can’t be calibrated, I’ve posted the 1.34dE grayscale error result to both the before and after charts. None of the monitors here have visible grayscale errors, so this comparison is essentially a wash. They all look the same to the naked eye.

The 42M2N89 is only off the 2.2 gamma standard by 0.45%, which translates to a 2.19 actual value. The PG42UQ matches that result with the other monitors slightly more off-target. All have a tight range of values so again; the gamma comparison is largely a wash. They all look the same to the naked eye.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The 42M2N89 absolutely slayed my color gamut accuracy tests with near-perfect results. In the DCI-P3 realm, which corresponds to the Standard picture mode, only the 60 and 80% red targets aren’t perfect. None of the points are off by more than 2dE, which is astounding performance for any monitor. The 42M2N89 is better than many of the professional screens I’ve tested.

In sRGB mode, red, magenta and blue are a tad under-saturated, but the errors are barely visible. The overall average is still well below 3dE, which is excellent.

Comparisons

Like the grayscale results, all the OLEDs are supremely accurate. The 42M2N89 takes the crown in the gamut test but a visual comparison of all monitors would reveal no differences. It truly doesn’t get better than this.

Philips claims 95% coverage of DCI-P3 for the 42M2N89 and it delivers. Like nearly all wide-gamut monitors, the deficiency, however small, is in the green primary. But the error here is so minute that you won’t see it in actual content. All the displays here are fit for color-critical applications. The 42M2N89’s sRGB mode is a bit weak with just under 90% coverage so I would likely choose a different monitor if I needed an accurate sRGB or Rec.709 gamut mode.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

With Mini LED screens hitting 2,000 nits, OLED is considered by some to be inferior for HDR content. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s about dynamic range and because OLED black levels are so low, they will always look better. The 42M2N89 is no exception to this. When an HDR signal is input, it switches modes automatically and offers four additional image presets. I use the default one, HDR Game, for these tests.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

All the OLEDs here were measured using 25% window patterns. The 27-inch models have higher output, but the 42M2N89 is the best of the jumbo screens with over 485 nits peak. I measured the black levels here as the 42M2N89 doesn’t completely shut the screen off, so I recorded an HDR contrast ratio of 20,006.4:1. This is lower than most of the Mini LED screens I’ve tested. Still, visually, their advantage is general brightness, not perceived contrast. It’s always about black levels so the OLED will always win on that score. Like the SDR test, if you lined up all the OLEDs here, they’d look the same in HDR mode.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

I tested the four HDR modes and settled on HDR Game as the most accurate. It realizes the 42M2N89’s full potential for dynamic range and color accuracy. There are no visible grayscale errors and the EOTF tracks to near perfection. Steps up to 45% are a tad dark, then the trace goes slightly light until the tone-map transition at 65%. These are minor errors and in no way detract from the stunning HDR image.

With over 95% coverage of DCI-P3, the 42M2N89 can show all the color mastered into HDR content. Generally, there is a little over-saturation typical of all the HDR monitors I’ve tested. This adds a bit of punch to the image without obscuring detail or overblowing the picture. When the reference is Rec.2020, the 42M2N89 over-saturates similarly until the panel runs out of color at around 85%. This is also typical of the best HDR monitors I’ve tested. The 42M2N89 is as good as it gets in all aspects of HDR performance.

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In the jumbo desktop genre, the two technologies with the best image quality are OLED and Mini LED. OLED is the contrast king, with Mini LED just a bit behind. The question then becomes, how much brightness do you need? Mini LED is very bright, as high as 2,000 nits, while OLED in large sizes might hit 500. But unless you are using your display in a very bright room, that high brightness is unnecessary.

It's obvious that I am partial to OLED, not only for its image quality but its super smooth motion and gaming feel. Every example I’ve reviewed has been a stunner. Philips’ contribution to the genre is no different. I’ve already covered the Evnia 34M2C8600 curved ultra-wide and the 42M2N89 impressed me just as much.

The picture is stunning in every respect. With incredibly low black levels, contrast is superb. As the most important element of image fidelity, OLED and the 42M2N89 get it right every time. Brightness is a bit low in SDR mode but for a typical indoor environment, it’s bright enough.

Color is the standout here. The 42M2N89 can’t be calibrated, which would be a bummer if it were any other monitor. But right out of the box, it delivers reference-level accuracy. Most professional screens, which cost considerably more, can’t boast this level of precision. I could ding it for its under-saturated sRGB mode, but I seriously doubt this will concern anyone looking for a gaming, entertainment and general-use display.

Philips has included every possible convenience feature here as well. You get a handy remote, aiming point and sniper mode. The Ambiglow lighting, something unique to Philips, is useful both as a bias light and as a colorful display. The audio quality is better than many televisions and the stand is just like a quality monitor stand with height, swivel and tilt adjustments.

If you’re comparing the 42M2N89 to a television, remember that as a computer monitor, you not only get the higher 138 Hz refresh rate, but you get DisplayPort which enables G-Sync operation in addition to its FreeSync Premium certification. And at $1,400, it’s a decent value.

You’ll never regret buying a jumbo monitor so if you’re in the market, the Philips Evnia 42M2N89 is a worthy option.

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Mini LED, like any bleeding-edge display technology, is part of the premium backlight category. And as such, it commands a higher cost of admission, but that is starting to change. With more and more panels including this high-performance backlight, prices are creeping downwards.

Mini LED is the next step in full-array local dimming where, rather than having a bank of LEDs arrayed at one or two sides of the screen, they are arranged behind the TFT layer in a grid. First, there were 384-zone monitors like Asus’ PG27UQ, and they were awesome. But today, one can spend less money and get a Philips Evnia 34M2C7600. It’s a 34-inch ultra-wide curved VA panel with 1,152 dimming zones. Let’s take a look at this new contender among the best gaming monitors. 

Philips Evnia 34M2C7600 Specs

The name of the game is contrast, and since LCDs have their backlights on all the time, dimming zones are the key to dynamic range. IPS natively delivers around 1,000:1, and VA can muster 3,000:1. But contrast can be theoretically infinite when you selectively dim or shut off individual bits of the screen.

The 34M2C7600 is a curved ultra-wide VA panel with all the features needed in a good gaming monitor. 1,152 dimming zones and a 1,400-nit full-array backlight mean killer HDR. Add an extended color gamut covering almost 97% of DCI-P3, and you have a superlative image for both SDR and HDR content. Accuracy is included, with multiple picture presets that come very close to the mark with no calibration required.

Even without Mini LED trickery, contrast is high at nearly 4,000:1 in my tests. Resolution is WQHD (3440x1440), so pixel density is a tight 109ppi. The curve is 1500R which strikes a nice balance between immersion and image distortion at this size and shape. In other words, there is none of the latter and plenty of the former.

Gaming feel is enhanced by Adaptive-Sync, which works on both FreeSync and G-Sync platforms. The 34M2C7600 has not yet been certified by Nvidia, but AS works over a 48 to 165 Hz range. There is no blur reduction via backlight strobe, but you get a three-level overdrive and reasonably low input lag. In my tests, panel response was on par with other 165 Hz screens. You also get a set of aiming points to help novice players in their favorite shooters.

A feature unique to Philips monitors is Ambiglow. On the surface, it might seem like just an LED lighting effect, but it is so much more. Rather than focus on graphics or projected patterns, Ambiglow throws light onto the surface behind the 34M2C7600 to enhance what’s happening on the screen. You can have several preset effects and colors or let the light shift along with content in real-time. My favorite use of Ambiglow is as a bias light. That’s when you project a white glow behind the monitor that’s around 10% as bright as the set peak white level. There is science behind this which makes a perceptual difference in image quality. More on that later.

The 34M2C7600 is an attractive package, physically and feature-wise, priced around $1,300 at this writing. That’s still premium, but as I indicated earlier, it’s the beginning of a downward creep in cost. Compared to other Mini LED screens, it’s competitive on multiple levels.

Assembly and Accessories

The 34M2C7600’s carton stands out for its lavender color and attractive white graphics. That’s a preview of what’s to come because the monitor is also white. Once the parts are extracted from the crumbly foam, the base bolts onto the upright, then snaps onto the panel. The attachment point is a bit wobbly, but it is robust enough to hold things together securely. The included cables and external power supply are all white. You get USB-A/B, USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort, one of each. A stamped steel adapter with fasteners is also included for use with aftermarket monitor arms or brackets.

Product 360

Admittedly, I’m a sucker for a white monitor. It’s a nice change from black, and it stands out in a good way. The 34M2C7600 adds silver accents on the panel’s bottom trim and the stand. The base has a flecked finish on its plastic cover, which hides a metal core. The upright exposes its aluminum construction and is very solid. The only weak point is how the panel attaches. Rather than a snap-on plate, it uses a plastic tongue that engages the stand. As a result, it’s a little wobbly though I had no problems with ergonomic adjustments. There’s 150mm (5.9 inches) of height plus 20 degrees swivel each way and 5/20 degrees tilt.

The panel cover in the back has a sculpted grid, which I haven’t seen before, dotted by the Ambiglow LEDs. The only style to the lighting comes in a thin vertical strip down the center. The other LEDs are purely there to cast light onto whatever surface is behind the monitor. If you want to use the bias light as I do, the monitor should be within a foot or two of a neutrally colored wall. Choose a white static light that’s around 10% as bright as the monitor’s peak output level. This will close your eyes’ pupils slightly and increase the perception of both sharpness and contrast. It sounds hard to believe. Give it a week, and you will likely be converted. I use bias lights for my television and projection screen at home.

The 34M2C7600’s bottom face includes more Ambiglow LEDs along with a stocked input panel and two grills for the five-watt speakers. They include eq, sound modes and better-than-average audio quality. Inputs are all the latest: two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C. A KVM feature is supported by five USB 3.2 ports, one upstream and four down.

OSD Features

The OSD is accessed by the 34M2C7600’s single control, a tiny joystick/button that also toggles the power. The menu is well stocked, but as you’ll see in a moment, there is one surprising omission.

The OSD has a gaming look with its polygonal shape and status information across the bottom. It’s divided into seven sub-menus, starting with SmartImage. This is Philips’ name for the 11 picture modes. The default is SmartUniformity and it does indeed apply uniformity compensation to the image. My sample was fine without it, and I recommend selecting any other picture mode because SmartUniformity reduces contrast by raising the black level and lowering the white level. In Game 1, the mode I used for testing, contrast is nearly 4,000:1, and the peak white level is nearly 750 nits.

Each mode includes calibration options like color temps and gamma presets, but there is one thing missing – RGB controls. You can specify the white point by Kelvin value or choose options called Preset and Native. Luckily, grayscale tracking is pretty good out of the box, although I would have liked the ability to tweak it. You’ll also notice an sRGB option in this menu. It does not reduce the color gamut size. It’s DCI-P3 for all content, like it or not.

Game Mode features an aiming crosshair with a super cool feature. Turning Smart Crosshair on changes the reticle’s color to ensure it stays in contrast with the background. The transition is instantaneous, so you’ll always be able to see it no matter what. This menu also has a three-level overdrive, which is one of the 34M2C7600’s weaknesses. Every setting causes some ghosting. Too slow, and you get black trails; too fast and they’re white. I found myself using different settings for different games. Your mileage may vary.

SmartFrame creates a window on the screen where you can change its brightness and contrast independently from the rest of the image. In addition, it can be sized and positioned anywhere you wish.

The Ambiglow menu is extensive and has options for color and effect, plus the ability of the LEDs to follow on-screen content in real-time. The possibilities are infinite, or you can turn it off.

Philips has paid attention to audio quality with two five-watt internal speakers. They sound better than average and include five modes and a multi-band equalizer. The modes alter frequency response and phase to create various effects. I could clearly hear the differences, and it was fun to experiment with them.

In the System menu, you can set the HDMI ports to 120 or 165 Hz. 120 is the right choice for consoles. USB Setting includes the KVM options to bind video inputs to USB outputs. You’ll also notice the Local Dimming option. Unfortunately, it is only available in HDR mode where it is very effective. It’s a bummer you can’t also use it for SDR content. At least there’s 4,000:1 native contrast to compensate partially.

Philips Evnia 34M2C7600 Calibration Settings

The 34M2C7600 ships in its SmartUniformity picture mode. It’s fairly accurate, but peak white and contrast are both limited. The panel is perfectly uniform without compensation, so I used Game 1 for my testing and gameplay. It delivers around 4,000:1 contrast for SDR content and peaks at almost 750 nits. The default gamma setting is 2.2, but that proved a tad light. 2.4 is the better choice. For color temp, the Native, Preset and 6500K options are functionally identical. Preset has slightly better gamma so I chose that. Below are my SDR settings derived from instrumented tests.

HDR signals reveal five more picture modes. HDR Game is the default, and it is quite far off the mark for color and grayscale. DisplayHDR 1400 is the better choice. If you want control of peak brightness, there’s an option called Personal that lets you dial down the white level.

The other missing item here is an sRGB mode. There’s an sRGB option in the SmartImage menu, but it doesn’t reduce the gamut volume.

Gaming and Hands-on 

I’ve already talked about the 34M2C7600’s overdrive feature. I use Blur Busters test patterns to find the right video processing settings for all gaming monitor reviews and, in this case, I couldn’t arrive at an ideal configuration. There is no backlight strobe option available, which isn’t a big deal, but it might be a better alternative here. There are three OD (SmartResponse) levels, and the right setting is in the virtual space between Fast and Faster. I used both in different games. Fast creates faint black trails behind moving objects and Faster makes white ones. For dark titles like Tomb Raider, Fast works better to hide the artifact. In the brightly lit arenas of Doom Eternal’s Horde mode, Faster is the right choice. It also depends on how bright you run the monitor.

Ultimately, the 34M2C7600’s stunning image took over my perceptions, and after my initial tweaks, I settled in for many hours of fun. There is more than enough pixel density to produce a sharp image viewed from two to three feet back. The panel’s curve is right in the sweet spot where you can keep everything in focus from edge to edge without any barrel distortion to spoil the suspension of disbelief.

Input lag is low enough that I could not perceive any delay, regardless of how fast the action was. I turned on the smart crosshair for a while and though the color changes ensured I could always see it; it was extremely bright in HDR mode. In fact, I focused on it too much at the expense of situational awareness to the sides. Admittedly, I’m not a frequent user of aiming points.

I set up the Ambiglow feature to deliver a neutral white light on the wall behind the 34M2C7600. There are three intensity settings, so you can tailor it to your room. The middle option worked best in my sunlit office. As a bias light user, I am used to its effect. It makes the image appear sharper and deeper, especially when playing HDR material. I also tried the follow mode, which changes the color and effect to match what’s happening on the screen. It’s a cool gadget, but I found it a little distracting. It will certainly impress your friends.

I was impressed by the image quality throughout my gaming sessions, especially in HDR mode. A 1400-nit peak coupled with 1,152 dimming zones delivers a wide dynamic range. Only an OLED can truly compete with the 34M2C7600’s picture. Color saturation was excellent, bold and rich but never overblown. For SDR content, color is more saturated than the standard, but it was only an issue when editing photos. There, a usable sRGB mode would be welcome but the sRGB option in the OSD doesn’t reduce the gamut size.

For work tasks, the 34M2C7600 is very useful. With 109ppi pixel density, it’s like having two 27-inch QHD screens without the dividing line. Opening multiple documents is what 21:9 screens are made for and it’s easy to work on something while running video or leaving a message window open on the side. It’s super handy in Photoshop to have more toolbars on the screen while working.

There is nothing the 34M2C7600 isn’t good at. Though I noted a few flaws, it proved to be a very flexible and capable display for both gaming and productivity. With an sRGB mode and a better overdrive, it would be a homerun.

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To compare the 34M2C7600, I’ve rounded up a selection of 34-inch ultra-wide VA panels. Not all are Mini LED, but they are all speedy with refresh rates between 144 and 200 Hz. There’s BenQ’s EX3410R, AOC’s CU34G3S, ViewSonic’s XG341C-2K, ASRock’s PG34WQ and the Monoprice 42772.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The 34M2C7600 delivers typical performance for the category. Its overdrive isn’t the best, with no ideal setting. Set it too weak, and you get black trails behind moving objects. Too fast, and the trails turn white. I used different settings for different games to mitigate the artifact.

The Philips has reasonably low input lag, again at an average level for the category. 31ms is fast enough for all but the most skilled gamers. It worked fine for me as I mowed through monsters in Doom Eternal. If you want the quickest possible experience, the ViewSonic delivers it at 200 Hz, but without Adaptive-Sync.

Viewing Angles

No VA panel has great off-axis image quality, and the 34M2C7600 is similar to its competition. At 45 degrees, the picture gets hazy with a slight green shift and a reduction in gamma. All steps remain visible, but the image is less sharp. The top view is similar, with a 40% reduction in brightness and poor gamma.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

With the 34M2C7600’s uniformity compensation turned on, I measured 4.03%, but in a better picture mode like Game 1, it’s still well within the realm of visual perfection at 8.51%. It’s not worth the reduction in contrast to fix an invisible issue. This is excellent performance.

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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

I modified my test procedure in the 34M2C7600’s case to show its full potential. Out of the box in SmartImage mode, it peaks at just under 500 nits with a respectable 2,727.5:1 contrast. But in Game 1 mode, with the brightness maxed and no other adjustments, the peak is much higher at 740 nits with contrast at nearly 4,000:1. This is a much better state of affairs thanks to the lower black level.

After Calibration to 200 nits

I couldn’t calibrate the RGB sliders because there aren’t any. But I changed the gamma to 2.4 and chose the Preset color temp to get a slightly higher contrast. You can see that all the panels have excellent native contrast. It’s a bummer you can’t use the 34M2C7600’s local dimming because it would add a lot of punch to SDR content.

Quality control is excellent, which is indicated by the Philips’ high ANSI contrast value of 3,315.9:1. Despite the lack of an SDR zone dimming option, the monitor looks fantastic with deep blacks, bright whites and plenty of color.

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I’ve already mentioned the 34M2C7600’s lack of RGB sliders. Luckily, three of the color temp presets are close to the mark. There is a little upward potential, but by and large, this is an accurate monitor.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The RGB level chart shows only slight errors at 70% brightness and higher. Since it’s my business to nitpick monitors, I would like to adjust this issue away, but I can’t. However, for most users, there is no visual problem. The grayscale looks neutral, with only a slight warmth. Gamma is a tad light, but it is close enough to the mark for most users’ satisfaction.

Raising the setting to 2.4 improves the gamma and raises the blue levels a tad. Visually, the difference is tiny. It may seem that I’ve taken a step backward with a higher grayscale error, but in practice, anyone, including myself, would be hard-pressed to see a color shift in a side-by-side comparison of actual content. The better gamma is worth a slight compromise in grayscale accuracy.

Comparisons

The 34M2C7600 starts in third place before calibration but slips to last after adjustment, thanks to the lack of RGB controls. This is unusual for Philips; I’ve always found adjustments in their other displays that delivered an improvement. But in the end, I was satisfied with the image. High color saturation and deep contrast more than account for a slight weakness in grayscale accuracy. Gamma performance is very good, with a slight advantage in image quality when the preset is on 2.4. So it compares well with the competition in that test.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

Color is an area where I have no complaints about the 34M2C7600’s performance. It covers a huge gamut with bonus red and almost the entire green primary, which is a rarity among wide gamut displays. Accuracy is high, with an average error of just 2.50dE. Calibration changes that to 2.66dE, which is an invisible difference. But I could just see the slight increase in red saturation, definitely a good thing.

As stated earlier, though the OSD has an sRGB option, it doesn’t render that gamut. You’ll be viewing the 34M2C7600’s full native color space for all content, SDR and HDR.

Comparisons

The 34M2C7600’s color accuracy is comparable to the other monitors. There is no visual difference in color accuracy, but you will notice the Philips’ extra color when compared to the AOC, BenQ and ASRock screens. Kudos to Monoprice for delivering high saturation without a premium backlight, but there’s no denying the advantage of the Mini LEDs in the Philips and ViewSonic panels. There is color aplenty here.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The one place where the 34M2C7600, and its Mini LED counterparts, runs away from the competition is peak brightness. DisplayHDR 1400 is the order of the day and that, along with 1,152 dimming zones, makes a huge difference in image quality.

HDR Brightness annd Contrast

When measuring a full field, the 34M2C7600 renders around 1,100 nits, so I reduced the pattern to 25% coverage and got almost 1,500 nits. Small highlights are extremely bright and really help the image pop. Philips has engineered its local dimming very well here. I couldn’t measure the black levels as all unused LEDs are shut off, so the contrast is also unmeasurable. Though the ASRock effectively extends its dynamic range to an excellent 16,907:1, it doesn’t hold a candle, or a diode, to the Mini LED screens. Only a good OLED like Asus’ PG27AQDM can deliver a deeper image than this.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

There are five HDR picture modes, but the only one remotely close to color accurate is DisplayHDR 1400. The default one, Game HDR is extremely red in tone, and the others don’t deliver the proper luminance tracking for optimal performance. You can see visually perfect grayscale tracking from bottom to top and an EOTF that is flawed only in its darkest steps. The 34M2C7600 rises too slowly from black, which means some shadow detail may be hard to see in some games. It’s too bad you can’t use the Shadow Boost feature to fix this, but it is grayed out. Most HDR games have luminance tweaks in their menus, so I turned to dial in the image on a per-title basis.

HDR color is rich and vibrant with excellent saturation tracking. Most points are on target or a little over-saturated which is forgivable. Hues are spot-on, which means the image is always natural and pleasing. The DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 charts exhibit the same performance, which is a good thing. Most HDR content is mastered in the Rec.2020 gamut and the 34M2C7600 comes close to covering it. Thanks to accurate grayscale, luminance tracking and a very wide color gamut, the 34M2C7600 is one of the better HDR monitors out there. It truly does justice to the format.

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Though the idea, and execution of desktop OLED monitors is a good one, we will likely be using LCD panels for the foreseeable future. With their greater brightness and better resistance to image retention, they are a more suitable tool for both productivity and desktop entertainment.

The best way to coax more contrast and better imagery from them is with a full-array backlight with as many dimming zones as possible. Once, 384 was a lot. Today, Mini LED gives us over 1,000. And yes, it’s a lot better. As a premium technology, it’s still costly, but that is changing. Philips looks pretty good with its Evnia 34M2C7600.

If you’re in the market for a 21:9 screen, the 34M2C7600 checks all the right boxes. It’s the right size and curve at 34 inches and 1500R. It’s the right resolution at WQHD, AKA 3440x1440, with 109ppi density. While some users may wish for Ultra HD, there are frame rates to consider. Many affordable video cards can run at 165fps. The only flaw in the 34M2C7600’s video processing is an imprecise overdrive. I wished for a setting between Fast and Fastest to try and mitigate the ghosting artifacts I saw. However, by changing the setting per game, I was able to largely ignore it.

The star is, of course, image quality. With an easily exceeded DisplayHDR 1400 certification, the 34M2C7600 has a stunning HDR image. Its local dimming feature delivered infinite HDR contrast with deep blacks and whites that popped. That kind of dynamic range made the picture look very sharp and detailed. I only wish the local dimming were available for SDR content. The lack of a usable sRGB mode wasn’t a huge problem for gaming but I’d have liked to use it for photo editing.

I also have to mention sound quality one more time. Few monitors’ built-in speakers are more than an afterthought, but the 34M2C7600 delivers leveled-up audio with multiple modes, decent frequency response and a wide soundstage.

Lastly, there is value in Philips’ Ambiglow feature. It’s a beneficial lighting enhancement that goes far beyond the light show included with most gaming monitors. Used as a bias light, it makes the picture look sharper and deeper. And you won’t find it anywhere else.

The Philips Evnia 34M2C7600 brings Mini LED to a slightly better price point and delivers a stunning image with solid gaming performance. It’s built well and attractively styled and includes truly useful LED lighting. If you’re shopping for a 21:9 curved screen and your budget can accommodate a $1,300 monitor, it should be on your radar.

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Undoubtedly, style is a consideration when shopping for a gaming monitor. Though I focus on performance and image quality, styling and design often affect how the user interacts with a display. Most gaming screens have some cues that signal their intent, along with LED lighting to go with the plethora of PC hardware that glows, flashes and shines in every color of the spectrum.

AOC is a significant player in this area, having partnered with the legendary design house Porsche Design. Its influence can be seen in many products like sportswear, sunglasses, golf bags and other lifestyle products. I’ve reviewed two other AOC Porsche Design monitors: the PDS271 and another, more recently, the PD27.

The latest offering is the Agon PD32M which boasts an impressive spec list packed into a very sexy 32-inch IPS Mini LED panel with DisplayHDR 1400, 144 Hz, Adaptive-Sync and a huge color gamut. It is premium in every way, including the price, delivering performance and image quality on par with the best. Let’s take a look.

AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M Specs

If you’re looking for the brightest and most colorful monitor technology, Mini LED is the current holder of the crown. The PD32M is VESA certified for DisplayHDR 1400, and in testing, I exceeded 1,600 nits when measuring a full white field. That’s seriously bright, especially for such a large monitor. In addition, thanks to 1,152 dimming zones, contrast is tremendous, with nearly unmeasurable black levels in both SDR and HDR modes.

Color is beyond what most screens are capable of producing. The gamut covers over 110% of DCI-P3 and makes a solid attempt at Rec.2020. This is thanks to a Quantum Dot layer that extends the color space. Accuracy also proved high in my tests, with only tiny adjustments needed to achieve a high-fidelity picture.

Gaming performance has not been overlooked here. The PD32M is both FreeSync and G-Sync compatible with certifications from AMD and Nvidia. The max refresh rate is 144 Hz like most 4K screens. With Samsung’s G8 hitting 240 Hz and a few others running at 160 Hz, that might be a stumbling block. But consider that to even achieve 144fps in a game running max detail, you’ll need a GeForce RTX 4090. Consoles can run VRR at 120 Hz through the two HDMI 2.1 ports and the DisplayPort 1.4 input includes Display Stream Compression (DSC) to accommodate 10-bit signals.

To put things in perspective, you can get similar performance from a few other displays, which I’ll discuss in the comparison tests. But you won’t get the PD32M’s high style. The Porsche Design influence is clear, with lots of heavy metal parts and a clean look that sets it apart from other gaming monitors. Even the LED lighting is special, with large panels on either side of the back. Little touches like dual headphone hooks and a wireless remote that feels machined from billet round out a package that costs around $1,800 at this writing.

Assembly and Accessories

The base and upright are a single piece, so all you need to do is snap it onto the panel, and you’re ready to rock. The remote gets two AAA batteries (included) and a tiny dongle goes into one of the USB ports. It pairs automatically the first time you use it. High-quality cables are bundled for HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C/A and audio. The external power brick is enormous, one of the largest I’ve seen yet and plugs in with a heavy-duty IEC cord. The packaging is spongy foam, not crumbly; so you won’t be vacuuming up those little white bits after installation.

Product 360

The PD32M truly looks good from any angle. No surface or feature has been left unattended. The panel is relatively plain in front with a narrow flush bezel and only the words Porsche Design molded in with a polished finish. The anti-glare layer is effective at its task and free of grain. The image is super sharp and clean.

The stand is aluminum with a matte gray finish. It looks thin from some angles, but it could support many times the weight of the PD32M. An integrated projector shines down on the center point with a Porsche Design logo or the word Agon accessed from a small dial. You can change the color of the projection if you wish. Ergonomics include a 130mm height adjustment, 15 degrees left or right swivel, 5/23 degrees tilt and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are firm and sure, the quality one expects in a premium display.

In the back, you’ll find large LED arrays across the top and down the side. The side panels are unique, in my experience. You can create a light show of any color with multiple effects and control the intensity, all from the OSD. A headphone hook pops out from either side. If you unsnap the stand, there’s a 100m VESA mount with fasteners included. Audio has also been given the premium treatment with two eight-watt speakers and DTS tuning. There are multiple sound modes and a multi-band equalizer.

A small wireless remote comes with the PD32M made from a substantial chunk of aluminum finished in matte black. It pairs automatically once you install the included batteries. It can control the OSD without a line of sight and is beautifully constructed.

There are two input panels up and underneath either side of center. One has two HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort 1.4, and a microphone input. The other features a USB-C, which can act as a DisplayPort and support peripherals. There are also traditional USB ports, one upstream and four down. There is no KVM switch, unfortunately. A tiny dongle plugs into one of the USB ports to support the wireless remote. This panel also has a headphone output and a second mic input.

OSD Features

The PD32M has a tiny joystick on its back right side which toggles power and navigates the OSD. But it’s much easier to use the remote.

The PD32M’s OSD is laid out much like any AOC monitor, but instead of a band across the bottom of the screen, the sub-menus are arranged like cascading windows on the right side.

Game Setting offers six game modes which are picture modes that include different combinations of video processing options. Hint: leave this off and make your own tweaks for the best picture. Shadow Control can be adjusted to bring out shadow detail. You can also change color saturation. Again, leave these settings alone for the best image. There are three overdrive settings; Weak is the only one that doesn’t cause ghosting. You can turn on a frame rate indicator and set the HDMI ports to 120 Hz for consoles or 144 Hz for PCs.

The Luminance menu has contrast and brightness plus more picture modes. Leave that on Standard for the best picture. There are three gamma presets, of which 3 is the most accurate. DCR is a dynamic contrast feature that should be left off in favor of local dimming, which I’ll discuss in a moment.

In Image Setup, you can choose between five HDR picture modes. Luminous Max sets HDR brightness to one of three levels. You may find the full 1,600 nits too bright (I did), and since the brightness control is unavailable, this is the only way to take the edge off. You can also toggle local dimming for both SDR and HDR signals. It should definitely be engaged for HDR. This menu also has PBP, which lets you view two video sources side by side.

Color Setup includes a low blue light function, four color temp presets and a dynamic color feature that emphasizes shades like blue sky or green grass. Leave that one off if you want an accurate and natural image. A user color temp option includes precise RGB controls to dial in grayscale tracking.

The Audio menu includes five DTS sound modes that change the phase and frequency response coming from the two eight-watt internal speakers. As a result, they sound better than most with good bass presence and clarity. If you like to tweak, a five-band equalizer is there as well.

The light show has lots of options for effect, color and intensity. You can call up a predetermined routine or create your own. This menu controls the LED strip across the back and the two large side panels. The Extra menu is where you’ll find the color and intensity settings for the logo projector. It also includes an input selector, a factory reset option, and signal information.

AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M Calibration Settings

The PD32M is close to the mark out of the box, but a few minor tweaks will take it to a higher standard of accuracy. Whether you calibrate or not, stick with the Standard picture mode, Game Mode off. In the color temp menu, you’ll find a user mode unlocking the RGB controls I used to dial in a more precise white point. I also changed the gamma preset from 1 to 3 for better luminance tracking. The color gamut is large at over 110% of DCI-P3 and is used for all content, including SDR and HDR. If you want sRGB, that option is one of the color temp choices. It grays out the luminance controls but is at the right brightness for a well-lit indoor space and has good gamma and grayscale accuracy. My recommended SDR settings are below.

There are five presets in HDR mode, of which DisplayHDR is the best. There are three brightness presets too. By default, the HDR image is extremely bright and might be too much for darker environments. The HDR Color+ mode should be avoided as it makes the picture look very cartoonish with some detail clipping. I’ll show you more about that on page five.

Gaming and Hands-on

The PD32M looks good no matter what it’s doing: playing games, writing copy, editing photos, or just sitting there with the power off. If you like a well-appointed work-and-play space, it is a perfect example of the modern aesthetic with its clean lines and premium finish.

A 32-inch 16:9 screen is my preference for all-around use because it’s big enough to put two documents side by side, or to have app and video windows up simultaneously. Though there is a PBP function, I didn’t find much use for it. That feature is better suited for 21:9 monitors.

For photo work, one must be aware of the color space in use. The PD32M uses its full gamut for all content which covers over 110% of DCI-P3. That means the graphics you create on it won’t look the same when shown on an sRGB monitor. I reached for the sRGB setting in the color temp menu more than once to verify color for use on the web. It would be better to have an sRGB with SDR setting so you could switch automatically.

HDR is useful in Windows if you want to watch a movie or other video content shot in HDR. The PD32M rivals premium televisions in every way but size. This is a great monitor for those who enjoy the desktop theater experience. Its HDR image is stunning. I liked having three brightness level choices; most monitors don’t have that. But just leaving the brightness slider operational would be even better.

Gaming was fun in every respect. Though I’m a bit spoiled by faster refresh screens – 240 Hz has become my starting point – the PD32M is on par with the best 4K monitors I’ve used. My current test system is equipped with a GeForce RTX 4090, and it had no problem keeping frame rates at 144 with max detail in Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII. But, of course, this is what the PD32M is built for. It offers comparable response and input lag to any other premium 4K screen, so the extra money you’re paying for it won’t buy you extra performance. But it doesn’t lag behind in any way.

If I were to nitpick, a more precise overdrive would be a good addition. I couldn’t go past the Weak setting to avoid ghosting. But a bit more overshoot would create a better balance between blur reduction and artifacts. And there is no backlight strobe available. That’s rarely an issue, but some users may prefer the option for monitors with refresh rates under 200 Hz.

The picture, in every instance, is stunning. Using the local dimming for SDR effectively increases dynamic range with no visible downside. In addition, the brightness control remains available, so you can always tweak the output comfortably. Color is the star attraction of the PD32M. Not only is it one of the most colorful monitors I’ve reviewed, but its accuracy is also very high.

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The PD32M’s gaming performance is on par with the better 4K screens I’ve tested. To compare it, I’ve lined up the Gigabyte M32UC and Philips 279M1RV, which refreshes at 144 Hz like the AOC. At 160 Hz is Acer’s X32 and Cooler Master’s GP27U. Sitting alone on the throne is Samsung’s Neo G8 which still has no speed equal at this resolution.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Panel response goes hand in hand with refresh rate as the PD32M, and the other two 144 Hz screens all draw a full white field in 7ms. These three panels will all deliver the same motion resolution and the same level of blur, which is minimal but less smooth than the 160 and 240 Hz models. The AOC’s overdrive is good but not great. On its Weak setting, there is a tiny bit of ghosting, which is hard to spot in game content.

The PD32M is at the back of the pack in the input lag test. This is not a negative, 29ms is pretty quick for all but the most skilled players. Gamers of average ability will have no complaints about control response. If you’re looking for a competition monitor in 4K resolution, the Acer X32 is the fastest I’ve tested, beating even the Samsung G8 for overall responsiveness.

Viewing Angles

The PD32M is an average IPS panel in the viewing angle test where you’ll see a slight red/green shift at 45 degrees off axis. Light falloff is minimal though and there is no significant change in gamma or detail visibility. The top view is good too with clear detail, almost no change in color, and a slight brightness reduction.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The PD32M slayed my uniformity test, scoring one of the lowest results I’ve ever recorded. 3.62% is way below the visible threshold. Though a uniform compensation feature is hiding in the OSD, it’s completely unnecessary.

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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

Luckily, the PD32M doesn’t bring its full 1,600-nit capability to bear in SDR mode. But you still get a lot of headroom with 537 nits peak. That is more than enough output for any indoor or outdoor scenario. In addition, you can dial it down to a minimum of 52 nits for dark room play, so there’s plenty of range there.

Though the black level puts the AOC last, it has solid native contrast, 1,041.5:1 which is on par with most IPS monitors. However, the VA panels are on another level and the Samsung employs local dimming, which can’t be defeated to achieve a super high contrast ratio.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration makes little difference to the PD32M’s SDR contrast, which is good. It’s only a bit behind the X32, which looks the same in a side-by-side comparison when showing real-world content. If you want higher native contrast, a VA or OLED panel are your only options.

The PD32M shows its high level of quality control in the ANSI test where contrast is still over 1,000:1. That tracks with the Acer X32, the closest competitor. Considering the dynamic range, the Acer is around $600 cheaper but has fewer dimming zones, 576, versus the AOC’s 1,152. When showing actual content, the PD32M has a slightly deeper and more three-dimensional picture.

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The PD32M has multiple game and picture modes. Combining them can get confusing if you’re not careful. My suggestion: leave the Eco mode on Standard and turn the Game Mode off. Then calibrate from there.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Most users will have no complaints about the PD32M’s default image. Grayscale is a tad warm, but that is an excusable error. Gamma is a little skewed with light shadows and slightly muted highlights. This disappears if you turn on the local dimming for SDR content. Though it’s on the edge, the PD32M doesn’t need to be calibrated.

But adjusting the RGB controls in the User color temp, and changing the gamma preset from 1 to 3, will make a visible improvement, albeit a small one. Perceived contrast is greater with gamma skewed in the other direction, darker shadows and brighter highlights. And grayscale is now visually perfect.

If you choose the smaller sRGB color gamut, it tracks well with a slight purple tint in the brighter steps. Gamma is right on the 2.2 reference line except for the 10 and 20% steps, which are too light. This makes shadow detail easier to see but makes blacks less dramatic.

Comparisons

The PD32M is mid-pack both before and after calibration. This is not a slight when the calibrated grayscale error is only 0.96dE. However, that’s well below the visible threshold, so when showing actual content, all the monitors look the same.

Gamma tracking could use some improvement but by changing the preset from 1 to 3, I’ve flipped the error to make shadows deeper and highlights brighter. It’s a compromise, but one that improves picture quality. As always, I would prefer to see straight gamma tracking that rides the 2.2 line from bottom to top. Unfortunately, the PD32M is slightly off the mark.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The PD32M has a tremendously large color gamut, and after a few initial tests, I determined that it is going for the Rec.2020 specification. You can see this by looking at the green primary. A DCI-P3 monitor will track green towards yellow, as illustrated in the second chart above. The PD32M does not do that.

Calibration barely makes a difference in color; the improvement comes mainly in grayscale and gamma tracking. But the color error is now a tad lower, which is always good. The takeaway is that the PD32M is a little under-saturated when measured against Rec.2020 and a little over-saturated when compared to DCI-P3.

The PD32M tracks the sRGB gamut very well, with only a tiny error and nearly full coverage. All measurement points are on their targets. There are no calibration options in this mode.

Comparisons

All the monitors here are premium displays, so it’s no wonder that the PD32M’s excellent color accuracy puts it in the middle. A 2.35dE average color error is excellent in any category. And the sRGB error is even lower at 1.72dE. 

The PD32M is in an elite group of monitors that cover more than 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. While the top two screens cover even more, the visual difference is small. You will see a difference when viewing the smaller-gamut screens. The PD32M covers nearly 80% of Rec.2020 which is a lot of color. It only comes up a tad short in the red and green primaries and is one of the most colorful monitors I’ve yet tested.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

Mini LED displays like the PD32M deliver superb HDR. Not only do they offer tremendous dynamic range, but their full-array local-dimming backlights also allow far greater control of picture depth than backlights with only edge or field dimming. It doesn’t get better than this unless you’re an OLED.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The Samsung Neo G8 is still the output king at over 2,000 nits, but the PD32M is a close second at over 1,650. It’s a good thing there’s a way to dial it down in HDR mode because that is seriously bright. It more than delivers on its promise. Black levels are barely measurable and only when displaying a small info bug at the bottom of the screen. When the screen is fully black, the backlight is turned off. I recorded 216,784.8:1, which is tremendous contrast. Though an OLED panel has the deepest HDR contrast possible from current display technologies, the PD32M and its Mini LED counterparts are very close behind. There is almost no visual difference in a room with some ambient light. And the pictures are stunning in every respect.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The PD32M has five HDR picture modes, but the best one is the default, DisplayHDR. It conforms more closely to HDR10 standards than the others. Grayscale tracking is a tad purple, but the error is slight. Light output is so high that the tone-map transition point references to 80%. That means more of the content metadata will conform to the PD32M’s capability, allowing for better HDR. The measurement run makes a soft transition but is still within the realm of visual accuracy. Shadow detail is a tad dark but remains visible.

Color tracking is on-point for both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020. Saturation points are very close to target, meaning you’ll see maximum detail in all parts of the image. I included a chart for the HDR Color+ mode to show that it is not a good choice. It is extremely over-saturated at all the inner points, where most content lies. This gives the picture a cartoonish appearance and is very unrealistic. Bright areas devolve into featureless blobs that are not attractive. Stick with DisplayHDR and you’ll be happy. The PD32M delivers some of the best HDR quality I’ve seen.

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4K gaming monitors are still something of an enigma. They offer the highest pixel density and sharpest images but simultaneously deliver the lowest frame rates of any resolution category. If you can drive one to 144fps, it’s a great experience. And everything else you do with your computer or gaming console will be enhanced by a super sharp picture. Mini LED technology delivers the highest contrast short of an OLED and tremendous light output.

The AOC Porsche Design Agon Pro PD32M is a premium among premiums. Image quality and performance are on par with other high-end 4K monitors, but the PD32M has a look and feel that puts it on a different level. Not only is it built like a tank, it’s beautiful to look at whether there’s a picture on the screen or not. And a remote that feels like it's carved from billet aluminum is just icing on the cake.

Any concern that the PD32M places style over substance is unfounded. Performance is as good as it gets for a 144 Hz 4K gaming monitor. Though I would have liked a more precise overdrive, that is a minor point. Gaming is a pleasure, especially when the connected PC can keep the action flowing at 144fps.

The PD32M’s real strengths are revealed when the action is a little slower. It ultimately delivers on its promise of 1,600 nits in HDR mode and the 1,152-zone Mini LED backlight provides dramatically deep black levels. Flat panel imagery doesn’t get much better than this. Even an OLED will only be a tiny bit better.

$1,800 is a big ask for a 32-inch 4K gaming monitor. But if you want the high style that comes with the Porsche Design moniker, it’s the only game in town. At least there is no compromise in image quality or gaming performance. As a result, the PD32M is genuinely one of the very best.

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Now, this is interesting. I recently reviewed the new Philips Evnia 34M2C7600, a 34-inch curved VA Mini LED gaming monitor. And this is a review of the Evnia 34M2C8600. Only one number is different, so why are we here? Because the monitors are so incredibly different. They may look identical on the outside, but the 8600 has a slightly shinier screen coating because it features a QD-OLED panel. OLED gaming monitors can look good with their infinite blacks and bright colors. In addition, their smooth gaming performance delivers superb motion quality without the need for super high frame rates.

Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 Specs

The Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 brings the best technologies from OLED and LCD to bear. It is an OLED in that its pixels, 3440x1440 (WQHD), are self-emissive. And they can be turned off individually to produce perfect, as in unmeasurable, black levels, and therefore, infinite contrast.

Philips adds a quantum dot layer from the LCD world that accomplishes two things. It boosts light output and widens the color gamut. With VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, the 34M2C8600 isn’t exactly a light cannon, but small highlights can be as bright as 1,000 nits. The bigger enhancement, though, is color. I’ve reviewed QD-OLEDs from Alienware, and though they boast large gamuts, the Philips covers over 108% of DCI-P3. Only a few monitors have broken the 100% barrier in my tests. With these technologies in play, you can expect a superlative image.

I’ve been impressed with the gaming prowess of every OLED monitor that’s crossed my test bench, and the 34M2C8600 is no different. OLEDs deliver smoother motion from lower framerates than LCDs, and they don’t need overdrive or strobing to achieve it. The 34M2C8600 runs at 175 Hz but looks as good as a 240 Hz screen in practice. Of course, Adaptive-Sync is included for FreeSync and G-Sync platforms and VRR-capable consoles. HDMI inputs are limited to 100 Hz, but you can run the full 175 Hz through DisplayPort or USB-C. The 32M2C8600 has not been certified by Nvidia, but it runs G-Sync without restriction.

Besides the OLED panel, this monitor is identical in appearance and features to the 34M2C7600 I recently reviewed. It includes Philips’ Ambiglow lighting, which is useful because it can function as a bias light rather than just being there for show. And it’s distinctively styled in white, cables and all, to set it apart from the sea of black displays we’re so accustomed to. At $1,299, it’s priced competitively. Let’s take a look.

Assembly and Accessories

The 34M2C8600 comes out of its crumbly foam packing in three pieces. The panel is heavy, so take care when removing it; you don’t want to mar that shiny screen coating. It doesn’t come with a peel-off film like most OLEDs, so be wary of fingerprints. The base bolts onto the upright then the stand snaps into a slim socket-like fitting. It’s the only weak point here, as it allows a bit of wobble. But it seems sturdy enough for the long haul, and the rest of the chassis is stout. The included cables are all white, and the power supply is internal, so, no brick to find a spot for.

Product 360

If you put the 34M2C8600 and the 34M2C7600 side-by-side, the only hint that something’s different is the 34M2C8600’s shinier screen coating. It isn’t as glossy as a typical OLED TV but will pick up more reflections than an LCD. Nevertheless, it isn’t too hard to find a good spot for the monitor unless you have it near a sunlit window.

The bezel is flush and relatively narrow, with the white plastic backing just visible in front. A silver trim strip on the bottom is faceted to create a chiseled look. If you turn on the Ambiglow lights underneath, they cast a soft glow on the desktop. More lights are in the back, where a multitude of effects and colors are possible. I like to use Ambiglow as a bias light by shining a white light on the wall behind the monitor. The glow around the screen increases the perception of sharpness and contrast. There is science behind this, and it truly does work. I use bias lights with a projection screen and the OLED TV in my living room.

The stand is very solid and made from cast aluminum. The base is also metal with a plastic covering. The package is well built except for the panel’s attachment point, which is a bit narrow for the weight it carries. That allows for some wobble when making adjustments. You get a 150mm (5.9 inches) height range plus 20 degrees swivel and 5/20 degrees tilt.

Philips hasn’t skimped on the 34M2C8600’s sound quality. A pair of five-watt speakers are integrated along with DTS sound modes. They alter phase and frequency response to create different effects. You can also adjust a five-band eq if you like. In practice, they sounded much larger than the confines of the screen, which almost suggest a surround feel. There isn’t a ton of bass, but they play loud without audible distortion.

Underneath, you’ll find two HDMI 2.0 inputs and one DisplayPort 1.4. A USB-C port supports peripherals, charging and provides an additional DisplayPort 1.4. One upstream and four downstream USB 3.2 ports enhance a KVM feature where you can bind USB and video ports together. That lets you control multiple sources with a single keyboard and mouse. It’s all programmable in the OSD. Finally, if you’d rather plug in headphones, there’s a 3.5mm jack.

OSD Features

The 34M2C8600’s OSD is summoned by clicking a tiny joystick, the only control, on the back right corner. The menu is graphically styled for gaming with seven sub-menus and status info across the bottom.

The 34M2C8600 has 10 picture modes suited to different game types, but the best choice is the default, Standard. It comes close to the mark for grayscale, gamma and color. You can dial down the gamut by turning on the sRGB option. It’s reasonably accurate if you want the correct color values for SDR content. There are five gamma presets and eight color temp presets. Unusually, there are no RGB sliders for fine tweaking. But the Native, Preset and 6500K options are close to D65.

Gaming options include an Adaptive-Sync toggle, DarkBoost for shadow detail, a zoom window for sniping, and a cool adaptive crosshair feature. You can have a colored crosshair if you want, or turn on Smart Crosshair and watch it change color to keep it in contrast with the background. It is always visible, no matter what’s happening in the game. Dynamic DarkBoost will vary low-end gamma to help shadow detail remain visible. Since the 34M2C8600 has such deep black levels, some users may want to turn this on to avoid being surprised by enemies in dark places. Sharp Shooter creates a window in the center of the screen with extra magnification, like a sniper scope.

Ambiglow has enough options to keep one busy for hours. You can run the lights in every spectrum color and turn on different effects. Or run the show in concert with your on-screen content. It creates an extension of the image that is great for impressing your friends. You can also turn on a fixed white light at a low intensity to act as a bias light. This will improve the perception of sharpness and contrast if you have a neutral-colored wall about two or three feet behind the 34M2C8600.

The DTS-tuned audio plays from two five-watt internal speakers that are better than those typically integrated into gaming monitors. The sound modes vary phase and frequency response to create sound stages of varying size. For example, Shooting & Action creates a believable surround effect. If you’d rather tweak it yourself, a five-band eq is provided.

The USB ports can be bound to video inputs using the 34M2C8600’s KVM feature. That lets the monitor operate as a hub for a single set of peripherals.

OLED Panel Care has several options to keep burn-in at bay. All OLEDs are susceptible to it though not as acutely as the plasma TVs of old. The orbiter is invisible in operation and shifts the image minutely to prevent static pictures from using the same pixels for too long. Screen Saver dims the picture after a few minutes of inactivity. Pixel Refresh can be run in the 34M2C8600’s standby mode every few hours to condition the panel further. I use similar features with a two-and-a-half-year-old LG OLED TV and it shows no image retention artifacts.

Philips Evnia 34M2C8600 Calibration Settings

Like the 34M2C7600 VA monitor, the 34M2C8600 cannot be calibrated in the traditional manner. There are no RGB sliders, only fixed color temps and gamma presets. Fortunately, the monitor is accurate enough not to require fine adjustment. Three of the color temp options, 6500K, Preset and Native, all match the D65 standard. And the 2.2 gamma preset is indeed 2.2 with only slight variation. The native color gamut is large, over 105% of DCI-P3, and remains in play for both SDR and HDR content unless you use the sRGB option. It reduces saturation appropriately and is useful for photo editing or any other application that requires sRGB or Rec.709.

HDR signals unlock four additional picture modes. The default is HDR Game, but I found better quality using True Black. It also delivers the highest output and the most accurate color & luminance tracking. It is not adjustable but proved accurate in testing. My recommended settings are below.

Gaming and Hands-on

There are some monitors that just spoil you, 360 Hz for sure; even many 240 Hz screens make it hard to go back below 200 fps. But an OLED, even running at just 175 Hz, is a serious spoiler.

Of course, the benefits of infinite contrast to image quality cannot be overstated. Yes, Mini LED comes close. But OLED is the best, and the 34M2C8600 is a shining example. SDR games like Tomb Raider could almost pass for HDR. In fact, it looks better played here than HDR games played on an LCD with an edge backlight. I went back and forth with the sRGB option to give it due diligence. The extra color, though not strictly accurate, is a good thing for gaming. The 34M2C8600 doesn’t overblow its hues when using the full gamut for SDR content. And this remained true when watching a video. sRGB is there if you need it for photo editing or color grading tasks.

HDR is where the real fun begins. I spent hours playing Doom Eternal because the 34M2C8600 does everything well. It looks stunning, enough so that you’d swear it’s Ultra HD. The pixel density is 110ppi, the same as a 27-inch 16:9 QHD screen. Ultra HD is in the 130s for most desktop monitors, so yes, it is potentially sharper. But the 34M2C8600’s OLED contrast more than makes up for it.

Gaming feel is off-the-charts fun as well. 175 Hz won’t deliver this level of smoothness from any LCD panel. But OLED keeps the fastest motion tack-sharp at 175 fps. You won’t need a GeForce RTX 4090 here, as you would with an Ultra HD monitor. There’s no overdrive in play, so ghosting is absent. And you won’t have to give up Adaptive-Sync to turn on a backlight strobe either. The 34M2C8600 does its thing perfectly with no enhancements required.

I used Ambiglow as a bias light and tried the follow video/audio feature. Bias lighting is something I use in other viewing scenarios, so it is a familiar effect. The follow option varies the light and color according to what’s happening on the screen. I’ve used it with other Philips displays, and it seems to work better in the 16:9 aspect ratio. The ultra-wide format fills more of my peripheral vision, so I didn’t notice the LEDs as much unless I turned off all the room lights. It’s fun to play around with and you won’t find it on any other brand.

Productivity is entirely natural with the 34M2C8600. The panel curve is benign in that it neither enhances nor detracts from document editing. There is no image distortion in text-based apps like Word or Excel. Photos and videos look the same as they do on a flat screen. Except, of course, there’s that OLED contrast. It makes text pop and dials up the sharpness to where, again, you’d swear it’s 4K.

If you’re concerned about image retention, Philips has provided a complete kit of panel maintenance options in the OSD. I can’t speak to the 34M2C8600 long-term prospects as it would likely take many months of abuse to cause a problem. My LG OLED TV is about two-and-a-half years old and used for several hours daily. It has no burn-in of any kind.

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To compare the 34M2C8600’s performance, I’ve lined up an almost-all-OLED group that consists of Corsair’s Xeneon Flex, Asus’ PG27AQDM, Alienware’s AW3423DW and AW3423DWF, and as a control, the Philips 34M2C7600 which is a VA Mini LED with similar specs.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Higher refresh rates mean higher frame rates and smoother motion. But when comparing OLEDs, there is little difference between 175 Hz and 240 Hz. Two LCDs running at those speeds are more obviously different. This is because OLED processes motion better and keeps objects sharp at lower speeds. I have observed this to be true of all the OLEDs I’ve tested.

If input lag is your most important metric, the PG27AQDM is the current king, but the 34M2C8600 isn’t far behind at 27ms total. This difference might be too much for professional gamers, but most players won’t be disappointed at the Philips’ feel or performance. It is very responsive and smooth in all types of gameplay. However, you’ll notice the other Philips is a bit lower in the ranking thanks to its 165 Hz refresh rate. And it is much less smooth than all the OLEDs.

Viewing Angles

Aside from “it’s awesome'' there isn’t much else one can say about the 34M2C8600’s off-axis image quality. This is one of OLED’s major advantages over LCD. The degree of light polarization is far lower, meaning you won’t see any reduction in brightness and just a minimal color shift. You can see a bit of red in both angle shots, horizontal and vertical. But this will be hard to spot in actual content. The 34M2C8600 is very shareable by two users.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Screen uniformity doesn’t get much better than 2.10% deviation. The 34M2C8600 produced one of the lowest values I’ve ever recorded. None of the OLEDs here have any visible glow, bleed or variation, so as a technology, it is more consistent in this test than LCDs. In practice, any number below 10% is visually perfect.

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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

The one place where OLED lags behind LCD is in peak brightness. Some LCD monitors can render over 1,000 nits in a full-field white pattern, where OLEDs can show around 300-400 nits. But they get brighter when the white zone takes up less of the screen.

The 34M2C8600 peaks at 226 nits in SDR mode which is bright enough for any indoor environment. That’s a full-field white number. A 25% window pattern measures just over 400 nits. There’s enough light here for any application. With an unmeasurable black level, contrast is theoretically infinite. As impressive as the 34M2C7600 is, with almost 4,000:1, it can’t compare to any OLED.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Since there are no RGB sliders, calibration of the 34M2C8600 is just setting brightness to 200 nits. I used a full-field pattern to create a fairly bright image. Some users may want to tone this down if their room is darker than mine. The 34M2C7600 maintains strong performance when compared to other LCD panels.

ANSI contrast cannot be determined for any OLED as the black squares are unmeasurable. The 34M2C7600 is a good performer but the OLEDs are on another level. This is a difference that can be seen in content during side-by-side comparisons.

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The 34M2C8600 ships in its Standard picture mode and it is close enough to spec that one can simply set brightness to taste. No RGB sliders are available, but three of the color temp presets render D65.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

By default, the color temp is set to 6500K with gamma at 2.2. Tiny errors at 60, 90 and 100% are nearly invisible in both test patterns and content. Gamma is slightly light at the 20% step and a bit dark at 90%, also a minor error. This is excellent out-of-box performance.

I’ve included the grayscale and gamma run as a post-calibration result, but the only adjustment is a reduction in the brightness slider. That tightens up gamma a bit, but no other changes have occurred.

Turning on the sRGB option shrinks the gamut and leaves gamma and grayscale the same. And that is how it should be.

Comparisons

The other monitors, save the 34M2C7600, can be calibrated to a high standard. Visual differences here are tiny but nit-pickers may take issue with the 34M2C8600’s lack of RGB controls. However, in my experience, it didn’t lessen the gaming experience. Gamma, at any rate, is tight with a small 0.13 range of values and a minor 1.36% variation from the 2.2 reference value.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

Aside from a bit of red over-saturation, the 34M2C8600 renders all, and then some, of DCI-P3. Most importantly, it hits all the green points, which most wide-gamut monitors cannot do. The errors are tiny and not visually significant. You’ll see a bit of bonus red in some content but not enough to cause a complaint. You can see that changing the brightness value does not alter the gamut test result.

The sRGB gamut rendering is interesting. Red is quite over-saturated, but blue is under. This is unusual in my experience. The overall error level is low, but in content, you’ll see the extra red and blue will look a little pale. The 34M2C8600’s version of sRGB is superior to that of the 34M2C7600, but neither monitor is really qualified for color-critical work in the sRGB color space. If DCI-P3 is on the menu, you’re fine.

Comparisons

The 34M2C8600’s 1.58dE color error is hard to beat by any monitor except an OLED. The screens I’ve tested so far are all more color-accurate than typical LCDs. At 2.66dE, the 34M2C7600 isn’t far behind though. I’m splitting hairs here.

One of the main promises of quantum dot OLEDs is greater color saturation. You can see that in play from both the 34M2C8600 and the Alienware screens which also have QD layers. But the Philips wins the day by a nose. It is extremely colorful, and that’s something that clearly translates to gaming and productivity. The image is stunning in every respect. Note that even the least colorful screen isn’t far below 100% coverage. That’s well above the norm, which is closer to 90%.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

If HDR brightness is important to you, a Mini LED screen is the better choice. Some of them can exceed 1,400 nits. But dynamic range is the most important thing to me and anyone else seeking maximum image depth. That’s where OLED is unchallenged.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The 34M2C8600 meets its DisplayHDR 400 certification when measuring a 25% window pattern. Philips specs it at 1,000 nits with a 3% window, but I could not verify this with my equipment. I have no complaints whatsoever. And like any OLED, black levels can’t be measured so the contrast is infinite. I observed the same behavior from the Mini LED 34M2C7600.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

I measured the 34M2C8600’s four HDR modes and settled on True Black as the best. The default setting, HDR Game, is just OK. It rises out of black too quickly, where True Black sticks closer to the reference. This provides a much more dramatic effect. HDR looks amazing here with flawless grayscale and near-perfect luminance tracking. It doesn’t get better than this.

HDR color is over-saturated in the red and green primaries, but the other colors follow their targets closely. The 34M2C8600 tracks better than many of the HDR monitors I’ve tested. This translates to sharp detail, natural hues and content that just looks right. Similar behavior can be seen in the Rec.2020 test, where the red primary almost hits 100%. There is a ton of color here and it shows in everything, games, video, still photos, even the Windows desktop. 

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Philips has come out of the gate swinging with its new Evnia monitors. I was impressed with the Mini LED 34M2C7600, but the 34M2C8600’s QD-OLED panel is simply on another level from any LCD gaming monitor I’ve reviewed. OLED's look and feel will dominate the desktop monitor market as prices move downwards. If you can invest in bleeding-edge display technology, OLED is it.

The 34M2C8600 delivers infinite contrast and a huge color gamut, one that covers more than 108% of DCI-P3, thanks to its Quantum Dot layer. That puts it among the most colorful monitors currently available. Like all OLEDs, its pixels can be turned off to create true blacks. Mini LED has up to 1,196 dimming zones, but a WQHD OLED panel has 4,953,600. So which do you think will look better? And with 1,000-nit highlights in HDR mode, there’s plenty of brightness to spare.

The gaming feel of OLED panels has spoiled me. After playing on many 240 and 360 Hz monitors and even a 500 Hz screen, I have observed that an OLED running at 165 or 175 Hz delivers a similar level of smoothness. The high refresh panels have lower input lag as their only true advantage.

It should be noted that the 34M2C7600 costs the same as the 34M2C8600 at this writing. With identical features and styling, the difference is simply OLED versus VA/Mini LED. Both monitors look amazing, but I’ll choose the OLED every time. Of course, if you need searing brightness, the Mini LED wins. But for the ultimate gaming experience, OLED is king. Those wanting to add a superlative monitor to their gaming system should check out the Philips Evnia 34M2C8600.

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Philips has launched an innovative new monitor product combining IPS and E-Paper display panels. The new Philips 24B1D5600 features a 23.8-inch IPS panel with 2560 x 1440 pixels, plus a 13.3-inch 1200 x 1600 pixels E-Paper display. Its dual displays are connected with a hinge for viewing angle adjustment and centered on the supplied pedestal stand, with a good selection of I/O.

E-Paper (or E-Ink) displays have some great USPs for certain types of work and content creation. However, for those not wanting to jump into the E-Ink universe with both feet and are on the hunt for a neatly integrated solution, Philips has devised the 24B1D5600 monitor.

Philips says the monitor is for workers who commonly read a lot of content from their screens. It suggests that the E-Paper display with its lack of harsh backlighting, anti-glare, no flickering, and no blue light will help avoid eye strain. Commonly, users might "view vivid colors on the big screen and read long documents on the E-Paper screen," reckons Philips. In summary, Philips says the dual display will be a boon to productivity, ergonomics, and, thanks to the low power usage of E-Paper, sustainability. 

To use the Philips 24B1D5600 monitor, you will need to plug in both displays independently. The larger color display uses a DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, USB-C x 1 (DP Alt mode, Power delivery), while the e-Paper screen has just a USB-C x 1 (DP Alt mode, Power delivery). As well as the physical 45-degree hinge connecting the monitors, you can use Philips SmartRemote software to control the E-Paper display with "an easy to use on-screen menu" with zooming, searching, and page switching controls.

The product sounds very interesting as one of the first of these types of hybrid offerings. However, when we look at the specs, we feel Philips could have made a more convincing effort. With its claims about ergonomics and productivity, we can't help but feel the 23.4-inch color IPS section of this product is a bit small. Many consider 27 inches to be the 1440p sweet spot. Moreover, the IPS panel Philips has chosen has a puny 250 nits of maximum brightness. Its best refresh / response times of 75 Hz / 4ms G2G are adequate for office productivity.

The Philips 24B1D5600 monitor also has hub functionality and a useful stand. Its hub provides USB 3.2 Gen 2 / 10 Gbps, USB-C upstream x 1, USB-A downstream x 4 (with one fast charge B.C 1.2), RJ45: Ethernet LAN up to 1G, Wake on LAN, and Audio out. Meanwhile, the stand can be adjusted for height (100mm), swivel (45 degrees), and Tilt (-5 to 23 degrees).

A quick search suggests that the Philips 24B1D5600 has already been available in Asia for some weeks, priced at a little over the equivalent of $600. We don't have specific US pricing or availability at the time of writing. However, it is more of a curiosity than something that is going to have mainstream appeal, so we advise readers to check our Best Computer Monitors 2023 feature for monitor options.

Philips has launched the 45B1U6900C, a super wide monitor aimed at multitasking professionals. The key attractions of this 44.5-inch diagonal, 32:9 aspect ratio screen are its double QHD (5120 x 1440) resolution panel and business-friendly extras such as USB-C docking with RJ45, KVM switch, and a pop-up webcam (H-suffixed model only).

Even though it's business-focused, Philips has used a curved panel — and perhaps we can’t complain as the 1500R profile helps keep the far reaches of this 5K display within the realm of your peripheral vision. The VA panel will help, as its viewing angles are 178°/178°, and the anti-glare coating will also be appreciated. 

Philips trots out the increasingly-familiar claim that its super wide screen can replace two separate monitors while eliminating the abrupt and unsightly center divide you get with an actual two-monitor setup. The monitor also features modes like PiP and PbP with support for up to two simultaneously connected devices, as well as a convenient, built-in KVM switch.

The 45B1U6900C offers respectable picture quality specs, with a contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and a peak brightness of 450 nits. It has DisplayHDR400 certification and the image color gamut is NTSC 107% / sRGB 123%, while the delta E value is <2. This monitor is definitely not tailored to fast-paced gaming, however; it has a maximum refresh rate of 75 Hz (with adaptive sync) and 4 ms GtG response time. For text-heavy work, users will appreciate modes like Philips EasyRead and LowBlue. 

The monitor provides a good range of connectivity options. For input, users can choose between HDMI 2.0 x 2, DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, or USB-C x 1 (upstream, DP Alt mode, Data, PD up to 100 W). There is also a USB hub which provides USB 3.2 Gen 1/5 Gbps, USB-B upstream x 1, USB-A downstream x 4 (with 1 for fast charge B.C 1.2), and USB-C downstream x 1 (Data, PD 15 W). 

A Gigabit Ethernet port is also present (supporting Wake on LAN), as is audio out. Other frills worth mentioning are the people sensor for power saving and built-in stereo speakers (2 x 5W). An ‘H’ suffixed model (45B1U6900CH) includes a built-in webcam that pops up at the top-center (see image below).

This is quite a hefty monitor — it weighs nearly 22lbs (10kg) without the stand (28.7lbs/13kg with the stand). The bundled stand includes a decent range of adjustments. It allows for 6 inches (150mm) of height adjustment, -/+45  degree swivel, and -5/15  degree tilt — but no pivoting, which is understandable. Alternatively, you can use a third party arm or stand (VESA 100) for stable positioning, but you'll need a strong one. 

Philips says the 45B1U6900C is available immediately for £939.99 / €1,039. These European prices convert to about $1,160, but remember that they include a 20% VAT — so US sticker prices could be closer to $929 if no other pricing algorithms are applied.

The 45B1U6900C probably won't cut it if you're on the market for a new high-resolution gaming monitor, but one of the monitors on our list of best 4K gaming monitors will.

Philips has just released the Evnia 42M2N8900, which becomes the flagship of its top- of-the-line 8000 series of gaming monitors. Key features of this alluring 42-inch monitor are its 4K OLED display, with its deep lush colors, and high performance for demanding gamers, as well as built-in Philips Ambiglow backlighting.

The new Philips Evnia 42M2N8900 ticks some very nice boxes, with the specs outlined above. OLED screens have a great reputation, particularly for image quality, contrast, and response time, and going by the specs this model doesn’t disappoint. Philips says the anti-glare coated panel offers 10-bit color with a DCI-P3: 98.5% (sRGB 131.3%) gamut, as well as a 1,500,000:1 contrast ratio, and 0.1ms GtG response time.

As this is a gaming monitor, we should look at the specs from the perspective of game performance. We already mentioned the 0.1ms response time, which should be appreciated in fast paced titles as it translates to minimal image ghosting when movement occurs. The top 138Hz refresh rate isn’t astounding in 2023, but with a 4K panel you will need a very powerful GPU to push the pixels in a modern AAA game at 120Hz or more. eSports players after the fastest refresh rates will stick to their 24-27-inch 1080p displays, with only recently signs being shown that 1440p might become popular.

Lastly, with a view to gaming, the Evnia 42M2N8900 features Adaptive Sync, to prevent screen stutter and tearing. It can adjust sync between 48 and 138Hz without fuss. Philips also says this monitor features SmartImage game picture enhancement, which will very probably be picture histogram settings customized to work with various game genres. Three-sided Philips Ambiglow backlighting will probably also be welcomed by gamers, for the greater immersion this reactive RGB lighting tech can deliver.

At 42-inches in diagonal, the 4K image isn’t super-fine at 106ppi. This pixel density figure is just a smidgeon better than a 22-inch 1080p monitor (100ppi), but that may fit in with your Windows multitasking workloads in place of several smaller screens. The wide viewing angles will aid those who pixel peep, close to the screen, too. 

The built-in KVM hub, where you can switch between two PCs sharing the same screen, mouse and keyboard can be a productivity boon. The KVM can work with the built-in Pip and PbP modes too – it isn’t just one or the other source that exclusively hogs the screen. Also, while at work or play, the bundled height (120mm), swivel and tilt adjustable ergonomic stand is welcome. Any VESA stand can be used in its place.

Other general specs listed that are welcome include; the twin 10W DTS speakers, USB hub with USB Power Delivery v3.0 up to 90W, HDMI 2.1 x 2, DisplayPort 1.4 x 1, USB-C x 1, remote controller, and all cables are provided.

In an email we received from Philips, we were told that the Evnia 42M2N8900 is available in stores now at a price of £1,499.00 / €1,699. We don’t have US availability / pricing at the time or writing. Interestingly, some accessories built specifically to enhance the abilities of Evnia monitors are promised for this summer.

As an image-quality geek, I look for one thing above all when evaluating displays —contrast. Dynamic range, the difference between black and white, is king. Get that right, and everything else falls into place. When CRTs and plasma panels left this planet, so did deep contrast. Self-emissive technologies can turn off individual pixels to produce a true black. LCDs cannot do this, but there is hope.

Today, we have LCDs that can do a passable imitation of a plasma or OLED panel. We know them as Full-Array Local Dimming (FALD) panels, and they come in two varieties: LED and Mini LED. That second one has become more significant of late. Though a premium technology, Mini LED has expanded the number of dimming zones possible. More zones mean better control over more and smaller pieces of the image.

Best of all, the newest 27-inch 4K panel from Cooler Master, the Tempest GP27U, comes out of the gate for around $800. It features 576 dimming zones, a Quantum Dot film for wide gamut color, 160 Hz refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync and HDR 1000. Let’s take a look at this highly qualified candidate for our best 4K gaming monitors list. 

Cooler Master Tempest GP27U Specs

The GP27U delivers a lot of value at the $800 price point. Mini LED usually delivers high brightness, which is here with a VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification and an actual peak of over 1,200 nits (which I verified in testing). I also discovered infinite black levels in HDR mode thanks to a backlight that switches off completely, when necessary (more on that later). A Quantum Dot film produces a huge color gamut. I measured over 113% coverage of DCI-P3 and an excellent attempt at Rec.2020 with over 81% of that color space. You also get presets for sRGB, Adobe RGB and DCI-P3.

Among 4K screens, 144 Hz is the usual maximum speed but the GP27U manages a reliable 160 Hz refresh rate. The only caveat is that you must turn off Adaptive-Sync to go above 144 Hz. But Cooler Master provides a superb overdrive option with multiple presets and a 100-step variable setting, which is quite rare. It lets you dial in the perfect balance between clear motion and ghosting.

Additional conveniences include aiming points and timers along with nicely diffused LED lighting in the back. A USB-C port can accept video and serve as the anchor for a KVM feature that’s managed from the OSD. A solid stand and rugged build quality round out a premium package that at this writing, undercuts the competition by a few bucks.

Assembly and Accessories

The GP27U comes out of its carton in three pieces with a solid metal base, sturdy upright and a panel that snaps in place. The packaging is flexible foam, not the crumbly stuff I loathe. Thank you, Cooler Master. Assembly is easy since no tools are necessary, and it’s a sturdy piece. Along with a large external power supply, you get HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C and USB-A/B.

Product 360

The GP27U has a thin flush bezel around the image with just 8mm of frame around the top and sides. The bottom trim is 17mm with a tiny power LED on the right and an equally tiny Cooler Master logo in the center. Powering on reveals the rounded hexagon that lets you know the maker, followed by a bright and colorful image that’s razor sharp and free of any grain associated with the anti-glare layer. Don’t be fooled by the photo above; it isn’t shiny. The finish is matte, like nearly every other computer monitor. The first thing you’ll notice is the breathtaking color. You’ll see why that is when you read the test results on page four.

The stand is a single round pole with a large metal base, also in a hexagonal shape. It’s nearly 11 inches deep, so there’s no danger of the GP27U falling over. Ergonomics include 110mm height, -5/20 degrees tilt and 15 degrees swivel. You also get a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are firm and free of play, befitting a premium display. Unsnap the stand to reveal a 100mm VESA mount for which you’ll have to provide your own fasteners.

Reach around the back right, and you’ll find the GP27U’s sole control, a tiny joystick. It covers all monitor functions and navigates the OSD. Also in the back is an LED ring around the stand’s pivot point, along with two additional strips flanking it. The only control of the light show is to turn it on or off. It smoothly changes color through the entire spectrum and casts a nice glow on the wall behind the monitor. Several chiseled accents round out Cooler Master’s subtle and effective styling cues.

The input panel includes two HDMI 2.1 ports plus a DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression (DSC). The USB-C input accepts video too, mimicking the DP functions. An upstream and two downstream USBs handle the KVM feature, which can be set up in the OSD. You also get a 3.5mm audio jack with two three-watt internal speakers. They are typical monitor speakers with a small but clear sound concentrated in the upper midrange frequencies.

OSD Features

The GP27U’s OSD is styled for gaming with info bubbles at the top showing resolution and the status of Adaptive-Sync, HDR, and overdrive. On the right is a refresh rate indicator ticked off in fps units. There are plenty of options for tweakers organized into six sub-menus.

After the input selector, the GP27U’s Picture menu is where you’ll find luminance, black stabilization (shadow detail enhancement), and the nine picture modes. You might think Standard is the default, but it’s User 1, which has all the calibration options needed for a very accurate picture.

Moving to Color Adjust, there are four color temp options plus a precise user mode with RGB sliders. Five gamma presets range from 1.8 to 2.6, and you can adjust hue and saturation for all six colors. Color Domain refers to signal format, RGB or YPbPr. Auto is the correct setting there. Color Space lets the user choose Adobe RGB, sRGB, DCI-P3 or Rec.2020. If you want to keep picture controls accessible, choose Auto. The Blue Light Filter warms the image to help reduce eye fatigue.

Gaming Setup contains one of the best overdrive menus you’ll find anywhere outside of a Dough Spectrum monitor. In addition to the four presets, the User option has a 100-step control. You can get a perfect level of blur reduction without ghosting. I also had good luck with Dynamic and Advanced. The GP27U’s video processing is top shelf. Gaming Plus offers a timer, aiming points, and an fps indicator.

You can set HDR to Auto in the Advanced menu so that it will switch between formats without user intervention. Local Dimming enhances contrast for SDR but also makes the picture extremely bright though you can compensate by turning down the brightness slider. It’s a must for HDR if you want the best possible quality. I measured zero black levels because any setting of Local Dimming, even Low, turns off the backlight when a black pattern is displayed. This menu also has the KVM setup, where you can bind video inputs and USB ports to accommodate multiple systems connected to a single GP27U.

Cooler Master Tempest GP27U Calibration Settings

In the GP27U’s User 1 mode, I found a slightly cool grayscale and gamma that rode just a tad under the reference line (too light). A few adjustments to the RGB sliders took care of the first issue, but gamma is still a little light. Higher presets make the picture too dark, so I suggest leaving it on 2.2. I had to turn down contrast two clicks to solve a clipping issue at 100% brightness. Though set to Auto, the color gamut uses its full volume for all content, SDR and HDR. This is great for HDR, but SDR images are extremely vivid. Most users will prefer this look, and the GP27U is certainly very colorful. But if you want sRGB or DCI-P3, you can go to the Color Space sub-menu and pick your preferred gamut. My instrument-derived settings are below.

HDR signals reveal three additional picture modes. User is the default, letting you adjust brightness and contrast if you find the 1,200-nit peaks too bright. It’s very color-accurate, so no further adjustments are required. I recommend setting Local Dimming to Low in HDR mode for the best luminance tracking.

Gaming and Hands-on 

The GP27U is a gorgeous monitor right out of the gate. With a larger color gamut than nearly everything I’ve seen of late, it is awash in vivid hues. The picture is razor-sharp with superb contrast. Working in SDR mode with productivity apps, it looks fine with the local dimming turned off and better set to Low. I didn’t see any downsides like clipped detail. If you’re accustomed to an sRGB monitor, the extra color will look a little overblown at first. However, since there is no loss of detail or dynamic range, it’s OK to use the full gamut (113% of DCI-P3) for everything. I reached for the sRGB mode a few times when working in Photoshop, but the extra color is nice for general use.

A 27-inch 4K monitor has tremendous pixel density, 163ppi, more than just about any other screen outside a high-end laptop. That difference can be seen, even when compared to a 32-inch 4K monitor. I am a fan of large panels, but the fine detail and sharpness of the GP27U are as addictive as its price is attractive.

I ran my response and lag tests at 160 Hz, but I saw a few frame tears when viewing the G-Sync pendulum test, so I dialed the GP27U down to 144 Hz to engage Adaptive-Sync. It worked with both FreeSync and G-Sync platforms equally well. Setting up the overdrive was easy, with many fixed and variable options. For most content, Advanced kept the blur at bay with no ghosting. I also tried the User mode set to 67 out of 100. This gave me a subtle improvement. This is one of the few monitors with a user-tweakable overdrive, and I recommend taking advantage if you buy a GP27U.

Gaming was a treat, especially in HDR mode, where the contrast and color were simply stunning. Blacks were very deep with just the right feel for night scenes, while detail was rich in highlight and shadow areas. The HDR User mode was ideal with the brightness slider maxed at 100, allowing the occasional 1,200-nit highlight to slip through but it was never harsh. Local Dimming worked best on Low; higher settings made the picture uncomfortably bright, and some detail at the extremes of the scale was lost.

The GP27U’s immense color gamut was on full display in Doom Eternal. The red primary shone through the most with bloody hues that were almost too realistic. Maps with greenery and vegetation had a natural and three-dimensional look with warm earth tones and vivid textures. Motion processing was beyond reproach, and I saw no blur or tearing. I played at 144 Hz and managed to peg the fps meter a few times. Though I still gravitate to 240 Hz QHD screens with their screaming frame rates, the sharp detail made possible by such high pixel density is compelling. A monitor like this is a great reason to put a large chunk of your build budget into speedy video cards. High frame rates and high resolution are expensive but once you’ve experienced them together, it’s hard to go back. 

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Most 4K panels max out at 144 Hz, but the GP27U and the standout of the comparison group, Samsung’s G8, go higher. The remaining panels are Dough’s Spectrum D03 Glossy, ViewSonic’s XG321UG, Philips’ 279M1RV and Corsair’s 32UHD144. The Cooler Master, ViewSonic and Samsung are Mini LED panels, while the rest employ edge backlights.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The GP27U is officially the quickest 4K monitor I’ve yet tested, beating even the stellar Samsung G8 by 2ms. Though the Samsung monitor’s 240 Hz refresh rate gives it a faster draw time, the Cooler Master has extremely low input lag, making up the difference. My gaming skills are insufficient to see a difference while playing, and the Samsung looks smoother when running over 200fps. But professional-level gamers may gain an advantage from the GP27U’s lower lag. It’s quick, and if you can push the pixels faster than 120fps, it’s an excellent experience. Note that I tested the GP27U at 160 Hz, so I couldn’t use Adaptive-Sync. Even at 160fps, I could see a few frame tears. The monitor provides the most balanced performance when running at 144 Hz.

Viewing Angles

The GP27U’s viewing angles are comparable to any premium IPS panel found today. Light output is unchanged at 45 degrees to the sides, and there is a slight color shift to green. Shadow detail remains clear. The vertical plane shows a blue tint, but detail is less washed out than most panels.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My GP27U sample aced the uniformity test with a super-low 2.44% deviation from the center zone. I thought that might be a record, but scanning my test database of 326 monitors revealed that honor belongs to the Asus PA32UCG. Any score under 10% realistically means no visible hotspots, bleed or glow. And I’ve measured a good number of screens under 5%. But this is impressive nonetheless, especially considering the Asus’ price of over $3,000.

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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

In the GP27U’s User 1 mode, I measured a peak white level of 451.8933 nits, more than enough for any work or play environment. The backlight can be adjusted over 100 steps, but 200 nits was setting 24, which means the minimum is a bit high at 64 nits. That’s a reasonable level for darkroom use. My only actual complaint is that below 200 nits, each click of the slider drops brightness by 3-5 nits. That’s a bit coarse for my taste. I would prefer to see finer control.

Black levels are IPS average, so the contrast is also average at 920.3:1. Local Dimming is available for SDR signals, increasing dynamic range significantly. Even on the Low setting, I couldn’t measure black, so contrast can be theoretically infinite.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration improves contrast slightly to 991.1:1, moving the GP27U up to fourth place. Again, this is average IPS performance. The Samsung is well ahead of the pack because its local dimming is always engaged and cannot be disabled.

The GP27U maintains its contrast ratio in the ANSI test, which speaks to its engineering and construction. The grid polarizer is precisely fitted, maintaining high intra-image contrast and a sharp image.

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The GP27U defaults to its User 1 mode, so I used that preset for all measurements and calibrations. Though the signals here are SDR, it uses its full gamut, which is much larger than sRGB. I consider the GP27U a Rec.2020 monitor, and I’ll explain why below.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The GP27U’s grayscale tracking is a bit cool by default. I recommend calibration though some users will be satisfied with errors this small. Gamma is a tad light, but this is also a small error.

Calibration results in professional-level grayscale tracking, but gamma is still a little light. It isn’t a big problem, but it could be better, given the excellent results I observed in every other metric. The results above were recorded without local dimming engaged. Turning it on Low enhances contrast and depth significantly.

If you choose sRGB or any other gamut preset from the Color Space menu, the grayscale is cool and cannot be adjusted. Gamma is light here as well. While these additional modes deliver decent gamut accuracy, their grayscale and gamma tracking have room for improvement.

 Comparisons

The GP27U’s 4.55dE default grayscale score isn’t bad but compared to the competition, it could be better. Since the error is concentrated in cooler tones, it isn’t too obvious. Calibration puts Cooler Master on top though so it’s well worth making the adjustments.

The gamma comparison is similar. Though the GP27U is in last place, its gamma errors are minor. It’s just that the other monitors are more precise. Once local dimming is engaged, it’s a moot point because the picture will have much deeper blacks and brighter highlights.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

Nearly all wide gamut monitors follow the DCI-P3 standard. But a few try to cover Rec.2020, and that’s what the GP27U is doing. You can identify this by the green hues. Cooler Master is splitting the difference between DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 by moving the green primary further away from yellow. It’s subtle on the chart, but there is a positive impact on the image.

Calibration only makes a tiny difference to color accuracy; it was excellent already. If you think some points are under-saturated, I’ve used Rec.2020 as the reference, not DCI-P3.

The sRGB preset is good but not great. The white point is too blue, which pulls cyan and magenta off hue. Red is also under-saturated. This is very good performance, but given how good the GP27U is at rendering its native gamut, I’m reasonable in wishing for better.

Comparisons

The GP27U is up against the strong competition when a 2.61dE color score comes in last place. None of the monitors have any visible color errors. However, the Cooler Master has more color volume than most. Surprisingly, it isn’t the top finisher in that test, but visually, it’ll be hard to see a difference between the top three. I recommend a software profile for any color-critical work, even when using the GP27U’s additional color space presets.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

HDR is where the GP27U truly shines. Though I still gravitate to OLED for ultimate contrast, Mini LED screens like this are very compelling. With over 1,200 nits peak and a 576-zone backlight, Cooler Master has a worthy flagship here.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

I didn’t have to measure window patterns to see over 1,200 nits. The GP27U can render a full-field white pattern at its maximum brightness. It hurt my eyes to look at it for more than a moment. This is great for HDR content because highlights really pop out. The picture is not harsh in practice. Black levels are unmeasurable because the GP27U turns off its backlight in any zone showing a zero-percent signal. That means its HDR contrast cannot be measured. It and the G8 are the only LCD panels I’ve encountered with this behavior. The ViewSonic is close behind with over 72,000:1 contrast. That the last-place screen has nearly 11,000:1 speaks volumes for this genre. You won’t find a bad HDR image in the bunch.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The GP27U defaults to its User HDR mode, and that is the one I recommend. Switch Local Dimming to Low for the best luminance tracking and contrast. Higher settings clip both highlight and shadow detail. The other two HDR modes also clip detail and should be avoided. Grayscale tracking is visually perfect, as is the EOTF, which transitions perfectly at 65% brightness. Color tracking is slightly over-saturated for both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 rendered content. Hue points are all in line with their targets. The GP27U is a benchmark for HDR accuracy and performance.

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Mini LED monitors still represent the premium end of the price scale, but as they grow in numbers, costs inevitably fall. The Cooler Master Tempest GP27U is the first example I’ve seen for less than $1,000. And the good part is that no corners were cut. It outdistances the competition in speed and color volume. 

While the fastest 4K gaming monitor is currently Samsung’s 240 Hz G8, the GP27U creates its own tier at 160 Hz. The only bummer is that you can’t use Adaptive-Sync over 144 Hz. Users will have to assess their preferences for frame rates versus the occasional frame tear. But with some of the best video processing I’ve seen, it’s hard to complain. Not only are there multiple fixed overdrive settings, but a variable option also delivers motion that’s almost entirely blur-free with no ghosting.

For me, color and contrast are the stars. With effective local dimming for both SDR and HDR, the GP27U is capable of zero black levels and infinite contrast. In practice, an OLED will still have the edge but not by much. With over 113% coverage of DCI-P3 and a passable attempt at Rec.2020, the GP27U is one of the most colorful monitors available in any genre, at any price.

Since this is the first Mini LED screen to come in under $1,000, a few flaws could be excused. The Cooler Master GP27U is a superlative and addictive gaming monitor that compliments any high-end PC or console with a stunning picture and smooth gameplay. If you are seeking high frame rates and high resolution in the same monitor, definitely check it out.

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We have frequently reviewed desktop monitors from Philips, but we had yet to look at one of the company’s portable monitors. That changes with our look at the Philips Business Portable Monitor 16B1P3300/27, a barebones monitor for those looking to extend their workspace with more screen real estate.

The 16B1P3300/27 has a 15.6-inch IPS panel with a Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and a 75Hz refresh rate. The display has a matte, anti-reflective coating to reduce glare, which is much appreciated in environments prone to a lot of overhead lighting or direct sunlight. The 16B1P3300/27 offers little excitement, but its $229 price tag is easy on the wallet.

The best portable monitors in this price class offer a wide range of intriguing features, including 4K resolution, OLED panels, touchscreens, and stylus support. The Philips 16B1P3300/27 has an uphill battle to challenge some well-entrenched players in this space. 

Philips 16B1P3300/27 Business Portable Monitor Specifications

Design of the Philips 16B1P3300/27 Business Portable Monitor

The Philips 16B1P3300/27 has a rather basic design finished in matte black. There are thin bezels around the sides and the top of the display, but the bottom bezel/chin is massive in comparison (1.25 inches thick). The Philips brand is emblazoned front and center on the chin.

The monitor is attached to a highly adjustable base, which can go from vertical to completely flat (and every angle in between). The base has a nice weighty feel to keep the monitor stable, and four rubber feet on the bottom ensure that it doesn’t move around on your desk.

All the ports are located on the base, which prevents unsightly cables from sticking out from either the left or right side of the display panel. On the Philips 16B1P3300/27, the power cable plugs into the back of the base, while the Mini-HDMI 2.0, USB-C, and 3.5mm headphone ports jut out at an angle from the left side of the base. The power button is also found on the left side of the base, while the OSD controls are on the back (which we’ll get to later).

Build quality on the 16B1P3300/27 is excellent, with tight tolerances, minimal flex on the panel, and high-quality graining on the plastic surfaces. Some portable monitors in this category have a slippery finish that looks cheap. The 16B1P3300/27, on the other hand, has a finely textured finish on the display bezels and a slightly coarser finish on the back of the panel and base that is easy to grasp.

Philips provides a basic pouch-style case to transport the 16B1P3300/27. It is constructed from two pieces of felt material sewn together. It doesn't offer much cushioning if you drop the monitor, but it does protect the screen from damage during transport. A velcro flap ensures that everything stays nice and snug in the case.

Other items included in the box are a power brick (38 watts), a USB-C cable, and a mini-HDMI to HDMI cable. The power brick has a barrel-style connector end for plugging into the monitor and is only necessary when using HDMI. The 16B1P3300/27 can carry video and power over the USB-C cable (without needing the power brick) when running in DisplayPort Alt-Mode.

On-screen Display for the Philips 16B1P3300/27 Business Portable Monitor

The on-screen display (OSD) for the Philips 16B1P3300/27 is accessible using three buttons on the back right of the base. This isn't ideal positioning and is not very ergonomic for users. The right-most button invokes the OSD and is also used as an "OK" command to confirm settings changes. The other two buttons scroll up and down the interface.

There are many configurable settings in the OSD, with main menus for LowBlueMode, Input, Picture, Audio, Color, Language, OSD Setting, USB Setting, and Setup. I first visited the OSD Setting menu and changed the default OSD timeout from 3 seconds to 10 seconds. Three seconds isn't enough time for me to make a selection, especially when navigating an OSD for the first time.

The Picture menu includes several settings for selecting your SmartImage color profiles (I found Photo to match my color tastes for everyday usage), Contrast, and Gamma (among others). The Audio menu allows you to adjust the volume for the integrated 3.5mm headphone jack. The other menu settings are self-explanatory.

In practice, the OSD provides many configuration options for the 16B1P3300/27 and allows you to tweak the image to your liking. However, I would have preferred the OSD buttons to be located on either the left or right side of the display for easier access instead of reaching around the back.

Image Quality and Performance of the Philips 16B1P3300/27 Business Portable Monitor

The Philips 16B1P3300/27 features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel rated for 250 nits and a contrast ratio of 700:1. In addition, the IPS panel has a refresh rate of 75Hz and a response of 4ms. The 75 Hz refresh rate is an unexpected bonus, given that most non-gaming portable monitors are stuck at 60 Hz.

In our instrumented tests, the 16B1P3300/27 didn't fare well. It reproduced just 41.8 percent of the DCI-P3 color space, while sRGB coverage wasn't impressive at just 59 percent. Those figures were below even the MSI MAG161V, which has long been the laggard among all the portable monitors we've tested. However, the 16B1P3300/27 did redeem itself with respect to brightness, where it hit 255.5 nits versus the manufacturer's claim of 250 nits.

Viewing angles for the 16B1P3300/27 are good, and off-axis light drop-off is minimal, even at extreme angles. In addition, the anti-reflective coating does its job of keeping stray reflections at bay.

Putting it all together, videos looked okay but could have been better on the 16B1P3300/27. I watched a few episodes from savagegeese on YouTube, including an excellent behind-the-scenes tour of the Chevrolet Corvette assembly factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The bright and punchy colors of the various C8 Corvettes being assembled were muted and didn’t have quite the punch I’ve experienced from similar IPS panels, let alone budget OLED panels. Switching between Game, Photo, and Movie modes did little to add some much-needed life to the scenes.

For an actual movie, I turned to No Time to Die, which I streamed from Amazon Prime Video. James Bond flicks aren’t typically known for rich and colorful imagery – especially during Daniel Craig’s gritty tenure as 007 – and No Time to Die is no exception. The earthy tones and subdued color palette seemed right at home on the 16B1P3300/27. 

During my everyday productivity tasks, which consist of using apps like Microsoft Edge, Word, Excel, Slack, Pixelmator Pro, and Feedly, the 16B1P3300/27 was more than up to the task of handling my workflow. I primarily used the 16B1P3300/27 with my laptop as a second workspace for Feedly, Slack, and a cut-down Edge window.

Bottom Line

The Philips 16B1P3300/27 is short on frills and color performance, but we also have to keep in mind that it has a price tag of $229.99. To put that in perspective, the touchscreen-equipped 14-inch Lenovo ThinkVision M14t will set you back $340, while the non-touch ThinkVision M14 retails for around $270. The 16B1P3300/27 will save you at least $50, but you’re also giving up integrated speakers.

If you want a 4K resolution in a 15.6-inch form factor, the KYY K3-3 has the same $229 MSRP but includes speakers (even if they are subpar). If you want to go for a budget competitor, the $119 Lepow C2 offers better color performance and includes speakers but falls well short on maximum brightness.

There’s no question that the 16B1P3300/27 is highly configurable and includes niceties like a 75 Hz refresh rate and excellent build quality. However, the competition is simply too strong in the $200 to $300 price range with solutions that are available for a similar price with either a higher resolution or more colorful OLED panels, which makes it hard to recommend.

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4K 144 Hz gaming monitors have been a popular item lately, with new models appearing almost weekly. I’ve reviewed many of them, and aside from the high-end full-array and Mini LED backlight panels, they are often difficult to differentiate. Only small differences in color accuracy and gaming performance can be found. This is good for consumers because it’s hard to find a bad display. They all perform roughly the same, with the best earning a spot among the Best 4K Gaming Monitors.

What I haven’t seen much of in this category are monitors using VA technology. When I unwrapped the Gigabyte M32UC and saw its curved VA panel, I immediately thought, “how many of these have I tested before?” The answer is surprising. I only found one other example, the 43-inch Asus XG43UQ, which has a flat panel. That begs the question, “Is a 43-inch screen a desktop monitor?” It depends on the desktop, of course. The M32UC is a 32-inch curved screen definitely suited for desktop use, so let’s take a look.

Gigabyte M32UC Specs

In the vast sea of 4K gaming monitors, the M32UC stands out with more than double the contrast of any IPS panel. I measured over 2,300:1 right out of the box, which is a difference that’s easy to see in a side-by-side comparison. The only downside is that there’s no dynamic contrast option for HDR content. As a result, that material shows roughly the same dynamic range. It looks very good, but there is upward potential.

The M32UC includes the now-obligatory wide color gamut with around 85% coverage of DCI-P3. That’s an average figure, but some newer screens boast 95% and a few have surpassed 100%. Luckily, Gigabyte has tuned the M32UC to provide accurate color without calibration. In a picture mode oddly labeled “Green,” you can enjoy the monitor without making adjustments. Just set the brightness to your taste. VA panels aren’t known for high brightness in smaller form factors, but the M32UC has earned VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, and my sample measured around 500 nits peak.

Gaming performance has been given plenty of care and attention; in addition to the 144 Hz refresh rate, an overclock option takes the max speed up to 160 Hz. However, one caveat is that you can’t use Adaptive-Sync when overclock is engaged. Also included is Aim Stabilizer Sync, which is Gigabyte’s term for backlight strobing. The M32UC allows the strobe and Adaptive-Sync to be active at the same time. Most monitors force you to choose one or the other. If you prefer a traditional overdrive, that’s here too, and it is effectively implemented. Both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync are supported, but the M32UC has not been certified by Nvidia.

Gaming features are packed in with aiming points, timers, frame counters and Gigabyte’s Dashboard that shows CPU and GPU information on the screen in real-time. KVM is part of the enhancement suite with USB-C, one upstream and three downstream USB 3.2 ports, and a KVM wizard that makes binding USB and video inputs a breeze. A dedicated button next to the OSD joystick quickly switches between connected systems.

So, we’re looking at a somewhat unique 4K monitor with a whole bevy of features and the promise of high performance and premium image quality. Impressively, the price for the M32UC at this writing is just $599.

Assembly and Accessories for Gigabyte M32UC

For being a somewhat special monitor, the M32UC’s carton is the opposite. It’s about as close to a plain brown wrapper as it gets. A look at the badges on the side provides a hint of the contents. The base bolts to the upright to assemble the monitor, then the panel snaps on top. 

If you’d rather use an arm, a 100mm VESA mount sits in the back (fasteners are not included). The accessory bundle includes DisplayPort, HDMI and USB cables, and there’s a large external power supply with cords for three different wall outlet types.

Product 360: Gigabyte M32UC

Styling is simple and elegant, with nothing showing in front except the word “Gigabyte” printed on a narrow bit of trim. The top and sides of the screen bezel are flush, 10mm wide, and disappear when the power is off. The panel has a thin profile on its top half with a component bulge at the bottom. The curve is 1500R with no image distortion, but the wrap effect is palpable. It’s a good balance, given the large screen area and 16:9 aspect ratio. Compared to a 21:9 monitor, that extra height is a benefit.

You won’t find any LED lighting on the M32UC’s backside, but a polished upper area repeats the Gigabyte logo. The remainder of the cover has a perforated texture to offset a trapezoidal shape around the stand’s attachment point. Below that is a clearly labeled input panel with one DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1, USB-C, USB 3.2 (one up, three down) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The stand offers -5/20 degrees of tilt and a 100mm height adjustment but no swivel or portrait mode. It’s a solid piece with rugged build quality and firm movements that belie the M32UC’s relatively low price point.

OSD Features of Gigabyte M32UC

The M32UC has a huge OSD with many picture modes and options for just about every image and gaming parameter. It’s all controlled by a single joystick on the back right of the panel. The KVM feature is accessible in the menu or by pressing a dedicated button. Also available is Gigabyte’s OSD Sidekick app, a free download, that mimics the OSD and lets you design custom aiming reticles.

The Gaming menu starts things off with a four-level overdrive. SmartOD is the best option as it varies the rise and fall with the refresh rate making it adaptable. The other settings are fixed and produce some ghosting (either white or black) behind moving objects. Alternatively, you can engage Aim Stabilizer Sync, which uses a backlight strobe to reduce motion blur. It improves motion resolution, but I saw slight phasing artifacts when using it. It also reduces brightness by around 60% with no compensation available. I recommend sticking with SmartOD and Adaptive-Sync only.

And there’s the overclock, which is hidden in the Display menu. While the attraction of a 160 Hz 4K monitor is strong, there’s a sacrifice: you can’t use Adaptive-Sync. And you’ll need it at these framerates. I’ve only been able to live without it when playing over 200fps and no 4K monitor that I have reviewed can do that.

There are 10 picture modes available, with the default set to “Green.” Rest assured that it is not actually green, but I’m not sure what Gigabyte is thinking here. However, it’s reasonably accurate out of the box with no need for calibration. If you want or need the smaller sRGB gamut, there’s an accompanying mode that is also quite accurate. In Green, you can calibrate the white point and choose a gamma preset.

The M32UC makes the most of its large screen with Picture-In-Picture and Picture-By-Picture features that let you view two video sources simultaneously.

One interesting addition to the OSD is a size option. By default, it’s quite large, making it easier to read from across the room (although it’s a pity that no remote is included). If you’d rather keep the menu small, choose the 1x setting. When you’re done tweaking, save the settings to one of the three memories for later recall.

The KVM feature is easily managed by a graphic that appears when you press the joystick and click left. Switching connections is accomplished by pressing the KVM button on the back. Also, a click of the joystick away is GameAssist which has aiming points, timers and a frame counter. 

Custom reticles can be created using OSD SideKick. The Dashboard is something unique to Gigabyte and Aorus monitors. With a USB connection, you can monitor CPU and GPU information on the screen in real-time. You can also set which parameters you’d like to view from the options shown in the photo above.

Calibration Settings for Gigabyte M32UC

Calibration of the M32UC is optional. In the default Green picture mode, grayscale, gamma and color accuracy is good enough that nothing is needed except to set brightness to taste. For even better performance, you can adjust a set of RGB sliders and choose a gamma preset. 

On the default setting of 2.2, I measured closer to 2.3, which makes the picture a tad darker. This is OK for a VA monitor, thanks to its higher native contrast. You can operate at a slightly higher brightness level and still enjoy deep blacks. If you want a lighter look, set gamma to 2.0 for an actual value of 2.10. You can switch back and forth without changing the white point, which is a good thing. The settings I used for testing are below.

HDR mode doesn’t offer a calibration option, but there are three additional picture modes, HDR, HDR Game and HDR Movie. HDR is the default and best option though I could see only the tiniest differences between them. You can also adjust white and black clipping for each mode. I don’t recommend changing these settings from the defaults lest you lose some fine highlight or shadow detail.

Gaming and Hands-on with Gigabyte M32UC

I’ve reviewed several 4K monitors recently that deliver superb response and low input lag. The Gigabyte M32U is slightly quicker than those. I saw this both in testing and in gameplay. Once I dialed in the mouse response settings in Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII, I felt nearly unstoppable. I had precise aim and movement that seemed to precede my thought process. Though I’ve played on faster displays, this one has a feel that’s on par with the very best.

Frame rates stayed between 110 and 120fps when playing Doom Eternal at full resolution with HDR. There was no benefit to the overclock since I couldn’t reach 144fps, let alone 160fps. And the loss of Adaptive-Sync is something I could see. Frame tears were rare but occasional. The overdrive worked superbly with tack-sharp motion resolution and no jitter or smearing. The backlight strobe is viable if you can adapt to the darker image. And Adaptive-Sync remains active, which is something few monitors can do. I saw slight phasing artifacts when objects moved against contrasting backgrounds. My personal preference was to leave it off and rely on the overdrive.

Image quality was stunning in SDR mode with rich color and excellent contrast. Blacks are visibly deeper than what an IPS screen can produce, with fine shadow detail that was clearly rendered. HDR was a bit disappointing though. Like other monitors with no dimming feature, the M32UC has the same dynamic range for SDR and HDR. In practice, bright HDR images look good with sharp highlights and saturated color. But darker scenes, like the stealth train mission in Call of Duty WWII lack impact. The detail is there, and you can see everything clearly, but blacks aren’t truly black; they’re a dark gray. Nighttime sequences left me a bit flat.

From a physical perspective, the M32UC is a compelling choice. The curve helps bring the sides of the picture into better focus. And though it isn’t as wide as a 21:9 34-inch display, it’s a good bit taller, which makes seeing into the distance easier. You can spot enemies from farther away. There aren’t many curved 16:9 screens with 4K resolution, so that alone is a reason to put this monitor on your shortlist.

The traditional aspect ratio is also well-suited for work. When editing documents or graphics, the curve isn’t a factor, positive or negative. Its ability to not call attention to itself makes the M32UC a very useful and flexible display capable of just about anything. It’s a gaming monitor for sure, but one that can be your only monitor too.

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The M32UC is the first 160 Hz 4K monitor I’ve reviewed, so I have only 144 Hz screens available for comparison. They are the Philips 279M1RV, Dough D03 Glossy, Corsair 32UHD144, Dell G3223Q and Asus XG43UQ.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

To cover all the bases, I’m showing the M32UC’s test results at 144 and 160 Hz. The difference is small and only impacts the lag score. Screen response is the same at 7ms, like nearly every 144 Hz monitor currently available. The Gigabyte delivers smooth motion resolution with the overdrive set to SmartOD. Alternatively, you can use Aim Stabilizer Sync (backlight strobe). It works along with Adaptive-Sync and sharpens the moving image but introduces a slight phasing artifact, reducing light output by 60%.

In the lag test, running at 160 Hz gets you 1ms less input lag. But you’ll give up Adaptive-Sync, which is not a good thing at this frame rate. And don’t forget the video card factor. I can run my test at full speed because it uses a static white field pattern that refreshes at 160 Hz. Seeing that rate in-game will require a lot of processing power, more than my single GeForce RTX 3090 card has. That setup delivers around 120fps in Doom Eternal with detail set at maximum. The takeaway is that the 160 Hz overclock is not a reason to buy the M32UC. Its impact is small at best.

Viewing Angles

VA panel viewing angles are not usually great, and you won’t mistake the M32UC for an IPS monitor. But it looks a bit brighter at 45 degrees off-center than most. Light is reduced by around 20% and there is a red color shift. But detail remains well-rendered, and the picture looks decent in practice. One could share this monitor with a friend. The top view is washed out with the same red color shift.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My M32UC sample showed a slight glow at the top and bottom of the screen. It was visible in a darkened room when a full black field pattern was displayed. I did not notice any problems when playing games or viewing video. White and color field patterns had no visible issues.

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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

Among desktop monitors, VA panels are usually not as bright as similar-sized and spec’d IPS displays. It’s more common to see a bright VA television, as evidenced by the 43-inch Asus in the comparison group. But the M32UC is an exception when considering smaller screens. It’s rated for 450 nits in SDR mode, and my sample topped 500. 

That’s a lot of light, considering its 32-inch size. Add in those deep VA black levels and you have a recipe for high contrast, 2,381.3:1 in this case. Though some VA screens I’ve tested have a greater dynamic range, like the Asus XG43UQ, this is still more than double the best IPS monitors, and the difference is easily seen with the naked eye.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration cost me a little contrast, but a less than 100-point difference is insignificant. The M32UC still has more than twice the dynamic range of a good IPS panel. Only the Asus boasts more due to its extremely deep blacks

ANSI contrast drops below 2,000:1 but barely. The M32UC is a quality display and performs extremely well for the price.

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The M32UC is a very color-accurate monitor in its default Green picture mode. Though confusingly termed, this mode is most definitely not green. It can be likened to the Standard mode of most other monitors.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Only the 100% step cracks the 2dE line, which means the M32UC has no visible grayscale errors. 3dE is the generally accepted threshold where color errors can be seen with the naked eye. The gamma runs very tight but, at around 2.35 average, is a little dark. This is excusable for a VA panel due to its high contrast. You can compensate by turning up the brightness a little. If you don’t change the gamma preset, I recommend running at around 220 nits if your room is moderately sunlit like mine. Or you can set gamma to 2.0 and see an actual average of 2.10.

Calibration improves the grayscale measurement though it doesn’t look any different. Gamma is slightly lower, though, which is a good thing.

In the sRGB picture mode, grayscale tracking is equally tight, with all errors well under 3dE. Gamma is a bit wonky with a darker presentation in the mid-tones and highlights. Though this would be the correct color mode for SDR, I preferred to play games in the Green preset using the wide color gamut.

Comparisons

Whether you calibrate the M32UC or not, it presents an excellent image with correct color and gamma close to the reference mark. With no adjustment, it finishes third and after calibration, is the best of the bunch for grayscale tracking. Given the results, there are no bad screens here.

Though the M32UC is furthest from the gamma reference point, its range of values is very low. This keeps all detail fully rendered throughout the brightness range and maintains proper color saturation tracking.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The default color test result for the M32UC is nearly flawless. The only reason for its average 2.46dE error level is the under-saturated green primary. It’s short by around 10%, which is not unusual for wide gamut monitors. The points track in a linear fashion, which is a good thing, and errors are minimal.

Calibration puts the magenta hue points right on target though you won’t be able to see a visual difference here. The numerical gap is too small. Basically, my calibration took the M32UC from great to really great.

The sRGB test result is also excellent, with no visible errors and a low 1.87dE average. Red is the tiniest bit over-saturated, but this is not an issue you’ll see in content. If you need sRGB for a color-critical task, this mode is perfectly usable though I’d recommend using an IEC profile to correct the gamma.

Comparisons

That the M32UC would finish last in a color accuracy comparison with a 2.20dE score speaks to the quality of all these 4K monitors. This is a premium category, and that level of performance is expected. The Gigabyte is a really good deal though at $599. Its price-to-performance ratio is very high.

The M32UC’s only weakness, and it’s a stretch to call it that, is gamut volume. Though 85.26% coverage of DCI-P3 is fine, it’s not as high as many other 4K displays. Green (the primary color, not the picture mode) is the culprit here. The other colors hit their 100% saturation targets. Pictures of grassy fields might not be as lush, but other primary hues will be strong. This is not a deal-breaker by any means. sRGB coverage is a tad over 100%, thanks to some bonus red.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

I was both impressed and disappointed by the M32UC’s HDR performance. On the one hand, it’s a VA panel with around 500 nits peak. That’s a rare thing on a screen of this size. But there’s no dynamic dimming in HDR mode, which means contrast doesn’t increase.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

We know it’s possible for a VA panel to be bright, given the Asus’ extreme result. But the M32UC is one of the first desktop-sized VA monitors with 4K resolution, so it has some upward potential. Nearly 500 nits is plenty of brightness for strong HDR highlights. But since black levels are no lower, contrast is about the same for SDR content. All the other panels use either zone or field dimming to achieve greater dynamic range. Gigabyte could implement this in a firmware update. However, it does produce decent HDR by virtue of its 2,274.2:1 contrast ratio. My complaint is that it could be much better.

The three HDR modes all look the same visually and measure almost identically. You can tweak the white and black detail levels if you wish, but this will not improve the picture nor give it greater contrast. I recommend sticking with the default HDR mode and leaving all other settings unchanged.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The M32UC’s HDR grayscale measurements show some coolness in the brighter steps. This won’t impact the image too greatly because the errors are concentrated in very small highlight areas. Dark and mid tone zones are closer to the neutral gray they should be. The EOTF tracks almost perfectly to spec with a tone-map transition point at 68%. Detail rendering is solid at all points.

HDR color tracking is mostly on point with a few issues noted on the chart. Red is over-saturated in the mid tones while green is generally under-saturated. Blue also has a bit of extra verve which makes sky and water textures more prominent. Secondary hues in yellow and magenta are a bit off their targets as well. Rec.2020 tracking shows similar behavior, but tracking is mostly linear until the M32UC runs out of color at the 80% saturation points for red and blue and at 60% for green. This is a typical result for monitors that cover less than 90% of DCI-P3.

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The Gigabyte M32UC gives the potential buyer a lot to experience. Most users have a wish list that includes a large panel size, a useful aspect ratio, curved screen, fast refresh rate, high resolution and, of course, a low price. The M32UC has all of that in one display.

The M32UC, depending on your perspective, is either a large desktop monitor or a small jumbo display. It will fit in the average workspace and provide a lot of screen real estate. The curve gives you better image focus and immersion without visible distortion. 4K resolution means a high 138ppi pixel density. And a VA panel means higher contrast than the majority of UHD screens.

Gamers will certainly be attracted to the M32UC’s 160 Hz overclock feature, but in practice, this isn’t a reason to choose it. My GeForce RTX 3090 could only manage around 120fps and engaging the overclock means no Adaptive-Sync. But there is excellent video processing here. Not only does the overdrive work very well, but you can also use the backlight strobe (Aim Stabilizer Sync) with both G-Sync and FreeSync. That’s a rarity among gaming monitors at all price points.

Image quality checks nearly all the boxes. There’s plenty of contrast. Out-of-box color is very accurate with no calibration required. I was a bit disappointed that there was no additional contrast for HDR content, but bright material looked very good. The wide gamut delivers warm reds and brilliant blues but is slightly deficient in green. The M32UC has a bit less color volume than other 4K screens, but that can be excused when you consider its $599 price tag.

If you’re looking to try a bunch of new things in a gaming monitor, the Gigabyte M32UC has all the bells and whistles coupled with excellent value. It performs very well in all types of gaming and is well-suited for work tasks. It’s priced below the premium end of the category and delivers most of the same quality and performance.

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When pixel density is the top consideration in a gaming monitor purchase, it doesn’t get much denser than 4K. Not only is it the standard for flat panel televisions, but it’s the highest resolution available in a gaming monitor. At desktop sizes like 27 inches diagonally in a 16:9 aspect ratio, that’s a very fine 163 pixels per square inch. You won’t see the dot structure even if you press your nose against the screen.

Powerful processing from the latest video cards and gaming consoles has made 4K a viable gaming resolution. With 60 frames per second as an absolute minimum, it isn’t too difficult to build a system that consistently delivers over 90 fps. And as we know, faster frame rates mean better motion resolution. That translates to smooth play with detail that remains visible when the action gets intense.

Some of the best 4K gaming monitors sell for between $500 to $1,500, and performance is similar between many models. The Philips Momentum 279M1RV is a bit off the beaten path from mainstream brands but is no less compelling. In fact, it’s one of the best 4K gaming monitors I’ve ever tested; and I’ve tested many.

Philips Momentum 279M1RV Specs

The 279M1RV starts with a Nano IPS panel and employs an edge-array backlight. In SDR mode, it utilizes full field dimming; in HDR mode, there are 16 vertical dimming zones. That means it won’t quite deliver the dynamic contrast of a full-array local-dimming (FALD) model, but it will render solid HDR with deep blacks and bright highlights. Contrast topped 27,000:1 in HDR mode, which puts it well above the norm at this price point. You can use the SmartContrast option to improve the look of SDR content with a measured ratio of around 5,000:1.

The 279M1RV is bright too. 450 nits is the spec for SDR, which I verified in testing. And it’s VESA certified for DisplayHDR 600, which I exceeded with a measured peak value of over 800 nits. That puts it within striking distance of the 1,000-nit club, including FALD and Mini LED panels in its core membership. So, you can get a lot of the brightness of those $1,300 screens for around $750 at this writing.

It also provides color both in large quantities and high accuracy. The gamut covers just shy of 95% of DCI-P3, and there’s a near-perfect sRGB mode available. Out-of-the-box accuracy is even more impressive, which was so good that I couldn’t improve the measurements through calibration.

Adaptive-Sync is available for both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync systems over a 48-144 Hz range. The three HDMI inputs are version 2.1, which supports AS and 144 Hz. DisplayPort is version 1.4. You can also connect via USB-C and employ a KVM function using the four USB 3.2 downstream ports. The overdrive is very precise and delivers some of the smoothest motion I’ve yet seen from a 4K monitor. It won’t match motion resolution with a 240 or 360 Hz screen, but they won’t give you 163ppi.

Physical features include a pair of integrated speakers with five watts of power and DTS modes that up the audio quality. You also get Philips exclusive Ambiglow lighting, which can put on a show or serve as a bias light, improving the user’s perception of contrast and color saturation. It’s all wrapped in a solid package with an all-metal stand and a quality finish. Let’s take a look.

Assembly and Accessories

The carton is emblazoned with a large photo of the 279M1RV and a Designed For Xbox logo prominently featured. It is indeed console-ready and supports the full functionality of both Microsoft's Xbox Series X  and Sony’s PlayStation 5. The heavy metal stand bolts together without tools, and you can then snap on the panel. Using the provided fasteners, you can also use the 100mm VESA mount for an aftermarket arm. The cable bundle is complete with DisplayPort, HDMI, USB-C, USB-A/B and a large external power supply.

Product 360

Even without the Philips and Momentum labels printed on the stand, the 279M1RV is unmistakably styled. The base looks like the one that ships with all Philips monitors and TVs. It’s a heavy metal casting finished in a semi-matte gray. It screams high-end, and that feel extends to the equally tank-like upright. Once the panel is in place, the package is rock-solid.

The stand features full ergonomics with -5/20 degrees tilt, 35 degrees swivel and a 130mm height adjustment. Movements are firm and smooth with just the right amount of resistance, premium for sure.

The screen has a very thin bezel of just 6mm around the top and sides and 10mm across the bottom. There’s no room for logos here; just a single power LED which glows a bright white can be seen. Reach around the back right and you’ll find the joystick, which is the one and only control.

Also in back, you’ll see an array of LEDs bordering the top and sides. These exposed diodes are Philips’ Ambiglow feature, something you won’t find on any other monitor brand. While many screens have LED lighting, Ambiglow is a truly useful option that goes beyond the show. You can do the colored flashy thing if you want, but its best use is as a bias light. This is a concept rooted in science where a light behind the panel, with a neutral color temperature, can improve one’s perception of contrast and color saturation. By reflecting off the wall behind the monitor, it serves to close the pupils slightly which extends the eye’s depth of field. I use one of these with my projector screen and it makes a noticeable difference to the positive. Philips also includes this feature with its big-screen TVs.

The input panel is packed with three HDMI 2.1 inputs plus a DisplayPort 1.4. Video can also be fed to a USB-C port. The KVM feature is supported by USB 3.2, one upstream and four down. And you can plug a pair of headphones into the 3.5mm audio jack.

OSD Features

The 279M1RV’s OSD is packed with features and options. You won’t need to tweak the image at all since it comes spot-on out of the box. But some other enhancements can help improve gaming plus sound modes and a huge array of choices for the Ambiglow lighting.

Ambiglow is up first with options to follow video and audio content. This means the lights will change color and intensity as you play or watch a video. If you prefer, you can set an effect like shift, wave, or breath. The lights can be any color, and you can leave them static too. I set it up to show a white light of low intensity. When reflected off my wall, it improved perceived image quality much like a light hood.

Game Settings are pretty simple. There’s an Adaptive-Sync toggle, a single crosshair option, SmartResponse (overdrive) and Low Input Lag. This last one is always on when the refresh rate is higher than 60 Hz. The overdrive has four levels, of which Faster is the best option. It avoids ghosting and provides some of the best motion quality I’ve seen from a 4K monitor.

The HDMI inputs are version 2.1, which means they can pass both 120 Hz and 144 Hz signals. Use 120 Hz for consoles and 144 Hz for PCs.

The Picture menu has 10 modes, but the best choice is to turn them off. They all do different things to color and contrast, none of which are to standard. With SmartImage off, the picture is nearly perfect, 6500K color temp, 2.2 gamma and no visible gamut errors. This menu also has a SmartContrast option which is a field-dimming feature for SDR content. It increases contrast by lowering brightness for dark content and raising it when the picture is bright. It improves the ratio to around 5,000:1. In HDR mode, it’s locked on and uses 16 vertical dimming zones for contrast north of 27,000:1. You also get five gamma presets.

The 279M1RV can display two video sources at once using the PBP menu. With so many video inputs, this is a great way to multitask.

The Audio menu features six DTX modes that alter the phase and width of the sound stage to produce different effects. The built-in speakers play with decent volume but not much bass. With these options though, they sound better than most.

In the Color menu, you can set the white point by color temp value, select an sRGB mode or tweak the RGB sliders. I found no improvement over the default setting of 6500K.

With so many inputs and USB ports, KVM is a natural fit for the 279M1RV. For example, you can hook up multiple systems, a PC and console, and control them with a single set of peripherals. It’s all managed in the USB Setting menu.

Philips Momentum 279M1RV Calibration Settings

There isn’t much to say about the 279M1RV’s calibration. With SmartImage off, it renders the DCI-P3 color gamut to about 95% coverage. The white point is right on 6500K as labeled, and gamma is a shade under 2.2. Color gamut errors are well below the visible point. This is one of the most accurate monitors I’ve tested right out of the box. Below are the brightness values for commonly used output levels.

In HDR mode, there are six additional presets. For maximum output and accuracy, use the DisplayHDR 600 option. The others are well off the mark.

Gaming and Hands-on

For everyday tasks and video, a 4K display is unmatched. Its high pixel density ensures clean rendering of fine detail and thin lines like those found on spreadsheets or in presentation graphics. And they are ideal for editing the images that come from the latest high-res cameras.

The 279M1RV proved this to be so when I watched YouTube videos. Many of them are shot in 4K, so they look very sharp and realistic in full-screen mode. I enjoyed the extra color delivered by the wide gamut. And its accuracy showed in the familiar shades of flesh tone and natural hues like green grass and blue sky. This is a great display if you enjoy the intimate desktop movie experience.

It also delivers excellent sound. Though the internal speakers won’t shake your room with the bass of movie explosions, they play loud and clear with good balance and a wide sound stage. I tried the different DTS modes and settled on Theater as my favorite for everything. It gives a good impression of depth and dimension without sounding artificial.

Gaming proved to be an elevated experience, particularly in HDR mode. Both Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII were bright and saturated. Coupled with the 4K picture, detail and texture just leaped from the screen. If you pause to check out skin, whether human or alien, the 279M1RV made it look almost eerily realistic. With tiny details like razor stubble and pores clearly visible, it practically came to life.

Those super-fine bits held up well when the action moved quickly. Though the 279M1RV isn’t as smooth as a 240 Hz QHD monitor, it is better than other 4K gaming displays I’ve reviewed. Only the Dough Spectrum D03, in either matte or glossy form, can match this Philips in its ability to quell motion blur. There is no backlight strobe available here, but it is unnecessary. The overdrive is implemented perfectly and makes this monitor incredibly smooth and responsive. And yes, I did notice the lower-than-average input lag. Control response, to my perception, is equal to a 240 Hz display.

I experimented with the Ambiglow feature and though I used it for all gameplay, I discovered one flaw. It only offers three brightness levels in the Static mode. That wasn’t a problem in my room, but if you play in total darkness, the dimmest setting will be too bright. It’s best to have it be around 10% of the screen’s peak output. That means if you set brightness at 50 nits, the bias light should be at 5 nits. That low level isn’t possible here. But if you have an average ambient light level, the lowest setting is OK, measuring around 20 nits.

The 279M1RV is a superb all-around display and a terrific gaming monitor. In the 4K class, it’s one of my all-time favorites.

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I have plenty of 4K 144 Hz screens to add to the mix with the 279M1RV. The Dough D03 Glossy is a reference-quality display and the Sony U27M90 isn’t far behind that description. At 32 inches are Dell’s G3223Q, BenQ’s EX3210U and Corsair’s 32UHD144.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

A 144 Hz monitor will almost universally score 7 ms in my full field white draw test. The resolution does not affect the result. The difference in motion quality comes down to the monitor’s overdrive. The 279M1RV is one of the best I’ve seen with fixed options. The Dough is the only monitor with a multi-step approach that lets you dial in the overdrive level very precisely. The Philips manages to hit the mark on its Faster setting. The other screens are close behind, but the Philips and Dough are standouts in the motion processing department.

The 279M1RV has lower input lag than any 4K monitor I’ve tested, except for the Acer XV282K. At 29 ms, it comes close to some of the 240 Hz screens I’ve reviewed. That translates to a super quick control response that is a real treat for a gamer of my average skills. Thanks to the Philips ' near-perfect motion processing, I ripped through intense battles with ease.

Viewing Angles

The 279M1RV has excellent off-axis image quality with a barely perceptible reduction in brightness and only the slightest color shift to red/green. Detail remains clear in highlight and shadow areas, more so than many IPS monitors I've photographed. It is one of the best I’ve seen in this test. The top view is typical of IPS panels with a blue tint and washed-out look. One could easily share this monitor with another player.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Premium monitors like the 279M1RV rarely have visible uniformity issues and my sample was among the best in class. With just 8.1% average deviation from the center zone, I could not see any visible glow or bleed. Color and brightness were visually perfect in all patterns and at all brightness levels.

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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

The 279M1RV easily exceeds its 450-nit rating in SDR mode. It’s plenty bright for any potential environment, indoors or out. Black levels are just fair, but contrast cracks the 1,000:1 barrier. It’s on par with its peers.

After Calibration to 200 nits

My calibration consisted only of reducing the brightness slider to 200 nits but that shrunk the dynamic range a bit to 820.9:1. I recommend using the SmartContrast feature for SDR, which improves the picture with a roughly 5,000:1 ratio.

ANSI contrast is almost identical at 823.8:1, which speaks to Philips’ premium components and quality control. Though it doesn’t have a lot of dynamic range natively, its performance is very consistent and reliable.

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The 279M1RV’s color tests were impressive from the get-go. I quickly discovered that Philips had paid attention to image accuracy and fidelity with numbers that I could not improve upon with calibration.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Credit: Portrait Displays Calman

There are no visible errors in the 279M1RV’s default grayscale run, and in fact, only 100% brightness measures over 1dE. That’s pro-level accuracy that many monitors can’t achieve with calibration. Though RGB sliders and gamma presets are included, they won’t make any improvement, either measured or visual. Gamma tracks a tad light with a slight dip at 90%. This is a tiny error that won’t be visible in typical video or gaming content.

If you select sRGB in the Color Temp menu, the 279M1RV renders that gamut and maintains the correct 6500K color temp and 2.2 gamma. Again, that gamma is a shade light but close enough to not create a visible issue. This is excellent performance, worthy of a professional display.

Comparisons

0.69dE is the 279M1RV’s default grayscale test result. It truly doesn’t get better than that. The Dell is impressive too, but one cannot ignore the level of accuracy here. Compared to the bottom three, that’s significant.

After calibration of all screens, the Corsair pips the Philips for first place. And all monitors have invisible grayscale errors. But who wouldn’t prefer a perfect display out of the box? The 279M1RV is that.

In the gamma test, the 279M1RV shows a very tight range of values, with just 0.09 separating the brightest and darkest factors. With that dip at 90%, the average value deviation is slightly higher at 2.72%, representing an actual value of 2.15.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The 279M1RV’s color is equally impressive with a native gamut error of just 0.97dE. Again, many professional monitors can’t achieve this without calibration. Philips manages it right out of the box. Gamut coverage is almost full; only green and cyan come up a tad short. And visually, there is a lot of color saturation here.

The sRGB gamut measures almost perfectly as well. Red is a tad under-saturated, but few users will be able to see this error. Most players will keep the full gamut turned on for SDR content, but if you want the smaller color space, the option is in the Color Temp menu.

Comparisons

The 279M1RV takes first place in the gamut accuracy comparison from five other calibrated screens. This is excellent performance. Though none of the displays here have an issue, the Philips manages perfection without needing adjustment. Just set brightness to taste and you’re ready to play.

The Corsair and the BenQ over-achieve in the gamut volume test with values well over the 100% mark. The 279M1R is the best of the rest with an excellent 94.81% score. Visually, the top two screens will render a little more red, but in most content, users will be hard-pressed to see a difference. Philips has done well here. Due to the red primary performance, the sRGB coverage is a little short of 100%. This monitor is well-qualified for color-critical work like photography or video editing.

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Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The 279M1RV delivers in the HDR department. Its 16-zone vertical dimming feature is effective and peak output goes way beyond the DisplayHDR 600 certification. Plus, it renders HDR color accurately.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

Though the Sony takes the top spot for HDR brightness, the 279M1RV handily beats the other displays. When considering LCD monitors, peak luminance is usually the spec that entices everyone. Though I consider overall contrast to be more important, I can say that Philips has addressed both aspects equally well. The black level leads the pack and takes it to the top spot with over 27,000:1 HDR contrast. The only way you’ll see better is from a FALD panel. And that will cost you nearly twice the money for a 27-inch screen. The 279M1RV delivers a lot of value with a superb HDR image.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The 279M1RV offers six HDR modes, which can be a bit confusing. HDR is HDR and there is only one standard for luminance and color. That standard is met in the DisplayHDR 600 mode where you’ll not only get maximum brightness but decent accuracy. Grayscale runs a bit cool at the bright end of the scale, but the error isn’t too bad. There is no means to calibrate in this mode which is a bummer. The EOTF tracks almost perfectly with a tone-map transition point at 70%.

Comparing this with the Xbox mode shows a significant difference to the negative. Grayscale is more blue, which only serves to flatten the image. And the EOTF is far too light in tone. This robs the 279M1RV of contrast by raising low and mid-tone hues too much. That also serves to flatten the image. I advise avoiding the Xbox mode since it doesn’t look better. Xbox games are mastered to the correct HDR standards already.

HDR color tracking in DisplayHDR 600 mode is excellent for both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020. There is slight over-saturation of all colors, which is OK. Tracking is linear, so no detail is lost. Rec.2020 runs the same way with on-target performance until color runs out around 95%.

The Xbox mode creates a large gap in the color tracking where 20 and 40% targets are a little over-saturated, and higher values are very over-saturated. This creates a cartoonish look to bright content that I would call garish. Again, there is no need for a special Xbox mode. HDR content for this console is mastered to SMPTE standards for HDR10, just like every other game and video.

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If your gaming rig takes the form of a high-end PC or one of the latest consoles, an 4K monitor is the best choice to show it off. Of course, you can go for a big-screen television, but if you need a desktop solution, a 27-inch 16:9 flat panel is the ideal shape and size. With so many examples in the category, comparisons become tiny aspects of performance and image quality. The Philips Momentum 279M1RV delivers on all counts.

Gaming performance comes down to frame rate and the quality of a monitor’s overdrive. A 4K screen will need a lot of processing power behind it to top 100fps. If your system can do this, the only consideration is overdrive, AKA blur reduction. To date, only the Dough Spectrum D03 and the 279M1RV have truly stood out in this area. They refresh as fast as any other 144 Hz screen, but when viewing moving content, both better maintain motion resolution than anything else. The Philips doesn’t offer a backlight strobe, but it doesn’t need one to deliver superb gaming performance with both FreeSync and G-Sync systems.

In the color accuracy department, the 279M1RV is unmatched. I measured perfect color and grayscale and near-perfect gamma right out of the box. Calibration was completely unnecessary. There are many much more expensive displays that can’t make that claim.

Another standout feature is the Ambiglow LED system. Not only can it provide a flashy light show, but it can also serve as a bias light which has a real impact on contrast and color saturation. I wish it had a few more brightness settings suited to darkened rooms, but in my space, it provided a significant enhancement to the experience.

And don’t forget the tank-like build quality. The Philips Momentum 279M1RV has a premium and high-quality feel with rugged components that will likely outlast multiple systems.

If you’ve scored a high-end PC or console and only a 4K monitor will do, the 279M1RV is among the very best I’ve reviewed to date. Definitely check it out.

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Despite their status as premium and often expensive displays, the 4K category is red hot if you can take the sheer number of product introductions as an indicator. 32-inch monitors are especially popular, with multiple models landing on shelves and desks from every major manufacturer.

Corsair has been around for nearly 30 years, but it's only recent delved into the display market. I’ve already reviewed the Xeneon 32QHD165 and found it fulfilled its promise as a premium gaming monitor, so I went into this review with high expectations.

The Xeneon 32UHD144, as the name indicates shockingly clearly, is a 32-inch 4K monitor that runs at 144 Hz. The Fast IPS Quantum Dot panel sports Adaptive-Sync, HDR600 and a wide color gamut. It also accepts a line of addons like webcams and peripheral controllers that integrate into the stand to create a hardware ecosystem. Let’s take deep dive into its features and tested performance to see if the Xeneon 32UHD144 is a worthy addition to our best 4K gaming monitors list. 

 Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144  Specs

Corsair hasn’t cut any corners with the 32UHD144. It's high-end in every respect. The Fast IPS Quantum Dot panel has a huge color gamut that qualifies as a Rec.2020 display. It covers over 83% of that gamut, which means it exceeds DCI-P3 by a healthy margin. I measured just shy of 117%. This is one colorful monitor.

Accuracy is provided in equal amountse. There are preset modes for Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 and sRGB, all of which aced my color gamut tests. I recorded numbers that rival the best and most expensive professional screens. There’s also plenty of flexibility, as you can calibrate each mode with its own custom color temp settings. That’s something I rarely see in any display.

Picture quality is further enhanced with an edge backlight with 16 dimming zones. You can use the dynamic contrast feature for both SDR and HDR content and see contrast ratios over 10,000:1. The 32UHD144 is also DisplayHDR 600 certified, which I confirmed in my tests.

Of course, gaming performance is important as well. To that end, Corsair provides a dynamic overdrive that varies its operation based on frame rate for more effective blur reduction. You get Adaptive-Sync with both FreeSync and G-Sync operation confirmed in my tests. The 32UHD144 has not been certified by Nvidia. A backlight strobe feature is also included that can be used instead of Adaptive-Sync.

Corsair has kept the same hardware ecosystem I saw in my review of the 32QHD165. The stand has a threaded fitting called Multi Mount that can accept peripherals like webcams or lights using parts from Elgato. Controllers like Stream Deck and iCue Nexus can be used to quickly change settings without visiting the OSD. It also features the latest video interfaces like DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and USB-C. 

Assembly and Accessories

The Xeneon 32UHD144 comes in a generous box with plenty of crumbly foam to protect its contents. You’ll have to reach for a Phillips-head screwdriver to attach the panel to the upright. It then mates to the substantial metal base with a captive fastener. The cable management clips are already in place and slide up and down to keep the wiring tidy. The cable bundle includes a large external power supply plus USB-C-to-C and A-to-C, HDMI and DisplayPort. 

Product 360

You’ll be hard pressed to tell the difference between a 32QHD165 and a 32UHD144 when there is no image on the screen. The two monitors are physically identical, both panel and stand. The bezel is a thin, flush-mounted affair with a narrow 9mm frame around the top and sides and 20mm on the bottom. A small Corsair logo, the familiar sail graphic, and the name Corsair on the base are the only visible branding.

The 32UHD144’s stand is one of the best I’ve seen. The base is solid aluminum with a gray satin finish. The upright is mostly metal and rock solid. The entire chassis is monolithic in both look and feel with firm adjustments. You get 110mm of height along with 5/20 degrees tilt and 30 degrees swivel. There is no portrait mode. The panel has a 100mm VESA mount in back if you prefer to use your own hardware. Corsair will sell you the monitor without a stand for a $100 discount.

Peripheral options are something unique to the Xeneon line of Corsair displays. At the top of the stand is a threaded fitting that accepts arms from Elgato, which are sold on Corsair’s website. You can attach anything with a standard tripod thread like webcams, lights or microphones. You can also hook up a Stream Deck or iCue Nexus and create macro buttons to change monitor settings on the fly.

In the back, you’ll find a set of cable clips on the upright that slide up and down to help manage the wiring. Here too, you can see the power button and joystick, which controls all monitor functions. There is no LED lighting, nor are there integrated speakers.

The input panel has all the latest interfaces. Video can feed through a DisplayPort 1.4, two HDMI 2.1, or a USB-C connection. A second USB-C upstream port is provided for peripherals, for which there are also two downstream Type-A ports. A 3.5mm headphone jack is provided as well.

OSD Features

The 32UHD144’s OSD is all business with a text-based system divided into six sub-menus. The only graphic is Corsair’s sail logo at the top. It’s summoned with a press of the joystick.

The first menu, Picture, has everything needed for image control and calibration. Standard mode is the default and out of the gate, it’s very accurate. It uses the 32UHD144’s full color gamut, which covers over 116% of DCI-P3. There are eight total modes which include gamut-specific settings for DCI-P3, Adobe RGB and sRGB. They are also extremely accurate.

The Color Temp menu has three presets plus a Custom mode specific to each picture mode. The 32UHD144 is a rare monitor with separate memories for each picture mode. That means you can create a custom calibration for each mode. I’ll explain this in more detail later, but it’s something that even some professional screens don’t offer. You also get three gamma options ranging from 2.0 to 2.4.

The overdrive has three speeds plus a dynamic option which is very effective. It varies the amount of overshoot based on frame rate. I found it cleaned up blur nicely without any ghosting. The fixed settings do create ghosting, so I avoided them. You also get MPRT which is a backlight strobe option. It operates instead of Adaptive-Sync and cuts brightness by around 30%.

The 32UHD144’s backlight is an edge array with 16 dimming zones. You can turn on the dimming for both SDR and HDR content and up the static contrast ratio to around 10,000:1.

Gaming enhancements include a frame rate counter and a set of aiming points that come in red or green with cross, dot or angle shapes.

My only nitpick with the OSD is that to turn on MPRT, you have to go into System Setting and turn off Adaptive-Sync first. This seems like a needless extra step when the AS toggle could have been added to the picture menu. The final Info screen shows resolution, refresh, HDR and Adaptive-Sync status along with the active input and the firmware version. 

Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 Calibration Settings

There are a number of ways to optimize the 32UHD144’s picture for maximum accuracy. Out of the box, color is very close to the Rec.2020 spec, but grayscale runs slightly warm in tone. Gamma is super tight no matter what options you choose. If you switch to one of the specific gamut modes, Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 or sRGB, you get very high accuracy. The best part is the custom color temp sliders can be set independently for each mode. I’ve done this for you, and my settings are in the table below.

HDR signals lock out all picture controls, but that mode is super precise with excellent grayscale and EOTF tracking. You can see those test results on page five.

Gaming and Hands-on

The Xeneon 32UHD144 is a supremely useful display that serves equally well for work or play. As a productivity tool, it has all the attributes to help power through documents or do research, or do both simultaneously. Or you can keep a news crawl going in a corner while you watch a video. Big monitors like this can be used in a multitude of ways, and the flat panel means no image distortion. 32-inches in the 16:9 aspect is large but not overwhelming. Anything larger like a 43-inch, or wider like a 38-inch 21:9 screen and you’ll have to make some decisions about desktop space.

The picture is razor sharp like any premium 4K screen, but the color stands out. There are a few other 32-inch 4K monitors that have similarly large color gamuts, which I’ll cover in the test comparisons but suffice to say that the 32UHD144 is very colorful. You won’t find a larger gamut in this price range or in the very expensive area occupied by FALD and Mini LED panels.

I saw no benefit to running HDR for Windows productivity apps. Things like Word or Excel don’t look any different. If you want to edit HDR graphics though, it’s an easy switch in Control Panel. Though this is an HDR600 panel and thus very bright, it isn’t too harsh to show pictures in Photoshop or a graphics viewer. HDR streams from Netflix and Paramount+ shine with bright highlights, deep blacks and vibrant color. If you want to watch TV on the 32UHD144, it is more than up to the task.

There is no weakness in gaming performance here. Adaptive-Sync worked perfectly on my FreeSync and G-Sync testbeds with HDR and dynamic overdrive. This feature is one of the things worth buying the 32UHD144 for, and it is not available on many other screens. However, I didn’t see any benefit to the backlight strobe. I had to turn off Adaptive Sync, which at 100-120fps isn’t ideal, and it caused some ringing around moving objects. There were no artifacts when playing with G-Sync and dynamic overdrive, with speeds in Doom Eternal hovering around 120fps.

The 32UHD144’s low input lag definitely made a difference in my personal play experience. I play the same set of games for each review to make fair comparisons between displays and in this case, I had greater success in Doom Eternal’s Horde mode. I also had an easier time dispatching enemies in Call of Duty WWI and Tomb Raider. This is a very addicting display. I expect console gamers will be equally enamored since it’s ready for the 120 Hz VRR with HDR coming from the latest Xbox and PlayStation systems.

The rendered HDR image is stunning. I tweaked Doom’s internal picture controls and was rewarded with a foreboding and hellish landscape that burst with texture. The difference between artificial and natural surfaces was clear. This is an area where 4K is distinctly better than QHD, as long as you don’t move the mouse too quickly. Once the action speeds up, QHD at 165 Hz will look as good or better. However, knowing this did not reduce my enjoyment of the 32UHD144. It is a very capable and amazing-looking gaming screen. 

The comparison group for the Xeneon 32UHD144 is all 32-inch 4K IPS screens running at 144 Hz. We have Philips’ 329M1RV, Dell’s G3223Q, MSI’s MPG321UR-QDX, BenQ’s EX3210U and the Mini LED ViewSonic XG321UG. That last one costs around twice as much as the others. It’s here to provide a frame of reference for what you get when you buy a top-of-the-line 4K monitor. 

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

144 Hz means a 7ms screen draw time in all cases but the MSI. That one has a tiny advantage with slightly less motion blur at full speed. The 32UHD144 is in line with the others for sheer speed. It is the only one with variable overdrive, which helps up motion resolution a bit over a monitor with fixed overdrive.

It is also one of the quickest overall 4K screens I’ve measured. 30ms isn’t too far behind the capabilities of a QHD/165 Hz monitor. Though the 165 Hz screen will have smoother motion, control response and feel will be similar. The 32UHD144 is a very worthy gaming monitor that will satisfy a player’s wish for high pixel density and low input lag.

Viewing Angles

The 32UHD144 has an off-axis image typical of IPS monitors. At 45 degrees to the side, you’ll see a 30% light reduction and a shift to reddish green. The detail in shadow areas will be a little harder to make out. You can see that the 0 and 10% steps look the same in the photos. The top view is washed out with a blue tint and a 40% reduction in brightness. 

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The 32UHD144 does well in the uniformity test with no visible glow or bleed. The light meter detected a little extra light in the lower left corner, but this wasn’t enough to be seen with the naked eye. This is clearly a quality panel built to a high standard.

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

The 32UHD144 has no trouble exceeding its brightness spec of 400 nits in SDR mode. There is plenty of light here for any environment, including outdoors. The downside of this is a relatively narrow output range. I couldn’t get the backlight down to 50 nits for dark room gameplay. The minimum is 81 nits which is a little fatiguing if you plan to play for hours in the dark. Native contrast is an IPS average 1,050.3:1. This increases to around 10,000:1 when using the local dimming option in SDR mode.

After Calibration to 200 nits

After calibrating the Standard picture mode, contrast drops slightly to 963:1. There is no visible reduction in picture quality. There is so much color that you almost don’t notice the black levels. The image is richly saturated and detailed.

ANSI contrast is around the same level at 935.5:1. The 32UHD144 is a well-engineered and carefully built monitor with premium components and quality control. 

The 32UHD144 can be optimized in many ways using the preset color gamut modes. Standard uses the full native color space, which is close to Rec.2020. Alternately, you can select Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 or sRGB and calibrate them individually. 

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

Grayscale tracking is very consistent across all picture modes. Out of the box, the 32UHD144 runs a little warm in tone, but the errors are slight and only visible above 60% brightness. Gamma tracking is about as close to perfect as a monitor can get.

Calibrating the custom color temp removes all visible errors and takes the 32UHD144 to a reference level of accuracy. Gamma gets slightly lighter on the chart, but this change cannot be seen with the naked eye. I was able to achieve the same results in every gamut mode, so I’ve only included a single before and after chart here.

Comparisons

With a default grayscale error of 3.23dE, the 32UHD144 can be enjoyed without calibration. But since there is such upward potential, it makes sense to tweak a bit. I got the average error below 1dE in all gamut modes using independent RGB settings. You’ll find them in the table back on page one. The post-calibration errors for the other modes are DCI-P3 – 0.63dE, Adobe RGB – 0.58dE and sRGB – 1.06dE.

Gamma tracking is among the best in class. The range of values is super tight at only 0.06 from lowest to highest. The average value is 2.16 for a 1.82% deviation, which is also excellent. This holds true in all gamut modes.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

I’ve included charts showing all the 32UHD144’s gamut modes. The default measurements for Standard mode, which are set against the Rec.2020 standard, show some hue errors in red and magenta and slight under-saturation overall. Note that this is under-saturation in the Rec.2020 realm, DCI-P3 would show a general over-saturation.

If you pick a specific gamut mode, the 32UHD144 hits the marks right on the nose. You can see that every point is on target for DCI-P3, Adobe RGB and sRGB. It doesn’t get better than this.

Comparisons

I’ve charted the error for Standard mode, which uses the 32UHD144’s full native gamut. The other color modes have even lower values. Adobe RGB is 1.70dE, DCI-P3 is 1.32dE and sRGB is 1.33dE. That result exceeds many professional monitors that cost substantially more.

The 32UHD144’s near-117% coverage of DCI-P3 should be no surprise, given that it covers 83.36% of Rec.2020. That makes it one of the most colorful monitors I’ve tested. You can get similar coverage from the BenQ, MSI and ViewSonic screens with comparable levels of accuracy.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The 32UHD144 is a very capable HDR monitor with a zone dimming edge backlight. It has 16 dimming zones, which enhance contrast significantly. An HDR10 signal switches modes automatically. 

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The 32UHD144 is rated for 600 nits in HDR mode, and my sample beat that handily with nearly 700 nits of total output measured using a full-field white pattern. That’s seriously bright. In practice, you’ll only see this level in small highlight areas. Thanks to the effective zone dimming feature, black levels are relatively low, and contrast is above average at 10,875.2:1. The Mini LED ViewSonic achieves high values thanks to its incredibly bright backlight and super low black levels. But that level of performance will cost you about double the price of the Corsair and the other screens.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

I was surprised to see a lack of image control in HDR mode. There is only a single picture mode and no means of changing color. But obviously, that isn’t a problem given the results shown above. The 32UHD144 is one of the most color-accurate HDR monitors I’ve tested. Grayscale tracking is visually perfect. The only flaw is some lightness at the lowest level. This is likely due to the speed in which the zone dimming backlight reacts to changes in picture levels. In practice, the HDR image is very deep with true blacks and very bright highlights.

In the color test, the 32UHD144 is clearly using the Rec.2020 reference for all content, even when mastered to DCI-P3. You can see in the DCI chart how green tracks toward the Rec.2020 points, which means it’s a tad bluer. This will be hard to spot in actual content, but a firmware update might be in order to ensure that color tracks correctly for the content’s reference gamut. Saturation points are linear in progression with slight over-saturation overall, not a bad thing.

In the HDR monitor category, there are three distinct tiers of image quality. Budget screens make do with no dynamic contrast and therefore have images that look much the same whether they’re SDR or HDR. At the high end where prices can top $2,000, we have full-array local dimming backlights, some with Mini LEDs, and potentially over 1,000 dimming zones. They look stunning but their prices are high.

In the middle, for $800-1,000, are monitors like the Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144. They deliver plenty of brightness and zone dimming edge backlights to get HDR contrast over 10,000:1. That’s a significant difference from the IPS typical 1,000:1. And those monitors have color gamuts just as large, if not larger, than their more expensive cousins. They are in the sweet spot of the price/performance ratio.

The 32UHD144 checks all the boxes for a premium 4K screen. Its video processing is excellent thanks to dynamic overdrive, something very few gaming monitors offer. The image is stunning thanks to that Quantum Dot film and the resulting huge color gamut. With nearly 117% coverage of DCI-P3, it qualifies as a Rec.2020 panel. Again, only a few other screens have this much color.

Corsair also heads the class in color accuracy. With preset picture modes for Adobe RGB, DCI-P3 and sRGB that are all spot-on, you can use it for the same color-critical work normally taken on by a much more expensive professional display. The 32UHD144 is a reference-level monitor.

While the price at this writing is $999 ($899 without the stand), it doesn’t cost much more than other comparable products. And its color accuracy, build quality and ability to anchor a hardware ecosystem make it stand out. The Corsair Xeneon 32UHD144 is a monitor anyone looking to go 4K should strongly consider.

Every so often in the monitor sector, perhaps once a decade, the most popular screen size gets a little bigger. In 2012, when I started reviewing displays for Tom’s Hardware, 27-inch screens were just starting to trickle into the mainstream. 27 was the new 24. Now, it seems the shift is going to 32-inch panels. Will 32 be the new 27? If you look at pricing trends, a 32-inch 4K monitor costs about the same as a 27-inch IPS monitor did ten years ago. And for a couple hundred bucks more, you get 144 Hz and Adaptive-Sync.

I’ve seen several of these very capable gaming displays come through my lab lately with Dell's  G3223Q being the latest. Like the best 4K gaming monitors in the $800 to $900 tier, it sports 144 Hz over DisplayPort with 120 Hz over HDMI 2.1 for consoles, plus Adaptive-Sync, HDR and a wide color gamut.

Dell G3223Q Specs

The G3223Q starts with a speedy IPS panel that responds in a claimed 1ms (gray-to-gray) and runs at 144 Hz over DisplayPort without overclock. FreeSync operates over a 48 to 144 Hz range and G-Sync is also supported, as confirmed by my testing. The G3223Q does not yet appear on Nvidia’s certified list, but I suspect that will happen soon. Minor spoiler alert: This is one of the quickest 32-inch 4K monitors I’ve tested, with excellent performance in the input lag test. Obviously, video processing has been given top priority here.

HDR is supported by a VESA DisplayHDR 600 certification. And in the DisplayHDR 600 picture mode, the panel uses a zone-dimming edge backlight array to increase contrast. I measured 5,270:1, which puts it ahead of monitors that don’t have dynamic contrast but behind other 32-inch 4K screens I’ve tested recently.

There is also plenty of color available, with over 92% coverage of DCI-P3. That’s about average for the category, but similar monitors I’ve reviewed recently managed to exceed 100%. You’ll see those screens in the comparison charts later.

The G3223Q is designed to be versatile, with plenty of picture modes that cover every possible usage. A Creator mode lets you choose between DCI-P3 and sRGB color gamuts and set gamma curves for each. The Console mode is designed for 120 Hz operation of the latest PlayStation and Xbox units. It includes support for Adaptive-Sync and HDR, while allowing the user to tweak color saturation and gamma game-by-game.

The G3223Q looks to be a strong competitor in a field that grows more crowded every week. But the proof is in the testing. Let’s take a look.

Assembly and Accessories

Dell continues its commitment to recyclable packaging, with carefully molded paper pulp inserts that keep the contents secure. My sample arrived in perfect condition. The box opens like a clamshell revealing a stand, base and panel that assemble without tools. An aftermarket arm can be used with the included 100mm VESA mount and fasteners. The accessory bundle features a large external power supply and cables for DisplayPort, HDMI and USB. They have a quality feel with soft, flexible insulation and thicker gauges than what I normally see.

Product 360

Dell sticks with the minimalist styling theme found on all its gaming monitors. From the front, you see the image with thin flush bezel lines just 7mm wide around the top and sides. A 16mm strip crosses the bottom with a tiny Dell logo front and center. On the lower-right corner, you can just see a power LED, which also marks the spot for the power toggle key. Behind the right side are four control buttons and an OSD joystick. Finishes are a mix of gray and black plastic, all in the same smooth satin texture. Vents ring the sides of the panel, and there are no built-in speakers.

On the back is the G3223Q’s lighting feature. A blue LED strip borders the louvered trapezoidal shape, which you’ll see on the back of many Dell monitors. I’ve compared it to a certain alien robot race from the 1970s TV show Battlestar Galactica, and this version looks no different. Oddly, you cannot turn off the blue LEDs, but you can defeat the power LED, which is barely visible from the front.

The stand is a solid piece that offers firm movements. The height range is 100mm, or just under four inches. You also get 30 degrees of swivel to each side and 5/21 degrees tilt. There is no portrait mode.

The side view shows a panel of typical thickness, around 2.7 inches, with no USB ports in sight. But Dell has made a better effort than most by putting ports underneath the bezel rather than tucked up with the other inputs. There’s a 3.5mm audio jack here too. All three ports are easily accessed from the front. Just feel for them on the left. The USB 3.2 upstream port is on the main input panel under the stand. You also get a single DisplayPort 1.4 and two HDMI 2.1 inputs.

OSD Features

The G3223Q’s OSD is all business, with none of the sci-fi graphics found in many gaming monitors. There are nine sub-menus with all functions right where you’d expect to find them. Press the joystick to bring up the full menu. Pressing one of the four control keys gives access to picture modes, inputs and brightness/contrast.

The G3223Q has 12 total SDR picture modes. Standard is the default and best mode because it is very accurately calibrated at the factory. It’s so good that I was unable to make an improvement in the Custom Color mode like I usually do with Dell screens. But if you want control over gamma, color and RGB gain/bias, Custom Color delivers those options. To change gamuts, choose Creator for either DCI-P3 or sRGB support. Each gamut has its own gamma settings, and you can turn on uniformity compensation, which I did not need for my sample.

The Game menu also offers a few other settings. There are three overdrive levels. Use the slowest one for the best result with no ghosting. A Dark Stabilizer increases black levels for more visible shadow detail. Console mode is specifically for consoles that run at 120 Hz with VRR and HDR. It also has its own set of color and gamma adjustments.

The Display menu has four HDR modes available for that signal type. Desktop provides a good color balance and contrast levels for productivity. DisplayHDR 600 is the best choice for gaming or HDR video. It uses an edge zone dimming feature to increase contrast to a measured 5,270:1. There is no dynamic contrast available for SDR material.

Three of the control keys can be programmed by the user to provide quick access to things like input selection and picture modes. You can turn off the power LED if you wish, but not the blue LED strip light in the back--but at least the rear lights aren't very bright. I saw only a soft glow against the back wall of my office.

The final menu has signal info and can reset all settings back to their factory defaults.

Dell G3223Q Calibration Settings

The G3223Q comes with a calibration data sheet and is very precisely calibrated before shipping. In the Standard mode, I measured reference level values for grayscale tracking, gamma and color gamut accuracy. There is no need to calibrate the Custom Color mode, though if you wish to do so, it offers gain and bias RGB sliders along with hue and saturation controls for all six colors. However, there are no gamma presets. For those, you’ll have to select Creator mode, where you can change gamma and choose either DCI-P3 or sRGB gamut standards. This mode is also fairly accurate.

For HDR signals, there are four additional modes. Desktop is great for productivity apps and DisplayHDR 600 is the right choice for games and video. Below, I’ve listed the brightness settings for commonly used output levels.

Gaming and Hands-on

I admit a certain bias in favor of 32-inch flat 16:9 monitors given that I use one every day. It is an ideal size for getting work done, especially if you write or edit graphics. The G3223Q is very versatile in this regard. It delivers plenty of color to your favorite apps. Though SDR content is most accurately matched to the sRGB gamut, today’s wide gamut screens have largely erased that guideline. The G3223Q offers a very usable Creator mode, so sRGB is available with just a few clicks of the OSD joystick.

For all my work, I stuck with the Standard picture mode, brightness set to 76%, which equated to 200 nits. Though contrast is just IPS-average, I enjoyed a sharp and punchy image that was rich in detail. Pixel density is sufficient for precise photo editing, and videos render clearly and smoothly.

HDR gaming is the G3223Q’s forte, so I turned first to Doom Eternal. I did not have to make any changes to levels or color in the game’s menu to get a stunning HDR image. It wasn’t quite on the level of a full-array backlight screen, but it was much better than the SDR version of the same scenes. Color was vivid and bright, thanks to accurate saturation tracking, and full of fine detail. There’s nothing quite like studying game environments in 4K on a big monitor.

Video processing presented no issues with perfect FreeSync and G-Sync operation at around 120fps. That was the highest I could go when using a PC equipped with a GeForce RTX 3090. A Radeon RX 5700 XT delivered around 100fps. Both machines were satisfying to play given my moderate skills. If you are more competent, you will want to consider a faster monitor running at 240 Hz or more.

Tomb Raider made the most of the G3223Q’s large color gamut. Though a few hues looked over-saturated in this SDR game, the overall image was very strong with good black levels and plenty of color detail. It would have been nice to have a dynamic contrast option available in SDR mode, but the image was sharp and colorful.

The G3223Q has no backlight strobe option, but its overdrive is effective when left on its lowest setting, Fast. Super Fast and Extreme caused visible and distracting ghost artifacts in both test patterns and actual content. Ultimately, the only thing that will be smoother and have greater motion resolution than this display is a faster panel. Control lag was perceptibly non-existent, as in, there was none I could detect. This is one of the fastest 4K displays I’ve tested to date.

I’ve accumulated quite a few 32-inch 4K monitors in my test database. To compare the G3223Q, I’ve included MSI’s MPG321UR-QDX, BenQ’s EX3210U, Philips 320M1RV and Asus’ PG32UQ. To represent Mini LED, I’ve also put in the ViewSonic XG321UG. It is quite a bit more expensive than the rest, but it also delivers unparalleled contrast and brightness for HDR content.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The MSI continues to be the only 4K 144 Hz monitor I’ve tested that has a measurably quicker response time than its competitors. 6ms versus 7ms is a subtly visible difference in rapid movement sequences. Quick camera pans and flying objects are a bit clearer and have greater motion resolution.

The G3223Q shines in the overall lag test. I didn’t need any special settings to achieve 30ms of total control lag, which is the quickest score I’ve recorded for any 144 Hz screen, regardless of resolution. The only way to get less lag and more smoothness is with a higher refresh rate. And, of course, a higher frame rate. QHD 240 Hz screens are the kings of balanced performance right now, but UHD 240 Hz is allegedly just around the corner.

Viewing Angles

The G3223Q has decent viewing angles from a brightness perspective. You can see that there is barely any reduction in light output as the view shifts to 45 degrees off-axis. The color goes slightly green, which is a typical trait for IPS monitors. The top view is blue in tone with a 40% light reduction and washed-out detail. This is also typical IPS performance. The G3223Q can be comfortably shared by two users.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My G3223Q sample had decent black field uniformity, with the meter detecting a hot spot in the upper-right corner. I could not see this error in actual content, nor could I see any color aberrations or other anomalies in any material, regardless of overall brightness level.

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

The G3223Q has more than enough brightness for any situation or environment. 459 nits from a 32-inch screen is a lot of light, more than most could endure for more than a few minutes indoors. With a minimum brightness of 34 nits, you can choose from a wide range of levels. Setting the brightness slider to 76% delivers an ideal 200 nits.

Black levels are about average for the given backlight level, so the G3223Q renders a native contrast ratio of 1,024.3. A handful of IPS screens can top 1,200:1, but this is a barely visible difference. There is no dynamic contrast option available in SDR mode to increase this figure.

After Calibration to 200 nits

The G3223Q was not calibrated for this test; only the brightness setting was changed. Its contrast ratio remains in third place behind the Philips and ViewSonic screens. The ViewSonic’s Mini LED panel has no significant advantage in this test because its zone dimming feature is turned off.

The G3223Q maintains a solid 1,024.6:1 ANSI contrast ratio which indicates excellent component quality and build control on Dell’s part. Though this monitor has just average contrast, it is manufactured to a high standard.

The G3223Q sports some of the best out-of-box color accuracy I’ve measured. It’s good enough that no calibration is required, and in fact, I could not improve on the initial test results for any image parameter.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

In Standard mode, the G3223Q’s grayscale tracking is reference level. All errors are under 1dE except for 90%, which just cracks the line. This is top-level performance, equal to any professional screen. Gamma tracking is a tad dark but well within the acceptable range. This mode employs the monitor’s full DCI-P3 gamut.

If you want sRGB, you’ll find it in the Creator picture mode. There, you can choose the gamut and gamma but oddly, not the color temperature. That is fixed at D65, and like Standard mode, it has no visible errors. 100% brightness just touches the 3dE line, but I could not see an issue with the naked eye. 1.65dE is a very good score. Gamma is a bit darker when set to 2.2, measuring closer to 2.3. It is possible to alter the gamma, but none of the settings are right on 2.2.

Comparisons

I was unable to get better numbers in the G3223Q’s Custom Color picture mode, so I’m comparing the default (Standard preset) values for grayscale and gamma tracking, which are exemplary. 0.79dE is good enough to win the out-of-box contest and finish third after the other monitors are calibrated. It doesn’t get better than that. This factory calibration is truly on-point.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The G3223Q’s color gamut tests showed similarly excellent performance. The default DCI-P3 gamut in Standard mode has no visible errors. Red is a tiny bit over-saturated, but that doesn’t affect actual content in any way. Hue and saturation targets are right where they should be.

Choosing the sRGB option in Creator mode delivers the same excellent result with an average error of just 1.95dE. With every point in or on its target box, there is nothing to fault. Users needing a precise sRGB mode will have their wish fulfilled here.

Comparisons

1.52dE is good enough to put the G3223Q in first place. The sRGB mode’s 1.95dE would slot into fourth place which is impressive. These numbers are completely unaltered by picture adjustments other than setting brightness to 200 nits. That is excellent performance worthy of any professional application.

The G3223Q’s DCI-P3 gamut volume is about average at 92.35%. But some of the newest screens I’ve tested boast volumes over 115%. If accuracy is the deciding factor, the Dell is technically a little more accurate than the top four since none of its primaries are over-saturated. But if maximum color is your goal, there are screens that offer more. The Dell’s sRGB volume of 99.53% is also a very precise result. You can use the G3223Q for color-critical work right out of the box. Not many monitors can make that claim.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The G3223Q handles HDR10 signals by switching modes automatically and quickly, whether coming from a PC or console. Four HDR modes are available, each with its own particulars.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

After measuring all four HDR modes, I settled on DisplayHDR 600 as the best for gaming and video. It has the best color and luminance accuracy and the largest contrast ratio. The G3223Q uses a zone dimming edge backlight array to increase contrast. I ran a few test patterns and determined there are eight zones in operation. This isn’t enough to make a huge difference, but 5,270.1:1 is a clear improvement over SDR. Though the Dell’s HDR black level is higher than the other screens, it is still quite dark when compared to SDR.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The G3223Q’s HDR white balance, EOTF and gamut accuracy are all exemplary. HDR grayscale tracking shows no visible errors with all values under 3dE. The EOTF is a bit darker than reference until the soft transition to tone-mapping at 65% brightness. This gives the image a bit more punch because the black levels are darker than the target. Some fine shadow detail might be hard to see, but I did not experience this in the content I viewed.

In the gamut test, the G3223Q tracks DCI-P3 very well except for the 100% green and red points which are under-saturated. This would only be visible in very bright images. Rec.2020 tracking shows a similar result where all inner points are on target until the display runs out of color around 90% for red and green and 95% for blue. This is excellent performance. The G3223Q is a very colorful and accurate HDR display.

If you're going to invest in a 32-inch monitor, it should be a versatile display, as we’ve seen with MSI’s MPG321UR-QDX and BenQ’s EX3210U. Though the Dell's $800 to $900 price isn’t exactly low, these large screens are much less expensive than they were just a year or two ago. And their size and shape make them ideal for gaming, videos and any kind of productivity, while making a reasonable footprint on the desktop.

Given the size of the average workspace, 32 can easily be the new 27. You can sit at a comfortable two-to-three-foot viewing distance without squinting at tiny text or being overwhelmed by a jumbo screen. With so many new panels becoming available, it can only have a positive effect on prices.

The Dell G3223Q is a great representative for this emerging category. Though I have tested 32-inch 4K screens with greater contrast and larger color gamuts, only a handful can match the speed I clocked here. With 30ms total input lag, this monitor strikes an excellent balance between response and motion resolution. I could get a smoother moving image from a 240 Hz or faster display, but then I’d give up that high pixel density.

The G3223Q is also the most color-accurate of the bunch. With no adjustment other than setting the backlight to 200 nits, I recorded grayscale, gamma and color gamut results, HDR and SDR, equal to or better than many professional monitors that cost considerably more. At a current price of $825, Dell is selling a Michelin-Star meal for beer and pretzel money--relatively speaking of course.

The G322Q is ideal for PC gaming and just about anything else you need a computer for. And its ability to easily interface with the latest PlayStation and Xbox consoles is a plus. Those looking to add a large 4K monitor to their systems should definitely check it out.

Finding the right balance between speed and resolution is a matter of budget when it comes to selecting a monitor. But with many 4K 144 Hz gaming monitors appearing in the marketplace, prices have come down to where it will cost about the same to buy one versus a 240 Hz QHD display. The latest generation consoles play a role too, in that they’ve introduced more users to Ultra HD gaming with HDR.

The best 4K gaming monitors haven’t gone beyond 144 Hz yet, but they have refined their performance with better overdrives, blur reduction and Adaptive-Sync. Image quality has also improved with more effective HDR and larger color gamuts.

Sitting at the comfortable price point of $700, HP’s Omen 27u offers just about everything one could want in an Ultra HD screen, including HDMI 2.1 port for console compatibility. Let’s take a look.

HP Omen 27u Specs

 The Omen 27u has an IPS panel rated for 1 ms response using both MPRT and GTG standards. In my tests, I found it drew the screen as fast as any other Ultra HD monitor but had slightly lower-than-average input lag.

The backlight is an LED edge array with a dynamic contrast option available for SDR and HDR content. That gives the 27u decent HDR contrast of around 6,400:1. It also has a large color gamut that covers 91% of DCI-P3, putting it above average in that regard. HDR10 signals are supported with a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. My tests confirmed this brightness level for both SDR and HDR content.

Gaming performance is assured with Adaptive-Sync, which covers both FreeSync and G-Sync platforms with HDR and overdrive up to 144 Hz. The Omen 27u has not yet been certified by Nvidia, but MPRT (blur reduction) is available to improve motion resolution further. A five-level overdrive can also be employed to keep the action clear.

The Omen 27u’s connectivity includes the latest interfaces with DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1. There’s also a USB-C port, but it is for data only and does not support video.

An LED lighting feature is included that rings a soft glow around the back of the panel and illuminates the base with different colors and effects. It’s controlled from the OSD or HP’s Omen Light Studio desktop app. Styling is unique, with nary a curve or taper to be seen. Everything is made from square corners and diamonds to form a shape you won’t see anywhere else.

Assembly and Accessories

A clamshell box opens wide to reveal the Omen 27u’s contents secured in carefully shaped cardboard. The packaging is completely recyclable and doesn’t use foam of any kind. The stand and base are already joined together. To attach the panel, find the tiny Allen key in the carton, insert the stand’s tab into the panel, and lock down two captive fasteners. It’s a tad fiddly, but the chassis is very solid once complete. A stylish external power supply provides the juice while USB and DisplayPort cables deliver data and video.

Product 360

In most cases, the adjective “blocky” is a negative. But the 27u uses block styling to form a lithe and elegant package consisting of only 90-degree corners with smooth edges. The panel is perfectly flat in back with a component bulge that’s also flat and turned to form a diamond shape. Inputs are arrayed on the downward edges with video on one side and USB on the other. You get one each of DisplayPort 1.4, HDMI 2.1 and HDMI 2.0. USB is version 3.2 and includes a Type-C upstream port and two type-B downstream ones. A 3.5mm audio jack completes the package.

The lighting is well done with a soft glow that doesn’t intrude. There is a diffuse ring around the bulge in back and another source on the bottom edge illuminating the base. A polished diamond sits in just the right spot to create a catchlight. The only other light is a tiny power LED on the bottom right.

The stand includes a 130 mm height adjustment and 3/25 degrees tilt. There is no swivel or portrait mode. At full extension, the panel is the right height to put one’s eyepoint at the center screen. On top of the stand is a spot to hang headphones. A hole in the upright helps keep cables tidy.

The panel has a flush bezel on all four sides, which is unique in my experience. The frame around the image is very thin: 6 mm on the top and sides and 10 mm on the bottom. There is no branding visible from the front, and when the picture is on, you can barely perceive the border.

Around the back right is a joystick that controls all of the monitor functions except power which gets its own button. The stand attaches seamlessly and, once bolted down, appears to grow out of the panel. The monitor is monolithic in both look and feel. If you prefer to use your own hardware, a 100mm VESA mount hides behind a removable panel.

OSD Features

The Omen 27u’s OSD is packed with options for gaming, image adjustment and the LED lighting. To bring it up, press the joystick twice.

Gaming is front and center with many options, including video processing and play aids. MPRT is the backlight strobe used for blur reduction. It has five levels that get progressively darker as smoothness increases. Level 2 or 3 is a good balance. When it’s on, Adaptive-Sync cannot be used. Edge Precision is an edge enhancement option that sharpens images noticeably. It’s OK for static images, but moving pictures show ringing artifacts. Shadow Vision increases black levels to bring out shadow detail. There are five overdrive levels available, but I recommend staying at three or less since the faster options create visible ghosting.

Play aids include a slick aiming point editor where you pick from four different shapes to create your own crosshair. You can also choose the color and its location on the screen. Game timers include countdown and stopwatch functions, and you can display the frame rate. Finally, there are marks to align multiple monitors with precision.

The External Lighting menu controls the rear and bottom arrays separately. There are various effects and colors available. Or you can create custom light shows using HP’s Omen Light Studio app. All the lights can be turned off if you wish.

Image controls include an effective dynamic contrast option and Black Stretch is another way to increase shadow area visibility. The Color menu offers nine picture modes with RGB sliders available for each one. I found the default Gaming mode to be the most accurate, with no requirement for calibration. Game Remaster mode bumps up color saturation and sharpness to help older games look better. HP Enhance+ does much the same thing and offers three levels of enhancement.

The Input menu includes many options for DisplayPort activity, HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) and PbP for multiple video sources. It also includes the audio controls (volume and mute) in a sub-menu.

HP Omen 27u Calibration Settings

The Omen 27u’s Gaming mode is one of the best default picture modes I’ve seen in any monitor. It delivers almost perfect color, grayscale and gamma and does not require adjustment. In fact, I could not improve upon its test results when I adjusted the RGB sliders. There are no gamma presets but luminance tracks very close to the 2.2 standard. The native color gamut is large at 91% coverage of DCI-P3 and cannot be adjusted. There is no sRGB mode.

HDR content receives a similar treatment with very accurate and saturated color that requires no user intervention. Below are the brightness settings for commonly used peak white levels.

Gaming and Hands-on

The Omen 27u has a bright and sharp picture that’s great for just about any application, whether it's for work or play. Color is very saturated, but balanced enough so that it never looks overblown. It’s colorful without being cartoonish. Static images are super clean when browsing the web or working in apps like Photoshop. In these cases, the Edge Precision option adds a bit of clarity. Where it is not recommended is when watching video or when gaming. Then, the added edge enhancement causes fine lines to break up and detail to be lost.

For productivity, I found SDR to be the best choice. HDR looks fine on the Windows desktop, but warm colors were muted unless I viewed HDR-mastered content. To watch HDR video, you need to switch on HDR in Control Panel. Contrast was good enough to make small text stand out well against white backgrounds, while reading documents or web content was easy on the eyes. I had to applaud the near-perfect color, grayscale and gamma accuracy, which combined to deliver a fatigue-free image.

Exploring the various enhancement and video processing options while gaming proved interesting. Edge Precision should definitely be avoided in first-person shooters. Quick movements produced distracting ringing artifacts. MPRT turned out to be a usable alternative to Adaptive-Sync. Motion resolution was a tiny bit higher, and I only saw the occasional frame tear when the action stayed north of 100 frames per second. I enjoyed creating my own aiming points using the editor in the OSD. It’s better than the other examples of this feature I’ve seen. Having more timer and stopwatch options than the norm was useful too.

HDR gaming was first-rate with deep contrast and bold vibrant color. Doom Eternal had a particularly intense red during one sequence where I moved through what looked like the remains of a major artery. The word “juicy” came to mind. If you’re into gaming gore, the Omen 27u delivers it generously. Fast motion remained smooth when shapes were more organic, like rocks and trees. Man-made objects had a bit of blur. That I nitpick about this is partially because I’ve spent many hours playing on 240 and 360 Hz monitors.

SDR games like Tomb Raider played with a rich color palette as well. Though the correct gamut for these titles is sRGB, I had no complaints about the 27u’s extended color space. I would prefer to see a choice to use sRGB with SDR content, but most users will be more than satisfied with using the large gamut for all content.

Though not mentioned in HP’s specs, the 27u has a decent pair of internal speakers. Though they won’t shake your desktop with bass output, they deliver clean dialog at reasonable volumes. Gunfire and explosions are a bit tinny, but they play without distortion. Music comes across with a narrow sound stage that ends at the sides of the panel but sounds good enough to add dimension to games and video.

The Omen 27u is a highly capable Ultra HD monitor that delivers all the gaming performance of the most expensive screens and a good percentage of the picture quality. Its HDR image is better than average, outpaced only by high-end monitors with zone dimming backlights or OLED panels.

To compare the Omen 27u’s performance, I’ve gathered Ultra HD displays ranging from 27 to 32 inches in size. All are edge backlight IPS panels running at 144 Hz. We have Philips’ 329M1RV, the Eve Spectrum D03, Asus’ VG28U, Acer's XV282K and LG’s 27GN950.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The Acer draws a full white field 1ms quicker than the rest. That gives it a slight edge in smoothness with a tad less motion blur. In practice, the difference is very small. The rest, including the Omen 27u, hit 7ms which is typical for a 144 Hz monitor.

Total input lag is right in the middle at 32ms. The LG is a standout here; one of the few 144 Hz monitors that is significantly quicker than 30ms. Gamers of average ability will have no problem enjoying play on the Omen 27u. It has similar levels of motion blur and responsiveness to its competition.

Viewing Angles

The Omen 27u has reasonable viewing angles with very little loss of brightness at 45 degrees to the side and a slight green tint. You can still see all the pattern steps clearly with no change in shadow detail. The top view is blue with a washed-out look, which is typical of the IPS category.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My Omen 27u sample scored very well in the uniformity test with no visible hotspots, bleed or glow. The edge backlight kept things nice and smooth at all brightness levels and all colors when I viewed full-field patterns. There is no reason to expect issues with any example of this monitor.

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

The Omen 27u is a very bright monitor with more than enough output for any situation and environment. You'll never pine for light output with an SDR peak of over 409 nits. The minimum level is 69 nits which is a tad higher than my preference for dark room gaming. I’d rather use 50 nits for that. With such a broad range available, each click of the 100 brightness steps is around 3 nits.

The 27u finishes third in the black level comparison and has the fourth-best contrast of the group. At 1,088.8:1, it’s about average for IPS panels. Some of the latest displays can top 1,200:1, and that’s a visible difference. But the HP still delivers good image depth and texture.

After Calibration to 200 nits

Calibration moves the Omen 27u up to second place in the contrast contest. My only adjustment was to brightness; RGB sliders were left alone. The Philips retains its top spot, but the HP isn’t too far behind. It also scores well in the ANSI test with an excellent 1,047.9:1 ratio. There is no doubt that the 27u is made from quality components.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

The Omen 27u has some of the very best out-of-box color accuracy I’ve encountered. In fact, I could not improve its numbers with calibration. So, not only is adjustment unnecessary, but it also provides no benefit.

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

There is only one grayscale chart that matters here, the default one. The Omen 27u is spot-on out of the box and cannot be improved in the tracking test. With all errors under 2dE, that’s a very good thing. Gamma tracks a tiny bit below the 2.2 line, but visually, it is perfect with a very small range of values.

Comparisons

The Omen 27u wins the default grayscale contest and finishes fifth when the other monitors are calibrated. 1.13dE is a visually perfect score, so there will be no perceivable difference between the top five screens. It also fares well in the gamma comparison with the tightest value range and only a 3.18% deviation from 2.2. This is excellent performance, especially considering it comes from the factory this way.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The Omen 27u’s color gamut accuracy is equally impressive. Again, this is an out-of-the-box test. No adjustments I made could improve the result. Not only is there near-total DCI-P3 gamut coverage, but all points are on target. The boxes represent 1dE, so if the dot is inside or in contact, it’s visually perfect. The average score is among the highest in my database of almost 300 monitors tested since 2013.

Comparisons

This is a very impressive group of gaming monitors. None of them have visible color gamut errors and the Omen 27u is one of the very best. Getting close to 1dE is an achievement for any display, even a professional one. And the HP is the only one here that hasn’t been adjusted from its default settings.

While a handful of the latest extended color screens have larger color gamuts than the Omen 27u, its score of 90.99% is still above average. If you refer to the Calman chart, you’ll notice how perfectly balanced the saturation is, making it look even better. The 27u is well-qualified for color-critical applications. Its only flaw is the lack of an sRGB mode. You’ll need a compensation profile for that task.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The Omen 27u seamlessly supports HDR10 content with an automatic switch; no user intervention is required. All image options are grayed out, so you can’t adjust brightness or color, but I found excellent accuracy and nothing to complain about.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The 27u easily earns DisplayHDR 400 status with a 451.5767-nit peak HDR white level. That means highlights pop and sparkle without undue harshness. With moderately aggressive dynamic contrast in operation, the black level is a respectable 0.0702 nit with contrast at 6,435.3:1. That’s a good level but the other monitors, save the Asus, score better. HDR still looks superior to SDR, though with plenty of depth and pop. While the Eve and Asus have very broad dynamic range for HDR content, the Omen 27u is much better than most of the HDR monitors I’ve reviewed. Its picture quality is appropriate for the price. To see more impact, you’ll have to spend a lot more money for a full-array LED or Mini LED display.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

The Omen 27u is nearly faultless in its HDR color, EOTF and grayscale tests. The chart shows a slight blue tint at high brightness levels, but this is an invisible error. The EOTF is a tad dark from 10 to 40%, which adds a little extra depth at the expense of shadow detail visibility. It’s all there, just harder to see clearly. Most HDR games have their own adjustments to help with these issues.

I’ve included gamut charts for both DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 color. The Omen 27u is a DCI-P3 monitor, and it renders that gamut with a little over-saturation. That’s not a bad thing as the targets progress linearly, which keeps detail from being crushed. Hue targets are spot on except for magenta, which is a touch blue. The Rec.2020 test shows similar behavior until the monitor runs out of color at around 90%. Both red and green alter the hue at that point to simulate greater saturation, which works well in practice. The Omen 27u is an excellent HDR monitor in every respect.

Now that some 240 Hz QHD and 144 Hz UHD monitors are selling for similar prices, the choice comes down to frame rate versus resolution. If you have a console, resolution will probably be the higher priority since it maxes out at 120 Hz. The only box to check then is HDMI 2.1. Some UHD screens have it, and some do not.

The HP Omen 27u has HDMI 2.1 and a host of other attractive features along with a superb image and solid gaming performance. And it delivers all of that in a well-built and stylish package for $700. That’s a premium price but not quite at the level of the bleeding edge screens with full-array backlights and Mini LED.

My favorite aspect of the Omen 27u is its color accuracy. With no adjustments, in its default picture mode, it aced my grayscale, gamma and gamut tests with errors well under 2dE. And it did this for SDR and HDR content. It truly earns the moniker “factory calibrated.” Add in a large color gamut with nearly 91% coverage of DCI-P3, and you have a great-looking and colorful monitor. And its contrast is quite good, with around 1,100:1 for SDR and over 6,400:1 for HDR.

Gaming was a pleasurable experience with decent overdrive and flawless Adaptive-Sync. MPRT blur reduction is also well implemented. Though it can’t be used with AS, it effectively increases motion resolution with only the occasional frame tear. The only enhancement I didn’t care for was Edge Precision which caused ringing in moving images. What would I add here? Just an sRGB mode to give users a choice. As awesome as the Omen 27u’s color is, one should be able to choose sRGB for SDR content if they want it.

If you’re looking to go Ultra HD for well under $1,000, the HP Omen 27u has excellent image quality with solid gaming performance, build quality and styling. With HDMI 2.1 included, it covers PC and console gaming with equal competence.

Of all the bleeding edge tech available in today’s gaming monitors, one of the most exclusive is Mini LED. While typical LCD backlights consist of LEDs arrayed at the edge of the panel or a grid of LEDs behind the TFT layer with up to 512 dimming zones, Mini LEDs are tiny light sources that boost peak output and sport as many as 1152 dimming zones. With this many zones, contrast can be much broader, making both SDR and HDR content richer and more dynamic.

The downside to Mini LED is cost. You’ll pay well over $2,000 for a 32-inch Ultra HD Mini LED gaming monitor. I’ve already checked out Asus’ version, the ROG Swift PG32UQX, which sells for around $2,900. Now we have the ViewSonic Elite XG321UG, which is a shoo-in to be featured among the best gaming monitors. It has the same basic specs: Ultra HD resolution, Mini LED 1,152-zone backlight, 144 Hz, HDR with 1,400 nits peak, Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate and a super-wide color gamut. ViewSonic adds the latest G-Sync Processor features with Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer, and the price is a tad lower, $2,499 to start.

ViewSonic Elite XG321UG Specs

When it comes to image quality, the XG321UG leaves nothing on the table. The IPS panel has the same Mini LED 1152-zone backlight as the Asus. Peak output is rated at 1,400 nits in HDR mode, but I measured over 1,700 with a window pattern. That’s seriously bright. HDR contrast is over 70,000:1 thanks to that fancy backlight which can shut down any part of its 48 by 24 zone array. Extended color comes courtesy of a quantum dot film which takes the color gamut well past DCI-P3, all the way to 84.28% coverage of Rec.2020. Accuracy is assured out of the box, and there’s even a near-perfect sRGB mode for SDR content. As you’ll see in the benchmark tests, the XG321UG excels in image fidelity and performance.

Gaming performance is premium with a 144 Hz refresh rate, G-Sync Ultimate and FreeSync compatibility. The XG321UG is the first Ultra HD monitor I’ve tested with Nvidia’s Reflex Latency Analyzer feature, something I’d only seen previously on 360 Hz displays. By connecting a supported mouse to the monitor’s special green USB port, you can see your exact control latency displayed in real-time while you play a game. It’s a great way to monitor performance and a helpful tool for esports enthusiasts.

Fans of LED lighting effects will find a glowing ring on the XG321UG’s backside and another light bar that shines a soft glow on the desktop. You also get convenient bits like a stout metal headphone hook, a carry handle on the upright and little cable managers that fold out to accommodate mouse and keyboard hookups. As expected, build quality is as good as it gets.

Assembly and Accessories

The XG321UG comes in a large clamshell box that opens wide, making the contents easy to lift. The all-metal base bolts to an equally massive upright to which the chunky panel is attached, no tools necessary. A cover comes off to reveal the input panel. Once your connections are made, put it back to hide the wiring. The accessory bundle consists of HDMI, DisplayPort and USB cables along with a huge external power supply, not surprising considering the 65 watts I measured with brightness at 200 nits.

Product 360

Despite a large and heavy chassis, the XG321UG appears slim from the front thanks to an 8 mm flush bezel around the top and sides of the screen. You’ll barely notice it when an image is displayed. A wider one-inch trim strip crosses the bottom with an Elite logo in the center. Below are two keys and a joystick for the OSD and power functions. The screen has a 3H hardness matte anti-glare layer.

The stand is rock solid and more than capable of supporting the large panel’s weight. Adjustments include 120 mm of height, 5/20 degrees tilt and 25 degrees swivel to either side. There is no portrait adjustment. The panel sits high enough to put the user’s eyepoint at the center screen on a typical desktop. If you’d rather set it down low, it nearly touches the desk surface with just enough clearance for cables.

From the side, you can see the panel’s thickness but a gentle taper from side to side makes it look a little less bulky. There is plenty of room here for USB or audio ports, but ViewSonic didn’t include them. You’ll find them on the input panel underneath. There are also three HDMI 2.0 ports plus a single DisplayPort 1.4 with Display Stream Compression. To use the full 10-bit native color bandwidth at 144 Hz with Adaptive-Sync and HDR, you’ll need to use DisplayPort. HDMI tops out at 120 Hz.

The LED lighting takes the form of diffuse bands that glow softly. A hexagon rings the stand mount, which hides a 100 mm VESA bolt pattern. And you get another bar across the bottom of the bezel, which casts light on the desktop. All colors and effects are controlled by the OSD and can be turned off if you wish. Also included is a room light sensor for the Auto Brightness and Auto Black Level functions. They tweak the image in real-time to optimize it for your room’s lighting conditions.

OSD Features

The XG31UG’s OSD has a very functional look with nothing but text and thin lines to delineate its six sub-menus. There are no gaming graphics or futuristic shapes here. To call it up, press the joystick under the center of the panel.

There are nine picture modes in total, with Standard being the best one for accuracy. It doesn’t need calibration, but a few tweaks put the XG321UG on par with the very best displays I’ve tested. You can choose between four color temp presets and five gamma options. The RGB sliders are very precise and can get the grayscale errors down to a super-low level. Auto Brightness and Auto Black Level work with the sensor on the panel’s front to tweak the image automatically. They’re a bit aggressive at times, so I recommend using them sparingly.

The XG321UG is one of the few wide-color screens with a selectable gamut. By turning the SDR Colors sRGB option on, you can use sRGB for all SDR content. When an HDR signal is detected, the monitor switches to its full native gamut, which is quite large, over 84% of Rec.2020. You can also use the variable backlight in SDR mode to improve contrast. It works well without crushing detail, upping the SDR contrast ratio to around 6,000:1. There are three modes that modulate the backlight more or less aggressively. Mode 1 looked best with the deepest blacks.

The XG321UG is the first non-360 Hz screen I’ve seen that includes the Nvidia Reflex Latency Analyzer. By making a USB connection to the PC, then plugging a compatible mouse into the special green USB port, you can see your control delay in real-time as you play. There are options for the monitoring window’s size and location. You can also display a frame rate indicator.

The Setup menu has three crosshair shapes available in green or red. You can also display signal info and program the joystick to provide quick access to some monitor functions. The Elite RGB feature has controls for the base or rear LED arrays with a variety of colors and effects to choose.

ViewSonic Elite XG321UG Calibration Settings

The XG321UG doesn’t need calibration in its Standard mode, but a slight improvement is possible with a few adjustments to the RGB sliders. The settings work identically for either sRGB or Rec.2020 color gamuts which is nice. I also found the custom color temp to work well in HDR mode. If you want the full color space for all content, turn off the SDR Colors sRGB option. When it’s turned on, the gamut will change automatically with signal type. You can also toggle the variable backlight on and off and select from three modes of operation. Mode 1 worked the best in my tests. If you’d like to optimize your XG321UG, check out my settings below.

Gaming and Hands-on

The XG321UG delivers a stunning image for both work and play. No matter what color gamut you use or whether it’s SDR or HDR, the picture is razor-sharp with beautifully saturated color. Native contrast is better than typical IPS panels at around 1,200:1, but you can up that ratio by using the Variable Backlight feature. It has three modes, of which number one is the best. It provides deep blacks and bright whites without crushing any shadow or highlight detail. Since it uses zone dimming to achieve its goals, colors look more saturated. And I never saw any instances of backlight flickering or dimming. It works seamlessly for both static and moving content.

Ultra HD video is truly epic here. Though 32 inches is a bit smaller than the average TV, the XG321UG is a perfectly capable television with a streaming box connected. When you sit three or four feet away, it creates an immersive image that’s great for a movie or TV series. I preferred Mode 1 for the Variable Backlight here; it has the deepest contrast. However, I wished for some sort of brightness adjustment. Daylight scenery is very bright, not harsh, but too much for a darkened room. The frame rate automatically matches content like 24 fps for film or 50 fps for European TV shows. HDR10 worked perfectly, but sadly, there is no Dolby Vision.

The audio quality is a cut above the norm for sure. The speakers sound a little boxy, but midrange and high frequencies play loud and clear without audible distortion.

Moving on to games, I was mesmerized by Doom Eternal and its deep shades of red. You won’t see these reds on any other monitor unless it can cover over 84% of Rec.2020 like the XG321UG. Some scenes looked as if they were soaked in blood. And texture was completely evident despite the tremendous color saturation. 1152 dimming zones are an order of magnitude better than the typical edge arrays found on HDR computer monitors. This monitor costs a lot, but you won’t find a better picture outside an OLED panel.

Video processing was excellent, with one exception – the overdrive is not aggressive enough. It has three levels, but I was stuck with the lowest one because the faster options caused too much ghosting. A little tweaking of the XG321UG’s firmware might yield some benefit here, and perhaps the addition of a backlight strobe option. There isn’t one here. Adaptive-Sync worked without issue on both G-Sync and FreeSync platforms. A GeForce RTX 3090 kept frame rates around 120 fps in Doom Eternal and Call of Duty WWII when playing in HDR mode.

Since I had an AOC GM500 Gaming Mouse on hand, I could try out the Reflex Latency Analyzer feature. I saw response times between 23 and 50 milliseconds as I played Doom Eternal. This is the first Ultra HD monitor I’ve seen with the feature. For a deeper dive into this, check out our article here.

HDR games were mesmerizing to look at. I found myself playing longer just to keep enjoying the stunning imagery. Game environments were incredibly realistic and smooth. Though I’ve experienced faster screens than the XG321UG, none were capable of the insane contrast on display here. Mini LED is a truly revelatory technology in the world of LCD panels.

I’ve collected a group of 32-inch Ultra HD monitors for this comparison. Two of them, the XG321UG and the Asus PG32UQX, are Mini LED. The rest use edge array backlights – Philips’ 329M1RV, Asus PG32UQ and ViewSonic’s XG320U.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The PG32UQ can overclock to 155 Hz, whereas the others max out at 144 Hz. However, that doesn’t provide an advantage. Response time is still 7 ms except for the MSI, which draws a full screen in 6ms. That gives it a slight edge in smoothness. Control response is in a small range between slowest and fastest; just 6 ms separates the group with the XG321UG in third place with 33 ms. That’s plenty quick enough for all but the most skilled players who will benefit from a lower-resolution 240 or 360 Hz display. If you want Ultra HD, though, it doesn’t get faster than these screens.

Viewing Angles

The XG321UG offers off-axis image quality typical of the latest IPS panels. There is very little light reduction at 45 degrees to the sides, just 10% or so with a red shift. The top view goes a bit blue with about 30% lower brightness. This is a shareable monitor by two users sitting around three feet away.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The XG321UG is one of the most uniform panels I’ve tested. It’s only eclipsed by the Alienware Quantum OLED AW3423DW and the Asus PA32UCG. With these numbers, you won’t see an issue with any of the monitors. Any result below 10% is visibly perfect. This is an impressive feat given the number of LEDs in use, though I’d expect nothing less from a $2,500 monitor.

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

Mini LED excels in brightness with VESA DisplayHDR 1400 ratings across the board. That means the XG321UG is also very bright in SDR mode, hitting over 600 nits peak. This is a lot of light, especially for such a large panel. Turning the brightness up all the way will amply illuminate a medium-sized room with no other light source present. With a minimum brightness level of 39 nits, the 100-step brightness control becomes rather coarse. Each click changes the level three to six nits making precise levels harder to achieve.

The XG321UG’s black level is very high at maximum brightness, but contrast is quite good at 1,210.3:1. This is higher than average for IPS panels in general and just below the number I recorded for the Asus PG32UQX, the only other Mini LED screen in the group.

After Calibration to 200 nits

When the monitors are equalized with calibration and a 200-nit output setting, the XG321UG sits solidly in third place with 1,102.8:1 contrast, a bit lower than the Asus PG32UQX and Philips 329M1RV but comfortably above the bottom three. This is a difference one can see in a side-by-side comparison. Native contrast is excellent here and when you turn Variable Backlight on for SDR content, it becomes even better.

ANSI contrast is also a solid third-place result for the XG321UG. The Philips is exceptional in this test, but the two Mini LED screens are close behind. The top three monitors are all made with very high-quality panels that feature precisely fitted grid polarizers and good quality control.

The XG321UG features accurate color out of the box in its Standard picture mode. You’ll see a neutral grayscale, precise gamma and color that’s spot-on whether you use the extended gamut or sRGB for SDR content.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

By default, SDR Colors sRGB is turned on, so the smaller gamut is in play for the initial SDR tests. You can see a slight blue bias in the chart, but the errors are barely on the visible threshold. You won’t see any issues in actual content. Gamma tracks true with only a slight dip (too light) at 10%. This is with Variable Backlight turned off. You’ll see identical results if SDR Colors sRGB is turned off to unlock the full Rec.2020 gamut.

With a few changes to the RGB sliders, grayscale tracking becomes visually perfect with all but zero percent brightness under 1dE. It doesn’t get better than this. My RGB settings worked for both color gamuts and in HDR mode as well. Gamma stays the same whether you calibrate or not

Comparisons

The XG321UG definitely has the edge in out-of-box grayscale accuracy over the Asus PG32UQX. At this price point, I’d expect perfection, so the Asus is a little short of the mark. But with calibration, it takes the contest by a nose. Of course, you won’t see a difference when viewing real-world content.

Gamma performance is also very close between the six screens. The XG321UG has tight tracking with a 1.82% variation from the 2.2 spec. That’s solely due to the dip at 10% I showed in the charts above. That error is invisible. If you’re comparing the two Mini LED screens, they are visually and measurably identical.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The XG321UG comes close to filling the Rec.2020 gamut, but since it can’t get all the way there, it takes a balanced approach between DCI-P3 and 2020 by under-saturating all the color points. If I were to graph the targets with a DCI-P3 reference, they would be over-saturated. This way, color never looks too overblown, even if you use the wide gamut in SDR mode. That makes it a more versatile monitor since only HDR content is actually mastered to a larger gamut.

With SDR Color sRGB turned on, the XG321UG renders sRGB expertly. By default, red is slightly under-saturated and magenta is a bit off-hue.

After calibration, both gamuts are improved, especially sRGB, which drops to a very low error level. Hue errors are now erased, and saturation tracking is linear. This means detail is retained at every brightness level even when the larger gamut is used for SDR content.

Comparisons

The XG321UG posts a respectable 2.05dE color error for its Rec.2020 gamut mode. The error for sRGB is just 0.47dE, one of the lowest results I’ve ever recorded. This is a very color-accurate screen whether you calibrate or not. And you can use the larger gamut in SDR mode with no real downside.

The XG321UG sets a new record for color gamut volume, 118.58%, just a tad larger than the PG32UQX. That translates to 84.28% of Rec.2020. The sRGB mode is spot-on at 100.28%. This means you can use the ViewSonic for color-critical work in sRGB mode without the need for a software profile. For DCI-P3 and Rec.2020, you’ll need a compensation table. This is excellent performance.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The XG321UG’s Mini LED backlight delivers tremendous light output in HDR mode. It is the second brightest computer monitor I’ve yet measured. Only the Asus PA32UCG, a $5,000 professional reference display, is a hair brighter.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

In this group, the XG321UG takes the HDR brightness contest over the PG32UQX by a comfortable margin. One might be able to tell the difference, but at that level, the screen is too bright to view directly when a full white field pattern is displayed. To get the highest possible reading, I measured a 25% window pattern. A full field measured around 1,300 nits which is very impressive.

The black level was hard to measure because the backlight is completely shut off when a full black pattern is displayed. By turning on a small info bug, I was able to measure 72,690.8:1 contrast, the second-best result I’ve ever recorded. With black levels this low, it’s hard to tell the difference between the top screens. Suffice it to say that a Mini LED monitor will deliver the highest contrast available from an LCD panel. To say that HDR looks amazing is an understatement.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

In HDR mode, the color temp presets are still available, so you can calibrate if you wish. The only caveat is that the RGB settings remain the same for SDR and HDR. So, I used the same values for both modes and achieved excellent results. The brightest steps are a tad blue, but this error is almost impossible to see unless there are a lot of super-bright highlights. Nearly all HDR content will have perfectly neutral whites, grays and blacks. The EOTF takes a few slight detours from the reference line due to the action of the variable backlight. It has three modes, of which number two is the best and most balanced.

I measured HDR color against DCI-P3 and Rec.2020 and saw similar performance. DCI-mastered content will be a little over-saturated, but I doubt that will offend anyone. Rec.2020, the more commonly used standard for HDR, is also a little over-saturated until the XG321UG runs out of color just shy of the triangle perimeter. Hue targets are all in line, and saturation tracking is linear. There are no perfect HDR monitors, but this one comes darn close.

Bleeding-edge technology is expensive. The LCD video display is nothing new, but there have been many incremental upgrades along the way that improved contrast, color saturation, speed and overall quality. The last few years have seen changes to backlights, first with LEDs replacing fluorescent tubes, then full array zone dimming units. Now we’re seeing things like Mini LED and Quantum Dots that push the contrast and color quotient even further.

In the gaming genre, speed is still king. But the newest consoles and PC video cards have brought Ultra HD, fast refresh, HDR and wide color gamuts to the mainstream. There are many ways to maximize the bang-for-the-buck ratio, but when you want the ultimate in image fidelity, the ViewSonic Elite XG321UG is nearly unparalleled.

At this writing, the XG321UG is the second Mini LED gaming monitor I’ve reviewed. The tech delivers the highest brightness level, greatest contrast, most dimming zones and with Quantum Dots, the largest color gamut available in a desktop LCD computer monitor. Only an OLED has a greater dynamic range, and that technology has a smaller gamut and less brightness.

The XG321UG matches other premium Ultra HD displays with its 144 Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync, both of which worked perfectly in my tests. I was surprised not to see a backlight strobe option or HDMI 2.1, but those are not major omissions. Gaming performance was superb in all respects. Only a 240 or 360 Hz monitor can deliver faster response and that comes with a reduction in resolution.

The most compelling thing here is raw image quality. With those 1152 dimming zones, contrast and depth are better than any other LCD panel I’ve witnessed but one. The XG321UG’s blacks were deep and true, whites were bright and detailed, and color popped like nothing else. Its color gamut is the largest I’ve measured, and it showed in both SDR and HDR content.

At this price point, the only other monitor in ViewSonic’s league is Asus’ PG32UQX, and it costs $400 more. The Elite XG321UG is not an insignificant purchase, but you won’t regret buying the best.

When console gaming first appeared in our living rooms, the tech was crude compared to contemporary PCs, and serious gamers stuck to their well-stocked towers with speedy CPUs, lots of RAM and powerful graphics cards. Today’s newest consoles have come a long way from those humble beginnings. With plenty of processing power, they can run fully rendered graphics in Ultra HD resolution at 120 Hz with Adaptive-Sync.

That kind of performance demands a good monitor. Some televisions are up to the task, but if you’re looking to add a PS5 or Xbox One to your gaming arsenal, it might be easier to have one display that can handle both systems. Many of the newest screens are Xbox-ready with HDMI 2.1, Ultra HD, 120 Hz and Adaptive-Sync, and we’ve already reviewed a few of them. The latest example on the test bench is the Philips Momentum 329M1RV. It’s a 32-inch IPS panel with the aforementioned specs, plus a wide color gamut and Philips’ unique Ambiglow bias lighting system. It also sports a decent pair of built-in speakers with DTS tuning, as it makes a stong play for a spot on our best 4K gaming monitor list.

Philips Momentum 329M1RV Specs

Since advanced consoles have blurred the lines between entertainment device and computer, it’s only logical that displays have followed suit. The 329M1RV can handle PCs and consoles with equal ease. A quality IPS panel sits at the core of what I would term a luxury monitor. It sports premium build quality and high performance with Ultra HD resolution, 144 Hz max refresh rate, Adaptive-Sync and extended color. Though it's not certified by Nvidia, it is fully G-Sync compatible and runs on FreeSync systems over a 48 to 144 Hz range.

Picture quality is also given the premium treatment, with an extended color gamut that covers over 85% of DCI-P3, according to my test results. Color fidelity is guaranteed with an included calibration datasheet. I was able to verify its accuracy during testing. The 329M1RV is also HDR compatible, with VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. I measured a much higher peak brightness than that, over 570 nits with dynamic contrast that took the HDR contrast ratio to an impressive 8704:1. This monitor certainly delivers in the image quality department.

Gamers will appreciate the 329M1RV’s performance for sure, and its gaming features. It’s an easy hookup to the latest consoles with 120 Hz and Adaptive-Sync capability over HDMI. You can run a PC through HDMI or DisplayPort 1.4 inputs at up to 144 Hz. Both SDR and HDR modes include Xbox picture presets. And you get a handy aiming point to help newbies rack up more frags in their favorite shooters.

Further extending its utility, the 329M1RV includes a KVM feature. With USB-C, USB-B and four downstream 3.2 ports, and three HDMI 2.1 inputs, it can accommodate multiple systems at once. The OSD includes management features for that, along with multi-source PBP.

Philips has also included its unique Ambiglow feature. The LED lighting found in most gaming monitors is purely for show, but Philips makes Ambiglow a truly useful tool. You can make it flash and breathe the entire spectrum of color if you want and even have it shift along with what’s happening on screen. However, it’s best used as a bias light. Setting it to emit a soft white glow around the edge of the panel improves perceived contrast by closing the viewers’ pupils slightly. Like closing down the iris in a camera lens, the light extends depth of field and contrast as it’s seen by the human eye.

At this writing, the 329M1RV is selling for $900, so it is a luxury purchase. But with the ability to work as both a computer and console gaming display, it is two products in one in many ways.

Assembly and Accessories

The 329M1RV ships in a large clamshell box with plenty of carefully-engineered cardboard, rather than crumbly foam to secure the contents. The panel, upright and base are assembled without needing tools and form a sturdy and heavy package that’s rock solid. Build quality is very high. The cables come in their own box and include an IEC power cord, plus one each of USB, USB-C, HDMI and DisplayPort. You also get a calibration data sheet with color and screen uniformity test results.

Product 360

Philips embraces a simple aesthetic, with straight lines and angular shapes. The base and upright are metal and finished in a medium gray matte. The panel is covered in black plastic across the back, with a minimal front bezel that’s flush-mounted. The bottom strip has a small Philips logo, a white power LED and an Xbox Gaming Features label. The sole control is a tiny joystick on the back right side. It toggles power and accesses the OSD and all monitor functions. The anti-glare layer is effective at keeping the picture sharp and colorful while avoiding washout from ambient reflections.

In the back, you can see the Ambiglow LEDs. This feature is about the lighting and not about glowing logos or projections. It’s controlled by the OSD and has various color and effect options. It works best as a bias light. When configured to emit a soft white glow, it will enhance the image with higher perceived contrast and color saturation. It sounds a bit hard to believe but trust me, it works. I have bias lighting behind my home theater projection screen, and it absolutely improves the viewing experience.

The side view shows the 329M1RV’s angular and clean styling. The stand offers a complete set of ergonomic adjustments – 130mm height, 20 degrees swivel to each side and 15 degrees back tilt. Unusually and welcomely, it does not tilt forward. I love this because that makes it easier to set the panel at a perfect vertical. And it sits high enough that I can put my eyepoint at the center of the screen.

All the inputs are up and under. You get three HDMI 2.1, a DisplayPort 1.4 and USB-C for video. USB is version 3.2 and includes one upstream and four downstream ports. The two yellow ones can accommodate fast charging up to five volts and 7.5 watts. There’s a 3.5mm jack for audio, or you can use the excellent built-in speakers. They have five watts of power and DTS tuning, with DSP modes available in the OSD.

OSD Features

The 329M1RV’s OSD is full of features and options for the video and audio experience. Gamers will find plenty of video processing settings, and there’s a vast array of choices for the Ambiglow lighting. To activate the OSD, click the joystick once to the right.

First up is the Ambiglow menu. The lighting can be set to follow audio and video or to present different effects like breathing or color shift. You can also set a static color and brightness. Xbox presets light up a menacing green glow behind the panel. For ideal bias lighting, set the color to white and the brightness to bright (the lowest option). This will enhance picture quality for all content, both SDR and HDR. If you prefer to have no lighting, it can be turned completely off.

Game settings include an Adaptive-Sync toggle, crosshair and SmartResponse, which is a three-level overdrive. To use MPRT, the blur reducing backlight strobe, turn off Adaptive-Sync. MPRT has 20 levels of pulse-width modulation. The higher you go, the darker the image becomes, and the more blur is reduced. It works pretty well and is a usable alternative to Adaptive-Sync. The overdrive works best on its middle (Faster) setting.

In the Picture menu, you’ll find the SmartImage picture modes. There are ten presets, but my favorite was Off. It’s the most accurate choice and doesn’t require calibration. If you’re looking for sRGB, that’s hidden away in the color temp menu. Here, you also get five gamma presets.

The 329M1RV’s audio is a cut above the norm with decent speakers and DTS modes. You can choose between six DSP options. If you turn DTS off, there’s a multi-band equalizer for those who like to tweak.

You can adjust color temp by Kelvin value (the best option) or RGB sliders. Unfortunately, the sliders change the gamma and not in a good way. I’ll explain more about that later. If you want the sRGB color gamut, that option is here as well.

The USB menu lets you manage KVM settings and standby options for the power-capable ports. USB-C can be used for peripherals and as a video input.

Philips Momentum 329M1RV Calibration Settings

The 329M1RV measures well out of the box with SmartImage turned off, and it matches the included calibration datasheet. That’s a good thing because I could not calibrate it to a higher standard despite the inclusion of gamma presets and RGB sliders. The User Define color temp option skews the gamma to the point where color looks off and highlight and shadow detail is obscured. The best way to go is to set brightness to taste and leave the color temp on 6500K and gamma on 2.2. I tried out the sRGB mode and found it very accurate as well. The Xbox mode does some unusual things with color that we'll delve into in detail on pages four and five.

For HDR signals, there is a different set of six modes. The best pick there is DisplayHDR 400. It grays out all other image options but measures well and looks quite good with deep dynamic contrast and vibrant color.

Gaming and Hands-on

As a gaming monitor, the Philips 329M1RV excels. It delivers excellent image quality and video processing, making the play experience a premium one. Ambiglow is a nice bonus that can serve as a useful picture enhancement or as additional entertainment. I preferred it set to a static white so it would work as a bias light. This increases perceived contrast. My usual gaming setup places the display near a neutrally colored wall, so the glow reflects all around the screen and up to the ceiling.

I also tried its ability to follow video or audio. This proved interesting and sometimes distracting. When playing Doom Eternal, there was one scene where a thunderstorm played in the background. The LEDs flashed like lightning which was startling and cool at the same time. Following video created a series of breathing and flickering colors that made it hard to concentrate on the game.

The 329M1RV’s audio quality is a cut above the norm. An external sound system or headphones are still better, but the built-in speakers here deliver very high volume without distortion. Bass is a bit lacking, but dialog is far more balanced and richer than you'd expect from monitor speakers. The DTS modes weren’t all that different from one another, but Theater seemed a little more expansive than the rest.

Image quality was excellent in both SDR and HDR modes, with the latter looking particularly good. Contrast is very high, with bright highlights and deep shadows with plenty of detail. I spent some time with Doom Eternal’s HDR adjustments to get the best color saturation, but Call of Duty WWII looked great with no changes. Like most HDR displays, each game will require its own approach. But in every case, HDR looked better than SDR. The 329M1RV does justice to the format.

SDR games like Tomb Raider maintained good depth and dimension with SmartImage turned off. The picture modes might appeal to some users, so I suggest trying them all out. Xbox mode was particularly odd, with a very blue cast. I couldn’t figure out what Philips was going for there.

Video processing was some of the best I’ve seen. G-Sync and FreeSync worked flawlessly at the high frame rates I was seeing. My speeds ranged between 100 and 144fps with detail maxed. The overdrive also worked perfectly, with no ghosting and near-total motion blur elimination. Even during the fastest movements, there was no smearing.

As a workday monitor, the 329M1RV is more than capable. The image is crisp and clear, with enough contrast to keep small black text sharp against white backgrounds. 140ppi of pixel density means there are no visible jaggies or dot structures. You can sit two feet away and still not see individual pixels. HDR can be used in Windows without a downside. It maintains proper color rendering and contrast in productivity apps looks about the same as SDR mode.

With more 32-inch Ultra monitors appearing in the marketplace, I have a few more screens to make useful comparisons with the 329M1RV. There’s MSI’s Xbox model, the MPG321UR-QDX, along with Asus’s PG32UQ and ViewSonic’s Elite XG320U. I also included two smaller displays, the 28-inch Asus VG28U and the 27-inch Eve Spectrum D03.

Pixel Response and Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

The 32-inch Asus can hit 155 Hz, but that won’t give it a noticeable performance advantage over any of the 144 Hz screens. All draw a full white field in 7ms except the MSI, which can do it in 6ms. That makes it a tiny bit smoother than the rest though we’re talking extreme subtlety here. The 329M1RV has average control response for the Ultra HD 144 Hz category, with a total lag of 34ms, the same as the Asus and Eve screens. The MSI and the 28-inch Asus are a touch quicker at 31ms. This difference will require advanced gaming skills to appreciate. The Philips is more than capable of hair-trigger play and smooth on-screen movement with minimal blur and no visible smearing.

Viewing Angles

The 329M1RV is one of the better IPS monitors I’ve seen in terms of off-axis image quality. Though a slight green shift can be seen at 45 degrees to the side, there is no reduction in brightness or detail. This screen is large enough, and good enough, to be shared by two players. The top view is somewhat washed out but retains more brightness than most monitors I’ve reviewed, regardless of panel type.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

My 329M1RV sample did not need any part of its Screen Uniformity picture mode. A 4.52% deviation is about as low as an LCD screen can get. It’s one of the best panels I’ve measured to date. There is absolutely no visible aberration in brightness or color in any test pattern or content..

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

The 329M1RV is rated for 400 nits, but I found much more brightness than that in both SDR and HDR modes. The SDR peak was over 605 nits, which is incredibly bright for such a large screen. You’ll never turn the brightness slider up all the way, unless you plan to game poolside in direct sunlight. The only drawback is that each click of the slider changes output by 3 to 4 nits. It’s hard to be precise when setting levels, but this is a minor complaint. The black level is relatively low, which makes this one of the more contrasty IPS panels I’ve tested. 1246.5:1 is a good bit higher than average for this tech.

After Calibration to 200 nits

My calibration consisted only of lowering the brightness slider to achieve 200 nits peak output. This dropped contrast slightly but not visibly. The 329M1RV still has the highest contrast of the group. The gap to the Eve Spectrum is small but it can be seen in a side-by-side comparison.

The Philips employs a very high-quality panel in its construction. Its super-smooth screen uniformity contributes to one of the highest ANSI scores I’ve recorded for an IPS monitor. In practice, this makes for a very deep and lifelike image with vivid color and stunning detail.

The 329M1RV has a large array of picture modes, but the best and most accurate image comes when SmartImage is turned off. That provides a D65 grayscale, 2.2 gamma and accurate color that conforms closely to the DCI-P3 gamut.

Grayscale and Gamma Tracking

Our grayscale and gamma tests use Calman calibration software from Portrait Displays. We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

The 329M1RV’s grayscale tracking isn’t quite perfect, but it is still good enough that calibration isn’t required. That’s a good thing because calibration isn’t really practical. There are slightly visible errors at 90 and 100%, where a faint purple tint can be seen in test patterns but not in actual content. Gamma tracks well except for a slight dip at 10%, which means some shadow areas will be a tad too light. Again, this error is very hard to spot. It is possible to get better measured grayscale tracking, but the resulting gamma is too far off the mark. The skewed luminance tracking I observed in the User color temp mode made highlight and shadow detail very hard to see and made the picture look harsh.

Out of curiosity, I measured the Xbox mode and recorded a very blue color temp with light gamma. These blue errors are blatantly obvious, and I can’t imagine a situation where this picture mode would be appropriate. As far as I’m aware, no Xbox outputs skewed color. They’re all tuned to industry standards like any other video source component, D65 white point and 2.2 gamma.

If you prefer a smaller color gamut for SDR content, the sRGB mode in the color menu is a great choice. Its grayscale tracking is superb, with no errors over 2dE. Gamma isn’t ruler-straight, but close enough that you won’t see any luminance errors. This is excellent performance.

Comparisons

Since I could not find any image improvement with calibration, I’ve charted the same 2.51dE grayscale error for the before and after comparisons. That puts the 329M1RV in the middle for out-of-box performance and last when the other monitors are calibrated. Visually, the differences are slight. Only the brightest steps showed any error, and that was impossible to see in the content I viewed. Though I wish I could calibrate the Philips, I didn’t enjoy it any less when unadjusted.

Gamma tracking is very good as long as the other image controls are left alone. All the monitors have tight tracking that stays close to the 2.2 standard. The 329M1RV is about average in this regard.

Color Gamut Accuracy

Our color gamut and volume testing use Portrait Displays’ Calman software. For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The 329M1RV takes a practical approach to color reproduction. Technically, a monitor should only render sRGB for SDR content. But most wide gamut screens show you their entire spectrum, which means over-saturation. Philips has chosen to under-saturate the inner targets slightly for red, green, yellow and cyan. Blue and magenta are slightly over-saturated. This is a good compromise that makes SDR color more vibrant without straying too far from the standard. You’ll see on the next page that HDR color is correctly rendered to take full advantage of the extra hues.

The Xbox mode can only be called bizarre. The blue white point pulls the entire set of targets off-hue. Cyan and magenta are much too blue. Red is well off the mark as well. Only green and yellow come close to their points. I don’t know of a situation where this mode would be useful.

Aside from a slight under-saturation in red, the sRGB mode is perfect. It only takes a few clicks to select this configuration for SDR content. I suspect most users will stick with the extended gamut but I’m glad to see Philips offering the choice.

Comparisons

Like the grayscale and gamma test, the 329M1RV scores well but is a bit behind the other panels because I couldn’t calibrate without skewing the gamma tracking. This is a choice on my part, and the picture quality is best with SmartImage off and color temp of 6500K. And it’s not to say the Philips doesn’t look as good as the rest. That extra contrast makes up for a lot of its issues on the test bench. It is a great-looking screen.

With some monitors trending higher in my gamut volume tests, I had hoped to see the 329M1RV score better. But I have no complaints about 85.48% coverage of DCI-P3; it’s about average for the category. If you’re looking for maximum color saturation, though, the top three screens are the current leaders. The Philips will look equal to the 28-inch Asus and the Eve in side-by-side comparisons.

Our HDR benchmarking uses Portrait Displays’ Calman software. To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

The 329M1RV switches to HDR mode automatically when an HDR10 signal is applied. You get six new picture modes that offer different interpretations of color and luminance tracking. My favorite, and the most accurate, is DisplayHDR 400. In the color tests below, I’ll also show you the results from the HDR Xbox mode.

HDR Brightness and Contrast

The 329M1RV has a VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, but it far exceeds that with a peak output of over 572 nits. That’s plenty of juice for bright highlights and high contrast. The black level is quite low thanks to an effective dynamic feature that’s turned on for all HDR content. Though it has less contrast than the other screens, it is far ahead of other monitors that don’t have dynamic contrast. 8,704.8:1 is very high and means the Philips HDR image is superior to its SDR one.

Grayscale, EOTF and Color

For the HDR color tests, I measured the DisplayHDR 400 and Xbox modes. The former is the most accurate, with excellent grayscale tracking and perfect rendering of the EOTF luminance curve. It transitions to tone-mapping just below 70%, which is higher than average. That means clearer highlight detail since the 329M1RV can let the image metadata determine levels. Interestingly, the Xbox mode is similar in its grayscale measurement but vastly different in its luminance curve. The picture is quite light and flat because levels rise too quickly. Again, I would not use this mode since the Xbox puts out a correct HDR signal that needs no compensation from the connected display.

The 329M1RV’s gamut test chart is impressive indeed. Color points are on or close to target, with the expected deficiency in green that most wide-gamut monitors have. 80% red is a bit over-saturated, but I could not spot this error in content. This linear color tracking is what I like to see from HDR monitors because it means all the picture detail will be clearly visible. The Xbox mode isn’t all that different in this test, with only slight variations in color tracking. Only its EOTF is a problem for me. The takeaway is that you should use the DisplayHDR 400 mode for all HDR content, regardless of its source.

With the lines between gaming consoles and gaming PCs blurred, it is only logical that displays have taken the same path. Aside from screen size, there isn’t much difference between a computer monitor and a television these days. The core technology is the same; it’s just a matter of video processing addons. If you want a premium panel to go with your new PS5 or Xbox One, there are TVs and monitors that will fill the bill.

For those that want to integrate a console into their game room though, a more dual-purpose display makes sense. It should have DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.1, decent internal speakers, and of course, Ultra HD resolution, at least 144 Hz refresh and Adaptive-Sync. And don’t forget HDR and extended color. The Philips Momentum 329M1RV meets all those criteria.

With premium build quality, the 329M1RV will serve for the long term. It is not inexpensive, but it is a rock-solid display with a superb IPS panel and a bomb-proof stand. Inside, you get high-end video processing with flawless FreeSync and G-Sync operation, well-tuned overdrive, and a decent backlight strobe feature. Picture quality is assured with accurate out-of-box color, a wide gamut and better contrast than most IPS panels can boast. And it delivers superb HDR.

Philips’ unique Ambiglow lighting feature sets the 329M1RV apart. No other gaming monitor has a true bias light built-in. Where others include LEDs for show, Ambiglow can improve image quality when used correctly. And don’t forget the handy KVM feature. With plenty of video and USB options, you can easily hook up a PC, a console, a streaming box and a disc player without swapping cables.

The Philips Momentum 329M1RV is a true luxury display that delivers on its promise. It’s ideal for gaming, no matter what component you choose to connect. If you want to build a media room that includes multiple video sources and systems, it’s a great choice.

Update 3/30/2022 9:30am PT: Contrary to the rumors, Philips isn't venturing into the memory market. A representative from Philips has confirmed to Tom's Hardware that neither the company nor its brand license partners have any plans to branch out into the memory market.

Original Article:

According to some leaked photographs that originated from the BoardChannels forum, Philips will allegedly start selling memory soon. The company is readying both DDR4 and DDR5 memory kits to compete with the best RAM that's on the market.

The memory market is highly competitive, with many players, and profit margins are very low. So it won't be easy for even a company like Philips to establish its memory brand. However, the rumor claims that Philips will compete in the desktop and notebook memory segments, and we may see an official announcement from the company as soon as next week.

The photographs revealed Philips' DDR5-4800 32GB and DDR4-2666 8GB memory modules, although the latter has the wrong label. For the time being, it appears that Philips will play it safe and stick to JEDEC memory, similar to how Lexar started in the memory market. However, Lexar eventually started producing enthusiast-class memory, so it's plausible that Philips will try its hand at gaming memory further down the road.

We all know Philips as the multinational conglomerate giant that deals in everything from personal health to consumer electronics. Although not a household name in enthusiast circles, Philips commercializes many computer-related pieces of equipment, including gaming monitors, SSDs, and peripherals.

Memory pricing spiked during the pandemic due to the global semiconductor shortage. However, it has improved over the last couple of months, although DDR5 is still expensive. Philips' jump into the memory fray won't likely impact pricing, but if it indeed happens, it will provide consumers with another option to choose from when in the market for a DDR4 or DDR5 memory kit.

Display mainstay Philips' new 279M1RV monitor doesn't seem all that interesting at first, especially for PC gamers. It carries a "Designed for Xbox" logo and a modest primary feature set. But it's also equipped an ambient lighting feature called Ambiglow, similar to the Ambilight feature on some of the company's televisions.

The Philips 279M1RV boasts 4K resolution with a 144 Hz refresh rate, packed inside a 27-inch Nano IPS panel. To pair with the high refresh rate, the monitor also supports for vivid color, as evidenced by VESA HDR 600 support. It has a 1 ms gray-to-gray response time and 1000:1 contrast ratio. Typical brightness is rated at 450 cd/m². The color gamut spectrum is rated for 98% of DCI-P3, 112% of NTSC, 133% of sRGB, and 110.1% of the Adobe RGB range.

Besides its color abilities, the monitor features Nvidia's G-SYNC support using the DisplayPort connector, with a 60 to 144 Hz range. Despite the "Designed for Xbox" badge, it seems very much suited for PC gamers as well. In the case of the use of the HDMI 2.1 port, the monitor enables Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Fixed Rate Link (FRL) with the new protocol.

When it comes to I/O ports, it is equipped with three HDMI 2.1 connectors, one DisplayPort 1.4 connector, and one USB-C connector that can become an alternative DisplayPort connector or provide charging power of 65 Watts. The USB connectors are listed as one USB-B (upstream) and four USB 3.2 (downstream with 2 fast charge B.C 1.2). A headphone jack is present as well in the standard 3.5mm format.

Of course, the monitor's main differentiator is its Ambiglow abilities. If you're unfamiliar with the technology from televisions (where it's called Ambilight), Ambiglow features RGB LEDs on the rear of the monitor that mimic what's happening on the screen, to deliver a deeper sense of immersion. Besides that, LowBlue Mode and Flicker-free options are bundled as well. The monitor features two 5W speakers equipped with DTS Sound and virtual surround sound support.

The 279M1RV is already available from Philips's distributor network, and the pricing is set at £725/€845 in Europe. Customers living in the United States should see similar pricing, though it doesn't seem to be available as of this writing.

Philips was among the first monitor brands to introduce an ultrawide curved 49-inch display for business users several years ago. Now, technologies have evolved, and Philips have announced the Brilliance 498P9Z [PDF] 49-inch display. For gamers that demand the largest screen size and a fast refresh rate.  

The large size and generous resolution offered by the Brilliance 498P9Z means the monitor can replace two regular 24- or 27-inch displays, should you have the space for it. For those gamers and power users who need a lot of screen real estate, this one could be a real alternative to the best 4K gaming monitors available today. 

The Philips Brilliance 498P9Z relies on a VA panel featuring a 32:9 aspect ratio, 1800R curvature, 5120x1440 resolution, 550 nits brightness, and a 3000:1 aspect ratio. One of the display's main selling points is the 165Hz refresh rate with Adaptive-Sync technology and a 4ms GtG response time, a combination that makes the LCD a good fit for gamers. 

But while gamers will take advantage of the Brilliance 498P9Z, professionals will appreciate it too. The monitor can display 16.7 million colors and can reproduce 89% of the Adobe RGB, 91% DCI-P3, 100% NTSC, and 122% of the sRGB color gamuts. Furthermore, the display is factory calibrated to a Delta E <2 accuracy and carries VESA's DisplayHDR 400 badge.  

As far as connectivity is concerned, the Brilliance 498P9Z is equipped with one DisplayPort 1.4, and two HDMI 2.0 inputs. The LCD has a built-in KVM switch and supports Picture in Picture capability for up to two PCs. The monitor also has a quad-port USB 3.2 hub with two upstream ports to connect two hosts. In addition, the LCD has two 5W speakers. 

Like other high-end large form-factor displays, Philips' Brilliance 498P9Z comes with a stand that can adjust height, swivel, and tilt. 

Philips did not reveal pricing of its Brilliance 498P9Z. Previous-generation 49-inch ultrawide displays from the company retailed for €949 ~ €1,099, reckons ComputerBase.de. That said, expect the new one with a higher refresh rate to cost more than its predecessors.

Go big or go home. Size matters. The bigger, the better. Whatever your favorite cliché, games are more fun when you play on a big screen. That’s part of the reason the PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X and console gaming in general is so popular. It’s not just cost; consoles also make it easier to play on the large TV in the living room, rather than the desk-sized screen sitting in the home office.

But PCs have a huge performance advantage over consoles. You’re not going to hit 144 fps on a console, and you’re definitely not going to find a DisplayPort on a console or TV. For those committed to high-performance and speed in one of the best 4K gaming monitors, the question is how much are you willing to spend on a jumbo monitor?

If around $1,500 is within your budget, the Philips Momentum 558M1RY may be for you. It’s a 55-inch VA monitor specced for up to 1,000 nits brightness, HDR, AMD FreeSync and a 120 Hz refresh rate. If that’s not enough, the 558M1RY includes a high-quality soundbar from Bowers & Wilkins. Yes, that B&W. That’s a premium package at a premium price.

Philips Momentum 558M1RY Specs

We’ve looked at a few jumbo monitors in the past, like the HP Omen X 65 Emperium and the Alienware 55 OLED panel. Both perform admirably but cost a fortune. In terms of jumbo gaming monitors, Philips’ 558M1RY is the least expensive we’ve seen yet.

There’s no question around whether or not the 558M1RY is a TV. There’s no tuner and no smart TV apps. But despite Philips advertising the monitor as offering “new-level console gaming,” there is no HDMI 2.1 to support the new PS5 and Xbox consoles’ fastest frame rates. If you use the monitor with a console you’ll be limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate, unless you drop down to 1440p resolution, where you can reach 120 Hz. For 4K at 120 Hz, you have to use the DisplayPort connection, which, of course, is only found on PCs.

A VA panel promises high native contrast, there’s an extended color gamut and an LED edge-array backlight that Philips promises is good for 750 nits brightness with SDR content and a whopping 1,200 nits with HDR, which surpasses VESA’s highest HDR certification, DisplayHDR 1000, which requires 1,000 nits. The 558M1RY certainly has the tools to produce a stunning 4K image.

Gamers will enjoy the 558M1RY's seamless AMD FreeSync Premium Pro implementation. Compared to standard FreeSync and FreeSync Premium, FreeSync Premium Pro adds HDR support and low latency in HDR mode. We also got Nvidia G-Sync to run on the scree,n even though it’s not G-Sync Compatible-certified. (To learn how, see our How to Run G-Sync on a FreeSync Monitor tutorial).  We verified that both kinds of Adaptive-Sync work over a 48-120 Hz range with or without HDR through DisplayPort 1.4.

Assembly and Accessories on Philips Momentum 558M1RY

You’ll need a friend to help you unbox the Philips Momentum 558M1RY because it arrives fully assembled with stand and soundbar already fixed in place. The package weighs around 65 pounds in total. As with a desktop monitor, you get an IEC power cord plus HDMI, DisplayPort and USB cables. A tiny remote is also included which makes menu navigation a lot easier. If you plan to wall mount, there’s a 200mm VESA pattern in back with four large bolts included in the box.

Philips Momentum 558M1RY Product 360

It’s hard to appreciate the scale of the Philips Momentum 558M1RY from the photos, because it’s styled just like a standard PC monitor. The first clue that this is an extreme display is the soundbar firmly  attached to the panel. These B&W speakers are covered with a burlap-like wool-blend fabric in dark gray. Meanwhile, the base and upright are very solid and stable and offer a tilt adjustment like a desktop display. The generally low-key design makes sense, considering that this will likely sit in a living or family room for all to see. There are no gaming cues in sight -- until you activate the 558M1RY’s colorful lighting effect.

The 558M1RY features what Philips calls Ambiglow, a lighting feature across the sides and top of the panel’s backside. It can glow a single color with adjustable brightness or you can set it change according to what’s currently on the screen. That effect adds an interesting motion element you won’t find on any other gaming monitor. It works particularly well if you have a neutral-colored wall behind the screen.

From a side view, the 558M1RY looks chunky with angles and straight lines making up the 558M1RY’s shape. In back, you can see a heat vent across the top and a tiny Philips logo. The small dots around the perimeter are the Ambiglow LEDs. On the soundbar, you can see a port on one side that extends the bass lower.

Perfect for a living room, the 558M1RY even comes with a 6-inch-long wand-shaped remote that easily controls all monitor functions. You get a power toggle, plus mute, input and menu up top. After the four-way nav pad is picture mode and return. Two rockers at the bottom adjust brightness and volume.

The input panel is up under the upright and fairly hard to reach. You get three HDMI 2.0 inputs and a single DisplayPort 1.4. USB is version 3.2 and includes one upstream and four downstream ports. Two of them can charge or power devices when the 558M1RY is off.

OSD Features on Philips Momentum 558M1RY

With 12 logically arranged submenus, the on-screen display (OSD) is exactly like the one found in all the Philips monitors we’ve reviewed. You can access it with a joystick on the back-right side of the panel or the handy remote control.

First up is Ambiglow, the LED lighting effect. You can set any color to a steady state and adjust its brightness with a slider, or choose a random rotation of colors. The coolest feature is image match, where the colors change with the onscreen content. It sounds gimmicky, but in practice, it added an interesting dimension to both gameplay and video.

A Game Setting menu offers aiming crosshairs, a low input lag mode, which can be left on all the time, and a three-level overdrive. The speediest overdrive settings, Fastest, works well at reducing motion blur without leaving ghosting artifacts.

Most of the image controls are in the Picture menu, where you get brightness and contrast, along with sharpness and color saturation. At the top, SmartImage offers 7 different picture modes, which are task-specific. One of the modes focuses on improved screen uniformity. It delivered but reduced contrast in the process. Our sample didn’t need that feature though.

There are also five gamma presets in the Picture menu.

The Color menu offers color temp adjustments by Kelvin value or with RGB sliders. The Philips Momentum 558M1RY measures well out of the box and doesn’t need calibration, but there are slight gains available with a few adjustments. Here also is the sRGB mode, which effectively renders that gamut with decent gamma and grayscale tracking. Color purists will be happy to have this feature available.

Philips Momentum 558M1RY Calibration Settings

The 558M1RY has a native DCI-P3 color gamut that it uses for all content unless you engage the sRGB mode in the Color menu. Since sRGB mode can’t be calibrated, we calibrated the  558M1RY via the User Define color temp and left SmartImage off. With slight changes to the RGB sliders and a switch in gamma from 2.2 to 2.4, we achieved excellent results.

You’ll notice in the table below that we could only turn the backlight down to 105 nits minimum. That’s a bit bright for gaming in a completely dark room, but you can get some relief by turning on Ambiglow and setting it to a dim white.

Here are the calibration settings we used for SDR mode on the 558M1RY:

When an HDR signal is applied, you get five additional presets. For the brightest presentation, choose DisplayHDR 1000. For the best HDR image, choose Personal.

Gaming and Hands-on with Philips Momentum 558M1RY

Using a 55-inch monitor for workday tasks is a bit unusual, but if you sit around 6 feet away, it works. The Philips Momentum 558M1RY’s stand raises the screen a bit less than 5 inches from the desktop, so to put your viewpoint in the center, you’ll have to raise your chair or use a lower than typical piece of furniture. Unlike a TV, the Philips’ stand has a tilt function of 10 degrees, so there is some flexibility there. The soundbar moves with the panel so its sound is always focused on the user.

With font scaling set to 300%, Windows apps were easy to use from up to 10 feet away. Small text was easily readable, so if you want to sit on the couch and browse the web, the 558M1RY can oblige. Contrast is superb with a nearly 5,000:1 contrast ratio available in SDR mode. We used the extended color gamut for most productivity apps, except Photoshop, where we switched to the sRGB mode.

Movie watching is a pleasure with such a large screen. You can sit close and have a very immersive experience, both visually and sonically. The impact of good audio cannot be overstated either. In the AV world, the most commonly given -- and most commonly ignored -- advice is to spend twice as much on audio as video. This is hard to do because we all want the largest possible display. But when sound is as good as the B&W soundbar included with the 558M1RY, you’re getting a huge value-add.

With two tweeters, two 10W midranges and a 20W woofer for bass, the Philips Momentum 558M1RY has some of the best built-in sound we’ve ever heard. The full frequency spectrum is represented and only the very deepest bass, below 80 Hz, is a little weak. 

For gaming and movies, the soundbar is a huge asset. Not only is the audio crystal clear, but also the sound stage is much wider than the bar’s physical size. Higher partials, like female voices and finely detailed ambient effects, came through in perfect balance with no trace of sibilance or harshness.

Of course, the Philips Momentum 558M1RY is at heart a gaming monitor, and for that, it excels. SDR games, like Tomb Raider, look fantastic when running at 120 frames per second (fps) at 4K resolution with max detail. We paired the monitor with a system running a GeForce RTX 3090. One of the best graphics cards, it has no trouble keeping frame rates high. We also tested the monitor with a Radeon RX 5700 XT-equipped machine. In either case, we got Adaptive-Sync to run perfectly. And in general, response and input lag were low enough not to call attention to themselves.

Contrast was particularly impressive in the dark areas of the game environment where blacks were true and shadow detail was rich. The depth afforded by a quality VA panel like this makes the suspension of disbelief far more palpable.

Color also stood out, thanks to an accurate gamut. We played Tomb Raider in sRGB mode, where it looked great, and with the full DCI-P3 gamut engaged, where it looked even better. Though purists like us prefer to use the mastered color spec whenever possible, there’s no denying the impact of a little more saturation.

Switching to HDR in Windows worked seamlessly, and thanks to the availability of the contrast slider in the HDR Personal mode, we were able to dial down the extreme brightness to make the desktop less fatiguing to look at. With the HDR title Call of Duty: WWII, however, we enjoyed 750-nit highlights that made the picture really pop. It never looked too bright, even in daylight outdoor scenes.

Video processing was also perfect with HDR engaged. 120 Hz and Adaptive-Sync worked flawlessly on both AMD and Nvidia platforms with HDR content.

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 covered on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

To compare the Philips Momentum 558M1RY’s performance, we’ve rounded up other large displays from our database.We have the HP Omen X 65 Emperium and Alienware 55-Inch OLED AW5520QF. And in the smaller 43-inch size are the Asus ROG Swift PG43UQ and Acer Predator CG437K. Rounding out the group is a 49-inch mega-wide, the Viotek SUW49DA. All are VA panels, except the Alienware’s OLED screen.

OLED isn’t known for high brightness, and at max brightness settings Alienware’s offering is barely brighter than the 558M1RY’s minimum brightness level of 105 nits. Great for a sunlit room, the 558M1RY can go up to almost 750 nits brightness. The Asus and Acer panels are even brighter, though it’s hard to imagine playing games at such high outputs. Fatigue would set in quickly.

The Alienware’s black level is too low to measure, so the monitor, theoretically, has infinite contrast. The VA panels’ contrast levels are quite low as well, though their bright backlights help raise the contrast. The final contrast values (third chart above) are what differentiate the monitors. The 558M1RY is just behind the best VA screen from Acer at 4,713.3:1. That is an impressive number that beats every desktop-sized monitor we’ve tested.

After Calibration to 200 nits

After calibrating the 558M1RY to 200 nits brightness (see our recommended settings on Page 1),  static contrast ratio increased slightly to 4,808.6:1. It now tops the Acer by about 5% -- a small, but visible, amount. The Philips’ SDR image is stunning both in depth and sharpness with deep and true blacks rich with shadow detail.

A few slight hotspots spoiled the Philips’ ANSI test result. 3212.3:1 is still an excellent figure that is well ahead of any desktop-sized screen. At the same time, the AW5520QF OLED is still showing us unmeasurable black levels, so its ANSI contrast is also theoretically infinite.

The Philips 558M1RY ships with a calibration data sheet promising errors of less than 2 Delta E (dE), which would make them invisible to the naked eye, for grayscale and color. We came close to that figure during our testing -- enough so that we can put the 558M1RY on our Calibration Not Required list.

Grayscale & Gamma Tracking

We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detail here.

By default, the 558M1RY’s SmartImage feature, which offers different picture modes, is turned off. We recommend leaving it that way. Out-of-box grayscale tracking has no visible errors in the low and midrange steps. Only at 80% brightness and above will you see a slight purple tint, but we could only see it in test patterns, not in actual content. The only thing that should be changed is the gamma preset. At the default 2.2 setting, gamma is too light, as you could see in the 1st chart above. This spoiled the high contrast image and made it look a little washed out.

To calibrate, we switched to the User Define color temp and lowered each color by one click and also changed the gamma setting from 2.2 to 2.4 (second chart). This resulted in a lower average grayscale error and much better gamma tracking. In terms of gamma, only slight dips at 10% and 90% brightness remain.

The sRGB mode in the Color menu (third cast) has a slightly warm grayscale. The average grayscale error of 3.33dE is mostly due to the brighter steps, 50% and higher, that show a slight red tint. Also, gamma is a little dark. Picture quality is still very good though, and if you prefer to play games and watch videos in the proper gamut, sRGB mode is the right choice for SDR-encoded content.

Comparisons

A 2.36dE default grayscale error is not a visible issue. You’ll be hard-pressed to see a problem in actual content. But we recommend changing the gamma to 2.4 for better contrast and depth.

The second chart shows our calibration settings (see page 1) putting the Philips in last place among a group of more expensive premium monitors. The top four screens have pro-level accuracy, but for gaming, we doubt anyone will have issues with the Philips or Viotek displays’ calibrated grayscale error.

With our calibration also changing the gamma preset from 2.2 to 2.4, the 558M1RY tracked gamma with a 0.20 range of values and an average dE of 2.18, just 0.91% off the 2.2 spec. Therefore, our change made a big difference in image depth and dimensionality .

Color Gamut Accuracy

For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

The 558M1RY starts with very good color accuracy out of the box, which has SmartImage turned off. When compared to the DCI-P3 gamut (first chart above), red and blue are a little under-saturated in the mid-tones, and green is a bit short across the board. This is due to the light gamma tracking we measured earlier.

With gamma set to 2.4 (second chart), color saturation is visibly and measurably improved. All colors are on or very near their P3 target values. This is a visible improvement that you’ll be able to spot.

The sRGB gamut is rendered very accurately with all colors on or near their targets (third chart). You can see a slight over-saturation in the primaries, which is completely excusable, given the very low average error of 1.94dE. This is excellent performance.

Comparisons

All the monitors post excellent results in our calibrated color gamut tests. The Alienware’s last--place score is still beneath the threshold of visibility, so any of the screens here will have visually perfect color. All have been measured against the extended DCI-P3 gamut. The 558M1RY is in the professional realm with its 1.34dE value. It doesn’t get much better than that. The HP is certainly an over-achiever, but you’ll pay a large premium for that accuracy.

We were slightly disappointed at the 558M1RY’s DCI-P3 gamut volume score. 88.72% is respectable, but we had hoped to see something over 90%. The shortfall comes from the under-saturated green primary; red and blue reach the 100% point in the gamut triangle. Alienware takes the crown among flat panels, and the Viotek has one of the largest gamuts we’ve measured to date.

To learn about our HDR testing, see our breakdown of how we test PC monitors.

With a 1,000-nit backlight, the 558M1RY’s HDR promise is great. With no full-array local dimming (FALD) backlight here, like what you’ll find on many of the best HDR monitors, you’ll need dynamic contrast to render truly excellent HDR. Luckily, Philips did its homework.

HDR Brightness & Contrast

For these tests, we measured the Personal and DisplayHDR 1000 modes once the HDR signal was applied. Personal tops out at around 750 nits, which is plenty for any living room or office. If you want the monitor’s full brightness capability though, select the DisplayHDR 1000 mode and watch the peak output go over 1,276 nits. That’s seriously bright. You’ll want to use that when there is a lot of ambient light, like sunlit windows or floodlights. For most environments, Personal is fine, and it also provides better color accuracy.

With super-low black levels, the 558M1RY delivers an impressive 30,720.7:1 contrast ratio for HDR content. That’s a depth you can easily see. Properly-encoded HDR content looks fantastic here, and we had to remind ourselves that the backlight is not a FALD unit. Philips has done a great job here. Only the FALD-equipped HP and Alienware OLED can beat it.

Grayscale, EOTF & Color

You can see the difference between Personal and DisplayHDR 1000 modes above. The latter has a reddish-green tint, which is visible in real-life content, at 40% brightness and higher. The EOTF luminance curve follows the spec reasonably well but gets to the tone-map transition point a little soon. Still, DisplayHDR 100 mode is the mode to choose if you want maximum brightness, as its color, especially red, is also over-saturated.

Personal is much more color-accurate with near perfect DCI-P3 target matching and grayscale that’s a little blue in the brightest parts of the image. The EOTF follows a similar track to the DisplayHDR 1000 mode but the lower peak brightness is easier on the eyes when viewed in average room light or in the dark. Personal is the mode we used for our hands-on tests.

Viewing Angles

Large screens like the 558M1RY will likely be shared, and though it is a VA panel, its off-axis quality is quite good. You can see a slight red tint at 45 degrees to the sides, but you’re only seeing an approximately 5% drop in brightness at most. From the top, the result is similar. There’s a greater loss of detail, but all steps are still clearly visible.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

The 558M1RY includes a screen uniformity mode, which improves this metric but reduces contrast by raising the black level. We measured our sample with the screen uniformity mode turned off and recorded a middling 14.88% result. We could see a little glow in the corners of the screen when viewing an all-black field pattern. Higher brightness patterns showed no issues. Color uniformity was solid as well.

It’s interesting to note that uniformity seems to decrease with size among the LCD panels, but the OLED shines at the top with a tiny 5.8% deviation.

Pixel Response & Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

If you’re looking for the ultimate in speed and response, only a desktop-sized monitor will do. But jumbo screens have made positive strides. The 43-inch screens are the fastest at 144 Hz with very low input lag. But the 120 Hz Philips isn’t too far behind. Its draw time is a little slower than other 120 Hz screens, but it makes up for that with less lag. The total score of 33ms is quick enough for anyone but the most competitive gamer. And it will certainly satisfy console users that play at 60 fps.

The jumbo monitor genre is a small one with just a few expensive displays that mostly attempt to straddle the line between monitor and TV. Philips has forgone any attempt to attract TV buyers with the 558M1RY. It is 100% a computer monitor with no tuner or streaming apps built in. But in practice, it shines as a gaming display and works extremely well as the anchor for a premium entertainment system.

Our most positive impression goes to its built in B&W soundbar. It is by far the best quality audio we’ve heard included with a computer monitor. With 40 watts of power, multiple drivers, superb clarity and a wide soundstage, it provides a great enhancement for gaming and movies.

The 558M1RY is also no slouch in the video department. A 4K VA panel delivers high contrast at nearly 5,000:1 native with an accurate extended color gamut. It doesn’t need calibration, and there’s a usable sRGB mode too. With 750 nits available for SDR and over 1,200 in HDR, light output is prodigious. Even though there’s no full-array local-dimming backlight, it manages over 30,000:1 contrast for stellar HDR performance.

Gamers will enjoy the reliable 120 Hz refresh rate and perfect implementation of Adaptive-Sync with or without HDR engaged. Playing games takes on a whole new dimension on a 55-inch screen, but we suspect console fans already know this. And that is where we found one flaw. There are no HDMI 2.1 inputs to support the new PS5 and Xbox consoles’ top 4K speeds. But through the DisplayPort 1.4 input, you can connect to a PC and play at up to 120Hz in 4K.

Jumbo computer monitors are an extravagance to be sure but, at $1,500, the Philips Momentum 558M1RY represents the best value we’ve seen thus far in the category. It delivers on every promise and is super fun for games, movies and even productivity. If your budget can handle it and the cost of one of the best graphics cards, which you’ll need to drive it, the 558M1RY definitely worth checking out.

If you're a movie buff, designing the perfect home theater is a must! This project, created by MCPCapitalLLC, uses a Raspberry Pi to create ambient lighting that matches whatever you're watching on TV.

The setup is known as Harmonize Project. It interprets HDMI input from your TV with the Pi to determine what color to send to the Phillips Hue bridge.

A demo of the project was released in December, but this week the source code was officially made available for anyone interested in recreating the project at home.

Harmonize Project was tested with a Raspberry Pi 4B and uses Python to control the Phillips Hue Lights. There are multiple lights that change depending on the average pixel color relative to their physical location to the TV.

If you want to recreate this project at home, you'll need a Raspberry Pi, Philips Hue lights, an HDMI splitter, an HDMI capture card and at least 512 MB of RAM. Check out the full source code on Github to see how it works and get started. Be sure to follow the Harmonize Project channel on YouTube for future updates.

Philips unveiled its new 34-inch ultrawide 345M1CR Momentum this week that competes with the best gaming monitors with a 144 Hz refresh rate. There's one caveat through: it’s intended for consoles, not PCs.

Capable of supporting 21:9 resolutions up to 3440 x 1440 and running at 144 Hz with a 4ms response time (1ms with the blur reduction mode), Philips is calling on gamers to use the upcoming monitor to “take your console gaming experience to a new level.”

With no release date for the monitor yet and no current consoles capable of playing games above 60 frames per second, we have to conclude that this monitor is for the upcoming PS5 and Xbox Series X.

You'll find some differences in terms of capabilities when pitting what we know about the PS5 versus the Xbox Series X. However, both are confirmed to support games at 4K resolution and refresh rates as high as 120 Hz. But neither Sony nor Microsoft has made any claims of ultrawide features yet. Earlier this year, PCGamesN cited a source at Samsung as saying the Korean panel maker is pushing Microsoft to support 21:9 monitors with Xbox, but we have yet to hear anything since.

Ultrawide support would certainly be a luxury inclusion, as only certain large games support the feature, even as developers rush to bump up 4K and high framerate compatibility. Many others just add black bars to the side of the screen, which negates the ultrawide aspect ratio. Competitive and multiplayer games especially are notorious for poor ultrawide support, as the extra peripheral viewpoints can disrupt game balance. 

That in mind, we’re not sure yet what makes this monitor especially suited to consoles over PCs. If Sony or Microsoft do end up embracing luxury and supporting ultrawide aspect ratios, monitors may gain another advantage in the competition for couch gamers' hearts over TVs. But, again, there’s just no evidence that either console vendor plans on doing that.

We could potentially take the new display as evidence of Microsoft and Sony working on features they have yet to announce to anyone but panel makers, though we don't know why they would announce features like 4K to the public, yet hold back information about 21:9 support.

Still, console gamers might want to think about upgrading their display anyway. With the PS5 and the Xbox Series X both supporting high resolutions and high frame rates, we’re sure to see 144 Hz console displays becoming more normalized over the next generation. But hopefully they'll have something more to set them apart from a PC monitor. 

RGB lighting has made a name for itself in the computing space, especially when it comes to gaming. But what if you could bring the trend from your gaming den to the living room? With this project shared on Reddit this week by a maker known as Moe7863, you can bring RGB to your TV with a Raspberry Pi. 

The setup relies on a Raspberry Pi 4 to control 116 individually addressable LEDs. It also uses a USB camera to detect the current image and assign a color for each LED based on its location along the edge of the screen.

It doesn't take much hardware to recreate the project. In addition to the Pi 4, you'll need an Arduino Uno R3, LED strip, USB camera and a power supply. You don't even need an expensive LED strip, Moe7863 had no trouble using a generic LED strip from Amazon.

Moe7863 mounted the USB camera to the wall across the room. It required a 10m (32.8 feet) USB extension cable to reach the Raspberry Pi. There is a slight 50-100ms delay, as input information has to travel from the camera, through the Pi and to the Arduino before reaching the LED strip.

This is still a work in progress with plans for improvement. If you'd like to check this project and more of Moe7863's work, you can follow him on Reddit. 

This might not be the first ambient lighting project for the Raspberry Pi, but we appreciate Moe7863 for bringing it to the Pi 4 and showing that you don't need expensive hardware to build awesome projects at home.

Philips is back again with a new monitor, this time unveiling the 346P1CRH. This creatively-named display follows the recipe of a curved 34-inch ultrawide, but with a few unique qualities that make it a very attractive contender for office users who want to fire up a casual game from time to time.

Beneath the tidy, no-fuss exterior styling of the display resides a VA panel with a 1500R curve and a 3440 by 1440 resolution. Due to being a VA panel, it has a static contrast ratio of 3000:1, and the display has a peak brightness of up to 500 cd/m². Although the panel is limited to 8-bits for just 16.7-million colors, gamut coverage is quite alright at 120% of the sRGB space, 88% of AdobeRGB, and 90% of the DCI-P3 space. This means that although professional photographers and video won't be fully satisfied, general-purpose or casual editing can certainly be accomplished on this display. A factory sRGB calibration is provided with a Delta E of less than 2.

If you're taking a break from work and firing up a casual game, the 346P1CRH won't disappoint, either. With a refresh rate of 100 Hz, Adaptive-Sync support, 4ms response times, and DisplayHDR 400, games will run smoothly, and without stuttering or tearing at framerates between 48 and 100 Hz. 

Philips also considered its user's needs when it decided what to do for the display's connectivity, where again, the spec sheet doesn't leave us wanting more. For starters, it comes with USB Type-C with daisy-chaining support, along with USB-C docking and up to 90 watts of power delivery. Other display inputs include a DisplayPort 1.4 connector and two HDMI 2.0 inputs. On the USB-side, there is a 4-port hub that feeds from either the USB Type-C input or a USB Type-B input, depending on which input you've selected in the KVM switch options. Topping it off, there is a headphone jack and Gigabit Ethernet. Oh, and there's a pop-up webcam built-in, along with a proximity sensor.

Consider that all these features are packed together into one monitor, you'll soon realize that this is a very well balanced piece of kit that's capable of catering to a huge audience. Unless you have extreme needs in any particular area such as color reproduction or extremely high refresh rates, the Philips 346P1CRH likely has everything you'll need from a monitor for years to come.

The best part: It's available for pre-order in Europe for about €560, with delivery at the end of the month. Though we don't have information about US pricing or availability, we do hope it will land here soon for a similar price, as we feel that the 346P1CRH might become quite popular.

Philips' new 276C8 monitor looks a bit different from the standard design of many PC displays today. The most notable difference is in regards to connectivity, which is all built into the display’s stand, enabling Philips to keep it just 6.9mm thick at its slimmest part. 

Ports consist of a power brick power connector, a USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 connector with 65W power delivery, HDMI 1.4 and an HDMI 2.0 port, (which you’ll need to benefit from the HDR10 support), and an audio out port.

The display’s panel itself is a 27-inch, QHD (2560 x 1440), IPS unit that supports HDR with HDR10, which is great, but we're more skeptical about the max brightness of 350 nits, which is good for regular SDR content but not that bright for an HDR display. In addition, contrast is just typical at 1,000:1.  

However, the specs don’t let down elsewhere, as the panel also has 131% of sRGB color space coverage and is capable of FreeSync with a refresh rate between 48 and 75 Hz. This should make the display well-suited for playing slower-paced story-based games or casual gaming; although, highly competitive gamers seeking the best gaming monitor will probably want something speedier. 

Availability is set for sometime this month. Philips didn't reveal a specific MSRP, but based on European pricing we expect this unit to cost about $350. 

Philips is coming with a new monitor – the 439P9H, which is a huge 43-inch 32:10 monitor with a panel that boasts a 3840 by 1200 resolution, making it the smaller sibling of the recently launched 499P9H. Essentially, that makes it equal to two 1920 by 1200 panels glued together, but this bad boy’s got a few other tricks up its sleeve.

The panel itself has a 1800R curvature, and with its size has a pixel density of 93 PPI. It also packs a 4ms gray to gray response time, and has a 100Hz refresh rate and comes with adaptive sync to reduce stuttering and tearing. Therefore, although it appears to be aimed at an office environment, it will also be great for firing up a game now and then.

Color reproduction is quite alright too as it has a 10-bit panel with 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage, 123 percent of the sRGB color space and 91 percent of AdobeRGB. It has a Delta e of < 2 in sRGB mode. Lastly, the panel also comes with HDR400 support with a peak brightness of 450 nits, though it is also known that HDR400 is, of all HDR standards, hardly worth the name – so just treat this one like it’s a non-HDR display.

The display has a few more tricks too. Its stand support height and tilt adjusting, though you’re probably not surprised to hear that it doesn’t do portrait mode. The 439P9H also comes with a built-in USB-C docking station, which means you can use it to charge your laptop over USB-C. You’ll also be able to plug a few USB devices, Gigabit Ethernet and audio straight to the monitor, which it links through to your notebook, all over the one USB-C cable. It also has a built-in KVM switch that allows multiple devices to be displayed and controlled at the same time.

As a final cherry on top, Philips’ 439P9H has a pop-out webcam.

The monitor is already making its way to shops in Europe with an MSRP of €979, so we would expect roughly a $850 - $900 price tag if it comes to the U.S. The larger 499P9H with its 5120x1440 resolution is available for $1,050 on Amazon, so chances are the 439P9H will soon be coming to the U.S. too.

Philips released a new 4K monitor today, the Brilliance 272P7VUBNB. The new 27-inch display comes with built-in docking station that includes a USB-C port powerful enough to charge a laptop and the surprising inclusion of RJ-45 Ethernet. 

Philips Brilliance 272P7VUBNB Specs

The biggest draw to the new LCD monitor is the built-in docking station around back. It includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Ethernet port and a USB-C port that can charge devices at up to 65W.

With 4K resolution, the new Philips monitor packs an impressive pixel density of 163 pixels per inch (ppi). It also uses Philips' proprietary SmartImage feature, which lets you enhances the image for specified apps.

The base offers cable management, and the monitor can be turned into portrait mode, tilt forward and backwards and swivel. The swiveling makes sense to have with the IPS panel, which points to a strong image even when viewing the monitor from 90 degrees to the side. 

You can find the Philips Brilliance LCD monitor on Amazon with an MSRP of $349.99; although, at the time of writing it was discounted to $319. Models sold in the U.S. include a 4-year replacement warranty.

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.

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.

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

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

Features and Specifications

There’s no question that gaming on a large screen is more fun than gaming on a small one. Ultra-wides and jumbo monitors provide a sense of immersion that can rival even the best VR goggles. But most big-screen monitors carry premium prices, putting them out of reach for many. Our recent HP Omen X 65 Emperium review certainly proves that. Clearly, there is a gap in the market for reasonably priced large screens.

So if you’re looking for something more attainable, Philips has the monitor for you: the 32-inch 326E8FJSB. With a price at the time of writing of $280 / £215.99, you’ll have to forgo things like built-in speakers and USB ports,. But it’s a VA panel with a high contrast ratio, plus accurate color, FreeSync and a 75Hz refresh rate.

Specifications

When a monitor comes with a VA panel, it’s already up on the competition. That technology’s higher contrast makes it clearly superior to IPS and TN in the image depth department. In general, you can easily see the difference when viewing them side-by-side. VA’s lower black levels have a significant impact on picture quality and color saturation.

The 326E8FJSB starts with a QHD resolution panel (2560x1440 pixels) and adds FreeSync adaptive refresh in an operating range of 48-75Hz. While that is not a huge uptick from 60Hz, it is enough to quicken panel response and lower input lag by a visible amount.

To keep the price low, Philips left out USB ports, built-in speakers and a fancy stand. There’s also no blur-reduction, but that is a rarity among FreeSync monitors. At QHD resolution, the issue of FreeSync below 48Hz is non-existent. Even a budget graphics card can keep the framerates above that number in most of today’s popular games.

Philips did not skimp on color though. Bandwidth is 10-bits, and we found a little bonus saturation during our measurements. It didn’t stray too far from the sRGB/Rec.709 spec, but the 326E8F is a bit more vivid than most sRGB screens we’ve seen. It looks like a winning package at a low price. Let’s take a look.

Unpacking and Accessories

Once you extract the 326E8FJSB panel and its base from the crumbly foam, assembly is achieved by mating the two parts together with a captive bolt. The upright is already attached, so you’ll have to remove it before using third-party hardware for mounting with the four 100mm VESA lugs.

Cables include VGA and HDMI only; there is no DisplayPort. The power supply is internal, so the monitor comes with an IEC cord too.

Product 360

Styling is definitely minimalist with simple black trim and a shiny plastic cover across the back. The bezel is neither overly wide nor thin and makes no effort to hide itself. The screen’s anti-glare layer is fixed tightly for clarity and is free from artifacts or grain. A small Philips logo adorns a clear, plastic tab at the bottom center. The only other feature is a tiny white power LED at the lower right.

You won’t immediately locate the on-screen display (OSD) controls as they’re not in any of the usual places. A bit of feeling around revealed a tiny joystick at the bottom-center. It handles all functions, including power, and works very well. We were able to quickly navigate the excellent OSD and access all the 326E8F’s features with ease.

The side profile is relatively slim with a bulge across the bottom. The stand’s fulcrum is low, so as you tilt the screen back, the top moves away from you while the bottom stays put. Total adjustment is 20 degrees back and 5 degrees forward. There is no swivel or height adjustment. Movements are firm with little play. The package is fairly light, so there is a bit of wobble, but overall build quality is quite good for the price.

The input panel includes one each of HDMI 1.4, DisplayPort 1.2, DVI and VGA. You also get a 3.5mm jack for headphones or powered speakers, and you can control volume with the OSD if desired.

OSD Features

The joystick controller is very effective at its job. A left-click opens the SmartImage menu (picture modes), up is input selection, right is the full OSD and down produces a volume slider. A long press turns the monitor off.

There are six preset image modes in addition to the default Off setting. Off is the best one to choose, as it is quite accurate out of the box and still allows access to all image adjustments. In addition to five gamma presets, you get color temp modes by Kelvin value, an sRGB preset and user-adjustable RGB sliders. We chose the latter to dial in our sample to a high standard.

There’s also a three-level overdrive control feature called SmartResponse. The medium setting here, Faster, it the best choice for low blur and no ghosting. FreeSync is automatically on when an AMD graphics card is detected, so no user intervention is required there. And you won’t have to engage an overclock for 75Hz either; the option appears in Windows’ refresh rate choices.

Setup and Calibration

Out of the box, the 326E8FJSB has SmartImage turned off and the 6500K color temp selected, and it’s fairly accurate.

For an even better image, choose the User color temp and set the RGB sliders to our recommended values below. We also found more depth by selecting the 2.4 gamma preset, which improved highlight detail and added contrast to the mid-tones. Our full recommended settings are below:

 Gaming and Hands-on

We spent quite a bit of time with both Tomb Raider and Call of Duty: WWII. Playing at QHD resolution didn’t really sacrifice much detail, even though we’ve become spoiled by premium screens, like the Asus ROG Swift PG27UQ and Acer Predator X27 (both are 4K resolution). At 32 inches, the extra size is certainly appreciated. Even though pixel density is 93 pixels per inch (ppi), we still saw realistic sweat, dirt and textures with enough depth to be visceral. The high contrast ratio is a huge plus. Only an HDR monitor can deliver more depth than a good VA screen like the 326E8FJSB.

Both games easily pegged the frame counter at 75 frames per second (fps) when we played on our Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti-equipped PC. Even without FreeSync in play, there was no tearing.

With our more modest AMD Radeon R9 285-based rig, the action still managed to hover in the 60 fps range. FreeSync was welcomed, as it prevented any tearing artifacts. Motion blur was also easily kept in check. You’ll want to use the Faster, rather than the Fastest, overdrive (SmartImage on this monitor) setting. Fastest produced significant ghosting, which we saw prominently in Call of Duty: WWII.

Input lag wasn’t an issue either; we never noticed a single delay or stutter. While the very best players may want a higher refresh rate, 75Hz is fine for most who play casually. We especially enjoyed the rich and saturated color afforded by that slightly-larger-than-sRGB gamut.

Working in Windows revealed a bit of pixelation in the smallest screen fonts. Black text on a white background looked fine mostly, unless the letters were very tiny. If you really want the finest detail possible for spreadsheets or word processing, only a 4K monitor no larger than 32 inches will do. Our review focus’ 93ppi meant good graphic detail in photos and video content, plus the strong contrast helps.

MORE: Best Gaming Monitors

MORE: How We Test Monitors

MORE: All Monitor Content

Brightness and Contrast

To read about our monitor tests in-depth, check out Display Testing Explained: How We Test Monitors and TVs. We cover Brightness and Contrast testing on page two.

Uncalibrated – Maximum Backlight Level

We rounded up a group of large-screen monitors from our database to compare against the 326E8FJSB. That includes some 32-inchers, the AOC Agon AG322QC4 and AOC Agon AG322QCX, BenQ EW3270U and Monoprice 33822, plus the Philips 436M6VBPAB Momentum (436M6), a 43-inch screen. All use VA tech.

The 436M6 has an advantage over our comparison group, since it’s equipped with a 1,000-nit backlight and HDR. Still, all the other monitors except the Monoprice can get a bit brighter than the 326E8FJSB. The 326E8F provides just enough brightness output for gaming or general tasks.

However, the 326E8FJSB’s low-brightness backlight helps it win the max black level comparison with an excellent 0.0768-nit measurement. Resulting contrast is a solid 2,746.8:1, enough for a third-place finish here. While the 436M6 operates on another level, the rest of comparison group offered visibly similar contrast performance.

After Calibration to 200 nits

With brightness adjusted to 200 nits, the 326E8FJSB maintained its third-place position in terms of max black level. The calibration to 200 nits barely reduced contrast. This is excellent performance considering the monitor doesn’t have zone-dimming. All the results here represent the panels’ native contrast ratios.

With ANSI contrast testing, the 326E8FJSB dropped down to fifth place, but it’s still solidly in the hunt with the other screens. Any time a monitor delivers over 2,000:1 in this test, it’s well ahead of any IPS or TN screen. This result means better black levels, more dimensionality and more saturated color than those other panel technologies.

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Grayscale, Gamma and Color

The 326E8FJSB offers multiple image modes, but we found the best results with SmartImage turned off, which is the default setting. It promises excellent out-of-box color with little need for calibration.

Grayscale & Gamma Tracking

We describe our grayscale and gamma tests in detailhere.

The 326E8FJSB’s grayscale tracking errors remain below 3dE until the 50 percent brightness level, where they just become visible. Most users will be satisfied with the monitor in its default state. The greater concern is with the gamma chart, where there is a distinct rise from 70 to 90 percent. This results in highlights that look flat and bright colors that lack that last bit of vivacity. Luckily, there is an easy fix.

The second charts above were recorded after switching to the User color temp and tweaking the RGB sliders. Grayscale tracking improved to a very high level of accuracy. But more importantly, the gamma error was nearly erased. We changed the preset from 2.2 to 2.4 to get all the luminance values to 2.2 or slightly higher. While it’s not perfect, color became much livelier and brighter in the higher luminance range.

Comparisons

Our calibrations cut the grayscale error down by more than half, so they are worth doing. If you dial in our settings from page one, you’ll see a similar result. Not only is the white point now completely neutral, color is better as well.

The rise in gamma from 70 to 90 percent tainted the range of values a bit, but the 326E8FJSB’s last-place finish in the gamma value range chart is mainly because the other screens are so good. We have no complaints about either the range or the deviation result. The 3.63 percent number represents an average gamma value of 2.28.

Color Gamut Accuracy

For details on our color gamut testing and volume calculations, click here.

With SmartImage turned off and the color temp set to its default 6500K value, we can see decent color performance from the 326E8FJSB. Red and green are slightly oversaturated but still in contact with their target boxes. Red takes a slight hue shift towards the outer limit of the triangle. That’s the reason for the 326E8FJSB’s large gamut volume, which we’ll talk about in a moment. The cyan secondary is slightly offset towards blue, but it’s still touching the target boxes. With a default average error of just 2.09dE, we think Philips has done a good job here. Remember that this monitor only costs $280.

Calibration brings the average error down to just 1.56dE with a slight increase in the higher saturation levels of 60-80 percent. The grayscale calibration brings the secondary colors right in line with their hue targets as well. The 326E8FJSB is capable of professional-level color accuracy.

Comparisons

The 326E8FJSB is the least expensive monitor in our comparison group but is closes to having the best color accuracy. Kudos to Philips for not cutting corners there. Gamers will appreciate the natural hues and the bit of bonus saturation. The panel stays within the sRGB spec but pushes the boundaries just a little and in a good way. We liked the bold color and depth of the image. It made gaming more fun and work easier to get through.

While the 326E8FJSB makes no pretense about DCI-P3 color, it managed to deliver 113.2 percent of the sRGB space, thanks to the bonus red and green we mentioned earlier. The monitor is still very accurate but has just enough extra punch to set it above the average sRGB screen. Only the AG322QC4 offers more visibly saturated color. For color-critical work, we suggest a custom profile to ensure the best matching of every part of your image production chain. 

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Viewing Angles, Uniformity, Response and Lag

Viewing Angles

VA technology is a bit weak in the viewing angle department, falling somewhere between IPS (the best) and TN in quality. In the image above, you can see the 326E8FJSB has good detail retention when viewing from the sides with a roughly 40 percent light reduction. Some red and green color shifts are visible, depending on brightness level. In the vertical plane, detail is almost completely absent, and brightness drops by 50 percent.

Screen Uniformity

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, click here.

Our sample posted a disappointing black field uniformity score of 17.6 percent. In practice, the screen didn’t look too bad because its black levels are extremely low, which makes any hotspots harder to see. We did see some extra brightness in the corners of the screen, though it wasn’t enough to term it a bleed issue. Given our experience, we expect some 326E8FJSB monitors to measure better than our review unit.

Pixel Response & Input Lag

Click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

Despite operating at a 75Hz refresh rate, the 326E8FJSB managed to edge out the Monoprice by 2ms in our response time test. And it only trailed that screen by 5ms in the overall input lag test.

More impressively, it’s not too far behind the two 144Hz screens from AOC. This is a great thing for owners of budget gaming rigs. Thanks to the 326E8FJSB’s QHD resolution and fast internal components, it delivers an excellent gaming experience at a very attractive price. One shouldn’t be concerned about 144Hz refresh rates when their graphics cards pushes, at best, 70 fps. Thus, the 326E8FJSB is a great choice for modest budgets and makes the most of its performance potential. We observed nothing but smooth blur-free motion and instant control response.

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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

Pegged for office work or entertainment, Philips has released its new E9 series of curved monitors, which includes a 32-inch monitor with QHD resolution and Philips' Ultra Wide Color technology, said to bring a wider spectrum of colors via "adjustments" to the chemical makeup of the color chips and LED backlights. It also released an additional 32-incher, plus a 27-incher that has Ultra Wide Color but lesser FHD resolution. All of these new additions use the familiar 1800R curvature.

The new black / silver monitors use VA panels with Phillip’s Flicker-Free technology and LowBlue Mode to ease eye strain and provide a more comfortable viewing experience. The FreeSync panels have 178-degree viewing angles. The panels include two 3 W speakers and a stand, which has tilt functionality (5 degrees backward, 10 degrees forward). 

What about that so-called Ultra Wide Color? According to the specs, these panels cover 102 percent of the NTSC and 122.6 percent of the sRGB color gamuts. These values are a bit less than what we saw on the E8 series surprisingly, 103 percent and 126 percent, respectively.

As noted, there are three monitors in the line – two 32-inch models, one QHD 2560x1440, the other FHD. The 27-inch model is also 1080p. Note that you might not want to sit to close to a 32-inch 1080p monitor as the DPI (dots per inch) will be a bit too light for some. 

All the new monitors sport a 250 nits brightness with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, 75 Hz refresh rate and 5 ms (GTG) response time. 

The 32-inch WQHD (328E9FJAB) has an MSRP of $349.99, the 32-inch FHD (32E9QJAB) $249.99 and the 27-inch (278E9QJAB) is priced at $215.99. All monitors are available now.

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Philips is expanding its Momentum lineup. The company has listed the 326M6VJRMB monitor on its UK website, and it combines a 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution with DisplayHDR 600 in a 32-inch display, complete with an Ambiglow lighting system for deeper immersion.

DisplayHDR 600 is what Philips in its announcement called "true" HDR, which is becoming increasingly popular on consumer displays. It's supposed to offer a better picture than standard displays through a more dynamic lighting system. The 326M6VJRMB's DisplayHDR 600 support means it boasts a peak brightness of 600 nits and local dimming. That combination of features (among others) results in a more dynamic image with darker shadows and brighter highlights than standard monitors.

We're oversimplifying things--you can learn more about HDR in our article exploring the technology. But the gist is that HDR allows monitors to look better without requiring them to have even more pixels shoved into their already densely packed displays.

Ambiglow does what you'd expect. Philips outfitted the 326M6VJRMB with RGB LEDs to project light underneath and behind the monitor. Those lights can be set to respond to what's happening on-screen, ostensibly to aid immersion, or just to shine a specific color.

The 326M6VJRMB features a 60Hz refresh rate, 4ms response time and AMD FreeSync (assumedly FreeSync 2 HDR) support that works between 40 and 60Hz refresh rates. It also boasts a 3,000:1 static contrast, 178-degree viewing angles and 10-bit color.

Philips also equipped the 326M6VJRMB with a height and tilt-adjustable stand that can be replaced with a standard VESA mount. Connectivity is offered via three HDMI 2.0, one DisplayPort 1.4 and four USB 3.0 ports, as well as 3.5mm audio in and out.

More information about the 326M6VJRMB is available on Philips' UK website; however, the monitor isn't listed on the U.S. version of the site, and Philips hasn't revealed pricing or availability. 

Philips has just announced the launch of its latest 499P9H SuperWide monitor. This behemoth of a curved screen comes packing a VA, 48.8-inch panel. Although that’s nothing new in the world of monitors, what is impressive about the 499P9H, is the feature set and the price, It’s a 5120x1440 with a 60Hz refresh rate, and although we’ve already seen the likes of that from Dell, the 499P9H, comes in at £990 ($1,130), as opposed to £1016 ($1,350), and also packs in a few other spec changes and additions, that make it more than worth it.

Pumping out a colossal 7.37 million pixels (11-percent less than a 4K screen), it’s the equivalent of lining up two 27-inch 1440p panels side-by-side, removing the bezel, and running it all through a single cable. On top of that you get an 1800 R curvature, a 178º viewing angle, HDCP 2.2 support, a 5ms G2G response time as standard, popping high contrast VA colors, and HDR400 as well. Although that latter spec does come across a little underwhelming, given HDR’s desire for more lumens, it’s still a nice feature set for sure.