Hands-on Review of the Philips 34B1U5600CH Monitor: Premium Display Performance Unleashed
Philips 34B1U5600CH Review: A Curved Monitor with a Price Tag to Match
The Philips 34B1U5600CH is a high-end curved monitor that boasts a range of impressive features, including a 34-inch VA panel, 3,440 x 1,440 resolution, and a 120Hz refresh rate. But how does it compare to its competitors, and is it worth the premium price tag?
A Close Relative: The AOC CU34P3CV
The Philips 34B1U5600CH shares many similarities with the AOC CU34P3CV, another high-end curved monitor with a 34-inch VA panel and 3,440 x 1,440 resolution. Both monitors performed similarly in our technical tests, with strong performances and accurate colors.
A Spoilt Child: The Philips 34B1U5600CH’s Extra Features
However, the Philips 34B1U5600CH has a few tricks up its sleeve that set it apart from its AOC rival. The monitor features a respectable 1080p webcam with Windows Hello support, a power sensor that switches the screen off when it detects no activity, and an ambient light sensor. The speakers are also a step up from the AOC, although they’re still not hi-fi quality.
The Numbers Game: Refresh Rate, Brightness, and Ports
The Philips 34B1U5600CH also has a higher refresh rate than the AOC, at 120Hz compared to 100Hz. It also boasts a higher peak brightness, at 350cd/m2 compared to 300cd/m2. Additionally, the Philips monitor has two more USB-C ports than the AOC, with one port delivering 100W of power.
A Superior Stand and OSD
The Philips 34B1U5600CH also has a superior stand, with 180mm of height adjustment and a smoother swivel option. The monitor’s OSD is also easier to navigate, although it still lacks a range of useful options.
Conclusion: A Fine Screen, But at a Price
The Philips 34B1U5600CH is a fine screen, but it’s a premium product with a price tag to match. At over £500, it’s significantly more expensive than the AOC CU34P3CV, and the Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5 is a more affordable option with a better warranty. However, if you’ll take advantage of the Philips monitor’s extra features, you can argue it’s worth the premium price.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Philips 34B1U5600CH | AOC CU34P3CV | Iiyama ProLite XUB3293UHSN-B5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panel Type | VA | VA | VA |
| Resolution | 3,440 x 1,440 | 3,440 x 1,440 | 3,440 x 1,440 |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 100Hz | 100Hz |
| Peak Brightness | 350cd/m2 | 300cd/m2 | 300cd/m2 |
| Webcam | 1080p | – | – |
| Power Sensor | Yes | – | – |
| Ambient Light Sensor | Yes | – | – |
| Speakers | Better quality | Poor quality | Poor quality |
| Ports | 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C | 4x USB-A, 1x USB-C | 4x USB-A, 2x USB-C |
| Warranty | 2-year return to base | 2-year on-site swapout | 5-year on-site swapout |
Rating
The Philips 34B1U5600CH is a fine screen, but it’s a premium product with a price tag to match. We’ve given it a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, with the main drawback being its high price point.
