As a content creator, I need a large screen space to work efficiently. A large 4K monitor will allow me to work effectively without straining my eyes. And this Philips 4K monitor is the most budget-friendly and feature-rich monitor that I found for now.
If you are a content creator like me, you’ll appreciate this value for money, feature packed monitor at a wallet-friendly price. The monitor is not a new model, however it competes well with features and price even with newer models. It was on sale online and cost me AU$378.
I’ve divided this video in these sections to make it easier for you to follow and watch the information you need. Continue watching this video and let’s explore this curved 4K monitor.
This is the Philips 32 inch curved monitor box, E Line model 328E1CA. The box is large, and thick due to the curved monitor design. The image and its main features are printed on the box.
If you’re not sure how to unbox this, there is a pictorial guide printed on the box.
Now, let’s open the box to see its contents.
These are everything from the box. The monitor comes with a square base, a HDMI cable, a power cable, a quick start guide and a SmartUniformity data sheet.
The Philips 328E1CA has simple assembly with a screwdriver. Attach the base and screw, connect the HDMI cable and plug in the power cable and it’s ready to use.
This 4K monitor feels solidly built quality. It is 31.5 inches measured diagonally and has a VA panel in the 16:9 aspect ratio. The monitor weighs a sturdy 7.71kg with the square-shaped base.
Its back feels like robust plastic with a brushed aluminium-look coat of paint.
Its top and side bezels are also quite thin, making it look more premium for its price.
The monitor has a 1500R curvature which is quite decent. 1500R means the suggested maximum viewing distance of 1.5m or 4.9 feet, so take that into consideration, especially if there’s a very specific place you plan on placing the monitor.
The ports are located on the back, and instead of having cables pointing down, the cables will be sticking out the back. Although it seems weird, I find it easier to plug in and disconnect without tilting my head in awkward angles.
The stand comes with a long cable management slot to hide and keep cables organized.
There are two HDMI 2.0 ports and a DisplayPort so you could potentially have 3 computers all connected at 4K resolution. There is also audio in and out. And a Kensington lock to secure the monitor to deter theft.
There’s a 100mm VESA mount on the rear of the monitor that allows you to mount it to a monitor arm
This monitor can tilt -5 down and +20 up, and it has no swivel capabilities. There’s also no USB-C port included, a disadvantage for people who use a MacBook or an Ultrabook with only USB-C ports available. But, there are ways around that by using a USB-C hub.
This 4K monitor has a resolution of 3840 x 2160 @ 60 Hz.
The monitor has a VA LED display panel which delivers a good contrast ratio and is great for office or work use and gaming.
It has Ultra Wide-Color Technology to produce natural looking colors to make media and contents looking more lively.
It has Adaptive-Sync technology for smooth quick refresh and fast response time, which is useful during gameplay.
This monitor comes with LowBlue Mode to reduce shortwave blue light, which reduces eye strain.
It also comes with FlickerFree technology, which minimizes eye fatigue and provides comfortable viewing.
Although it doesn’t support HDR, it has SmartContrast function that, when combined with 2500:1 contrast ratio, makes images richer and more vibrant.
I find that the curve is implemented very well for a 32 inch monitor. It’s easy to see every corner of the screen clearly without having to adjust your gaze, so whether you’re working or playing, you can view the whole screen at once. I do have to admit that as this is the first time using a curved screen, it was awkward for probably 30 minutes before I got used to it.
Two 3W speakers are built-in at the bottom of the monitor. Although they are nice to have and generally usable, the sound is not good enough for music or movies.
This monitor’s on-screen display (OSD) is very easy to use with the 4 buttons provided under the monitor. The fifth button is the power button. Each of the 4 buttons have a dual function.
Pressing the first button brings up the SmartImage Game function to optimize the screen based on preset options.
Pressing the second button brings up the input selection between the 3 available input ports.
Pressing the third button brings up the volume control for the monitor’s built-in stereo speakers.
Pressing the fourth button brings up the full OSD menu with selections for LowBlue Mode, Input, Picture, SmartSize, Audio, Color, Language, OSD Settings and Setup.
Let’s talk about the good things first. This 4K monitor works well right out of the box, it was very pleasing to use even without changing any settings.
As this is not a new model, the price has gone down. So you can get a quality feature-rich monitor for a bargain.
This monitor comes with a 3 year manufacturer warranty, so I know I’m covered for that duration.
The 1500R screen curve seems to be perfectly immersive for this 32 inch screen when working at a desk. I can view and work on multiple windows in the same screen, increasing my productivity.
I tested watching 4K movie trailers and they look amazing. Fast paced actions looked accurate and realistic.
The monitor comes with built-in stereo speakers which is useful for general audio needs.
Now let’s talk about the not so good about this monitor. Although it has speakers, the sound quality is not that great and not suitable for movies or music.
The monitor has no USB-C port so people with a laptop that has only USB-C for display output will have to use a USB-C hub to use this 4K monitor.
Although the box says this monitor is good for gaming, with a refresh rate up to 60Hz, gaming with higher refresh rate needs may not look as smooth as expected.
The Philips 328E1CA is a really good 4K monitor for the price it is available now. This monitor feels solid, looks a little premium and comes with useful features. It is a great monitor for daily workload productivity or for casual home use. The monitor delivers when it comes to performance, offering a crisp, clean, and vibrant picture quality. Will I buy this monitor again if I need to? Yes, I will.
That’s all for this review and I hope this video has been useful for you.
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