Philips Momentum 279M1RV 4K Monitor Review

The Philips Momentum 279M1RV box subtly implies its gaming focus, but it's definitely not as showy as some manufacturers' gaming screen packaging.

Inside, there are cables for DisplayPort and HDMI video connections, plus USB C, and of course the external power brick and its associated mains cord. Our sample only came with an EU cord but it was shipped from Philips's European PR company.

Although this is a gaming screen, its design doesn't scream this. In fact, it's a decidedly sober display. The 27in diagonal is about right. It will fit on most desks, with a bit of room for external speakers on the side (if you have them – there are 5W units built into the 279M1RV). The 4K resolution provides 3,840 x 2,160 pixels. This panel is aimed at “next generation” consoles capable of 4K resolutions and higher refresh rates than 60Hz.

This is a very solid monitor. The panel frame feels very robust and the stand is sturdy. In fact, the screen is much heavier than you'd expect for this size. This won't be so great if you plan on carrying it to a LAN, but certainly exudes build quality – as you would hope for the price. The strange notches all around the rear of the bezel are for the Ambiglow LEDs, of which more later.

The 279M1RV is quite well endowed for adjustment capabilities. You can raise and lower the panel by 130mm, swivel it 35 degrees left and right, and tilt it 5 degrees forward or 20 degrees backward. There's no option to rotate into portrait, but we'd question your sanity if you paid this much for a high-refresh 4K gaming monitor then spend most of the time editing Word documents on it in that orientation.

The port allocation is generous, too. Next to the power connection from the external brick is a quartet of video inputs. These include DisplayPort 1.4 plus three HDMI 2.1 ports, all of which support 144Hz refresh rates. Then there's an analog audio output, followed by the four-port USB hub. This offers both USB C and Type B upstream options, plus a quartet of USB 3.2 ports, two of which support fast charge BC 1.2. The USB C port also supports DP Alt mode, enabling 4K inputs at up to 120Hz. It can handle 65W of power both ways, too, so you could charge your laptop with it.

The menu system is controlled via a joystick on the rear, which is a little hard to locate the first time. You will need to reach around exploratively to find it initially.

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