Philips is following in ASUS’ footsteps in introducing an uber-wide 32:9 monitor with a 49″ VA panel diagonal. Philips is picking up the same panel that Samsung is using on their CH90, DFHD (Double Full HD) monitor. Philips, however, is shaving some of the technologies that make its Samsung counterpart more expensive – but also much more interesting for the gamer inside you. While Samsung is including their QLED technology in the CH90, as well as support for AMD’s FreeSync 2 technology, Philips shaves those, which will allow the company to reach a sub $1,100 price-tag. It keeps the 1800R curvature, however, which really, is likely mandatory in such a wide panel.
The panel offers an ultra-wide aspect ratio with its 32:9 ratio (good luck on finding many games that support that out-of-the-box), but it features a somewhat low vertical resolution of just 1080 pixels. Brightness is being reported at a maximum 600 cd/m², and contrast at up to 5000:1. Connectivity-wise, the Philips 492P8 features 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, 1x USB Type-C input, 1x D-Sub connector, as well as built-in dual-port USB 3.0 and an Ethernet hub (the USB-C acts like an upstream port). 2x 3.5-mm audio connectors for headphones and a microphone. Philips plans to bring the 492P8 to the market sometime in Q2 next year and intends to sell the unit for about €899 ($1077). However, considering the time interval between now and launch, MSRP and specifications may be subject to change in the meantime.
