The Philips Brilliance 498P9Z makes a huge statement, but it's not perfect. Image quality is great but has a few niggles, and there is a distinct lack of bonus OSD features for the intended gaming audience. But this is still a huge super-ultrawide monitor with 165Hz refresh and adaptive sync, giving it the core capabilities a gamer will want from their screen.
The £1,400-plus price is high, but with so few monitors offering this combination of screen size, resolution and refresh, it's not extortionate. The inputs and USB KVM switch capabilities make it very flexible, although USB-C is a surprising omission in this respect.
You can plug in four different inputs and switch between the USB outputs from two of them easily. There is a decent range of ergonomic adjustments, although the promised swivel seemed too stiff to use.
Overall, while this is an expensive screen that lacks gaming-focused functions in the OSD, if you're looking for a huge monitor for everyday use that will also be great for gaming, the Philips Brilliance 498P9Z delivers an almost unique set of abilities.
You can buy the Philips Brilliance 498P9Z from Amazon over HERE for £1,461 inc VAT.
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Pros:
- Stunning 49in width.
- Huge 5,120 x 1,440 resolution.
- 165Hz refresh with adaptive sync.
- Good colour accuracy.
- Four-port USB hub with two-input KVM switch.
- Four video inputs.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Lacks gaming-specific options in the OSD.
- You will need a really big desk.
KitGuru says: The Philips Brilliance 498P9Z delivers huge super ultrawide gaming capabilities. There are gaming features missing in the OSD, but the core capabilities make this an extremely competent jack-of-all trades – if you can afford it.