The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A is an ultrawide marvel for under $300

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The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A joins the 27-inch and 32-inch versions of the 5000 gaming monitor series. It is a fast, curved VA monitor equipped with all the features needed to enjoy speed and ultimate precision, with sharp and vibrant images. It’s slightly lower than the resolution of the best 4K monitors, but at 3440 x 1440 (WQHD), it’s no slouch.

The decision to give the ultra-wide screen a 1500R curvature mimics the eye’s natural visual field and helps endlessly immerse you in the action. Having experienced bends that require significant head rotation to visualize the extent, I was happy that Philips opted for something much more subtle.

The fast 0.5ms MPRT response time and 180Hz refresh rate ensure smooth gameplay even when the action heats up. We love the monitor’s VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400, which delivers top-notch dynamics, color, and sharpness. Everything from games to movies looks fantastic on the 34M2C5501A.

After unboxing the monitor, I was up and running within minutes thanks to Philips’ ability to create fittings and mechanisms that are both easy to use and extremely sturdy. I then connected it to my laptop and started putting it through its paces.

Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A: Key specifications

Design and build

When it comes to design, there are two main qualities worth noting. The first is the ultra-wide form factor and the second is the curvature of the screen. I generally find these to be the qualities of Marmite in a monitor; You either love them or you hate them. I’m a fan, especially when they’re as incredibly well executed as they are on the 34M2C5501A.

The 34-inch display offers an UltraWide QHD resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels, which falls short of 4K but not by a long shot. The main thing is that there is enough detail to enjoy it.

The 21:9 ultra-wide format makes sense for users wanting to maximize their productivity. Being able to display full-size windows side-by-side is a game-changer for efficient working and removes the need to purchase two monitors. CAD designers and spreadsheet gurus will love this format.

The 1500R curvature perfectly complements the ultra-wide format with a small curve that provides just the right amount of “immersion”. Any significant increase in curve would cause the neck to rotate too much to be comfortable.

The materials that surround and support the screen are strong and of good quality enough to provide enough strength and rigidity without becoming too heavy. I love the speckled composite material of the stand, which is found throughout the 5000 series. It looks great and is a welcome change from the boring black plastic that monitor manufacturers so often use.

HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-A ports are located discreetly on the back of the monitor. Each port faces downward, making it easy to locate the monitor against a wall. Unfortunately, very little attention has been paid to cable management, so you’ll have to find your own solution for this.

Philips has also included an AI-enhanced Ambiglow feature that analyzes the content of the incoming image and continuously adapts the color and brightness of the emitted light based on the image. This really helps align your entire room with the game you’re playing and therefore increases the feeling of immersion.

Ergonomics are fully taken care of, with a pleasing range of tilt, swivel and height adjustments available. I probably could have gone a bit taller, but if you need more height than offered, you can always purchase an additional stand.

There’s nothing not to like about the design of the Evnia 34M2C5501A. I think it’s a perfectly designed monitor that delivers all the basics incredibly well. As a result, it delivers exactly what gamers and creatives want.

Features and performance

We’ve discussed much of the physical design properties of the 34M2C5501A, so let’s move on to the performance of the display itself. Since it is primarily touted as a gaming monitor, let’s start with the qualities responsible for smooth gameplay.

The first is the 180Hz refresh rate. This is far from the fastest we’re seeing today, but it proved more than sufficient in all my estimates. I didn’t have any issues with lag and screen tearing, which would be a total red flag for gamers. With very few concerns about the refresh rate, I was also happy to see very little, if any, motion blur, even during fast-paced action scenes. Impressive results like this are made possible thanks to the 0.5ms Smart MBR.

The fast vertical alignment (VA) panel delivered clear images even with high-contrast visuals, which I was happy to see while gaming and watching movies.

In general, I was impressed with the brightness, contrast and color reproduction, although, as is often my experience, the color tones were pushed a little too far. This was especially noticeable in the greens and yellows, which didn’t look as natural as they should. Global dimming and a minimum of 400 nits of brightness help provide depth and richness, but sometimes at the expense of realism.

I was very pleased with the overall performance of the 34M2C5501A and would be more than happy to use it as my primary monitor. Whether it’s gaming, creative apps, or productivity tasks, this Philips Evnia monitor looks and performs admirably.

Price

The Philips Evnia 34M2C5501A monitor is available at an RRP of £299.99. If you like the specs but prefer something a little smaller, you can opt for the 27-inch 27M2C5501 or 32-inch 32M2C5501.

This is a reasonably priced monitor, especially considering the ultrawide format, which means you can easily get away with one monitor rather than two. It will be a treat for creatives and gamers and might even make our list of the best gaming monitors.

Buy it if

• You want a curved monitor

• You like ultra-wide screens

Don’t buy it if

• You want top-notch color accuracy