Philips Brilliance 499P9H 49-inch Super Ultrawide Monitor: specs explained

The Philips Brilliance 499P9H is a 49-inch curved monitor with a 32:9 aspect ratio. Philips describes it as two full-size monitors in one, aimed at people who want a single wide screen instead of a multi-monitor desk. It also works as a docking station for a laptop.

What 32:9 and dual QHD mean

The resolution is 5120 x 1440, which is the same as two 2560 x 1440 (QHD) screens side by side. That gives a very wide workspace for spreadsheets, timelines, code and several windows at once, without the bezels that sit between two separate displays.

The panel is 48.8 inches viewable and uses a VA screen with a 1800R curve. The curve means the edges are angled toward you, which Philips says gives a more immersive field of view.

Colour and brightness

Philips rates the screen at 91% of Adobe RGB and 103% of NTSC, and it carries a DisplayHDR 400 label. Wide colour coverage matters for photo and design work. The HDR 400 tier is an entry level of HDR, with modest peak brightness, so it improves highlights but doesn't match more demanding HDR grades. Philips also lists Smart Uniformity of 97 to 102%, which relates to how even the brightness is across the panel.

Connections and docking

The monitor has two HDMI 2.0 inputs, a DisplayPort 1.4 input and a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port with DisplayPort Alt Mode. Through USB-C, a compatible laptop can send video, connect to the monitor's USB ports and Gigabit Ethernet, and charge using USB-C Power Delivery 2.0, all over one cable. Whether your laptop supports all of that depends on the laptop, so check its USB-C specification.

KVM switch and MultiView

The built-in KVM switch lets two computers share one keyboard, mouse and monitor. With MultiView, Philips says you can see and use two connected sources at the same time, for example a work laptop on one half of the screen and a desktop on the other.

Webcam and ergonomics

A pop-up webcam supports Windows Hello face sign-in and folds away when you want privacy. Built-in speakers are included for casual use. The SmartErgoBase stand adjusts for height, tilt, swivel and a 90-degree pivot, and the monitor also supports VESA mounting. Philips lists flicker-free technology and a Low Blue Mode, and Adaptive-Sync for smoother motion when gaming.

Size and weight

The monitor measures about 47.0 x 22.4 x 11.9 inches (roughly 119 x 57 x 30 cm) in its packaging dimensions and weighs 33.6 lb (about 15 kg). It needs a deep, sturdy desk that is at least wide enough for the stand.

Who it suits

It suits people who use many windows at once, laptop users who want one-cable docking, and anyone sharing one display between two computers. Gamers may like the wide field of view, though content support for 32:9 varies from game to game.

What to check before you buy

• Desk width and depth: a 49-inch screen is very wide, so measure first.
• Graphics connection: check that your computer can output 5120 x 1440 at the refresh rate you want, using the right port and cable.
• Laptop USB-C: confirm it supports video output and charging over USB-C.
• Wattage for charging: check the Power Delivery wattage against your laptop's needs.
• Warranty: Philips lists a 4-year advance replacement policy for models sold in the US; check the terms for your region.
• What's in the box: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-A to B, USB-C to C, USB-C to A and power cables are listed.

The short version

• 49-inch, 32:9 curved VA monitor at 5120 x 1440.
• USB-C docking with Gigabit Ethernet and Power Delivery 2.0.
• Built-in KVM switch and MultiView for two computers.
• Windows Hello pop-up webcam and a height-, tilt-, swivel- and pivot-adjustable stand.
• About 33.6 lb; VESA-mount compatible.

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