Review: Philips Curved Business Monitor (34B2U6603CH)

Today, a high-quality office monitor is far more than just a reliable, cost-effective (though still budget-conscious), and merely “sufficient” display. Ideally, a modern monitor should integrate advanced functionalities, such as replacing a camera for digital meetings, offering seamless laptop connectivity and charging, and supporting multiple device connections. With the Philips Curved Business Monitor, it becomes evident that modern office monitors can offer a significantly expanded feature set, including the capability for visual communication with one’s environment.

In this review, we will meticulously examine the functions of the Philips Curved Business Monitor. This review will highlight its many innovative features and solutions, which we believe warrant broader adoption. For those considering a curved display, we will also provide our analysis, discussing its advantages, disadvantages, and the scenarios where a curved screen excels. Conversely, we will identify situations where a flat screen might be more appropriate. In any case, it is clear that the Philips Curved Business Monitor‘s primary goal is functionality, as it is both discreet and highly capable.

Feature-Rich and Thoughtfully Designed

Right from the start, it is clear that the Philips Curved Business Monitor is designed to remove limitations, contributing to a decluttered workspace by integrating multiple functionalities. A common use case is, of course, to replace or complement your laptop to facilitate your work. Much like a dedicated docking station such as the Razer USB 4 Dock, but with the distinct advantage of integrated functionality directly within the monitor.

Built-in Pop-up Camera

Initiating our review at the top of the screen, a light press reveals the integrated 5.0-megapixel pop-up camera and microphone. While not a high-end camera, its performance is entirely adequate for digital meetings. When in use, three dedicated buttons are available on the monitor’s lower-left corner: one for microphone mute/unmute, one to end calls, and a button with a small lamp symbol. A standout feature, which we believe should be standard on office monitors, is a red LED indicator atop the camera housing.

This indicator serves to signal to colleagues when the user is engaged in a call or requires uninterrupted concentration, effectively communicating a ‘do not disturb’ status. Crucially, the light can be activated independently of the camera’s deployment, a thoughtful design choice given how easily deep concentration or a ‘flow state’ can be disrupted. Such states are delicate, and even a verbal request for quiet can interrupt focus, necessitating a restart of the creative or analytical process.

The camera is also equipped with zoom functions controllable via hand gestures.

Extensive Connectivity Options

Turning our attention to the rear panel, we examine the input selection. Available are two HDMI 2.0 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one Thunderbolt 4, capable of data and video transfer as well as power delivery up to 96W. These inputs alone allow for the connection of a laptop and up to three additional computers, which can be easily switched using a dedicated button in the lower right corner.

Regarding outputs, the monitor provides an equally comprehensive array. On the left side, a discreet, retractable arm is provided for conveniently storing headphones or a headset. Just inside, you have a combined audio output and microphone input, two USB-A ports (one of which supports fast charging), and one USB-C port, also capable of fast charging up to 45W. On the underside, in addition to one Thunderbolt 4 input (96W) and one Thunderbolt 4 output (15W), there are two more USB-C downstream ports. All are of the USB 3.2 Gen 2 standard and support transfers up to 10Gbps.

This comprehensive port configuration undeniably offers a reassuring level of connectivity.

Integrated Audio: Functional, Not Exceptional

The monitor integrates two 5W speakers, which provide adequate audio for general listening, such as background radio or digital conferences. However, the sound quality is not exceptional. Our evaluation of the integrated DAC’s music playback capabilities yielded an unenthusiastic impression. Utilizing the high-fidelity Audio Technica ATH-E70 headphones for critical listening, we observed a muddy sound profile with a notable absence of treble. Consequently, external speakers or a direct connection to the computer’s sound card remain preferable for quality audio, indicating this is not an area where the Philips Curved Business Monitor significantly contributes to desk decluttering.

Versatile and Practical Features

The Philips Curved Business Monitor offers both KVM (Keyboard, Video & Mouse) and PiP/PbP functionalities. KVM enables users to seamlessly switch a single keyboard and mouse between two connected devices via the monitor. This feature operates via USB-C, supporting two connected devices.

PiP/PbP allows for the simultaneous display of two desktops from two different devices. PiP stands for Picture in Picture, where one desktop is embedded into the other as a window (as shown in the image above). PbP stands for Picture by Picture, where the desktops are placed side-by-side. Combining this functionality with KVM provides a powerful multitasking solution across multiple machines, including diverse platforms such as PC and Apple. This represents a highly elegant solution.

The Display: Core Performance

The panel itself measures 34 inches (83.36cm) with a maximum resolution of 3440×1440 (HDMI: 100Hz; DP1.4/Thunderbolt 4: 120 Hz) and a native aspect ratio of 21:9, providing an expansive and productive workspace. Brightness is rated at 450 nits (SDR) and 550 nits (HDR) cd/m², with a response time of 4 ms (gray to gray). This configuration also lends itself well to gaming, where the curved display enhances immersion. While primarily an office monitor, its capabilities are exceptionally robust. The image quality is undeniably razor-sharp. Its substantial width and high-resolution ultrawide format deliver an impressive visual experience. Supporting 16.7 million (8-bit) colors, it renders visuals with striking clarity and fidelity.

Areas for Improvement

Considering the monitor’s sophisticated features and diverse operational modes, the control interface feels notably underdeveloped. While an excess of buttons is undesirable, the inclusion of two or three programmable quick-access buttons in a more central location would significantly enhance usability. For instance, the Philips Curved Business Monitor features an ambient light sensor, akin to those found in mobile devices, that intelligently adjusts screen brightness—a highly practical inclusion (it also incorporates a presence sensor to automatically turn off the screen when no user is detected). This is a feature that should be a standard inclusion.

However, its implementation lacks flexibility; it doesn’t achieve sufficiently low brightness levels, and its adjustment parameters are limited. Moreover, this function deactivates when selecting one of the SmartImage categories, which is understandable. Reactivating it, however, necessitates navigating through multi-level menus using the cumbersome four-button control scheme (up, down, back, forward). This archaic navigation method, a long-standing point of frustration, unfortunately persists on many monitors. A particularly inconvenient aspect is the grouping of the power button within this same control cluster. The same tedious navigation applies to configuring features like KVM, PiP/PbP, and other advanced functions, ultimately discouraging users from fully leveraging the monitor’s comprehensive capabilities due to the operational overhead.

Another point of concern is the positioning of the rear connectors; they are situated rather low, which can complicate cable management and achieving a truly ‘clean setup’. Given the monitor’s role as a central hub for connectivity, this design choice somewhat compromises the aesthetic of a decluttered workspace.

User Experience: The Curved Display

Despite the long-standing presence of curved displays in the market, a significant portion of users has yet to experience one. Therefore, we delve into our experience with this distinct characteristic, finding our conclusions somewhat mixed, contingent on the specific application.

For the majority of typical monitor usage, the curved display proves highly effective and immersive, particularly when combined with an ultrawide aspect ratio. Visuals are rendered with captivating immersion; for Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) users, it provides ample screen real estate for multiple windows; Excel users will appreciate the extensive column visibility; and general multitaskers can efficiently manage numerous applications concurrently.

Conversely, for tasks involving graphic design, such as creating wireframes or precise tabular layouts where exact visual proportionality is crucial, a curved screen can present challenges. In such cases, a flat screen often becomes necessary to ensure accurate perception of proportions. We observed a similar effect in games like Cities Skyline, where square or rectilinear elements appeared subtly distorted. Therefore, if these are your primary use cases, a flat screen may be a more suitable choice.

However, for immersive gaming experiences, particularly with First-Person Shooter (FPS) titles, the curved display offers a fantastic advantage.

Verdict: Philips Curved Business Monitor

The Philips Curved Business Monitor is a comprehensive and professional display with very few limitations. While we identified some areas for improvement, our primary recommendation for Philips would be to re-evaluate the monitor’s navigation system, as its current implementation is cumbersome.

Beyond this and a minor aesthetic consideration concerning cable management, our criticisms are few. The monitor truly delivers a comprehensive array of inputs and outputs. It offers capable functionalities including power delivery, KVM, and PiP/PbP. Further enhancing its utility are practical features such as an integrated (and privacy-enabled) webcam, a headphone hook, excellent adjustability, and a robust stand.

While a curved screen is not universally ideal, for users who prefer it and require multi-device connectivity, the Philips Curved Business Monitor presents an excellent solution. Priced at approximately 7,400 SEK, the Philips Curved Business Monitor represents a significant investment. However, this cost is justified by the extensive feature set, as the monitor effectively serves as a comprehensive laptop docking solution and beyond. With contemporary products offering enhanced capabilities, a corresponding price point is to be expected, reflecting the value delivered. In this instance, the value proposition is notably strong.

Philips sent review samples for this test. The provided review samples did not influence our editorial independence; our assessments consistently prioritize the interests of our readers and consumers.