Philips Brilliance 27E3U7903/00

A 5K resolution and Thunderbolt connectivity lift this 27in monitor to Apple-rivalling heights for less cash

- TIM DANTON

Apple may be most famous for trailblazing new categories such as smartphones, tablets and smartwatches, but it also has a lucrative sideline in 5K 27in monitors. Lucrative for itself - the Studio Display (see issue 332, p62) costs a cool £1,499 - but also for the growing number of monitor makers who undercut it for price while matching it for specs.

Philips is the latest, stuffing every known luxury and feature into the Brilliance 27E3U7903/00. Let's start with the 27in IPS panel with its 5,120 x 2,880 resolution. That translates into 218 pixels per inch, compared to 81ppi for a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) panel, 109ppi for a 1440p display and 163ppi for a 4K 27in monitor. I will shake the hand of anyone who can instantly spot the difference between 163ppi and 218ppi on a screen from normal viewing distances, but here you'll enjoy crystal-sharp images even if you press your nose close to the glass.