Philips has announced a new wave of business monitors with integrated Windows Hello webcams, USB Type-C docking, and multi-monitor daisy-chaining. Joining the brand’s B-line, these displays will be available in two sizes and two resolutions to cover different professional requirements.
The central theme of these new displays is the built-in 5MP pop-out webcam, which also supports Microsoft’s Windows Hello secure facial-recognition login. This removes the need for a dedicated user authentication device, all while providing a convenient tool for video meetings. The webcam angle can also be adjusted by 30° forward or backwards so the user can sit in a comfortable position. And after use, the webcam can be neatly tucked into its hiding spot with a single press, ensuring total privacy and a clean look.
The new lineup includes 24in and 27in screen sizes running at FHD (1920×1080) or QHD (2560×1440) resolutions, all boasting 120Hz refresh-rate IPS LCD panels for smooth datasheet scrolling. These join the previously launched Philips 32B2U3601H, which offers similar features at a 32in size. All monitors come equipped with the brand’s SmartErgoBase stand, offering height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, alongside 100x100mm VESA arm mount support.
Overall, the new lineup stacks as follows:
- 24B2U4301H – 24in FHD, webcam + USB-C docking with up to 100W power delivery
- 27B2U4601H – 27in QHD, webcam + USB-C docking with up to 100W power delivery
- 24B2U3301H – 24in FHD, webcam + USB-C docking with up to 90W power delivery
- 27B2U3601H – 27in QHD, webcam + USB-C docking with up to 90W power delivery
- 24B2N3200JH – 24in FHD, webcam, but no USB-C docking
- 27B2N3500JH – 27in QHD, webcam, but no USB-C docking
- 24B2U3601 – 24in QHD, USB-C docking, but no webcam
The Philips 24B2U3601 is somewhat special compared to the rest, as it offers the higher QHD resolution at 24in, which results in a sharp 123PPI image and, I would imagine, clear text. Aside from its lack of Windows Hello webcam, this version provides the same USB-C docking capability as the rest of the lineup, offering up to 90W power delivery, a built-in RJ45 Ethernet port, and a USB 3.2 hub.
Regardless of whether the model has USB-C docking or not, all the above-listed models come equipped with a DisplayPort output for monitor daisy-chaining. As its name implies, this feature allows you to hook a secondary display via the dedicated DisplayPort out, without needing to run it directly from the PC, which is especially handy for laptops that don’t offer multiple display outputs.
Furthermore, when connected as a secondary monitor in a daisy-chain setup with Smart Link Sync enabled, brightness and colour settings are automatically synchronised to the primary display.
Philips suggests the following daisy-chain combinations:
- 24B2U3301H with 24B2N3200J
- 24B2U3301 with 24B2N3200J or 24B2N3200JH
- 24B2U4301H with 24B2N4200
- 27B2U3601H with 27B2N3500J
- 27B2U3601 with 27B2N3500J or 27B2N3500JH
- 27B2U4601 with 27B2N4500
- 32B2U3601H or 32B2U3601 with 32B2N3500
Those wanting the best feature set will probably prefer the 24B2U4301H and 27B2U4601H. These 4000-series models raise the power delivery capacity to 100W, and add a noise-cancelling microphone, support for PXE boot – a feature that lets you load an operating system over the network instead of a local drive – MAC address pass-through, not forgetting Wake-on-LAN via the RJ45 port. They also introduce a light sensor that automatically puts the monitor to sleep when the user is away.
The abovementioned Philips models are available at the following MSRPs, backed by a five-year warranty:
| Model | MSRP |
| 24B2U3301H | £229.99 |
| 24B2U4301H | £259.99 |
| 27B2U4601H | £299.99 |
| 27B2U3601H | £259.99 |
| 24B2N3200JH | £169.99 |
| 27B2N3500JH | £209.99 |
| 24B2U3601 | £199.99 |
