Balancing high refresh rates with IPS colour accuracy in a 24-inch FHD monitor
The Philips 24E1N1100A sits in a competitive sweet spot, combining a 120Hz refresh rate with an IPS panel—a pairing that addresses both smooth motion for gaming and consistent colour for general use. Buyers should understand that its 1ms MPRT (Moving Picture Response Time) is a motion blur reduction technology, not the same as a native GTG (Grey-to-Grey) response time, which influences perceived clarity in fast-paced scenes.
Key Considerations Before Buying
- The single HDMI 1.4 port limits connectivity; verify your PC or console supports this standard for the full 1080p/120Hz output, as older devices or certain configurations might require DisplayPort for high refresh rates.
- Built-in speakers are a convenience feature; for serious gaming or media, plan to use external audio, as monitor speakers typically lack bass and volume.
- At 23.8 inches, 1080p (Full HD) resolution provides a sharp pixel density for most users, but those doing detailed photo editing or preferring ultra-crisp text might consider a 1440p monitor at a similar size.
What Our Analysts Recommend
For a monitor in this class, check for IPS glow uniformity in dark scenes and backlight bleeding at the edges, common trade-offs for IPS's wide viewing angles. Genuine reviews often mention the OSD (On-Screen Display) menu usability and the stand's adjustability—or lack thereof—which are key daily-use factors.
Monitors Market Context
Market Overview
The 24-inch 1080p high-refresh-rate monitor market is densely packed, with brands competing on panel technology (IPS vs. VA), claimed response times, and extra features like adaptive sync. Philips often positions itself with value-added features like its SmartImage game modes and LowBlue mode for eye comfort.
Common Issues
Common pitfalls include unrealistic expectations of '1ms' performance, which often requires enabling specific overdrive modes that can introduce inverse ghosting, and confusion between HDMI standards limiting high refresh rate functionality. Some budget IPS panels can exhibit weaker contrast compared to VA alternatives.
Quality Indicators
Look for consistent praise regarding colour accuracy out-of-the-box and minimal motion blur at 120Hz. A robust stand with tilt, swivel, and height adjustment is a mark of a quality build, though often sacrificed at this price point to hit a competitive MSRP.
Review Authenticity Insights
Grade B Interpretation
A 'Grade B' with an estimated 15% fake review rate suggests the majority of feedback is reliable, but a notable portion requires scrutiny. The high 'verified purchase' rate significantly bolsters credibility, though the adjusted rating of 4.30 (down from 4.67) indicates some score inflation.
Trust Recommendation
Prioritise reviews that discuss specific use cases like competitive gaming, office work, or content consumption, and note any mentions of long-term reliability over several months. Be slightly more sceptical of 5-star reviews that lack detail compared to substantive 4-star critiques.
Tips for Reading Reviews
For monitors, seek out reviews that mention testing with tools like UFO Test for motion clarity or that comment on colour calibration. Reviews noting the performance of the 120Hz mode with specific games or consoles (like Xbox Series S|X) provide more actionable insight than generic praise.
Expert Perspective
The Philips 24E1N1100A presents a compelling package for a budget-conscious gamer or multi-use PC user seeking smoother motion than standard 60Hz without abandoning IPS colour quality. The strong adjusted rating of 4.30/5 from verified purchasers indicates high user satisfaction, particularly regarding its value proposition. The primary compromise is connectivity, with just one HDMI 1.4 port, which may necessitate a switch or limit multi-device setups.
Purchase Considerations
Weigh the importance of the 120Hz refresh rate for your primary activities against the single HDMI port limitation. If your use case is split between console gaming, PC work, and media, the lack of ports could be a hassle. The inclusion of speakers, while basic, adds convenience for casual use.
Comparing Alternatives
Shoppers should compare this directly with other 24-inch IPS 120Hz/144Hz monitors from brands like AOC, ASUS, or ViewSonic, paying close attention to port selection, stand ergonomics, and the implementation of Adaptive-Sync (which this Philips model supports).
