Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 review: Is it worth it?

I recently got the chance to test out the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 and see if it stood up to some of the best HDMI 2.1 monitors on the market.

HDMI 2.1 monitors have been complete game-changers, especially for those playing on console. Allowing for 120fps at 4K, those lucky enough to have a PS5 or Xbox Series X can finally get a taste of 'next-gen' performance...and it's made it difficult to go back to the usual TV or 60hz monitor setup.

But how does this display do, and what makes it stand out from the already impressive crowd?

Here's how I think it fared...

Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 Review

First impressions

Straight out of the box, the first thing that struck me about the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 was its sheer size. The 27-inch display is larger than any monitor I'd used before, promising much more engrossing gaming experiences as a result.

Setup was fairly easy, as I fortunately already had a space ready to slot the monitor right in. It's quite a bulky package and heavy to lug around, but the installation method is little more than attaching the display to the stand, plugging in the power supply, and hooking your console up.

So overall, it was looking like a great start.

Design

After the first few uses, however, I found the power button to be positioned in a slightly unnatural place. It sits about three-quarters down the right-hand side of the display, and I had to reach over any time I wanted to toggle my monitor settings or switch it off. It's not a deal-breaker, but you'll need to get used to the slightly unnatural position.

The Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 is a very sleekly designed monitor. The subtle base flows through the middle of the monitor, attaching to an adjustable plate at the back. It makes for a more symmetrical and centralised design, with the forking legs again standing sturdily in the middle.

• Read more: Best HDMI 2.1 cables

It also boasts a huge range of ergonomic features, which certainly came in handy when swapping between gameplay and using the monitor for productivity. The entire display is rotatable, while also pivoting vertically to allow you to completely adjust the angle to your liking.

It also has a handy strap to string your cables along, giving it the perfect build-in cable management solution. The design is subtle and unobtrusive, letting the monitor's razor-sharp display take precedence.

Performance

But of course, it's no use having a pretty design if your monitor isn't worth its price tag when it comes to gaming fidelity and performance. Sat at around the £600 mark, it's a sizeable investment for gamers looking to upgrade their setup.

I tested the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 out with a PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S. Both are next-gen consoles, but only the former has the native 4K compatibility to really push this monitor to its limits.

Fortunately, the Momentum is more than up to the task. The display looks unbelievably sharp upon first impressions, with the UHD visuals giving neon-inflected games like Gotham Knights the vibrancy of colour required for its dark, dingy setting.

Read more: Best headset for Call of Duty Warzone

Especially combined with the PS5's ray-tracing abilities, the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 made puddle reflections and particle effects look absolutely gorgeous. Things look slightly more fuzzy the closer you look at specific environments up-close, but it's the sort of thing you'll barely notice.

It also looks gorgeous in more colourful games, with the UltraClear 4K display letting the green pitch in FIFA 23 absolutely shimmer. That 144 Hz refresh rate is crucial for competitive, fast-paced games too, and I'm happy to report there's no input lag whatsoever.

While the Xbox Series S isn't natively 4K, it still looks great on the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II's green-inflected menus look very sharp, though some general Xbox UI button prompts look slightly fuzzier than its PlayStation counterpart as expected.

Special features

For gamers and FPS fans in particular, this monitor has plenty of specific features to get you interest. The crosshair mode is perfect for gamers who love their shooters, giving you the competitive edge that's bolstered even further by the flawless refresh rate.

However, there's nothing else too specific aside from that, but the powerful backlight means your games will look better than most TV setups will afford.

If things are getting a little heated and you can feel eye strain, the LowBlue mode will dim some of those harsher lights. The monitor also boasts native flicker-free video output, all combining to ensure you can game on without feeling the need to take a break.

Our verdict

After spending some time with the Philips Momentum 27M1F5800, it's without a doubt a brilliant starting point for gamers curious about the allure of 4K/ 120fps gaming. If you've recently upgraded to a next-gen console, this monitor will make your games glimmer and perform better than most TV could manage.

While most gamers will be more enticed by its 4K/120hz combo, those who enjoy a number of 'add-on' features may be left wanting. That being said you do get a reticle, which is arguably the most important gaming add-on in the first place.

This isn't just a great gaming monitor though, it's also brilliant for everyday work, providing crisp images, smooth movement, and eye-care solutions that were welcome for those late night sessions.

Coming in at around £600, we think this is a real winner for those looking for a versatile display that'll bring their next-gen setup the next level.

Review

Philips Momentum 27M1F5800

The Philips Momentum 27M1F5800 ticks all the right boxes for PC and console gamers alike, with stunning HDR, 120hz/4K capabilities, and a versatile design that compliments both gaming and working setups.

4 out of 5