New Delhi

Living in Delhi means battling hazardous air almost daily, making air purifiers less of a luxury and more of a necessity. After spending time with the Philips AC4221, part of the PureProtect Pro 4200 Series, it becomes evident that Philips is aiming to combine strong air purification performance with a refined, premium design. But does it live up to the promise? Here’s a closer look.

Unboxing and Design

The unboxing process is simple and fuss-free. Inside the box, you’ll find the purifier unit, a power adapter, and a quick-start guide. The filters are pre-installed but wrapped in protective plastic, which needs to be removed by opening the symmetrical side panels before first use.

Design is one area where the AC4221 truly stands out. Finished in a sleek metallic black, the cylindrical form factor gives it a modern and understated look that fits easily into bedrooms, living rooms, or office spaces. Weighing just 6.3 kg, it’s light enough to move around comfortably. The touch-sensitive control panel sits flush on the top, offering quick access and adding to its futuristic appeal.

Performance

Performance is where the AC4221 shines brightest. During testing, it reduced indoor AQI levels from a hazardous 385 to nearly 1, creating noticeably fresher indoor air in a short span of time. This efficiency is driven by its high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 600 m³/h, making it suitable even for larger rooms.

Quiet Operation

Philips calls it the “Silent Owl” design, inspired by the quiet flight of owls. The redesigned fan blades reduce noise levels by up to 50% compared to older models. In Sleep Mode, the purifier operates at just 15 dB, while the display and lights switch off completely, ensuring uninterrupted rest—an ideal feature for bedrooms and nurseries.

Smart Features and Maintenance

The purifier connects seamlessly to the Philips Air+ app, pairing easily by pressing the power and light buttons together.

App Control: Track indoor and outdoor air quality, schedule operations, and activate Child Lock.

Ambient Lighting: The AQI indicator ring also functions as a subtle night light, which can be turned on or off.

Filter Life: Filters are rated for up to 9,000 hours, with real-time health updates and replacement alerts available through the app.

Things to Keep in Mind

While the AC4221 delivers premium performance, there are a couple of considerations:

Price: With an MRP of ₹27,995 and online prices hovering around ₹25,899, it sits firmly in the premium segment. More affordable alternatives are available, though they may lack similar power or refinement.

Sensor Maintenance: The AeraSense sensor on the side needs occasional cleaning to ensure accurate readings.

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Final Verdict

The Philips AC4221 impresses with its powerful air cleaning, whisper-quiet operation, and elegant design. It’s especially well-suited for large living spaces, baby rooms, or anyone sensitive to noise. If you’re looking for a reliable air purifier from a trusted brand and are comfortable with a premium price, the AC4221 stands out as one of the most capable options available today.