A little over a year and a half since Apple released its Studio Display, Samsung has released a direct competitor, the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor.With many of the same features as Studio Display, plus a few more, it’s an interesting alternative.Watch out for the ratio of Studio Display and Samsung ViewFinity S9.
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After the Apple Thunderbolt display was canceled in 2016, the Apple-approved display became the LG UltraFine with a 27-inch 5K screen (full review) and 21.5-inch 4K, which was later replaced by a 24-inch 4K model.
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They ticked a number of boxes, such as single Thunderbolt cable connection, 4K and 5K resolution, P3 wide color, and more.But many people didn’t like the plastic design of LG UltraFine displays with massive bezels (especially in the 27-inch version) and the overall design that doesn’t meet Apple standards.
In late 2019, Apple started building its own display again with the release of the Pro Display XDR, which caused a lot of buzz.But its $5,000 price tag limits its use to only professional users and those who are not price sensitive.
In March 2022, the Apple Studio Display was released with an impressive list of features and a beautiful Pro Display XDR-style aluminum chassis – at a price that more users, creators and businesses can afford.
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But the arrival of the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor was only a matter of time before competitors like Samsung introduced a monitor with similar key specs and design.
For reference, we have also included the LG UltraFine 5K in the tables below.
Apple Studio Display vs. Samsung ViewFinity S9
Price
The Apple Studio Display starts at $1,599 and goes up to $2,299 depending on upgrades.The Samsung ViewFinity S9 costs $1,599 and comes with a number of features that Apple charges extra for.
Starting at $300 difference, you get a lot more for your money with both the Apple Studio Display and the Samsung ViewFinity S9 compared to the LG UltraFine.
Display panels
The panels of these three monitors are almost identical.Both the Studio Display and ViewFinity S9 are up to 600 nits, while the LG UltraFine is just under 500 nits.
Otherwise, you’re looking at 27-inch 5120 x 2880 5K LCD panels.
Studio DisplaySamsung ViewFinity S9LG UltraFine 5KSize 27″ 27″ 27″Panel Type LCD with IPSLCD with IPSLCD with IPSResolution5120 x 2880 (5K)5120 x 2880 (5K)5120 x 2880 (5K)Aspect Ratio16:916:916:9PPI21821821 8Refr frame rate 60Hz 60Hz 60Hz Brightness 600 nits 600 nits 500 nits P3 wide color.
While the LG UltraFine is quite old, its panel doesn’t fall far behind the Studio Display and ViewFinity S9.
Connectivity
All of these displays are equipped with Thunderbolt ports for single-cable connection and three additional USB-C ports for peripherals.However, Studio Display stands out for speeds up to 10Gbps for USB-C ports using USB 3.1 Gen 2.
Studio DisplaySamsung ViewFinity S9LG UltraFine 5KThunderbolt1 Upstream1 Upstream1 UpstreamUSB-Cx3 (3.1 Gen 2)x3 (probably 3.0)x3 (3.0) with remote❌ ✅ ❌
Samsung doesn’t specify what type of USB-C ports the ViewFinity S9 has, so it’s probably 5 Gb/s 3.0 like the LG UltraFine, not 10 Gb/s like the Studio Display.
However, Samsung has one extra port than the other two monitors, mini DisplayPort.
Camera and sound
Studio Display is the first hardware Apple has placed a 12MP ultra-wide camera outside of the iPad Pro/Air.This enables the valuable Center Stage feature for video calls and provides a 122-degree viewing angle.
It’s funny that Apple doesn’t mention 1080p at all in the Studio Display’s specs, but at Peek Performance it said it’s the same camera as the iPad Pro – and the specs page does say 1080p.
But despite its 1080p high-definition picture quality, the Studio Display has come under fire.The Samsung 4K SlimFit camera included with the ViewFinity S9 could be more effective.
Studio displaySamsung ViewFinity S9LG UltraFine 5KBuilt-in webcam.✅ ✅ ✅Lens Specifications: 12MP Ultra Wide, f/2.4 aperture, 122-degree field of view, 1080p4K1080p support, center stage.arrayFar-field microphone ✅
However, when it comes to speakers, Studio Display wins with its 6-speaker audio system (4 forced-suppressed woofers and 2 tweeters) that can reproduce surround sound, and an array of 3 Apple studio-quality microphones.
This is against two 5W speakers in Samsung and LG monitors.
Design
The design and build quality alone is enough to make many prefer the Apple Studio Display LG UltraFine.
But now comes the Samsung ViewFinity S9 with the same sleek design.Tilt, height and swivel adjustments are also included as standard.For the Studio Display, you’ll have to pay $400 extra to get the height-adjustable stand.
However, Samsung’s ViewFinity uses a metal stand and a silver-colored plastic back, while Apple uses aluminum for the entire assembly.
Studio DisplaySamsung ViewFinity S9LG UltraFine 5KStand Included ✅ (including tilt, $400/height + tilt stand) ✅ (tilt, height and swivel adjustment) ✅ (tilt and height adjustment) Black plastic housing – – ✅ Aluminum housing ✅ (complete aluminum) ) ✅ (aluminum stand, plastic back)❌Does the kit include an Apple polishing cloth?
Some reviews mention that the all-metal Apple Studio Display feels more durable than the ViewFinity S9.
Reference Modes
The Apple Pro Display XDR is great for professionals with 11 different reference modes (plus custom).Meanwhile, Studio Display supports 9 of those 11.
Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 doesn’t have all the same reference modes, but includes support for:
DCI-P3 sRBG BT.709 Eco Entertainment Custom Graphics
In addition, ViewFinity comes with Smart Calibration color management software.Here are the reference modes available in Apple Studio Display:
Studio Apple Display (P3-600 nits) ✅Pro Display XDR (P3-1600 nits)❌HDR video (P3-ST 2084)❌HDTV video (BT.709-BT.1886) ✅NTSC video (BT.601 SMPTE -C) ) ✅ PAL and SECAM (BT.601 EBU) ✅ Digital Cinema (P3-DCI) ✅ Digital Cinema (P3-D65) ✅ Design & Print (P3-D50) ✅ Photography (P3-D65) ✅ Web & Web (sRGB) ✅
Apple Studio Display vs Samsung ViewFinity S9 review
Pros of ViewFinity S9
It might seem like nothing can put Apple users off choosing the Studio Display, as both 5K monitors start at $1,599.However, Samsung does include some features that you’ll have to pay a little more for in the Apple Studio Display.
First, to get Apple’s height and tilt-adjustable stand, the price will increase to $1,999.
And if you also want a less reflective nano-textured glass finish, the Apple Studio Display costs $2,299—nearly 50% more than the Samsung ViewFinity S9.
The Samsung display comes standard with VESA mount support, and the 4K webcam could be better than Apple’s 12MP webcam in the Studio Display.
Plus, with the ViewFinity S9, you get the Smart Hub/TV feature.All this makes S9 ViewFinity attractive.
However, while the ViewFinity uses a metal stand, it has a silver colored plastic back.
Pros of a studio display
The Studio Display has some features that the ViewFinity S9 doesn’t like: Hey Siri support, Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos support, studio-quality microphones, glossy or matte screen options, and 96W power throughput (versus ViewFinity’s 90W).
And of course, the fact that the Studio Display is Apple’s official MacBook or desktop Mac monitor may be enough to tip the scales for many.Add to that the fact that Studio Display uses an all-aluminum build, while Samsung uses a hybrid metal/plastic build.
Also, sometimes the Apple Studio Display can be found for less than the $1,599 MSRP, making it more attractive.
What do you think of ViewFinity S9 and Apple Studio Display?Does the new monitor distract Studio Display?Share your thoughts in the comments!
Curious about more affordable yet capable 4K monitors?Our guide has a full overview of the reliable options:
Thanks for reading our Studio Display vs Samsung ViewFinity S9 comparison guide!