Samsung 57" Dual UHD Monitor & Mac Compatibility

[JayKay514]

So Samsung recently launched this 57" ultrawide, dual UHD (7680x2160) display. This particular model uses HDMI 2.0 (IIRC) on one port to enable this high resolution. It's on sale for $1,999 at Samsung's site (normally around $2,500).

I don't really care about its high refresh rates, as I'm looking at this strictly for productivity (design and audio/media work). I usually use dual 4K displays but I'm tired of having bezels in the middle.

What I'm curious about is what Macs can actually drive this thing. I'm pretty sure a Studio with M2 Max would work?

Also if I get this I'm definitely looking at a new custom desk...

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Hi I use it on mac mini m2 pro.
HDMI is 2.1. It works max resolution @120Hz.

 

[FilthyMuppetInnuendo]

Hi I use it on mac mini m2 pro.
HDMI is 2.1. It works max resolution @120Hz.

Do you ever have any A/V signal disruptions? Does it cut out from time to time for a few seconds before popping back, for example?

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Do you ever have any A/V signal disruptions? Does it cut out from time to time for a few seconds before popping back, for example?

Not on this Samsung. Before buying this one I had a Phillips 49'' UWA and after upgrading to Sonoma I had the issue described by you.

 

[FilthyMuppetInnuendo]

Not on this Samsung. Before buying this one I had a Phillips 49'' UWA and after upgrading to Sonoma I had the issue described by you.

Really? Huh. Have you used it with any lower resolution displays? If so, does it happen with them? Could this be an issue with the entire M2 Mac mini line?

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I suppose that it is related to MacOs Sonoma.

 

[DaveOP]

One thing worth noting is you can't use any HiDPI settings at max resolution. Everything is forced to 100% scaling, so text is extremely small. The only HiDPI settings make everything massive. I ended up returning mine after a few days because it was to hard to read and use the UI for me. Others seem to think it's fine, but make sure you buy this somewhere that you can easily return to. I was on a M2 Max MBP, also tested with M3 Pro.

 

[JayKay514]

Hi I use it on mac mini m2 pro.
HDMI is 2.1. It works max resolution @120Hz.

Thanks! That’s great to know.

 

[JayKay514]

One thing worth noting is you can't use any HiDPI settings at max resolution. Everything is forced to 100% scaling, so text is extremely small. The only HiDPI settings make everything massive. I ended up returning mine after a few days because it was to hard to read and use the UI for me. Others seem to think it's fine, but make sure you buy this somewhere that you can easily return to. I was on a M2 Max MBP, also tested with M3 Pro.

oh really? So basically you can’t get any scaled resolutions at all? I wonder if that is a driver issue. Did you ask Apple or Samsung support about that?

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

oh really? So basically you can’t get any scaled resolutions at all? I wonder if that is a driver issue. Did you ask Apple or Samsung support about that?

You can get something like a scaled full hd. It is hidpi. I use it because native has to small ui elements for my 49 year eyes. It is not ideal but with some adjustments, workable.

 

[FilthyMuppetInnuendo]

I suppose that it is related to MacOs Sonoma.

It happened before Sonoma with me.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

It happened before Sonoma with me.

How often does it occur? As I said, never had the issue on Ventura and on Sonoma it happened a few time but not on a regular manner.

 

[FilthyMuppetInnuendo]

How often does it occur? As I said, never had the issue on Ventura and on Sonoma it happened a few time but not on a regular manner.

Once or twice every 15 minutes, every day, forever. It’s a damned nightmare. I want to say it’s a problem with the display hardware and not the Mac mini, but I have no idea.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I am sorry to hear that. I maintain my initial impression that this is most probably a software issues which will be sorted out at some point. Meanwhile, display port may be a worthy alternative to explore.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I’ve been using this monitor for a few weeks and connected it alternatively through hdmi and display port.
All in all hdmi 2.1 seems more convenient (more resolution options are available) and had no signal disruptions as @FilthyMuppetInnuendo has.
The one issue I have is the wake from sleep (very finicky no matter the connection type) which I circuverted by shutting down the monitor when not in use. Taking into account that this is my office setup (having many windows on screen is the reason for UWA) this workaround is tolerable.

 

[anthonymoody]

(more resolution options are available)

Could you share the HiDPI resolutions (and refresh rates for same) that are available?

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Could you share the HiDPI resolutions (and refresh rates for same) that are available?

Hi,

I'm on holiday right now. When I get back (on the 15th) to the office I'll send the requested info.

 

[anthonymoody]

Hi,

I'm on holiday right now. When I get back (on the 15th) to the office I'll send the requested info.

Thanks much! Very interested to hear.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Hi,

I use BetterDisplay and have just one HiDpi mode listed: 3840x1080 10bit 120hz refresh using HDMI 2.1 port.

The screen looks nice also on the native resolution but you will have to adjust fonts and UI elements because those are tiny.

If need any additional input, just ask.

 

[anthonymoody]

Wow that’s really too bad that there aren’t more choices. Thanks much though.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

It is not ideal but it is serviceable.
When you see the picture quality (its essentially a miniled screen) you're able to forgive a lot ...

 

[anthonymoody]

@Silvestru Hosszu :

Yeah I hear you about PQ. I'm sure it looks great! On my 40" 5k/2k widescreen LG it's "fine" but definitely not spectacular.

My HiDPI resolution is 3840 x 1620. So I'd get the same-ish effective horizontal workspace, though spread across a larger physical dimension IRL, but only 2/3 the vertical space. Hmm.

Sorry to pester, but, if not too much trouble could you post a couple of photos with like Mail, Safari, Calendar open in say 3 columns? If too much trouble I totally get it though.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

Not an issue, I can do it both in HiDPI and also native res, but you will have to wait till Thursday, I'm on business trip right now.

 

[anthonymoody]

Thanks!

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

So, I made two photos with the requested apps on 3 columns.

This one is scaled HiDPI

And this is native resolution.
I can make fonts and UI elements much bigger so it is not an issue, but having a much worse eye sight than just a few years ago, I much prefer the first option.

And one more thing... At least when working with mail + documents (except excel files) I use at least 4 or even 5 columns.