Non-Apple 4K and 5K monitors

[zorinlynx]

Now that Apple has played their hand and decided to go with separate monitors for their higher end systems, killing the 27" iMac, like it or hate it we're going to have to come up with new monitor solutions going forward if we want more than 24". The Studio Display is nice, but it's very expensive and may not be the best solution for everyone.

I think we could use a thread to see people's experiences and recommendations for using non-Apple, 4K or 5K displays at 27" or higher on MacOS. What displays provide the best experience? Ideally they would support Hi-DPI and get as close as possible to the look and feel of the built in 27" iMac display.

 

[Amethyst1]

List of 218 ppi monitors

 

[formerglory]

I run two Dell U2715Q 27" 4K monitors on my M1 Mac mini and they both work great. They run at native "Retina" resolution, so it looks like 2x 1920x1080. UI elements look bigger, of course, since it's a Retina-scaled 2x 1080p res versus 2x 1440p on a 5K, but that's better for my eyesight anyways. I have them wall-mounted sitting further away. I prefer 4K at 27" vs 5K mainly for my eyesight, but I also have a 2015 5K iMac and the display on that is outstanding. Of course, that one sits closer to my face than these 4K ones, so UI elements not being larger isn't an issue.

The M1 mini can drive the U2715Q on HDMI at 4K@60Hz, no adapters needed. For the other one, I use a bi-directional DP-to-USB-C cable.

 

[flapflapflap]

I use the LG 34 inch 5K2K but thinking of buying a 27 inch monitor to use alongside. It will be a Studio Display or one of the two below.

PD2725U｜27-inch 4K UHD P3 Thunderbolt 3 DisplayHDR 400 Designer Monitor

BenQ PD2725U ships from the factory with default color settings that perfectly match Mac® and MacBook® Pro laptop colors. Covering 95% P3, 100% sRGB, and 100% Rec.709 with amazing Delta E ≤ 3 ensures superb accuracy.

www.benq.com

or

Dell UltraSharp 27 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Computer Monitor - U2723QE | Dell USA

View the Dell UltraSharp 27 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE), the world’s first 27 inch 4K monitor with IPS Black, or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

 

[MacGizmo]

I use the LG 34 inch 5K2K...

I just purchased the same monitor about a week or so before the event. There's definitely a quality difference between this screen and the Ultrafine/iMac, but it's not enough to complain about. The fact that you can actually USE the full 5K resolution more than makes up for the difference in brightness and dpi, in my opinion. The biggest problem with having a 34" Ultrawide is that it leaves little room on the average desk for more monitors (for those who like 2 to t3 screens).

 

[4sallypat]

Dual monitors on M1 Mini question:
Is there a list of 4K non Apple displays that uses HDMI port ?

The ones I have been looking at (LG, Dell, Phillips) are all USB-C.

Since you can't run dual USB-C display ports, I want to find one that will work alongside the Studio display.

 

[Amethyst1]

The ones I have been looking at (LG, Dell, Phillips) are all USB-C.

Without even looking, I’m pretty sure that these monitors also have an HDMI port Look closely at their specifications.

 

[flapflapflap]

I just purchased the same monitor about a week or so before the event. There's definitely a quality difference between this screen and the Ultrafine/iMac, but it's not enough to complain about. The fact that you can actually USE the full 5K resolution more than makes up for the difference in brightness and dpi, in my opinion. The biggest problem with having a 34" Ultrawide is that it leaves little room on the average desk for more monitors (for those who like 2 to t3 screens).

Agree, my desk is about 74 inches wide so while it’s possible to still add a 27 inch monitor, it will be crowded. I’m not considering selling my 34 inch for two Studio Displays.

 

[padams35]

I use an LG 24" 4K monitor (24UD58-B), which is pretty close to Apple's Retina resolution.
It has both HDMI and Display Port inputs, but no speakers.

27" 4K monitors are cheaper and easier to find. Just go to BestBuy, MicroCenter, Walmart, etc and sort by screen size and resolution. DisplayPort and HDMI are still the most common inputs on the lower end.

 

[Amethyst1]

I use an LG 24" 4K monitor (24UD58-B), which is pretty close to Apple's Retina resolution.

List of ≈24” "4K" monitors

 

[formerglory]

Dual monitors on M1 Mini question:
Is there a list of 4K non Apple displays that uses HDMI port ?

The ones I have been looking at (LG, Dell, Phillips) are all USB-C.

Since you can't run dual USB-C display ports, I want to find one that will work alongside the Studio display.

See my previous post above. The Dell U2715Q that I'm using is capable of doing full 4k60 through HDMI. I run one on HDMI at 4k60 and the second one on USB-C (via bi-directional USB-C to DP cable).

The U2715Q is a bit old by now, it's a 2015 model, but there are plenty of displays that can do 4k60 on HDMI. The M1 Mini certainly can.

 

[Amethyst1]

The U2715Q is a bit old by now, it's a 2015 model, but there are plenty of displays that can do 4k60 on HDMI.

The crucial thing to watch out for is a HDMI 2.0 port.

 

[flapflapflap]

Studio Display or nothing.

 

[ascender]

Another vote for the 5K, LG Ultrawide monitor which looks great. Occasionally it fails to wake from sleep which is something which has been an issue with LG screens connected over thunderbolt for as long as I can remember.

For me, that's one of the things I'm hoping Apple's own display solves.

 

[jasnw]

I use the LG 34 inch 5K2K but thinking of buying a 27 inch monitor to use alongside. It will be a Studio Display or one of the two below.

PD2725U｜27-inch 4K UHD P3 Thunderbolt 3 DisplayHDR 400 Designer Monitor

BenQ PD2725U ships from the factory with default color settings that perfectly match Mac® and MacBook® Pro laptop colors. Covering 95% P3, 100% sRGB, and 100% Rec.709 with amazing Delta E ≤ 3 ensures superb accuracy.

www.benq.com

or

Dell UltraSharp 27 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Computer Monitor - U2723QE | Dell USA

View the Dell UltraSharp 27 Inch 4K USB-C Hub Monitor (U2723QE), the world’s first 27 inch 4K monitor with IPS Black, or shop all Computer Monitors at Dell.com.

www.dell.com

This is just about where I am at this point. I have a BenQ PD2700Q (QHD) that I switch between a 2019 Mini and a 2017 MBPro and have been happy with it. I've been working on a 2011 27" iMac for 11 years now, and I'm OK with this resolution for what I do (mostly living in Terminal). I'll definitely go with two 27" 4K, and either with BenQ or Dell. Now I just need Apple to make the computer I need (between M1 Mini and M1Max Studio).

 

[flapflapflap]

This is just about where I am at this point. I have a BenQ PD2700Q (QHD) that I switch between a 2019 Mini and a 2017 MBPro and have been happy with it. I've been working on a 2011 27" iMac for 11 years now, and I'm OK with this resolution for what I do (mostly living in Terminal). I'll definitely go with two 27" 4K, and either with BenQ or Dell. Now I just need Apple to make the computer I need (between M1 Mini and M1Max Studio).

It would certainly be nice to have a in-between mac that can support multiple monitors at 4-6k resolution

 

[dizmonk]

I'm really struggling with this. I got a Dell 32" 4k curved which I generally like... BUT... it flickers in dark scenes... Don't know what to do...