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Samsung Debuts New $1,599 ViewFinity S9 5K Display to Compete with Apple's Studio Display
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You can buy an Apple Refurbished Studio Display for $50 more than that right now:
Refurbished Apple Studio Display, Standard glass, Tilt adjustable stand
Save up to 15% on refurbished Apple accessories. Full 1-year warranty. Genuine Apple replacement parts (if needed). Free delivery & returns
www.apple.com
Though, to be fair when comparing against the Samsung, that doesn't include height adjustment.
Assuming the display panels themselves are comparable, to me Apple's monitor wins on build quality (metal) and of course Mac compatibility out of the box -- while the Samsung wins on built-in height adjustability and price, especially some months down the line when it will probably see some solid discounts. I'd wait until more of the Samsungs are in actual use to see how their QC is, myself, and also get a look at one in person to see what the matte looks like.
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This display was shown at CES in January and made a big splash there - lots of coverage, including here on MR. It was released overseas last month and gained more attention and reviews. It was never, ever, a 32" display.
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TB4 can carry a max of 40Gbps but 5K @ 120hz is 57Gbps, hence why it doesn't exist.
5k at 60 is 28gbps so isnt far off maxing TB3/4.
HDMI 2.1 does support 5K @ 120Hz @ 10bpc but requires Display stream compression.
With all the complaints about the $1599 price tag, it's like people have never heard of the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Because seriously, once this is being sold at Amazon, Best Buy, B&H and every other retailer the price is coming down.
I thought everyone knew MSRP wasn't the street price. That or they just came here to complain online (always a possibility).
I thought everyone knew MSRP wasn't the street price. That or they just came here to complain online (always a possibility).
Everyone complaining about the price but this thing will probably be $500 off by Cyber Monday.
The UI is scaled up, meaning that you don't gain any screen estate, but the actual resolution is indeed 5120x2880.Remember that what you see is not 5120x2880 but 2560x1440
Otherwise I agree with you.
Um, I can get the Apple Display from the refurb store for 1233. And it's been on sale a lot on amazon. So...
Ya no doubt. We will probably see this under 1000 at some point. But at 1299 I'd still go Apple Display.
This monitor was designed not for Apple crowds but for PC users, in dire need of a proper 27" 5K offering.
And nope the ASD was never really appropriate for PC users.
As a PC user myself and high ppi enthusiast, I've been waiting for such offering like forever and I'm glad that this Samsung monitor is finally available, although I was expected it 200 or 300$ cheaper (which will inevitably happen in sales).
So, if you are a mac user, you are special and super picky and the only 27" 5K monitor suitable for your beautiful Mac is the ASD.
Please leave this Samsung monitor for PC plebs.
And nope the ASD was never really appropriate for PC users.
As a PC user myself and high ppi enthusiast, I've been waiting for such offering like forever and I'm glad that this Samsung monitor is finally available, although I was expected it 200 or 300$ cheaper (which will inevitably happen in sales).
So, if you are a mac user, you are special and super picky and the only 27" 5K monitor suitable for your beautiful Mac is the ASD.
Please leave this Samsung monitor for PC plebs.
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I can't find the monitor on Samsung's US site, and the link in the article just takes me (through a link tracker) to the list of all monitors on Samsung's site. Maybe because it's not actually available until August?
Was hoping to at least see the US price for myself.
Was hoping to at least see the US price for myself.
People care about thinner borders so they have to compromise, it all depends on what people and tech blogs want.
"Symmetrical borders" don't get clicks, infinity display think borders gets clocks.
I believe the camera on the M8 version was only compatible with the built-in apps and not the connected computer. Wondering if this is still the case with the S9?
I was expecting a lower base price point. The only reason I'm still on the fence for the Apple Studio Display instead of the Samsung is the outrageous cost of Apple's adjustable stand, but if I find a relatively cheap adjustable VESA stand I might very well go that route.
If you're paying MSRP for a Samsung screen, you're doing it wrong. Samsung and Apple's pricing strategies are fundamentally different.
looking forward to $999 in a year or two. But not getting this for the matte coating
Apple was right.
This is a worse design with worse macOS capability for the same price. Saying Apple charges extra for tilt and nano-texture is true, but those are choices you get to make.
I don't need a tilt stand because the standard stand is fine for me and have no interest in nano-texture color compromising. Samsung forces you to choose a matte display many don't want and once you adjust the tilt once, you'll probably never touch it again.
My Studio Display order was in within a millisecond of availability. I've used it every day since launch and it has been exactly what I wanted for years. The webcam had some issues at first, but they've since corrected them in firmware updates to the point where it looks as good as literally every built in webcam Apple has ever shipped. Non-issue and I am on video calls all day Mon-Fri.
If you were holding out hope for some kind competition in the 5K display market that saves you boatloads of money, here's your answer. Go buy the Studio Display.
And don't get me started on the "Hard pass. It's not 5K 120Hz ProMotion Mini-LED for $999" people. Still waiting for them to send me links to this unicorn display that does not exist, at any price point.
This is a worse design with worse macOS capability for the same price. Saying Apple charges extra for tilt and nano-texture is true, but those are choices you get to make.
I don't need a tilt stand because the standard stand is fine for me and have no interest in nano-texture color compromising. Samsung forces you to choose a matte display many don't want and once you adjust the tilt once, you'll probably never touch it again.
My Studio Display order was in within a millisecond of availability. I've used it every day since launch and it has been exactly what I wanted for years. The webcam had some issues at first, but they've since corrected them in firmware updates to the point where it looks as good as literally every built in webcam Apple has ever shipped. Non-issue and I am on video calls all day Mon-Fri.
If you were holding out hope for some kind competition in the 5K display market that saves you boatloads of money, here's your answer. Go buy the Studio Display.
And don't get me started on the "Hard pass. It's not 5K 120Hz ProMotion Mini-LED for $999" people. Still waiting for them to send me links to this unicorn display that does not exist, at any price point.
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So finally MacRumors can stop complaining about the Apple Studio Display being so terrible and buy this Samsung display instead.
I don't mind if Apple doesn't want to include a height-adjustable stand, but to force me not to have a stand at all if I choose the VESA option really irks me. They should make the regular stand removable like it is on every other display on the planet.
It should still be a good alternative to someone who was considering the higher end ASD configuration (Height-adjustable, matte) while also providing additional features that may or may not be of use (smart features, better connectivity)
Those who were looking for a cheaper 5K option are likely the ones who are going to be disappointed. Makes one kinda regret not jumping on the ASD when they were $300 off, especially if they don't need the extra features and also prefer a glossy display.
It will probably get a more significant discount though and I'm curious to see just how far down it will go, especially once we get to November with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.
Those who were looking for a cheaper 5K option are likely the ones who are going to be disappointed. Makes one kinda regret not jumping on the ASD when they were $300 off, especially if they don't need the extra features and also prefer a glossy display.
It will probably get a more significant discount though and I'm curious to see just how far down it will go, especially once we get to November with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals.