Studio Display to Pro Display XDR?

[fpenta]

Hi everyone,

I've been using the Studio Display for 2 years. When I bought it, I was reluctant to spend $2K on a monitor similar to my old iMac 2019, but it was my only option at the time. I'm now finding that the 27" feels small and I'm considering upgrading to the Pro Display XDR. It's very difficult to find it used here in Italy and my only option would be to get it new with an educational discount.
Do you think it’s worth the upgrade from the Studio Display in 2025?
I've heard mixed reviews about the XDR's uniformity compared to the Studio Display. I'll be using it primarily for photography/video work on my Mac Studio, and gaming on my PC with a 5090.

 

[Bigwaff]

XDR have no speakers/camera. XDR refresh rate max 60Hz. XDR stand purchased separately. XDR is nearly 6 years old. Rumors of refresh w/ Thunderbolt 5 in next 1-2 years. My opinion .. buy used, or wait or choose alternative.

 

[rumz]

Yeah, I would wait a bit, see what this year brings (WWDC particularly if they do in fact have some kind of update for the Mac Pro they’ve been holding back).

Otherwise— are you only considering monitors by Apple?

 

[fpenta]

Yeah, I would wait a bit, see what this year brings (WWDC particularly if they do in fact have some kind of update for the Mac Pro they’ve been holding back).

Otherwise— are you only considering monitors by Apple?

Yes, I had the LG Ultrafine 5K before the ASD, and the Apple panel has always been on another level. I also value a lot the esthetics. The XDR is everything I ever dreamed of in a display. I just wish it were mini-LED like my 16” MacBook Pro. I don’t mind that it doesn’t have speakers, since I use external studio monitors anyway.

I can sell my ASD with the tilt-adjustable stand for €1,500, so the total cost of the XDR would be around €4,500. That’s quite a significant difference