Samsung Viewfinity S9 5K vs Apple Studio Display
Should you buy the Samsung Viewfinity S9 Display or the Apple Studio Display? Let's find out!
In today's video, let's dive deep into the features, pros, and cons of Samsung's Viewfinity S9-a display giving Apple's Studio Display a run for its money. From build quality to Mac and PC integration, we leave no stone unturned.
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📲 Products from today's video
📍Buy the Samsung Viewfinity S9: geni.us/dsusp (affiliate link)
📍Buy the Apple Studio Display: geni.us/GyH6 (affiliate link)
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📌 Key Highlights:
🖥️ 5K Display Showdown: How do they stack up?
🎨 Color Accuracy: P3 color support and more
🌞 Brightness Levels: Peak 600 nits vs Apple's offering
🎮 Entertainment Hub: Is Samsung's integrated software a game-changer?
🛠️ Build Quality: What you're getting for $1,599
🍎 Mac Integration: How well does it play with your Apple ecosystem?
🎚️ User Experience: The good, the bad, and the ugly of remote controls
📸 Webcam Quality: 4K vs 1080p
🔄 Adjustability: Tilt, height, and even 90-degree rotation!
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📸 Let's connect on social 🤝🏼
🐥 Twitter: / caputo
🎥 Instagram: / caputo
🧵 Threads: www.threads.net/caputo
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[00:00] - Start
[00:34] - Core Features
[00:53] - Color Calibration Modes
[01:50] - Matte Display
[02:22] - THE STAND
[02:42] - 90º ROTATION
[03:37] - What Makes It Unique
[04:35] - Connectivity
[05:17] - Integration
[05:40] - Camera
[07:59] - DECISION TIME
[09:24] - The Build Quality
#ViewfinityS9 #AppleStudioDisplay #BestMacMonitor
eqMac and MonitorControl fix the sound and brightness controls for MacOS
that's good to know because I expect the monitor to be on sale this week. 📌
@@ItsCaputo They are. Best Buy has almost all samsung monitors (and tv's) up from 300 to 1200 bucks off this week). THe monitor right below this (M80C) 4K vs. 5K is 399 (was 699). THe S9 is 1299 vs 1599.
If you have a Mac, get an Apple Studio Display, otherwise get the Samsung. Pretty much.
What if you have both?
What if you have 2 samsungs and 1 mac?
Price point is key....600 for the Samsung on sale is very good.
For my office, I've bought 4 Apple Studio Displays (including 3 with standard glass and 1 with nanotexture glass) and I recently got a Viewfinity S9 based on an amazing Black Friday deal. I got the S9 thinking that it would be similar in terms of quality and functionality. Not so! The Apple displays are way (way!) better build quality, set up was much easier and much better functionality. That said, all our monitors (we also have Dells and LGs) are connected to Macs - mostly Mac Minis (various generations). The Apple displays are truly plug and play, which is super nice. And they are much better quality. I'm thinking of returning the Samsung but we haven't decided (now that it's set up).
thanks for sharing, what Dell or LG u recommend?
I agree that given the closeness in price, the Apple Studio Display is the better value unless you need height adjustment and/or matt display for a reasonable price (getting those options on the Apple Studio Display are quite pricey). If you're looking for a good 5K display at a reasonable price, I'd still go with the LG 5K Ultrafine, which is currently on sale new for $985 on Amazon (I have two of these, and am quite happy with them since it is very close in display panel quality to the Apple Studio Display).
I tried out two other 5K monitors that use the same panel, the ViewSonic VG2781-5k and the Rich Vision RV100. Both had a noticeable graininess on the screen surface due to the coarse matte texture, especially when reading documents with white backgrounds and black text. Does the Samsung Viewfinity S9 5K have the same issue?
I would say for me the only thing that would make me consider buying this is that it’s one of the few alternatives to the SD that gives 5K resolution. For the most part the other features it brings don’t matter to me. I don’t like that the remote could get lost. The power brick is funny but not a dealbreaker for me as it would be under the desk anyway. Even with lower resolution, I find things like the QD-OLED and higher refresh monitors more appealing.
Nice review. Thanks. I vote for the Studio Display. I don't like the slight blurring the Samsung mat display creates when photo editing. If I want TV, I can get my KZhead TV, Netflix, Max etc over the internet and I don't want to purchase another AppleTV. I have a 72 in Samsung TV and find the Samsung TV features painful and useless, so why should I look forward to having those on my computer monitor? I'd pick the Apple also based on audio quality for those rare times I'm not using my Sonos. When I Zoom or Teams for extended time I use a Blue USB mic anyway for far superior audio. What I REALLY do like about the Samsung is the ability to rotate the display, but I don't need that enough to get the Samsung, and I won't pay the extra to Apple when they should have made this available at the standard price in the first place. If I need the extra monitor space and rotational ability for Pages and Web use I'll get a second monitor with that. The Mac Studio I have on order will handle just about anything else I need.
Thanks for the review. I think $300 is a deal and most people don't play tackle football in there office so the plastic housing really doesn't make a big difference to me. The power supply is large but not a deal breaker for me
The sale price makes it a good deal.
where I live (istanbul) it's $1100 incl. tax right now for the S9, I just purchased Dell 27" U2723EQ, brightness and volume keys on keyboard works when both MacBook Pro 14" m3 Pro used as lid open. Upon closing the lid, brightness control sometimes work sometimes not (weird) but volume def works.. it just doesn't display the volume icon on screen while adjusting. What would you say about the S9 with $1100 price tag, as well as having Dell for $500 and still having the option of Studio Display without discount? Also I do have another solution I found: I can use my M1 iMac as extended display to my MacBook Pro and adjust the HDRi via better Display 2 app. This gives me a 23,5" but 4,5K screen and eventhou size drops from 27" I get another full M1 computer inside this deal for $1100 If I still wish to use a 5k 27" screen, 27"iMacs can also be used with the same way I am using this m1 iMac. Tip: Better display needs have 24"iMac screen res options added manually in order to work as it is intended. Otherwise app actually gives res options of 5k 27" as native for this display.
🕰Timestamps 🕰 [00:00] - Start [00:34] - Core Features [00:53] - Color Calibration Modes [01:50] - Matte Display [02:22] - THE STAND [02:42] - 90º ROTATION [03:37] - What Makes It Unique [04:35] - Connectivity [05:17] - Integration [05:40] - Camera [07:59] - DECISION TIME [09:24] - The Build Quality
Have You noticed any loud noises (coils?) from inside when You use any item pluged in USB-C to monitor ex. SSD or Card Reader?
No, I have not.
I haven't
Already seeing the S9 for $1200 at various retailers. I don't really care for the smart TV functions, so would rather that it have quicker sleep/wake reaction and better integration for computer controlled brightness/volume instead - or at least a way to quickly adjust brightness and volume from bottom edge of monitor instead of having to go into the menu system for those common adjustments. An integrated power brick module would be really nice, but not a deal breaker for me. I also would like either upgraded camera/mic and speakers, or ways to upgrade those (through replacement or an extra add on) after purchase. If they could address these items and keep it at $1200 or less, the S9 would be a killer deal and good alternative to the Studio Display. At present though, I think I have to agree with you.
The monitor was on sale for $1000 this past Friday in the US. That's a really good deal for what it offers.
little bit of visual loss of clarity? The loss of clarity on a matte display is HUGE compared to glossy :)
In Australia the Viewfinity is down to $1798 from $2500. At that price does it present a value proposition?
That seems like a steep price drop in a short amount of time! Not knowing the cost of the studio display in Australia, I would pass your decision through my filter criteria to determine what's important to you. 1) Is the matte display vital to me? 2) Is the tilt and height adjustable stand important to me? 3) Is first-party integration important to me? 4) Is the build quality important to me? 5) Are the additional software features on the Samsung Display important to me? You have ten total 'points' to assign across the questions, and you can distribute any points in whatever manner you feel relevant to your situation. For me, a matte display is essential but not critical. 1 point For me, I like the tilt and height adjustable stand is important. 3 points. For me, first-party integration is important (I can't stand the remote control.) 3 points. For me, build quality is important to me. I often move and adjust my monitor. 3 points. For me, the additional software features are unimportant to me. 0 points. Now that I know what's important, we can start quantifying HOW important in terms of dollar amount. The output is unique to you because it removes money/cost from the initial decision criteria. Let me know if my thought process came across clearly.
lmao already? Yea, this is why Apple's build quality and solid software usually wins the long race. No one should buy the Samsung monitors brand new. It's like buying a tesla nowadays. In a few months you will have been dismissed as a user when the company devalues the price by selling it for much cheaper than you paid
@@ItsCaputo cheers, it’s good to have a process. Buying a monitor is quite confusing but I’m leaning toward the Omen 27” 4K
You should update this video. I recently purchased this monitor when Samsung discounted it $600. $999 vs $1,599. Your comments does not do this monitor justice. This monitor is a hell of a value $999. Who cares about the build quality and the power brick. Those are ALL small nits and not worthy of the trashing. Once you set it up, put in place, it is a frigging awesome monitor. The differences you make all disappear and are not noticeable. At the end of the day all you see is the display. You're wrong about the Apple integration. Brightness and volume work flawlessly from my keyboard. There is NOTHING not to like about this monitor. At $1,000 vs $1,600 how can you pass this up? What's not to like?
I got the Apple Studio Display for $1200 from Costco. For $200 difference, Apple is a keeper. I prefer glossy screen as I don't have direct sunlight issue. Very sharp! I also have an older LG Ultrasharp 5K. It looks like it's better build than the Samsung despite of having same plastic construction. I get that the Samsung can do vertical orientation but I have no use for that feature.
Agree, this guy hates Samsung.... Samsung monitors are usually great! And this one is no exception!!!
i am planning to buy a mac studio max. and i am only interested in overall image quality. Are there any difference between s9 and studio display?
If I would be purely an Apple user I would buy the ASD with VESA which is more expensive. The build quality, premium feel, and integration would be important. However, I am 100% a PC guy which makes this the only viable option for 220ppi 27" screen. The smart features I really could not care less about and I wish they just wouldn't exist. Great review, I may buy this if it comes on for sale.
wait 6 months. Prices will come wayyyyy down. Do not buy this brand new!
Hi great review!! i’ve recently seen it for £984 now would you say it’s worth it over the studio display at this price?
Yes, that's a good deal!
Seems like at $300 off the Samsung is a nobrainer. If you add the tilt and Nano coating on the Apple Diplay you are hit $2K USD. I would never rely on a video monitor speakers and prefer decent pro audio studio monitors. I don't care about the brick, it is easy to mount under the desk. I am sure the apple build is better, but hundreds of dollars better I doubt.
Agree!!!
Hola amigo, acabo de comprar este monitor, soy de españa, y tengo windows 11, lo he conectado por displyaport, pero mi windows no detecta la camara, si detecta los altavoces pero la camara no la detecta, windows reconoce este monitor como "Monitor Generico S27C900P", parece que no instala los driver oficiales de samsung, en la web de samsung me he descargado todo lo que tiene pero nada, sigue igual, no detecta la camara. Has tenido problemas con ello? sabes alguna solucion? gracias.
intentaste usar usb-c en vez de hdmi? tuve el problema de mi ordenador no detectando el monitor como 4k, pero cuando use usb-c en vez de hdmi, detecta el monitor como 4k
The comparable version to the Samsung (stand and the "nano" texture) would actually be $2300. They are absolutely not the same price, equipped similarly. Samsung can also be often found for under 1k, basically allowing a purchase of two screens and some cash left-over! As somewhat of an Apple fanboy, I still can't justify basically a repackaged iMac 27" 5k screen from almost 10 years ago at that price point. At such a huge price difference, Samsung is a much better value, despite the worse materials. Not to mention strange Apple decisions like the omission of AirPlay and no integrated tvOS despite the display having the hardware to run it. The Studio Display is simply a bad deal, no matter how hard Apple tries to lock conveniences like brightness/volume adjustment to their own displays.
What about the Samsung ViewFinity S8 if I dont need a webcam and speakers?
It’s a tremendous deal at 799/899 if you don’t mind the build quality and the power brick.
What is your refresh rate on Mac? Mine stays at 30hz
Is this what you see in system settings, system report, or in the display config?
quite simple: got the s9 for 1070 … so i got 2 got the price of a single apple (1999 when u add the stand and mat finish)…. .. and the bezel all around is much thinner. both have bad audio if you ask me (of course apple’s is less horrid) .. so i get 2 flimsy remotes instead of the kbd integrated controls… but the panels are the same, and i have 2
Thanks. How about using the Studio Display with Windows as well?
Understand that my Windows usage with the Studio Display is with an HP notebook that's provided by my employer, that's heavily invested in Teams/Microsoft. • Charging works as expected • Microphone and camera work in teams with video effects. • Other than basic functionality, there's no additional integration with the FaceTime camera, meaning it won't auto-crop or track you. Let me know if you have a specific use case that I can test for. you.
@@ItsCaputo Thanks, does the brightness control and auto-brightness work, also is it possible to control the speakers?
@@ItsCaputo how did you connect SD to Windows laptop? To connect SD to Windows computer was just a nightmare )had to get an extra thunderbolt card, connect it to video card, connect CD to this extra card, download a driver....And after all this manipulation i can not adjust the brightness of the SD, speakers don't work at all. Probably you could share some tips and tricks to connect it in the easier way?
@@Scubanna My Windows laptop supports Thunderbolt 3 natively, so it's plug-and-play. To the best of my knowledge, there's no support for brightness or volume controls on Windows.
Matte display is better for productivity, glossy for entertainment... samsung's design looks nice and prefer it over the studio display
If it works for you!
Just ordered the s9 for $699 on eBay. I won't pay 1599 for a monitor that locks me in apple ecosystem, thank you very much.
If you don’t mind the fit & finish or a massive power supply, Samsung’s Viewfinity S9 5K display on sale for $300 off the regular price for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, making it more desirable to some than the Studio Display. Link: amzn.to/3Qa61ub (affiliate link)
All of this, from the video to the guidelines before commenting scream 'typical apple fanboy' to me, but that aside I'll have to point out that never once did I have the power plug come off while adjusting the stand. The big power brick is a subjective thing because having an in-built power supply like the ASD spells very expensive repair fees if something goes wrong with the wire, while you can simply buy a new power supply for the S9. You also didn't mention that you get 3 years' warranty instead of a measly 1 for the ASD, and also the freebie(s) that Samsung typically gives (I got a 4TB SSD). It's interesting that you prefer the S9's cam because I personally prefer the ASD's but all this is subjective of course, and you didn't mention that the S9's cam has a multitasking feature where you can record your exercise posture juxtaposed with an exercise video, say from KZhead, which comes in pretty handy. Not gonna argue about the speakers, it's embarrassingly bad for the price paid. And lastly - you should've made a side-by-side comparison of the display graphics, isn't that what a display is all about?
using "typical" and "apple fanboy" tells us a lot about you. See he goes on to explain his preference but also says "if you want x get samsung" but "if you want y get Apple" And somehow you still feel like he's pushing some narrative to you the viewer? MY wife still has my old Apple Cinema Display from 2009. That's 14 years old. I wish you would show me a 14 year old monitor from any other company that still looks good today and is still functioning like it did on day 1 BUILD QUALITY and SOFTWARE QUALITY matter. People who love to hate on Apple always talk about how expensive their products are... Well a Samsung S23 cost same as iPhone and now their monitor cost same as Apple... We all know which one last longer and ages better. Stick to what you like and let others do what they want
@UrbanBDKNY Okay, apple fan boy's Lawyer
@@hassanahmed1755 if you gotta use the term fan bot you lost the argument I hate the lame word but it’s fanboys who call people fan boys
@@UrbanBDKNY no its those who looking for fair accurate reviews than pethatic picking on irrelevant things like fxxking complaining and picking on power brick size. No where was he actually spent enough effort ti actually compare the actual screen, colours, etc which is the most important thing, but to pick on cable wire discount while adjusting the hight is just pethatic, which clearly is a fan boy attitude. I was keen for fair review, with more important comparison on the most important elements which is the screen its self. I like Apple screen, built quality and all things come as Apple standard That said, if I willing to bay £1,600 on a screen, I would expect adjustment to be included, and atleast it should have included the latest thunderbolt 4. Screen it something not to be replaced for atleast 5 years, so future proof is important, and for Apple in 2022 offering screen with older connection is just pethatic. As if they are saving thunderbolt 4 for next coking screen to praise how fxxkin innovative they are by bringing thunderbolt 4 into their screen.
@@UrbanBDKNY I never a fan boy of any brand, I always search for tye best option regardless the brands, and just looking for decent honest reviews than someone clearly trying to kill a product in favour of other products. Of course S9 isn't perfect and built quality isn't even close to Apple Screen. But still have many advantages, like smart calibration using smart phone with using additional expensive device, more advanced thunderbolt 4, free adjustable stand, saving unnecessary extra £400 Apple for for it. Yes samsung looks flimsy compared to Apple, but how often do we really adjacent height of screen?! The fact that the additional media apps also helpful to be used for Web browsing and using Google documents which I really on without using any of my computer or laptop, just using the screen app? Its also a huge plus for Samsung, but I understand it may not be beneficial for everyone.
Hello, i heard the apple studio display get bricked easily. Anyone having that issue?
I have not heard nor experienced this issue.
What do you think about it now that the price has gone down to $1,000?
It’s a great deal at $1000
@@ItsCaputo Thank you
The actual price is never 1599 , it almost alwaya at least a few hundred dollars cheaper.
Crazy that at that price they fail to offer 120hz
5k 120hz Tbh never heard of a single monitor that has both 5k and higher refresh rate
There are few, if any 5k 120Hz monitors on the market due to bandwidth and compression limitations.
it is a storm of words, what unrest!
Can this do 5k resolutions over display port? (I have an iMac 27” with an eGPU, so the reason the samsung appeals to me, despite being a plastic abomination with a power brick the size of Cuba that they want $1600 for, is that unlike apple, they put a friggen display port connector on it. Sadly that low bar might make it worth dealing with the rest of their crappy useless bloat for.)
The monitor supports 5k resolution over DP at 60 FPS or 4K at 120 FPS.
@@ItsCaputo thanks. This monitor irks me. Samsung had two jobs here. The first was to make a 5k display that supported display port and/or hdmi and had vesa screws. They did that. The second was to make it merely overpriced instead of “Apple overpriced”. And somehow they failed that by putting in smart features that literally NOBODY wants. Nobody is buying this monitor to use it primarily as a TV when you can get a HD television for $200. This monitor is going to be plugged into one or more COMPUTERS. Why would anyone need streaming services on a monitor that is literally connected to a computer that can, among other things, stream content? (Derp) Sadly I may end up getting it anyway because unlike Apple they did put vesa screw mounts and a display port on it. If the thing was overpriced at $900 (seeing as a 28” 4k display goes for $300), I’d have prolly insta bought it. I’m gonna see if it goes on sale at this price.
For anyone wondering, the answer is Apple. Samsung has zero control features.
I'll give you another reason to not buy the Samsung Viewfinity: I ordered the Samsung. After setting it all up, there was a faint yellow line running top to bottom of the screen. Presumably one of the colors in that row of pixels has failed. Otherwise a great screen. So it was returned and another brand new one showed up. This new one wouldn't even power on! So that's two Samsung S9's that have failed. Refund processed, now I need to go and buy the Apple Studio, like I should have done in the beginning...
Comparing the 1600 Samsung display to Studio display with out title adjustable and matte display is TOTALLY FAIR When you speak on the build quality of the monitors and premium feel or lack of as well as the speaker system the studio has AND if you are a Mac user, the INTEGRATION with all your other products it's not even close. Samgsung should have priced this BELOW the Apple studio display I have been waiting since this was announced to see how good it is and at what price. I WILL NOT be buying this at anything near 1600. My next setup will involve 3 27" 5k monitors and I m not sure I would be happy with the Samsung monitors. I might end up mixing worlds and buy a Studio display as the main monitor and have 2 Viewfinity s9's on each side ONCE PRICES DROP to like 1,000 which it probably will ASD prices don't go down much but you can find a refurbished one for 1300. So ain't no way in heck I m buying a Samsung monitor anywhere near 1300 when I can get a refurbished one from Apple or even a used one that is a year old for 900-1100 (because I know the quality will last). I gave my wife my old Apple Cinema Display. That thing is from 2009 I think it is. It is STILL SOLID, LOOKS GREAT AND WORKS FLAWLESSLY You can't say that about any Samsung monitor from 2009, so buying a used monitor from someone can be a great idea since you know an Apple display is going to last. My only problem is I want the vesa mount ones. You can't find those used and even finding a refurbished one is hard
Get it to me at 10 bit with minimum 90Hz or better yet 120Hz 28 inches, perfect. At 27 inches, barely acceptable, 29 woudl be too, 30 too big, 25 too small, 60Hz is garbage tier.
Pls do not speed up your recording. It becomes superfast to digest the content.
I completely agree.
Hey there! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It’s always a challenge balancing information density and delivery. I’ll keep it in mind for the future.
how in the heck can you tell he's doing that? lol
NO!
Picking on power brick is just pethatic. It's a desktop monitor for god sake, it's not like a laptop power brick, lol
You’re entitled to your opinion, but when you compare it to the competition, whose power brick is integrated into the monitor body while generating less heat, you begin to realize that you need to recalibrate your opinion because bad design would be the status quo if no one were to complain. You should have higher expectations when spending $1500 for a monitor.
@@ItsCaputo yes, we also should have higher expectations from Apple when we pay £1,600, atleast give us thunderbolt 4, or atleast free adjustable stand than paying bloody additional £400. Yes, from aesthetic point, there is no comparison in regards to Apple build quality, speaker, etc. But when it come to the real important things about monitors, I believe screen spec and comparison should have been the dominant part of any review, then the connection included, and lastly the aesthetic bits, which is very subjective, but Good screen quality, colour, brightness, contrast, etc is very important to everyone, as well as future proof connections. I think you should consider to be more practical and logical with your review and leave the aesthetic bits at the end as it's the most subject thing in any review.
Samsung make Apple more value for money 😂😂😂😂
Ca it mythologypccisnnnoo CCR
If there's one thing that the Samsung S9 wins at, it's the size of the power brick.
Well, it had better more advanced thunderbolt 4, it has free adjustable stand, instead of paying additional rip off £400 from Apple. It has built in media apps, which I find it handy, especially for Web browsing, using Google document a lot for most of my document without using my actual computer device. And above all the easy calibration using smart phone than using expensive additional device to calibrate screen every a few month, for graphics work its a huge plus. I believe s9 has a lot wins here. That said, Apple built quality, is superior above all brands, no contest here, obviously great speakers, perfect integration with apple products. It's a decent alternative despite the obvious lower built quality, but it's additional features give it a bonus for those who will benefit from it. Obviously both screens is a definite No for gammer requiring higher refresh rate.
Matte Display all day
easy :samsung doesn't worth such amount as they're shitty with their products and overprice their gimmicky products .certainly doesn't worth that amount of money