Samsung Takes On Apple And LG With Its Own 5K Display For Creative Pros
© Photo: Samsung ViewFinity has an aluminum stand and body.Samsung's monitor plans for 2023 include more than Odyssey gaming displays and a new version of its smart monitor: the company is also chasing Apple and LG with a 27-inch 5K monitor with accurate color reproduction called the ViewFinity S9. Samsung claims the 5120 x 2880 IPS display is matte to reduce glare and covers 99% of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut.
The ViewFinity S9 supports a wide range of inputs/outputs, including HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, USB-C and DisplayPort. It can charge laptops up to 96W. The S9's sleek design and metal body match Apple's Studio Display and LG's high-quality OLED monitors. Unfortunately, at the time of publication, I could not get an answer on whether the latest Samsung monitor has its own dimming. I think if they were, they would highlight this feature. Therefore, black levels and overall contrast cannot be compared to mini-LED and OLED screens. However, Samsung claims that "its HDR600 model continues to emphasize shadows and image details."
Although this monitor is aimed at consumers, that didn't stop Samsung from porting its Tizen TV operating system to the ViewFinity S9. This allows you to access all popular streaming applications, even when the display is not connected to an external device. There's a slim 4K webcam in the box that you can hook up for video calls when needed, and Samsung says the app automatically scales and intelligently tracks your subject.
Samsung has tried to simplify the calibration process for the latest addition to its line of monitors by doing it all through an app on your phone. "The built-in color calibration engine ensures accurate color reproduction and screen brightness, allowing users to adjust white balance, gamma and RGB color balance for perfect accuracy using a smartphone via the Samsung Smart Calibration app," the company said in a statement. We have to see for ourselves how well it works in practice.
As with CES product announcements, Samsung isn't yet sharing pricing information for the ViewFinity S9, but says it will be released "early" this year. In addition, the 27-inch Apple Studio Display costs from $1,599 when configured with a standard glossy display. I have a feeling Samsung will match this with a thinner 5K display, but it will be interesting to see how aggressive the pricing is.
Stay tuned for our first-hand impressions of the ViewFinity S9 at CES 2023 in Las Vegas this week. The company is also announcing the SmartMonitor M80C, an update to last year's small screen that comes with new colors and adds a SmartThings hub to the screen, as well as a feature called My Content that adds photos, graphics, weather and more. .” According to Samsung, it will be available in white, pink, blue and green.
