Samsung has started taking pre-orders for its ViewFinity S9 5K monitor, positioning it as a direct competitor to Apple's Studio Display, according to MacRumors. Samsung teased the product in January and later released full specifications and pricing details in July.
Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K Monitor Specs and Features
The ViewFinity S9 is designed with creative professionals and prosumers in mind. It boasts a 5K panel, 99% DCI-P3 color accuracy, and a built-in color calibration engine. Additionally, the monitor features a 4K webcam, integrated speakers with Adaptive Sound+, and Samsung Smart Hub capabilities, allowing it to function as a TV with a remote included.
In terms of build, the ViewFinity S9 has a metal construction similar to Apple's Studio Display. Notably, it offers features such as height, tilt, and pivot adjustability, and a matte screen finish as standard, all for a price of $1,599.
| Specification/Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 5,120 x 2,880 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Brightness (Typical) | 600cd/㎡ |
| Contrast Ratio Static | 1000:1 |
| Response Time | 5ms(GTG) |
| Refresh Rate | Max 60Hz |
| 5K Resolution | Provides more pixels than 4K, with 218 PPI. Factory-calibrated color accuracy (ΔE < 2) straight out of the box. |
| Matte Display | Reduces light reflections. Intelligent Eye Care optimizes brightness, reduces blue light, and eliminates screen flickering. |
| Smart Calibration | Customize screen with a smartphone. Choose between DCI-P3 or sRGB color space. Customize color temperature, luminance, and gamma settings. |
| Pantone Validated™ | Authentic reproduction of more than 2,000 Pantone colors and 100 Pantone SkinTone™ shades. |
| Thunderbolt 4 & DP port | Connects to Windows and Mac. Thunderbolt 4 compatibility for reliable data transfer. |
| 4K SlimFit camera | Built-in camera for clear video conferencing and high-resolution content capture. |
| Apple AirPlay | Mirror or extend screens wirelessly. |
Availability and Launch Date
Samsung has confirmed that the monitor will be officially launched on August 28. According to MacRumors the product listing is already live on Amazon. It seems however that the pre-orders didn´t start yet or the product listing was unavailable for other reasons temporarily, when we checked. It is expected to be available on Samsung's official website and other retailers around the launch date.
Comparative Analysis with Apple's Studio Display
While both the ViewFinity S9 and Apple's Studio Display start at a price point of $1,599, Samsung's offering includes several features that Apple charges extra for. For instance, Apple's adjustable stand and less-reflective nano-texture glass finish increase the price to $1,999 and $2,299, respectively. On the other hand, Samsung's display comes with VESA mount support and a 4K webcam as standard features. Additionally, the ViewFinity S9 offers Smart Hub/TV functionality, further enhancing its value proposition.
However, Apple's Studio Display does have its unique selling points, such as Hey Siri support, Spatial Audio/Dolby Atmos support, studio-quality microphones, and a choice between glossy or matte screen finishes.
