New Samsung ViewFinity S9 takes on Studio Display

By David Snow • 8:45 am, August 28, 2023

The new 27-inch Samsung ViewFinity S9 Monitor with 5K resolution started shipping to addresses in the United States Monday, the company said. It comes along with specs and price very similar to Apple’s popular Studio Display.

The new monitor, which won a CES Innovation Award earlier this year, costs $1,599 — just like Studio Display. But Samsung’s comes with a tilt- and heigh-adjustable stand while Apple charges $400 for one.

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Like Studio Display, the new 27-inch 5K Samsung ViewFinity S9 Monitor offers realistic color representation and high resolution for visually oriented work and entertainment. Both displays offer 5K pixel resolution (5120 x 2880p), highly suitable for work like graphic design.

Samsung said its new display, which launched last month in South Korea, achieves 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, 218 PPI (pixels per inch) and brightness of 600 cd/m2.

A user can calibrate the color as needed. The company called its Smart Calibration feature controlled by smartphone — iPhone 11 and SE2 or later, plus Galaxy handsets — a first in the industry. It said:

Using the SmartThings app, users can choose to calibrate in Basic mode for a quick and easy adjustment of white balance and gamma settings, or they can use Professional mode for complete control of color temperature, luminance, color space and gamma settings. Users can start this process simply by pointing their smartphone camera at the ViewFinity S9, and after calibration, they can view a report detailing the adjustments made and the Delta E color accuracy.

ViewFinity S9 features reduces eye strain through its TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care features. In addition, the Samsung Matte Display limits light reflection and glare on the monitor.

You can also rotate the screen 90 degrees in Pivot mode, allowing use in Portrait mode.

The monitor’s connectivity serves both Mac and Windows PCs, with Thunderbolt 4 and Mini DisplayPort inputs, in addition to USB-C. It also works with AirPlay. Thunderbolt 4 enables 90W of charging power and data transfer data speeds up to 40 Gbps, Samsung said.

A built-in 4K SlimFit camera for video calls connects via pogo pin, needing no cables or equipment. The camera’s resolution is better than the one in Studio Display. The camera tilts to fit the angle of the monitor, and Auto Framing, similar to Apple’s Center Stage, keeps users in the frame even when they move.

The display’s height-adjustable stand makes it easy to keep it at eye level. Or the stand works with any VESA mount if you want to keep it off the desk.

The new display includes embedded Smart TV apps so you don’t necessarily need them on your computer. Samsung Gaming Hub lets users play games from partners like Xbox Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now without having to download them.

The display also includes built-in speakers with Adaptive Sound+ that adjusts noise levels, plus a remote control.

The ViewFinity S9 goes for $1,599 at Samsung.com, Amazon and other retailers.

Where to buy: Amazon

Source: Samsung

Samsung's new 27-inch 5K computer monitor features Thunderbolt 4 and DisplayPort connectivity, Matte Display, 4K Slimfit Camera, slim metal design, AirPlay, Smart TV Apps and a Gaming Hub (LS27C900PANXZA).