สุดๆ ไปเลย กับจอออกใหม่จาก Samsung อย่าง Samsung introduced their new 5K monitor, the Viewfinity S9 at CES 2023. It’s set to be released mid-year.

The Viewfinity S9 focuses on display quality, emphasizing sharpness and accurate colors, making it ideal for professionals and creative work. Now, Samsung Viewfinity S9 is with me. So, without wasting time, we’re going to unbox it, and let check out this amazing monitor!

This monitor comes in typical Samsung Eco Packaging. Inside, you’ll find various accessories like the monitor stand, a really large adapter, a Thunderbolt 4 cable, a power cable, a MiniDisplayPort cable, a user manual, a remote control, a webcam kit, and the monitor base.

Unboxing

Once you remove the next layer, you’ll be amazed by the impressive 5K display. I initially hoped for a polishing cloth like Apple monitors have, but unfortunately, it’s not included.
Assembling the monitor is straightforward. Just place the monitor stand on the base, secure it with screws, and attach the monitor. Then, connect the magnetic webcam, plug in the power and Thunderbolt cables, and you’re all set.

The Viewfinity S9 gives off a premium vibe with its sleek silver design. However, the material doesn’t feel as luxurious as the Apple Studio Display.
The monitor base is aluminum, but the other parts seem to be silver-colored plastic. It’s a bit wobbly compared to the sturdier Apple Studio Display.
At the bottom, there’s a sensor array for ambient light, IR reception, and it seems to have a built-in microphone.

On the back, you’ll find a joystick control button and a set of ports, including 1 Thunderbolt 4, 3 USB-C and 1 MiniDisplayPort.
This monitor comes with VESA mount, so you can use it with a monitor arm.
The Thunderbolt 4 cable included is a bit short, only 1 meter long, which isn’t ideal for my Mac Pro.

However, when I connected it to my Mac Pro, I encountered distorted images after logging in. Even setting the Apple display as primary and Viewfinity S9 as secondary didn’t fix the issue. Mirroring the displays, though, showed a normal image.
I also tried connecting it to my 2017 MacBook Pro, and the problem persisted.
But when I connected it to my MacBook Pro M1 with the Thunderbolt 4 ports, everything worked flawlessly.
So if you have a newer Mac with Thunderbolt 4, you shouldn’t have any issues, but older Macs with Thunderbolt 3 might encounter the same problem.

Now let’s dive into the display itself. The Viewfinity S9 boasts impressive specs such as 5K resolution, accurate colors, 100% sRGB, DCI-P3 99% color gamut, Delta E≦2, HDR600 support, 600 nits brightness, and a 1000:1 contrast ratio. These specifications are slightly better than those of the Apple Studio Display.
The image quality on the Matte IPS display is truly excellent, offering impressive levels of detail, contrast, and color reproduction that one would expect from a premium monitor. Additionally, it effectively reduces glare and reflections, thereby enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The 60Hz refresh rate on this monitor is somewhat low for a smart monitor in mid 2023.

The thing I like about this display is that it has a power button, which is not present on the Apple display. You can control it using both the menu button and the remote control.
Samsung includes a tilt and height adjustable with rotatable stand vertically is ready in the box. With Apple, you’d have to pay extra for that.
The 4K Slimfit camera that comes with the display is another highlight. The quality from the camera is crisp and clear. If you don’t need it, you can use the lens cover to cover it or simply detach it.
You can connect this display wirelessly, whether for Dex Mode or wirelessly with Apple devices using Airplay.
You can calibrate the monitor with your phone using Samsung Smart Calibration for more accurate colors.
Besides being a computer monitor, this monitor also function as a Smart Monitor. It runs on Tizen OS, so you can use apps just like on a Samsung smart TV. Watch movies, attend online meetings, or work on documents without needing to connect it to a computer.

The speaker quality is quite disappointing. The sound from the display’s speakers is flat and lacks dynamics. In this aspect, the LG Ultrafine 5K and Apple Studio Display perform better.
You can’t control screen brightness or adjust the volume from your keyboard like you can with the Apple Studio Display or LG Ultrafine. Using the menu options on the back isn’t very convenient either, so keeping the remote control nearby is advisable for easier screen adjustment.
The placement of the ports on the back is somewhat inconvenient, with a Thunderbolt 4 port on the outermost side and the USB-C ports located inside. This arrangement makes it a bit tricky to connect or unplug cables and devices.

If you’re comparing the Viewfinity S9 to the Apple Studio Display, here’s some information that may help you make a decision.
The Viewfinity S9 comes with a Matte Finish display, whereas the Studio Display offers Nano Texture for an additional $300.
The Viewfinity S9 includes a Tilt & Height adjustable stand and vertical rotation, whereas the Studio Display requires an additional $400 for that.
The Viewfinity S9 comes with a 3-year warranty, whereas AppleCare+ must be purchased separately for the Studio Display for $149.
In terms of price, the Viewfinity S9 is significantly cheaper, with a price difference of about 45% compared to the Apple Studio Display.
In terms of design, the Samsung Viewfinity S9 is slightly sexier than the Apple Studio display, with narrower bezels and a thinner screen.
However, when it comes to materials, premium quality, and sound speaker quality, Apple takes the lead. They have done a better job in those aspects.
The standout feature of the Viewfinity S9 is its 4K Slimfit camera, which offers a wider and sharper view compared to Apple’s display.
Samsung also provides more wireless connectivity options, including Bluetooth and Airplay.

In conclusion, if you ask whether this monitor is an Apple Studio Display killer? I don’t think so. Both monitors have their own strengths and weaknesses. If it were to be called a killer, I believe it should have more exciting features than what Apple offers, such as MiniLED or a higher refresh rate above 60 Hz, or an adaptive refresh rate like what mobile devices have.
If you’re considering the Viewfinity S9 as an alternative, it could be a good choice for a 5K monitor with limited options in the market.
However, comparing it to a 4K monitor might make your decision tougher due to the wide range of options available, including professional monitors like Dell, BenQ, Asus and more or stylish monitors like the Huawei Mateview or Samsung’s own M8 monitor.
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