Review & Unboxing: Samsung Viewfinity S9 5K 27" Monitor.. Is this an Apple Studio Display killer?

[@UrbanBDKNY]

Look at this! A small channel is the first to review this thing hahaha nice. Good luck with your channel getting attention off this. Once the big channels release videos they will take major priority in the algorithm The price is going to be key here for someone in America. If this is anywhere near the 1600 of the base ASD, it won't go well for Samsung. Although after 5-6 months the price may drop significantly which is something that doesn't happen with Apple displays so maybe that is the right time to buy I m looking at getting this or the ASD. I need THREE!!! I currently have a 5k iMac pro and a 5k Ultrafine and I need more real estate as a Software Engineer Thank you for posting this. I hope pricing comes out soon.

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for your comment :D Do you know when this monitor will be release in the US?

[@UrbanBDKNY]

@@joekongsan I have no clue :/

[@tmacrae]

Thanks Joe! Been waiting for someone to review this for 6 months.

[@joekongsan]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dann_BS]

Samsung announced the product in January but just a few days ago it finally is available for sale

[@armandolo17]

I would gladly pay up to 700 USD for this monitor, the ASD is fantastic but too expensive, This S9 monitor is a great alternative!

[@francescoditinco9238]

I dream of a monitor like this but with 120hz. Even though you need high definition and color accuracy for professional work, working at 120hz feels sooo much better

[@AllgoodthingsTv]

This was a great review. Solid information clearly presented. Thanks! (I'm sticking with the Apple Studio Display for now)

[@joekongsan]

Thanks for watching!

[@bkparkwin]

Thanks for this video. Pre-order price in Korea is around $970.

[@joekongsan]

Woahhhh, Is that cheap!!!

[@james-dawson]

Thanks for this review! Im super impressed by the production quality. I found your video bc you're the only one with actually the monitor in it, not just talking about specs. But I will be sticking around for future videos!

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching!

[@olegr6019]

Thank you, such a great review! So, after all Studio Display is still superior in many aspects.

[@joekongsan]

Can't agree more.

[@cryofthehills]

Thanks, Joe, for producing an early review of the Viewfinity S9. Good job, and keep doing it. Great comparison with Apple's Studio Display. While the initial gut check might be that Apple's product is superior, one has to rationalize the offering with the audience. Given that you predict Viewfinity S9 will be 45% cheaper than a comparable configuration of Studio Display, the S9 will appeal to a broader set of users. I love that it has an in-built calibration engine, and one doesn't need to spend a few hundred dollars on external calibrators. However, given that S9 will launch at a premium price point, it lets much be desired. Samsung's M8 (2022) and M80C (2023) will be tougher competition than the Studio Display. Apple has a captive audience, and there are better fits for Apple users than the S9. If one uses a color-accurate monitor like BenQ PD3220U (a 4K monitor) with a convenient scroll device (they call it a puck), at least you can control volume or brightness or display modes with the variable configurations you can set with the scrolling device without the need to fiddle with the controls at the back or use remote control. You could call the puck a remote control, but it's a very focused one. Here's how I see this panning out: People who desire a cross-platform smart monitor with a built-in TV Hub and a webcam will go with Viewfinity. With a caveat. That they need 5K. Those who don't need 5K will go with the M80C or M8 (at half the price of Viewfinity S9). People in the entire Apple ecosystem who desire and appreciate color accuracy, build quality, and the Apple ecosystem will save till they can afford a Display Studio. There was supposed to be a mini-LED, 120Hz version of Studio Display to launch in 2023, but it appears to be pushed off in the 2024 / 2025 cycle.

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for your comment, I do agree with you. There are now only 5k in the market, and the apple should be the most superior. In my opinion.. Apple is not a rival but many of 4k monitors are.

[@cryofthehills]

@@joekongsan Thanks, Joe. In your next mashup, toss in LG Ultrafine 27" 5K and see if it's still relevant in 2023. It's the same panel as the Studio Display, albeit at 500 nits and a plastic body.

[@joekongsan]

@@cryofthehills I have the LG Ultrafine 27" and It work flawless. But since it's 6 years old monitor, can't rotate and the price is not much diffrent to this new Samsung, I think the S9 is still the good option for these two. And don't forget about the pink edge, I have 3 iMac 2015 5K and 1 LG Ultrafine. They are all pink edge problem after the long run.

[@takatakiful]

Yupp, well said and agreed. I value the build quality too much, will save for the Studio Display! Also the speakers are an argument for me. Makes for good quality sound with a very clean desk setup without the need for extra speakers.

[@ctr289]

The anti-glare matte coating is horrible, the 5k resolution is useless on a washed up fuzzy display like this. There's a reason Apple doesn't put matte coatings on their displays

[@EIonMusk1]

Sawaadee krap 🙏🏼 great video bro

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching krub!

[@rickshapiro63]

A couple of things: if you want a monitor that also works with Windows, the S9 is the only choice. Also, discounts are already showing up on the S9 which makes it even more compelling.

[@benjaminprasarttongosoth1614]

Thank you for the review, everyone is slow with the viewfinity and as an added bonus this was the first product review coming from Thailand! 555 sud yod krub

[@joekongsan]

Khob khun kraabbbb!! It seem like this is the world's first review of this product as well.

[@rzandel]

Thanks for the review. You answered a big question in your video that I had about controlling both screen brightness and volume from the mac keyboard. I know that Apple doesn't have CEC embedded in the mac, but I'm really disappointed that you can't control volume or screen brightness on the S9 via thunderbolt and that you have to use the included remote or joystick. That to me seems really bad for a monitor that is supposed to be a direct alternative to the Studio Display. Now that I know I'll have to really think about whether the price outweighs the lack of those features for me.

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching as well!

[@BombDaBass2000]

thats a no Go for me... Bye Bye Samsung..

[@V100X]

There are apps to control external display brightness with the default macbook keys

[@wiplash2000]

@@V100Xcan you recommend one that you know would work?

[@V100X]

@@wiplash2000 You can try: Lunar for mac

[@ItsJustMeStevie]

First review. Been looking for something for a while now. Been waiting for this so I can decide whether to get this or Apple. But you’ve answered my question… Apple Display it is. Thanks.

[@joekongsan]

Nice to here that. Thank you for watching!!

[@abdullahdeshmukh99]

How is the text scaling and sharpness as compared to the Studio Display? Thanks again for the video.

[@joekongsan]

For me, it's quite similar regarding to text scaling and sharpness. I'm thinking about making the next video comparing between these two side by side. :)

[@abdullahdeshmukh99]

@@joekongsan thanks a lot. Looking forward to that video.

[@joekongsan]

Hi, Here is a comparison about the text scaling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW2k42ZlMqeZtE

[@benjamincameron742]

Thank you, great review! Can I please ask a question: it sounds like the speakers are bad, but there seems to be no headphone port? Is there any way to connect external speakers to use?

[@joekongsan]

It has Bluetooth connection, so you can connect to the Bluetooth speaker.

[@benjamincameron742]

@@joekongsan Thank you - I suppose that is one option then!

[@utawarerumono93]

huge review!! 🎉 more comparison with studio display please!!

[@joekongsan]

I'm making another one, stay tuned!

[@joekongsan]

I just uploaded the 2nd Video comparing between Samsung Viewfinity S9 and Apple Studio Display. You can check out the link below: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW2k42ZlMqeZtE

[@Kiskaloo]

Thank you for the review. I have been interested in seeing what this display offered compared to the Apple Studio Display.

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching as well!

[@user-mu2id7tp7t]

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?

[@rajesheber5579]

Does it work with MacBook Pro 2019 16” Intel model

[@sunnyt7]

Nice review! How were you the first to get this?

[@joekongsan]

There is a monitor shop in Thailand got this monitor ealier than normal. so I get one. :)

[@pixelom]

Awesome review and unboxing! I'm was waiting for this for months. What is the release date in Europe for Samsung monitor?

[@joekongsan]

I really have no idea. I'm curious why there is no price release or release date in Europe & US.

[@gebac5163]

Thanks for the review. Do you know if this monitor has a KVM functionality. To switch from one computer to another computer in one click?

[@joekongsan]

I think it doesn't have that function. You need to go to the workspace display and chose which input you want to switch to.

[@vasiovasio]

Great review Joe, objective and honest! I have one question - as a long-time Dell UltraSharp user, want to ask what is the reflection situation? I see in the review, the display is matte instead of glossy, but do you can make this test - wave your hand on the front of the monitor, let's say at 20 cm of it, and tell me do you see the reflection of your hand? I'm with DELL U2415 and this monitor is Ideal for programming with Real Zero Reflections - when I wave no matter if the monitor is on or off no reflections at all! My main problem with modern displays - Apple for example is one Black Mirror, where I cannot focus on my work, but look at my reflection! Of course, this has a cost - the colors are not so bright and vibrant and my display cannot reproduce Full Void Black, but for my workflow, it is absolutely fine.

[@JuMakesRiffs]

Wow did not know it was already released ! Great review

[@joekongsan]

Thank you!

[@alphazutn1274]

You didn't mention the difference in contrast at all between the two monitors while comparing their displays. It is incredible how much better the Apple Studio Display is when looking at them side by side.

[@joekongsan]

Here is a comparison side by side: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW2k42ZlMqeZtE

[@ChrisPTY507]

Still rocking my Huawei Mateview on my M1 max max studio. Not planning to upgrade anytime soon.

[@joekongsan]

I like the design of the Mateview. The location of the ports seems convenient to use.

[@ChrisPTY507]

@@joekongsan yeah i find the ports location on the Mateview to be far more convenient than most modern monitors that for some reason they almost always put them in very odd places

[@ArielBrener]

which 4K alternatives would you recomend for Video editing after effects and color correction withmy m1 studio ultra? color precision and OOB calibration in mind?

[@joekongsan]

In my opinion, I think it depends, I don't own any 4k monitor right now, but I like to try Asus ProArt PA279CRV for the color correction. But the LG Ultrafine 4k and Huawei Mateview seem nice for overall usage.

[@needleninja]

Was the mini DP cord also 1m? Want to make sure I am prepared in the states when it goes for pre-order

[@joekongsan]

Yes, it's also 1 m. The cable that comes with the box is one side MiniDisplayPort, and one side DisplayPort

[@PattisKarriereKarten]

Thanks for the great review! Answered all questions I still had. If it’s also significantly cheaper in Germany I‘ll get it a shot. Although I would have preferred shiny glass. Simply looks better. But I wanted to know if it’s vesa compatible, how the camera is and if it’s working with my M2 MacBook Air 👍 That the material and sound quality would be inferior to the Studio Display was clear from the start, but the cheaper price makes up for that, plus the sound of the MacBook really is outstanding enough, so I‘ll just use this.

[@joekongsan]

Of course, it is VESA compatible. I also did another review with sample from the camera, you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW2k42ZlMqeZtE

[@davidcronin3244]

Thanks for the review. Were you able to test the monitor with multiple inputs? The monitor working well switching between two computers was a big reason to hold out for this display for me. Although if it’s mini display port I don’t think that will support 5K?

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching. I'll test it.

[@samitharasanjana]

@@joekongsan does the mini display port support only macs with apple silicon chips?

[@joekongsan]

@@samitharasanjana Now my intel mac work well with this monitor since samsung already update the firmware.

[@NomadicBloke1]

Best for the average consumer

[@HarisHussain]

Hey isn't the ViewFinity S9 120Hz, so in that regard much better then Apple Studio Display?

[@joekongsan]

No, it's 60hz just like the Apple Studio Display.

[@HB-ji8lh]

That huge power brick really turns me off. I hate power bricks! Why they don’t just build one with built-in power supply just like Apple does with every product?

[@EnerJi001]

Probably because it's cheaper to do it this way. I hate external power bricks, too. If LG were to refresh their 5K monitor to bring their panel specs up to the same range as these two monitors and improve a couple of other small deficiencies, that would probably be the one to get.

[@Ben21756]

@@EnerJi001 Cheaper and it's replaceable. If it was built-in and it were to break, you'd be fucked. Most manufacturers don't offer long warranties, Apple as an example only covers their product for 1 year. For that reason, I actually prefer an external power brick even with its downsides.

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks for your review and great job!

[@joekongsan]

My pleasure!

[@Pad-Thai-101]

Awesome Review ja 😜

[@joekongsan]

Thank you!

[@andersphansson]

Great video! No data of Adobe RGB %?

[@kameit00]

Thanks, that makes my decision much easier!

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching!

[@command-tab]

I’m most curious if you can hook up a modern game console and a computer then switch between inputs. Could I hook up an Xbox Series X and an M2 MacBook Pro and flip between inputs?

[@joekongsan]

Unfortunately, I don't have a game console or any devices with Displayport. So I can't try that. But I think it should be working as it support 2 inputs.

[@viacheslavk1816]

Hi, What about coil whine of your screen? I got 2 from different sellers and both have this annoying noise. Now is returning the second one.

[@abdullahdeshmukh99]

Thank you so much for the video. Is the screen quality bad as compared to the Studio Display? In your side by side comparison, the S9's screen looked like a way cheaper $500 monitor. If that matte finish wasn't there, I really would've bought this one. Now, I'll need to see it in person first.

[@joekongsan]

about the screen monitor.. it's depend i think. I can't compare between the matte display and the glossy display. But color from the glossy of course, more vivid.

[@willdoran8438]

Do you think that the camera gives a fair representation of the difference between the two panels (ie. at 7:07) or do they look much more similar in real life?

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

@@joekongsan I would have loved to see a closeup comparing the ASD glossy (or whatever you have) to the Samsung display. Of course a matte display won't look as good, but seeing how close would answer my main question about this monitor vs the ASD.

[@joekongsan]

@@spacemangalaxy9987 I'm making a next clip about this, please stay tune!

[@joekongsan]

@@willdoran8438 For me, Samsung camera look better since it's wide angel lens and it's 4k. By the way, I am making the next video comparing between this two. Please stay tune. :)

[@RA-nm9xu]

Thank you for the great review. What is the actual price in Thai Baht? That would be helpful to know.

[@joekongsan]

The official price in Thailand is 45,990 Baht (Vat included). I think it is about $1,350 in the US.

[@RA-nm9xu]

Thank you. It may not be sufficiently less expensive than the Apple Studio Display to be successful. We shall see.

[@rohithvsm]

How does this compare to the Dell U3224KB 32" 6k monitor in terms of features like MacOS compatibility, connection, KVM, etc.?

[@joekongsan]

Sorry, I have no idea since I never try Dell 6K before.

[@germanmairen]

I expected something more premium for this price range. It costs the same as the Apple display and it looks way cheaper

[@productivechian]

When i can buy this monitor?

[@makumek]

Thanks for the review. Its unfortunate that there are very few 5K monitors in the market eventhough Apple had 5K monitor for a long time already. รีวิวดูดีอินเตอร์มากๆ ครับ🎉🎉

[@joekongsan]

ขอบคุณครับ :)

[@QucumberBranford]

Nice review!

[@joekongsan]

Thank you!

[@wiplash2000]

I’ve heard that a matte display doesn’t look as good as a regular glossy display. It looks to me that your apple studio has the glossy display. Can you give your impression as to whether one looks better than the other? Also, I believe with the apple studio I’m limited to one input without using something like a usb c kvm - my use case would require 2 devices connecte (windows + mac), but I’m not sure how the webcam and microphones would switch between devices as I switch between inputs, since it only has one thunderbolt, unless I again use a usb c switch or some kind... Is that correct? Thanks for a great review!

[@DanKuGaVideos]

I have the Viewfinity S9 and even if I didn't, glossy will always look better. But I'm loving my matte screen because of the lighting in my room. A light source shows up as a reflection on my screen and if glossy it can really strain the eyes. Matte's a lot better for long-term comfort

[@King_Edward97]

Im thinking about getting it, does Netflix and Disney+ Look really good on there?​@@DanKuGaVideos

[@testtest-h9j]

Hi Joe, thanks for review. Do you see big difference in a matter of image quality of your LG Ultrafine 5K vs Apple Display? In my location prices are as follows 100% Apple, 70% Samsung, 50% LG and if screen matrix is the same or nearly the same then price makes the difference. I am having 4K monitor (27inches Eizo) and what I can say is that it subjectively makes no sense with Apple. Fonts are little blurred , images as well, despite my eyes are not eagle ones. Windows and Linux are making scaling very good (especially Windows), but Apple looks like cannot or is not willing to.

[@dazzaclark]

Great video thank you 🙏🏻

[@joekongsan]

Thank you for watching!

[@Lysander-Spooner]

glad I got the Apple Studio Display. It is very well made.

[@corolex]

I have a 2017 imac 21.5" 4k would this work with the S9?

[@daviddechavez689]

I WILL BUY!!!!!

[@shawnshan7570]

Awesome vid!

[@joekongsan]

Thank you!

[@shawnshan7570]

@@joekongsan I think it would be great if you can mainly compare how the rendered text look like on both displays side by side. Overall people buy these monitors mainly bc they have 5k solution.

[@wingsley]

This was a very interesting preliminary review for the S9, but it did not answer an important question: Can this monitor, out of the box, be VESA-mounted onto an aftermarket desktop/tabletop monitor arm or wall mount?

[@joekongsan]

It's a standard VESA mount. It's universal, so it should world well with aftermarket monitor arm. Unfortunately I don't use one so I have no idea about this.

[@viacheslavk1816]

Yes. It is Vesa 100x100 compatible.

[@spacemangalaxy9987]

How did you get this monitor?

[@joekongsan]

There's a monitor shop in Thailand that already have this one for sale. I think I'm the first person to have this in Thailand.. or maybe in the world. Lol.

[@nikoo9898]

Hey! Can you please help me? I purchased this monitor in my region, and there is no mDP-DP cable inside the box, only Thunderbolt 4. Can you please tell me the part number of the original DP cable that came with yours? It is on the white tag on the cable. Thank you!

[@joekongsan]

Hi, The part number of my DP cable in my region is : BN39-02865A

[@EugWanker]

Does macOS offer the 2304x1296 scaled resolution on this 5K monitor? It doesn't on the 27" Studio Display, but strangely enough macOS offers 2304x1296 on 27" 4K monitors.

[@joekongsan]

I'll find out and let you know tomorrow!

[@joekongsan]

Sorry for late reply, Yes it does. I'll show you on MacRumors. :)

[@armandolo17]

great info, I also use 2304x1296 scaled resolution, Thats the best IMO

[@EugWanker]

@@joekongsan Great to see 2304x1296 is supported by macOS. :) Thanks.

[@es__music]

I just bought the S9 and there is a black shadow around the rim of the monitor. Is that normal? I especially see it on white websites.

[@joekongsan]

mine also have a little shadow when my background is all white. I'm not sure is it normal. but it's very little.

[@Moto_Yelt]

Does it come with a glossy screen?

[@joekongsan]

No, only matte finish display.

[@andresbecerrafuentes5233]

Hello, does this monitor have miniled technology? or 120 Fps with hdmi 2.1?

[@joekongsan]

No, it doesn't. No MiniLED, No 120 Fps, The monitor offer MiniDisplayPort but No HDMI 2.1

[@rohithvsm]

Does it have PiP Picture in Picture and PbP Picture by Picture?

[@joekongsan]

It does have a PbP.

[@braaji]

When is the release date ?

[@joekongsan]

In Thailand, It will be July 7th. I have no idea about other country.

[@rolandgerard6064]

Thanks 🎉

[@TheDevarshiShah]

what is the price of S9 and Studio Display at yours?

[@joekongsan]

The price convert to US Dollar - S9 : $1,350 - ASD : $1,465

[@PolluxChung]

The AC adapter 😳 I have the Huawei Mateview. I really like it. If Huawei ends up selling a 5K+ version of that at 32" I would get one in a heartbeat.

[@joekongsan]

I really like the design of the Mateview. The materials and design are very well done. I especially appreciate the way they integrated the ports on the side of the stand. It's so convenient to plug in or unplug devices.

[@dreb1846]

Got a review on the way today, im in the US. Cant way to look at it against my qd oled.

[@yudismeidiansyah]

release date?

[@raphaelwartanian]

what's the price

[@joekongsan]

In Thailand, it is 45,990 Baht. It's around $1,350.

[@tubelator]

Just look at the side by side! the S9 has no contrast! Blacks are dark grey!

[@joekongsan]

It needs calibration. And this type of screen need a good light as well. Here is a video after I calibrated the monitor, I think they look identical. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGW2k42ZlMqeZtE

[@inwoodspakig8735]

60hz really Samsung now days 144hz or 120hz it should be and HDMI 2.1

[@iraughtika]

Unfortunately in the US, this monitor will release for $1600.

[@adamellistutorials]

How’s this comare to the apple XDR which is £6000 😂

[@joekongsan]

lol

[@teddiecrash8216]

Studio Display Sound is Not good, tooooo much Bass. I send it back....bad deal....

[@nikhafizal1246]

stopped the video when it doesnt support more than 60hz, at least give it a 120hz and more would be interested.

[@joekongsan]

Totally agree!

[@ctr289]

The anti-glare matte coating is horrible, the 5k resolution is useless on a washed up fuzzy display like this. There's a reason Apple doesn't put matte coatings on their displays

[@1suraj.sharma]

Ips or va

[@arthurberner]

its cringe. looks like a chip version of Apple Studio. The camera reminded me of PCI-express in laptops from the 90s

[@ShawnLangford]

60 Hz at this price point? Pass.

[@joekongsan]

Even the Apple also 60Hz. but I think Samsung should give us more than 60hz,too!

[@ShawnLangford]

@@joekongsan Yup wouldn't buy the Apple Studio Display for the same reason.

[@jaume_valls]

Stop clickbait please

[@joekongsan]

how a review becomes a clickbait?

[@mntccd]

Looks horrendous 😂

[@Brainiac5]

Sadly no 32 inch variant..i need ppi of 110 for the sweet spot 🥹