Samsung ViewFinity S9 - COMPLETE REVIEW

[@hipnoise_studio]

Samsung should pay you royallties to use this video in their product page. It provides more in depth information than the manual itself! Bravo!

[@inkfly]

A wonderfully in-depth review of this monitor, by far the best on KZbin. Thank you! It was exactly what I was looking for!

[@samitharasanjana]

I usually don't post comments, but this is one of the greatest in-depth reviews I have seen on any product. All the best mate..!! You have one more subscriber here from Australia.. Cheers..!!

[@sammieseoul5544]

Hello from Texas, THIS IS AN AMAZING REVIEW... absolutely very thorough... Loved that you connected every possible device to the monitor

[@AndreFonseca_pt]

Appreciate the honest review, it is hard to find these days good European based reviews that are in English, so the rest of us can follow. This helped to solve some of my questions.

[@yad-thaddag]

One of the best reviews I've seen about this screen. Thank you!

[@jrrivasvivas]

The most comprehensive and detailed review on all of KZbin. 👏👏👏

[@EDI-AI]

says a lot about KZbin, it's become a complete circus even a review like this that lacks the most important comparison about image quality (Samsung is more blue, Apple has deeper and richer reds - which one is correct? Can the Samsung be calibrated to look like Apple? - well this review just skips all this and instead just mentions "Samsung is brighter" - even a review like this lacking in one of the most important aspect, it's still the best you can find on youtube

[@ulaskavuncuoglu6833]

I had a lot of questions in my mind since I bought the S9 and I solved all of them thanks to you.

[@skyer82]

Do you mind sharing? I'm looking to buy this exact monitor

[@Mohamedelbehwashyy]

one of the top niche reviews, i really liked it!

[@jonathanmiller7130]

Great review! Answered all the questions I had regarding this display.

[@jorgwel]

This was an awesome comparison. Very detailed in each aspect. Thanks so much.

[@parttimelarry]

Thanks for the review, checking out the Black Friday deal now and deciding whether to pull the trigger ;)

[@scanflight]

Bravo Alex for the very complete test of the Samsung. I also learned here that the Apple screen can rotate... which shows that your test is very complete. Bravo

[@Romuh2000]

such a great review! all I wanted to ask for - is just covered!

[@DarkPa1adin]

Best comparison and review! 🎉🎉🎉

[@mittamoa]

wow, this is really comprehensive! thank you

[@sergeisenchilo8932]

Very deep and informative review, thanks!

[@james629]

Thank you for your efforts, this review is fantastic!

[@TIMBERxTrees]

Amazingly in depth video. Excellent work!

[@boyantrifonov]

What a great and detailed video! Danke!

[@DanEmmons]

Hey my friend, I just picked up two of the Samsung S9 Viewfinity displays for $650 each on Amazon. They are 5K displays! They are the perfect combo with any Mac these days. Can’t beat 5K for $650!

[@longlostcoder6322]

Any issues with sleep?

[@DanEmmons]

@ none

[@kobmar_]

To what device are the Monitors connected? Directly to a Mac or to a Dock? If Dock, which one? :D Looking for a Dock for my MBP M4 Max..

[@DanEmmons]

@ the iVanky dock! It’s amazing.

[@kobmar_]

@@DanEmmonsthanks a lot!

[@Nash-m9x]

Hi, that's a great review! I saw in the specs that it has Bluetooth. Do you know if it is output or input Bluetooth?

[@MohamadAlRifai]

Great review, very detailed and informative

[@krunge]

Thank you for this very detailed review!

[@toushi100]

Great detail awesome review You did a great job

[@cemakyol2395]

Thank you for your initial review, I appreciate it. Thanks to your assistance, I learned which cable to use for the PS5. However, it's disappointing that it doesn't support 4K. As far as I know, the PS5 can read 4K Blu-rays, but not being able to use this feature on a monitor seems senseless. Additionally, I wanted to ask you about using the monitor for multimedia purposes. When I open Netflix, HDR automatically activates, and the monitor switches to a movie mode, adjusting brightness and other settings significantly. However, when I try to watch a movie on my PC, I can't achieve the same effect. What do you think I should do to replicate this on my PC? Unfortunately, I couldn't find this information in the monitor's settings menu.

[@GeeksTable]

This is something that should be supported on the OS level afaik. This monitor runs Tizen and Samsung made sure to support this feature out of the box. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for Windows. When connected to Windows 11 this screen has an HDR option in the display settings. So when watching HDR you have to go to the system settings and manually turn on the HDR mode on.

[@cemakyol2395]

@@GeeksTablethanks a lot for the information

[@ctr289]

5k with anti-glare is useless, a glossy 4K is clearer that a matte 5K. Useless garbage. Apple makes their displays glossy for a reason. Just look at 11:33 The Samsung is a blurry mess, yuck!

[@cemakyol2395]

I find Apple's policy in this regard extreme, even though I have many devices within the Apple ecosystem. It makes you dependent on their own devices. However, this is not the case with Windows. For example, if you are a Mac Mini user and use a monitor with a low PPI (Pixels Per Inch), you encounter a blurry text problem. What matters is that the user should be able to choose a product based on their own needs and preferences. However, Apple draws red lines in this regard, and that's why I chose this monitor. So far, I'm quite satisfied. When comparing both monitors, each has its own positive and negative aspects. Considering the exchange rate in my country, the Samsung Viewfinity offers a much more reasonable price for me. Paying $2600 for the Apple Studio doesn't seem very sensible to me.

[@Peter-qg4nh]

Hey alex very informative review👍🏽 but i have some questions. Im thinking to switch to macbook pro set up with that display and im totally new to that. I understand that you need to connect your macbook pro thru usb c, but do you do the same if you want to connect a keyboard and mouse? Or can you connect keyboard and mouse with the bluetooth at the same time?

[@brendanclay501]

I bought it based on this review! (And that's after lusting over the Studio Display and, to a lesser extent, the ALOGIC Clarity Pro for some time!) Can't say I'm disappointed in the slightest. Thank you very much!

[@Shawshank00]

You can also hardware calibrate the Studio Display btw.

[@Wilsoncraft.studio]

Nice to see a true and very detailed review instead of the typical Apple Fanboy review!

[@leonidasparoussos5402]

Great Review Thanks

[@tianh2002]

when i connect my mac mini m4 to view infinity s9, i only get refresh rate at 30 hz? what did i do wrong? Thanks

[@longlostcoder6322]

Any issues with this when it goes to sleep? Also do you have it hooked in with thunderbolt?

[@longlostcoder6322]

Any issues with the mac going to sleep?

[@armaniusmaximus]

Great review!! Very informative. Are you able to adjust the webcam up and down? I have the Samsung M8 and the webcam is aimed too high and it's not possible to tilt the webcam downwards.

[@GeeksTable]

Thanks! The webcam is fixed, so the only way would be to tilt the screen.

[@s.matushonok]

Have you experienced the screenbar light turning off and on when switching between Home and PC modes? It seems like USB-C port loses power during the switch.

[@GeeksTable]

Yup, it looks like so.

[@s.matushonok]

@@GeeksTable It seems that the issue occurs because the monitor switches the USB ports between Thunderbolt-connected device and itself automatically. After I set Connection → External Device Manager → USB Source Setup to 'Thunderbolt/USB-C' it works just fine.

[@nimzotech1002]

Greetings Alex, Thank you for the very informative review of the Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K. Audio question for you. What is the best way to connect external speakers to the S9 monitor - to watch the Samsung Smart TV content - looking for perhaps a wired solution - given the S9 has only USB C / ThunderBolt ports. In my current configuration I am using a Mac mini m4 (connected via thunderbolt 4/USB C) to Corsair Dock. Samsung s9 is connected to the dock via USB C / Thunderbolt. My wired speakers are connected to the Corsair Dock via mini audio cable. I was hoping the S9 would recognize the USB C Corsair Dock and the mini audio speakers plugged in to it ; but is not the case. Please advise.

[@GeeksTable]

You may want to play around with the ports on your dock. Usually there is one with a picture of a computer that you connect to the host. In your case it is connected to your Mac. Now, if you wish your screen to see the audio device, it has to be “the host”, so you disconnect your Mac and plug it to your screen instead. Now it should see the audio. Alternatively, you can keep the existing connection but buy some audio-to-Bluetooth converter (check AirFly, they’re good), so you connect your audio to your computer and your screen and switch between them when needed.

[@santossilva]

nice review :) Thank you

[@bohansen2960]

Hi. How easy is it to switch between Thunderbolt and MiniDP source? And great video by the way. It's not an Apple display ... well no? Im not sure that it is a Apple Disaply killer, or compotitor. I just ordered this with a 600$ discount and compared to the Apple display this is way more suited for me and my needs. Apple display apperatnly does not play along very well with windows. But this scrren just might. I care about two things. 5k resolution for macbook 1:1 scaling (comming from 4k with a few apps that ajdusts the stupidness of apple careless recognition of a user might use a 4k display and also windows -it's a great picture but having to buy a app for "getting it right" -seems off to me). The other thing I care about is the switching between input srouces as I switch between input sources alot. And as a side note ... excluding the smarttv-implementation would have made this device way more premium and pro. But I can just choose not to use it and ignore that it can hahaha. Easy. So how easy is it to switch betwwen sources? Thanks...

[@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?

[@sdsmvcc]

the price for these displays has dropped to half, would you recommend it at half price?

[@Damian-kb2nh]

11:36 fonts are sharper on Samsung? Good I see?

[@didier110]

Hello, I have an issue, when facetime with the SamsungviewfinityS9. The sound is echoing for the people I am factime with. The only solution is to use headphones. With Ipad or Iphone there is no echoing. Is there any setting I can use on my SamsungviewfinityS9 to use it for facetime ? Thanks

[@GeeksTable]

It happens naturally because the mic picks the sound from the speaker. Probably Apple tweaked it for the iPhone and iPad, so they remove the echoing manually. I would suggest playing around with the audio settings on FaceTime and try switching between mics to find the less echoey setup.

[@VadimKalachov]

Very informative video.👍 It's clear that you paid attention to detail. You've tried to connect so many different devices - thank you for your time and effort. 🤗 Old ASUS - were did you dig it out? 😁 "Right? Right?" - hahaha! - made my day!🤭

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

So close. Can't believe they didn't opt for their QD-OLED gen 2 panels...or maybe they're not available yet at 5k resolution. Would've been killer with a semi-glossy screen with some polarizer treatment.

[@cemakyol2395]

One more question, could you recommend a cable for connecting to the DisplayPort on my PC? thank you in advance

[@GeeksTable]

There are plenty of cables but the models may vary depending on the country you live in. I would recommend checking the version of the DisplayPort of your PC and buy the same or higher.

[@cemakyol2395]

@@GeeksTable thank you so much

[@suryagunturi5529]

Nice Video. Very Informatic.

[@indiekiduk]

How do you connect speakers? I don't see an audio out. Its necessary for when connecting 2 PCs and switching between them.

[@GeeksTable]

It has internal speakers. The sound goes via the DP or Thunderbolt. No audio out.

[@cyberlizardcouk]

Have you seen the Kuycon 5k monitor?

[@didier110]

Hello, is it possible to use the webcam with a PC with Windows ?? thanks

[@GeeksTable]

Yep. I tested with Windows 11 and it worked just fine.

[@RandeepWadehra]

Does Mac OS crash when viewfinity s9 is used? Also, do we need to buy a Samsung phone to calibrate this monitor?

[@GeeksTable]

No and no

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

Is possible to connect the mini display port to a PC GPU via either HDMI 2.1 or DP 1.4 cable, and connect a thunderbolt cable to a TB Doc for a Mac, then switch the input as needed for each system?

[@GeeksTable]

Yep, that’s possible. No picture-in-picture though.

[@MrMoviePhoneEx]

@@GeeksTable Thank you, by for at the most comprehensive review I've seen yet. My use case is pretty specific as my main editing system is Home Built PC, but I need to be able to switch back and forth with a MacBook Pro as needed. One other quick question about the setup. I'm going to use the thunderbolt to connected into a TS4 doc for the MBP, and the mini PD port into the PC. Would there any be noticeable difference between using a mini DP to DP 1.4 cable, vs a Mini dp to HDMI 2.1 - my PC GPU supports both DP 1.4 and HDMI 2.1.

[@samitharasanjana]

does the mini display port only support macs with Apple silicon chips?

[@GeeksTable]

Not at all, there is no limitation to Apple Silicon.

[@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.

[@GeeksTable]

It can be, yes, because of how LCD screens are made. You may check the screens in an electronics shop nearby. If yours and theirs are of a similar size - it’s ok.

[@Damian-kb2nh]

Have You noticed any loud noises (coils?) from inside when You use any item pluged in USB-C to monitor ex. SSD or Card Reader?

[@etiennecharlier1676]

Hi ! Thanks you for this in depth review ! I have a question: You spoke about "super wired headphones". I'm earing impaired... so headphones are mandatory for me ( and for my familiy too ....). I undestand there is no audio jack socket ...this is '(§è!ç!è§ I'm wondering what are the limitation of a usb-c -> audio with this screen. Would it output - sound from mac connected to the thundbolt - sound from the buillt-in tyzen applications ( netflix, ...) - sound from "something" connected to the mini-display port ? speaking of mini-display port, could you advice a adapter cable from HDMI output ( Operator tv box, apple-tv, pc) to mini display port compatible with this beast ??? Many thanks in advance EC

[@etiennecharlier1676]

OK after second vision I found answers to 2 out of 3 questions: Sound from internal apps and from thunderbolt can be directed to a usb->Analog audio. Remaining question: what about sound coming from mini-dp ( ps5/appletv ?) via hdmi --> mini-dp ??

[@BlackHoleInstitute]

4:55 I like when you do the "wobble" test. Somehow the Apple Display Studio i so far good that it has even influence on wobbling of that white light pipe in the corner of your desk XD, compared to when Samsung display test 5:03. Apple technology is outstanding. Look at the top of tha light pipe, and gues the difference in wobbling XD

[@ianteichelmann]

hi, i just have this display, but when y leave my m1 max macbook pro connected it restarts from time to time when it goes to sleep. i need help.

[@rajesheber5579]

Can you test if the Samsung viewfinity s9 works with MacBook Pro 2019 intel model 16” as I saw some videos mentioning of distortion. Kindly update if that works in your test

[@GeeksTable]

Sorry, I don’t have such a MacBook around.

[@gracees1993]

I tried with my Macbook Pro 2017 15inch it won't work. But Macbook pro M1 chip works.

[@code-with-me]

Great Job Man!! Thank you, Now the S9 is cheaper, so I guess nowadays it is a better option, it is around 700 USD

[@ikidron1]

can this be used with a mac mini pro?

[@GeeksTable]

As of today Im not aware what a Mac mini pro is but the screen would work with a Mac mini.

[@blazejopona]

What is better oled 4k 120hz or this IPS ?

[@_sabot]

Even this came out only recently, they've already reduced the price by €400(!) on the official German Samsung site, lmao. But still too expensive, when this drops in the three digits territory I will think again.

[@GeeksTable]

Yeah, rule number one - never buy a Samsung product on the day one. It will drop the price in a bit.

[@AndreFonseca_pt]

It was now selling for 1249eur in The Netherlands. My old 4K screen broke down barely within warranty (LG miscalculated the fact that the store gave me 3 year warranty) , so the store offered me 399eur in store credit instead of a repair/replacement. So I just bought the Samsung for 850eur, which I think it is a fair price for a 5K screen. Even though I have a Macbook, I don't like to be too stuck on the Apple ecosystem.

[@BlackHoleInstitute]

Man today I've seen completely the entire review - hell of a job. Hope you don't mind my last comment about wobbling test ;) THANK YOU for your work! Best review of this screen for the whole YT. Do you know what is the regular price now? I've seen it recently for 1450$, and it's a discounted price. Still not so cheap, I hoped for bigger black week discounts. The only thing I lack in your review is text readability. Do you have comparison with Studio Display? Is it comparable? I am a software developer, this is crucial for my workflow. Thanks again and regards!

[@GeeksTable]

Hey! Thanks! I’m a software developer myself and to me they both have great readability. I use Apple Studio Display with nano texture and even the matte coating handles the texts fine. Samsung does it good too. As for the price, it’s been released this year, so I wouldn’t expect huge discounts now. Next year possibly…

[@samanwayphotography8376]

They don’t have the same price tag in my country ASD costs 2000 USD & S9 is 1200 USD

the price is better now!!! seems like a good deal, dont you think?

[@dirtysprite_]

Its been discounted by $1K in Australia, i think that’s an amazing deal

[@ReginaldoKono]

This review has important features and limitations that are not covered on other reviews. If you're interested on this monitor, it's a must watch review. Thank you! I new subscribe here.

[@rolandgerard6064]

Many thanks.

[@A10Jedi]

What’s your refresh rate

[@GeeksTable]

60 in most of the cases.

[@suranjanchakraborty4833]

Sabash

[@stevens1041]

I miss the mDP interface. Surprised to see it here.

[@johnshepherd2666]

What a great review ...lots of detail & comparsion,,,,, i think i see better detail in the Studio screen & it has better sound....its Apple for me 😅😅😅 but on a Lenovo c pu so i get ....windows 😅😅😅

[@diegovalente_]

Like 700! Thank you for the comparison

[@rokoloko-uz7hz]

thank alot brother

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Thanks!

[@chfin7251]

Brilliant review

[@gracees1993]

Has anyone tested with Nintendo Switch? Is Samsung Viewfinity S9 able to work with switch too?

[@AndreFonseca_pt]

If you use the adapter mentioned in the video, it will work with any HDMI device, including the Switch. Limited to 1080p of course, but that is the limitation of the console. With that said, keep in mind that you'll need to use the Switch dock. As far as I know, the Switch does not support native DP alt-mode video output on the USB port, and instead uses some proprietary protocol that detects the dock and sends the video almost certainly as HDMI.

[@fiercehairdo]

So you tested "all possible configurations" but didn't hook up a PC? Does this monitor play nice with a PC running Windows? As far as I can see your video doesn't say.

[@GeeksTable]

You might wanna check somewhere around Surface Pro 7 which is a PC.

[@i_help_you]

Hello everyone. Who can give a personal review on this monitor? Is it worth buying?

[@A51FR3D]

I tried this screen for a few days and had to give it back .. the brightness was just rubbish, ended up buying another studio display instead.. by far a much better screen.. and if I need all the other Samsung features better off just buying a 55’’ to for the same price!

[@user-lh6cv2nk2z]

theres softwares to change the brightness

[@A51FR3D]

@@user-lh6cv2nk2zI shouldn’t need additional software to change the brightness

[@dirtysprite_]

What do you mean the brightness was rubbish?

[@andrel2871]

Congratulations on the excellent review. It was very enlightening and made me think about the best solution. Before watching your video, I watched others and opted to buy the ViewFinity S9 (and have already requested a return). After your video, I immediately bought the Apple Studio because I agree with you, it has better quality, it's not plastic, etc. I don't know about you, but changing them for other brands is hard when we use Apple products. I prefer to invest more and have a set of equipment from the same brand, which is easier to integrate with other Apple products. Und ich gratuliere Ihnen zu Ihrem Englisch. Ich weiß, dass es nicht leicht ist, ein gewisses Sprachniveau zu erreichen, wenn man andere Sprachen spricht.

[@SchenectadyPhotoSociety]

My biggest beef is that it won't do 5K on my 2017 iMac. Which is the main reason I bought it. Sigh.

[@garyarg]

Hello, if you still have the Samsung, are you able to test if two 3rd-party brightness apps work? Windows: Monitorian Mac: BetterDisplay I currently use Monitorian to control brightness on my LG Ultrafine 5k, which, like the Apple Studio Display, also lacks any buttons, user controls, or connectivity options. Otherwise, you have to find the remote, then click through several menus just to adjust brightness. Really Samsung?? This is one of the most basic and frequently used functions!

[@storageemmc9391]

Samsung's quality control is absolutely terrible. I ordered two Viewfinity S9 monitors. The first one had two bunch of massive dead pixels, so I returned it and ordered from a different store. Then I got the second one with five smaller dead pixels (2 were 2px in size, and the other three were 1px size). I've bought many monitors in the past, and this is the first time I've encountered such poor quality. Even some lesser-known brands don't have this bad of quality control. My opinion of Samsung has completely plummeted. Finally the seller offered a partial refund, and I decided to keep the second monitor since my old one has been dead. This whole experience has been incredibly frustrating, and this will be the first and last time I ever buy a Samsung monitor.

[@andrejcupac7359]

For a similar price you can get a superior Studio Display, a big missed opportunity for Samsung imo

[@AnthonyChopra]

If you think u can turn Bluetooth off fully or hide it. You cannot hide nor turn Bluetooth off fully.

[@PoorAlchemist]

Why they didn't make a 32" 😢

[@ArseniTecH-vm1fg]

They did, Apple xdr pro 32 inch 6k, $6000

[@guybrushtail]

This monitor has been a real frustration for me, all things aside the viewing angle especially in the Y axis is terrible. Plus dynamic range seems to be really poor so even you have color calibration if DR is poor that kills the whole meaning so just forget about watching dark scenes in movies even you increase Gamma. You will be frustrated to use this monitor if you heavily watch movies etc. I definitely wouldn't buy it if it wasn't under 1000$ yet still I am questioning my buy since my 10 years old IPS panel Dell monitor would easily compete with this one.

[@tonyoramos1]

It's almost unthinkable you would do a review this long and not include contrast and brightness measurements for the monitor in a calibrated mode as professional monitor review sites do, this is important b/c it's the only way to objectively review the image quality.

[@GeeksTable]

I’m not a professional monitor review site :P

[@dcr630]

Lmao😂@tonyoramos1 you sound like a fucking princess

[@johnosam4681]

Contrast i would understand but brightness is something i wanna know as noob

[@DannyManchester]

​@@GeeksTable hey volodia let's have some vodka for a breakfast

[@wzk921109]

This is stupid, I had a look in person of the S8. It’s so plasticky & cheap feeling. The s9 dare to ask for same price?

[@IamPali2024]

This thing is piece of garbage… I just bought mine and nothing is working with it. It doesn’t support daisy chain, multiple screens, wont even work with usbc

[@FD-yh8xz]

Great video, exactly what I was looking for. One question: Apple Display have a fan, do the Samsung have one too? I don't like fans and this will make me go with the s9... trying to find out this information without success. Thank You!

[@GeeksTable]

Oh I don’t like fans either. Honestly I haven’t heard a fan in Samsung S9… if it’s there - it’s very quiet. As for the Studio Display, I heard its fan only once when my head was super close to the screen’s upperpart. Otherwise I haven’t heard it either.

[@FD-yh8xz]

The problem is that in the Studio Display the fan are always active and in time will probably make some noise. Thanks mate

[@pctricom]

AMAZON has just dropped the price to $899. There seem to be no competitor at this price.

[@KW-ub3ze]

Same at Samsung website . Get additional $200 off with edu account