Samsung's smart monitors are unique in their niche thanks to DeX integration. Although they don't offer built-in DeX, they come with wireless DeX capabilities and thus allow Galaxy smartphone users to create desktop-like experiences without dongles or PCs. However, as welcomed as this feature may be, it's not going to be the best selling point for professional users looking for the best image quality. And Samsung is becoming more aware of this fact.
At CES 2023, Samsung unveiled two new ViewFinity smart monitors. And for these new models, the greater focus was on improving image quality for professional users who demand the best color accuracy. Are the 2023 ViewFinity S9 and ViewFinity S8 the Apple Studio Display killers Samsung needs? Find out more in our hands-on video below. Here's a preview of what to expect.
Samsung ViewFinity S9 5K
The top of the new Samsung smart monitor range is the ViewFinity S9 5K. It's a 27-inch professional monitor with 5K 5120 x 2880 resolution at a refresh rate of 60Hz. The panel is factory-calibrated to 99% DCI-P3.
In addition to factory calibration, another pro-grade feature available for the ViewFinity S9 5K comes in the form of Smart Display Calibration. The latter allows you to use a Galaxy smartphone to calibrate the display accurately without requiring other external calibration tools. This feature could be a game changer and might be exactly what Samsung needed to tip the scales in its favor in the pro-grade monitor market.
Other specs include one Thunderbolt 4 port that supports PD charging at 90W, 3 USB-C ports, and a Mini DisplayPort 1.4 input.
Samsung ViewFinity S8 4K
Like the S9 5K, Samsung's new ViewFinity S8 4K has a 27-inch diagonal. It's also presented as a pro-grade monitor, but this time, it has a 4K 3840 x 2160 resolution at 60Hz.
The ViewFinity S8 4K has the same smart calibration features as the S9 5K and delivers outstanding color accuracy. It also has a Thunderbolt 4 port with PD and support for daisy chaining, 1 USB-C port, 3 USB-A ports, and an Ethernet port. But where the S9 5K is wrapped in a solid metal case, the ViewFinity S8 4K has a thicker frame and a plastic back construction.
Availability and pricing details have not yet been revealed for either model, but the difference in display resolution and materials will make the ViewFinity S8 4K more affordable than its S9 5K counterpart.
Is the new Samsung ViewFinity lineup the Apple Studio Display killer? Color accuracy may say “yes,” but time will tell, and pricing will also be a factor. Until Samsung reveals more details, check out our hands-on video below for a closer look at the new ViewFinity range at CES 2023.
