The Samsung ViewFinity S9 offers specs that directly allow it to compete with the more expensive Apple Studio Display. It offers a sharp 5K panel and extra equipment like a webcam, but it also includes the Tizen OS, which gives it smart TV capabilities. However, it is far from affordable, so let’s check and see if it is worth the investment.
Samsung ViewFinity S9 Specifications
- Screen Size: 27 Inches
- Resolution: 5120 x 2880
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 5ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 600 cd/m²
- Built-in Speakers: Yes (4 Woofers with 2 Tweeters)
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes 100 x 100
- Connectivity: USB-C Thunderbolt 4 PD90W x 1, Mini DP x 1, USB-C 3.0 x 3, WiFi 5 and Bluetooth BT4.2 Connectivity
- Dimensions with Stand (WxHxD): 24.1” x 20.9” x 5.33”
- Weight: 16.31 lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 looks classier and more sophisticated than its Odyssey siblings in its high-end portfolio. The monitor has a matte silver finish, which makes it look more expensive, although we wish it also came in different colors for themed builds. The monitor has very slick lines and borders so that you can enjoy the screen without any distractions.
Its dimensions are more modest than most 27-inch models since it is going for that ultra-minimalist look. The device only needs 5.33 inches of depth from your desk so that it won’t interfere with most complex setups. It is heavier than the Studio Display at 16.31 pounds, but it is still effortless to carry and move around.
This model is one of Samsung’s best build quality-wise, thanks to premium craftsmanship and material engineering. Each part or panel was shaped perfectly, so there were no cosmetic defects or uneven gaps. The stand is stable, so the screen won’t sag or wobble unless it is touched and made to do so.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 has a dedicated remote for its functions and easy manipulation of its settings. Although its layout is confusing, it’s way easier to use than a typical button layout below or at the back of the chassis. The only inconvenience it adds is that it will need a battery change at some point.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9’s stand offers tilt, pivot, and height adjustments for your comfort and convenience. That’s an added cost for the Studio Display if you want ergonomics, so we’re glad that it’s already included with the package. It also has VESA-compatible mounting, so you are not stuck with extra expensive proprietary options in case you want to free up some desk space.
Its connectivity layout is straightforward yet modernized in a way that may make it less ideal for older devices. It only has a mini-DisplayPort and USB-C Thunderbolt 4, along with a trio of USB-C version 3 slots for accessories. The TB4 connector offers up to 990 watts of charging power, allowing notebooks like the MacBook to run in single-cable configuration with it.
Another important feature of this model is its webcam, which snaps magnetically on the top edge of the screen. It offers excellent image quality for a built-in, but the downside is it is not adjustable enough to get a perfect angle for video calls. You can tilt it down, but the captured image still places you at the bottom part of the screen.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is also WiFi and Bluetooth-capable, plus it has the brand’s Tizen OS. This essentially makes it a standalone smart TV that you can use without a host device like a PC or a disc player. You can watch on streaming platforms or tune in to channels just like with a regular TV, although the interface can seem more sluggish versus what a typical high-end TV has.
You also get 5-watt speakers with this monitor, which would complete its TV-like capabilities. The downside is that it doesn’t have entertainment-grade quality, so most will likely look for headsets or a separate set. However, it is always nice to get every feature possible if you are spending this much on a single product.
Display and Performance
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 offers a 27-inch IPS panel with a 5120 x 2880 5K resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 5ms response time. The backlight has a 480 cd/m2 minimum and a 600 cd/m2 peak, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS displays. The monitor doesn’t carry HDR certification, but Samsung’s product page mentions that it is compatible.
27-inch 5K monitors are extra sharp and crisp, so they are fantastic for anything related to imaging. However, productivity may suffer if no scaling is used since letters and numbers will appear microscopic without it. You get plenty of space to work with, but zooming in just to make things legible might defeat the 5K resolution’s purpose.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 covers 100% sRGB and 94% DCI-P3 for excellent colors in games and movies. its default accuracy had a deltaE average of 1.21, so its already accurate out of the box. Its not as refined as the Studio Display in this regard, but its still quite good for a wide gamut screen.
Calibrating the monitor reduced its dE average to 0.44, making it comparable with the best prosumer monitors out there. The downside is that you will need a colorimeter to achieve comparable results. Accuracy is the main advantage of Apple’s representative since it is already calibrated at a higher degree from the factory.
Panel uniformity for the test sample was decent since there were no major backlight leaks on the panel. There are some discrepancies in the backlight’s spread, but it was not noticeable all the time. Note that this can vary with every unit made due to tolerances, so there are both worse and better options out there.
Another disadvantage it has over its main competitor is its lower SDR brightness of 455 cd/m2 at 100%. It can hit up to 605 cd/m2 when its HDR mode is active, but it still looks dimmer than its Apple counterpart. It’s not a major issue, but it will be noticeable if you have them side by side.
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 was not built for gaming since it is limited to 60Hz and doesn’t have a boosted response time. Some persistence can become visible in fast-paced transitions, especially when the framerate fluctuates in some scenes. 5K isn’t great for gaming since not a lot of games and graphics cards are optimized for it.
It also doesn’t have Adaptive Sync, but that’s understandable since it is more of a prosumer monitor rather than one for gaming. VRR is essential for playing games at this resolution since not a lot of GPUs can uphold a stable 60 FPS. Its input lag is slightly higher at 10ms at 60Hz, although its still snappy and responsive for most uses.
Thoughts on the Samsung ViewFinity S9
The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is an excellent alternative to the Apple Studio Display if you want something more practical. It is not as dead-accurate as the latter, but it certainly is good enough for most applications. It also has a built-in capability to double as a smart TV which adds more value to every dollar you spend for it.
It’s far from perfect, but it certainly is a more practical choice over the Studio Display. The latter requires you to pour more money to get essential features like an ergonomic stand or even an anti-glare coating on the display. The Apple monitor is more accurate and refined, but the S9 offers tremendous value for your hard-earned cash.
Pros:
- Accurate 5K Display
- Plenty of Features
- Better Price and Package versus Apple Studio Display
Cons:
- High Price
- Limited HDR
About the Author: 
Paolo has been a gaming veteran since the golden days of Doom and Warcraft and has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues since junior high. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He now works with Monitornerds to scrutinize the latest gear to create reviews that accentuate the seldom explained aspects of a PC monitor.
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