The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 has been around for some time and has been very successful ever since it arrived. It has gone through some update cycles, with the latest one now situated under the ViewFinity series of mixed-use monitors. Let’s take a closer look to see if there are improvements or if the lower MSRP has impacted performance.
Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 Specifications
- Screen Size: 28 Inches
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 4K UHD
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Panel Technology: In-Plane Switching (IPS/PLS)
- Refresh Rate: 60Hz
- Response Time: 4ms
- Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 (Static)
- Brightness: 300 cd/m²
- Stand: Height – No
- Stand: Tilt – Yes
- Stand: Swivel – No
- Stand: Pivot – No
- VESA Compatibility: Yes (75 x 75)
- Connectivity: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 2.0 x 2, 3.5mm Headphone Jack
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 25.1” x 18.9” x 9.9”
- Weight: 12.79 lbs
Design and Features
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55’s aesthetic has not changed, but it still looks modern and elegant by today’s standards. The monitor has a matte black chassis and a silver strip so that it won’t look too flashy like the Samsung M8 and some of its colors. The screen has thin borders, so you get more viewing space than you would from an older variant.
It’s not gigantic by today’s standards, so most will not have any issue fitting it into a small desk. Its stand is oversized, but its overall depth is still under 10 inches, so it’s reasonable for us. The whole thing weighs 12.79 pounds, so it’s portable and very easy to move around if you need to rearrange your setup.
Its build quality isn’t the best since it’s so plasticky, but it’s decent for a budget model. The panels are thick enough not to crack or flex, and there were no cosmetic defects of any sort. The included stand isn’t the best since it can wobble, but at least it’s not crooked, and its firm enough to prevent sagging.
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 has an OSD joystick, unlike so many newer monitors from the brand, which now use a mushy D-pad. We prefer the former since it’s snappy and responsive, unlike the rubberized keys, which sometimes need you to press them in with your nail for the input to register. It’s located under the Samsung logo, so it’s easy to reach without leaning in.
The stand included in the package offers tilt, so it’s rather limiting when it comes to trying to get a comfortable viewing angle. It’s expected since this monitor is extra affordable, so we can’t complain or argue about this design. You can use VESA mounts, which are also quite affordable now if you need more flexibility.
Its connectivity layout is also simplified, so it only includes DisplayPort 1.2, two HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 3.5mm jack for speakers. It is flexible enough to be used for more than just a PC, so it offers value despite its handicaps. There are no extras like USB ports for accessories, but that’s expected from a budget model.
You also don’t get speakers with this monitor due to its budget-oriented nature. We’re okay with that, especially since headsets or separate sets are desirable for any type of use that demands it. Most built-ins cannot provide entertainment-grade audio, so most don’t use them at all.
Display and Performance
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 sports a 28-inch IPS panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution, a 60Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. The backlight has a 300 cd/m2 output, while the contrast is listed at 1000:1, like most IPS panels. This model supports HDR10, but it is not certified by VESA or any of its fixed standards.
4K monitors are quite common at this size, but it is not the best option if you struggle with reading small letters and numbers. It is sharp and detailed, so it is perfect for games and video, but productivity might suffer. You can use scaling, but that doesn’t work 100% of the time, especially for the more specialized programs or applications.
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 covered 99% of the sRGB gamut and 87% of DCI-P3. It is not the most vibrant, but its accuracy has improved, with a deltaE average of 1.89. Most users won’t have to calibrate it for optimum imaging performance, so it is ready to use out of the box.
Calibrating it with a colorimeter improved the dE average to 1.08, making it almost comparable to some prosumer models. Doing this makes it suitable for editing work and content creation, but it comes at a cost. The gadget necessary for it can be more expensive than the monitor itself, so it is more practical to just spend the money on a better display in the first place.
the Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 backlight reached a healthy 334 cd/m2 at 100%, and it hit a peak of 382 cd/m2 when HDR10 signals are processed. There is some room for adjustment, but it is not enough for true HDR performance. Its contrast reached 1043:1, but that’s also insufficient for deep blacks and true HDR.
Panel uniformity for the test sample wasn’t the best since there were backlight leaks on the top edge of the screen. They showed up as clouding in dark scenes, and it can get annoying especially when you use the monitor at night. However, not all units made have this, so there are ones with better appearances out there.
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 isn’t the most responsive monitor out there since it was not designed for gaming. Its 60Hz limit shows due to the blurring which happens in fast-paced instances. Its not an issue for slower-paced games like single-player ones, so its still usable for casual enjoyment.
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 is also compatible with FreeSync, unlike the first variant, which did not have VRR at all. G-Sync mode also works if it is connected via DisplayPort, but you have to force it via NCP. Its input lag sits at 10ms at 60Hz, so it’s snappy and responsive, unlike the older 4K monitors we’ve seen.
Thoughts on the Samsung ViewFinity U28R55
The Samsung ViewFinity U28R55 is a great pick if you want an inexpensive option with a sharp and crisp screen. It is vibrant and accurate, so it offers more than what’s expected from the price when it comes to imaging. Its built quite well, even if its physical aspect was handicapped to help with the price.
However, it has some catching up to do in a market that continuously pumps out newer options with increasingly affordable price tags. There are faster options out there that are equipped with essentials like a more adjustable stand. It is still a decent pick for 2023 at the $250 price point, but we recommend spending a bit more for better mileage.
Pros:
- Great Accuracy
- Fantasic Price
- Adaptive Sync Compatible
- HDR10 Compatible
Cons:
- Limited Features
- Low Contrast
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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