Samsung ViewFinity S9 Review: The Ultimate Creative Companion

During the summer season, Samsung made a significant stride by officially introducing the ViewFinity S9 5K professional monitor. While the initial sticker price might raise eyebrows, standing tall at $1,299.99, any potential astonishment quickly dissipates after delving into the immersive experience provided by the device, as evidenced in this Samsung ViewFinity S9 review.

Having put the ViewFinity S9 through its paces, I can confidently assert that this price tag, though seemingly steep, pales in comparison to the unparalleled value offered by the 5K ViewFinity S9. This screen emerges as a direct contender against the likes of Apple Studio Display and LG Ultrafine, carving its niche among content creators, professional photographers, and videographers. Designed to cater to the discerning needs of these creative professionals, the ViewFinity S9 stands as a testament to Samsung’s commitment to delivering the highest echelons of display quality.

Samsung ViewFinity S9 Review

Design

Embodying a sleek minimalist philosophy, the 5K ViewFinity S9 exudes an unmistakable aura of high-end sophistication. Its striking bright silver-toned monolithic aluminum shell, characterized by square edges, represents a departure from the design language of previous ViewFinity models. While some may draw parallels with the Apple Studio Display, it’s worth noting that Samsung has embraced a similar design philosophy in its upscale TV models over the past few years.

The ViewFinity 5K S9 boasts slender screen edges, creating a remarkably airy and expansive viewing experience. While it may not feature the slimmest bezels in the market, achieving such thinness at this high resolution presents challenges due to the precise arrangement of backlight bulbs. Samsung has adeptly tackled this challenge, optimizing the area for exceptional display performance.

One standout feature that elevates the ViewFinity S9 above its direct competitor, the Apple Studio Display, is its ergonomic stand. Unlike its counterpart, the ViewFinity S9 offers versatile adjustments, allowing users to raise or lower the screen’s height and rotate it vertically by 90 degrees. This flexibility proves invaluable for content creators catering to platforms like TikTok and Reels.

Additionally, Samsung’s high-end screen model includes a VESA mount option, providing users with the freedom to attach a monitor arm if desired. In contrast, the Studio Display demands an additional investment of up to $400 for a height-adjustable stand, and the basic option lacks VESA mount compatibility.

The ViewFinity S9 comes equipped with a rare SlimFit 4K camera tailored for online video calling, a resolution that stands out in the monitor market. Its magnetic connection feature enables users to effortlessly attach the camera directly to the monitor, eliminating the hassle of cables. Beyond its impressive image quality, this camera incorporates the Auto Framing feature, intelligently detecting the user’s face and centering it within the frame for a seamless video calling experience.

In terms of connectivity, the ViewFinity S9 offers both flexibility and power. It boasts a 90W Thunderbolt 4 port, mini DisplayPort, and 3 USB-C ports. Notably, the Thunderbolt 4 port supports both charging and high-speed data transfer, delivering a bandwidth of up to 40 Gbps through a single cable. This means that MacBook Pro and high-end Windows laptop users can effortlessly connect to the ViewFinity S9 for work and charging, all while maintaining a clutter-free desk. The mini DisplayPort serves as an alternative for devices without Thunderbolt ports, ensuring a flawless display of 5K resolution when connected to a PC.

Furthermore, the ViewFinity S9 facilitates seamless wireless connections through features like AirPlay, Samsung DeX, and Mobile Mirroring, enabling users to effortlessly display information from their smartphones. This screen also offers a remote control functionality akin to a smart TV, adding a layer of convenience to the user experience. For a more in-depth exploration of these features, refer to the detailed Samsung ViewFinity S9 review below.

Display

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 boasts a 27-inch display size and an impressive 5K resolution of 5120 x 2880. While the difference between 5K and 4K might seem marginal, the reality is that the ViewFinity S9’s 5K resolution offers a remarkable 50% increase in pixel count compared to the 4K screens available in the market. Furthermore, it surpasses 1080p resolution by a staggering factor of seven, providing an expansive workspace and unmatched display clarity down to the minutest detail. This means you can seamlessly work with 4K content at its native resolution while still having ample space for software toolbars. Notably, the latest MacBooks offer 5K resolution, which significantly impacts the display quality when exporting images at 4K.

For professional creators and photographers/videographers, the screen’s color accuracy and display capabilities are paramount. The ViewFinity S9 excels in this aspect, achieving 100% sRGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage, coupled with a delta E value of less than 2 for minimal color deviation. This ensures the monitor delivers precise and lifelike color representation. Our Samsung ViewFinity S9 review unit includes a calibration report, indicating that it arrives with pre-calibrated color accuracy straight out of the box. Additionally, users have the flexibility to fine-tune colors themselves through the Smart Calibration feature, accessible via the SmartThings application on their mobile phones. This calibration tool covers adjustable parameters such as white balance, Gamma, and RGB, eliminating the need for additional equipment.

Having had the opportunity to explore various screen models, the ViewFinity S9 undeniably sets a new benchmark in display quality. Whether it’s handling SDR or HDR content, engaging in precise photo editing using Photoshop, or indulging in entertainment via streaming applications, the visuals are rendered with striking vividness and unparalleled realism. In direct comparison, the ViewFinity S9 matches, if not surpasses, the display excellence found in high-end TVs valued at significant amounts, excelling particularly in sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy.

In addition to its stellar display performance, the ViewFinity S9 boasts impressive specifications, including a brightness rating of 600 nits and a refresh rate of 60Hz. We find the 60Hz refresh rate to be optimal, as pushing it beyond 120 or 144Hz would strain the hardware excessively. The 600-nit brightness ensures a flawless display even in well-lit environments, complemented by the screen’s back panel, which features an anti-glare matte layer. Remarkably, this feature, a vital addition for optimal viewing, comes included with the ViewFinity S9, whereas Apple Studio Display users would need to shell out an additional $300 to acquire it.

Furthermore, akin to other monitors in Samsung’s lineup, the ViewFinity S9 is equipped with the Intelligent Eye Care feature. This innovative addition effectively reduces blue light emission and screen flicker, prioritizing user comfort and eye health during prolonged usage.

Samsung ViewFinity S9 S90PC specifications

• Display: 27-inch IPS panel, Anti-Glare
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9
• Resolution: 5120 x 2880 (5K)
• Brightness: 600 cd/m2
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• Response Time: 5 ms (GtG)
• Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
• Bit Depth: 10-Bit
• Color Support: 1.07 Billion Colors
• Color Gamut: 99% DCI-P3
• Dot Pitch: 0.11655 x 0.11655 mm
• Pixels Per Inch: 218 PPI
• Features: HDR10, Wi-Fi, Smart TV, Gaming Hub, Pantone Validated, Smart Calibration. Built-in speakers/Mic (Adaptive Sound+), 4K SlimFit Webcam, Lock Slot
• Ports: 1 x Mini DisplayPort, HDCP, 1 x USB-C Thunderbolt 4, 3 x USB-C
• Stand: Height Adj. (120 mm), Rotation (90°), Tilt (-2 to 15°)
• Dimensions: 611.4 x 530.7 x 27.1 mm (without stand)

TizenOS

The ViewFinity S9 comes with Samsung’s TizenOS operating system, granting it the capability to function autonomously as a smart TV, eliminating the need for additional devices. Although the fusion of a smart TV and a computer screen might appear unconventional, it proves incredibly practical in compact workspaces. In such scenarios, the ViewFinity S9 can effortlessly transition into a TV, providing a multifaceted solution.

Furthermore, the ViewFinity S9 comes pre-loaded with popular entertainment applications like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify. In addition to these, it hosts essential productivity tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Meet, and a web browser. This comprehensive selection of software enables users to seamlessly engage in work-related tasks directly from the screen, without requiring a separate computer or phone.

Final line

While it’s true that perfection is elusive, the ViewFinity S9 does have room for improvement. One noticeable drawback is its slightly wobbly ergonomic stand, especially when adjusting the screen height and typing vigorously. The use of plastic in its construction also diminishes the overall premium feel, and the external speakers, unfortunately, deliver subpar sound quality. If your work involves audio, investing in additional headphones or speakers might be necessary. Yet, even as I point out these aspects, it feels like I’m nitpicking.

However, when assessing the ViewFinity S9 holistically, it excels in almost every other area. From its exceptional display quality and robust connectivity options to its ergonomic design, the ViewFinity S9 outperforms its direct competitor, the Apple Studio Display, all while being significantly more affordable. For professionals engaged in graphics work, seeking a high-quality 5K screen, the ViewFinity S9 stands out as the top choice.

Price and availability

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 S90PC is available for purchase on Amazon.com at $1,299.99 and on Amazon.co.uk for £1,400.

Pros:

• Exceptional Display Quality
• High Resolution
• Color Accuracy
• Versatile Connectivity
• Ergonomic Design
• Smart Features
• Intelligent Eye Care

Cons:

• Ergonomic Stand Stability
• Build Material
• Audio Quality
• High price