Samsung’s $1,600 ViewFinity S9 is a Color-Accurate 5K Monitor/TV Combo
Samsung’s new ViewFinity S9 is a 5K resolution, color-accurate, 27-inch monitor that is designed with graphic designers and photographers in mind and will be available in August for $1,599.99.
Originally revealed earlier this year, Samsung has finally released pricing and availability for the monitor in the United States. The ViewFinity boasts a long list of features that will appeal to creative professionals from its size, to its performance, to its price.
The S9 builds on Samsung’s history with the S8, which was a similar monitor optimized for graphic designers and photographers and appeared like a solid alternative to Apple’s Studio Display. That is becoming more the case with the S9 thanks to its 5K resolution (5,120 by 2,880 at 219 pixels per inch), 60Hz refresh rate, and promise of more saturated and vivid colors that cover 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
Speaking of color accuracy, the S9 uses Samsung’s Smart Calibration feature that is controlled with smartphones.
“Users can conveniently customize the screen for precise settings without expensive, complex calibration equipment whenever they want. Using the SmartThings app, users can choose to calibrate in Basic mode for a quick and easy adjustment of white balance and gamma settings, or they can use Professional mode for complete control of color temperature, luminance, color space and gamma settings,” Samsung explains.
“Users can start this process simply by pointing their smartphone camera at the ViewFinity S9, and after calibration, they can view a report detailing the adjustments made and the Delta E color accuracy.”
Samsung also says the S9 features a “typical brightness” of 600 nits, which is just enough to be able to display HDR content effectively. It also has TUV-certified Intelligent Eye Care that the company says reduces eye strain even over extended periods of use. Additionally, the Samsung Matte Display limits light reflection and glare on the monitor, which the company says minimizes distractions and preserves the screen’s color accuracy while working.
The ViewFinity S9 works with both Mac and Windows PCs and includes support for Thunderbolt 4 and Mini DisplayPort as well as USB-C. When using Thunderbolt, it allows attached devices to charge with 90W of power and transfer data at up to 40 Gbps.
The monitor also comes with a built-in 4K camera that connects to the back of the display via a “pogo pin” and doesn’t need any additional cables or equipment. It also can tilt and features an Auto Track feature that keeps users in the shot, similar to Apple’s Center Stage feature.
The ViewFinity S9, and previous ViewFinity monitors, come with a full Samsun Tizen smart TV interface that allows them to work double duty as an entertainment display as well as a work monitor. For editors who live in smaller quarters such as a New York City studio apartment, this one display could feasibly be used for work and play.
Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 will be available in August for $1,599.99.
