© iStock.com / M-Production
Key Points:
- Since its release, the Apple Studio Display—which consists of a relatively small panel on a pretty straightforward L-shaped bracket—has been compared to an iMac.
- The M8 has an advantage in wireless connectivity because it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. This enables the display to connect to the Internet and other hardware without additional payment.
- Apple Studio Display features a higher-quality 5K screen with a resolution of 5,120 by 2,880, giving it a pixel density of 218ppi. Samsung’s 3,840 by 2,160 4K screen offers a pixel density of 138ppi.
Apple and Samsung have been dominating the digital world for years. Both companies have never been limited to smartphones, and now provide a wide range of product categories. So, if you’re in the market for an excellent external display, you have two high-quality options: Apple’s Apple Studio Display and Samsung’s M8 Smart Monitor.
While they both offer stunning image quality and high resolution, some key differences can help you make your choice easier. In this Samsung M8 vs. Apple Studio Display guide, we will compare the specs of each one.
Samsung M8 vs. Apple Studio Display: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Samsung M8 | Apple Studio Display | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 32 inches | 27 inches |
| Resolution (pixels) | 3840 by 2160 | 5120 by 2880 |
| Price | $699.99 | $1,599 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 5Bluetooth 4.2 | None |
| Ports | Two USB-C ports and a single micro-HDMI port | Three USB-C ports and one Thunderbolt 3 port |
| Color range | 99% RGB | P3 |
| Webcam | 1080p detachable SlimFit camera | 12MP ultra-wide |
| HDR | HDR 10+ | None |
| Backlighting | LED | LED |
| Stand options | Tilt and Height | Tilt, tilt + height, VESA |
| Remote Control | Yes | No |
| Audio | 2x5W with tweeter | 6-speaker system |
| Peak brightness | 400 nits | 600 nits |
| Extra Features | Smart TV functionality, 65W USB-C charging, AirPlay support, SmartThings Hub, Workspace cloud services, and Video conferencing | Center Stage, “Hey Siri” support (Mac), 96W host charging |
Samsung M8 vs. Apple Studio Display: What’s the Difference?
Apple’s Studio Display and Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8 feature high-end specifications and a variety of smart features. The two devices are similar in many ways, but there are differences between them that you should be aware of before making your decision.
Design
- SMART TV EXPERIENCE: Enjoy Netflix, YouTube and other streaming services by simply connecting the monitor to WiFi; Samsung TV Plus also offers free, live, on-demand content with no downloads or...
- FLAVORFUL COLOR OPTIONS: Smart Monitor provides a pop of your favorite color to instantly lighten any room design; Choose from white, pink, blue or green and make your space authentically you**
- ICONIC SLIM DESIGN: The Smart Monitor is built with your lifestyle in mind, delivering a more cutting-edge design; With an ultra-slim flat back, neat camera design and beautiful colors, the monitor...
- PC-LESS PRODUCTIVITY: Browse the web, edit documents and work on projects, all without the need for a separate PC; With new Workmode, you can also remotely access another PC, use Microsoft 365...
- SLIMFIT CAMERA: The SlimFit camera with tilt functionality allows you to create the perfect angle while using your favorite video call apps like Google Duo, which can be accessed directly through the...
Since its release, the Apple Studio Display—which consists of a relatively small panel on a pretty straightforward L-shaped bracket—has been compared to an iMac. It’s a well-known and adored aesthetic, and Samsung seems to have replicated it for its display.
The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 adopts the same design principle of a narrow screen on a bracket. Likewise, the Samsung M8 has a thin chin, and a small part that extends out slightly from the bottom left.
Apple’s Studio Display is a few inches smaller than Samsung’s, owing to the smaller 27-inch screen. On its tilt-adjustable stand, the Studio Display is 18.8 inches tall, 6.6 inches deep, and 24.5 inches wide, whereas the M8 is 22.6 inches tall, 8 inches deep, and 28 inches wide on its stand. There is also a slight weight difference. The M8 weighs 6.7 kg (14.8 pounds), while the Studio Display weighs 6.3 kg (14.8 pounds) (13.9 pounds).
Connectivity
Studio Display has only four connections on the back, with Thunderbolt 3 intended to connect to the host Mac and three USB-C ports for accessories. This appears to be a low number, yet it is slightly higher than Samsung’s selection. The M8 has one micro HDMI port for video, one USB-C port for upstream connections and video, and one more for downstream connections.
The M8 has an advantage in wireless connectivity because it supports Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2. This enables the display to connect to the Internet and other hardware without additional payment. Because it supports AirPlay, you can also use it as a display for your iPhone or iPad.
In terms of connectivity, users will find that their choice comes down to their specific needs. For example, if someone relies heavily on Ethernet cables to connect to the Internet at home, then an Apple Studio Display would be best for them. Primarily because it doesn’t have Wi-Fi capabilities. Similarly, if someone relies heavily on Bluetooth keyboards and wants additional USB ports for external drives or other devices, the Samsung M8 would better suit them because it has these capabilities built into the device.
Speakers and Webcam
The Studio Display also has a 12MP Ultra-Wide camera on the front with Center Stage capability, which is similar to the technology seen in the iPad Pro (2021). The Samsung M8 does not include a built-in webcam. Instead, it comes with a wireless SlimFit Cam (a capable 1080p camera with 30 frames per second) that can be mounted to the rear of the display’s top. In addition, it features Face Tracking, which works similarly to Center Stage.
The Studio Display includes six speakers. So, when enjoying Dolby Atmos content, it provides you with broad stereo sound and Spatial Audio. On the other hand, the M8 includes 5W stereo speakers with a tweeter. What’s more, it offers Adaptive Sound+, an interesting feature that allows automated audio tuning to match your surroundings.
Microphones
Both monitors come with microphones. Apple uses a studio-quality three-mic array with directed beamforming and a high signal-to-noise ratio, whereas Samsung integrates a high-sensitivity far-field voice mic.
The Screen
©Jack Skeens/Shutterstock.com
Apple features a higher-quality 5K screen in its version, with a resolution of 5,120 by 2,880, giving it a pixel density of 218ppi. Samsung’s 3,840 by 2,160 4K screen offers a much lower pixel density of 138ppi. On both displays, the text seems clear and sharp.
However, if you’re used to a high-quality display with a resolution higher than 4K, the M8 appears blurry. If you’re coming from a 1080p screen, this device is a lot sharper. In terms of screen brightness, the M8 produces 400 nits against 600 nits. Both monitors are really bright.
However, if you look at the M8 off-axis, you should notice a lot of color shift and brightness change contrast loss. This is because it is a VA panel rather than an IPS panel. The Studio Display supports P3 color representation and provides a number of reference modes to assist creatives in producing both video and still images. Conversely, the Samsung screen has 99% sRGB coverage and can display 1.07 billion colors.
Both panels have a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, though Apple does include True Tone functionality as an added feature. This means it will adjust its screen temperature according to the ambient light, giving users the best viewing experience possible based on their environment.
Smart TV and Smart Working
The whole idea of purchasing a smart monitor is to take advantage of its smart capabilities, and this is one area where the Samsung M8 easily outperforms the Studio Display. The M8 is Tizen-powered and can function as a smart TV, owing to support for popular streaming services like Disney+, Apple TV, HBO Max, and Netflix.
In addition, the M8 supports Samsung DeX, Microsoft 365, and AirPlay 2. The Studio Display, on the other hand, is thought to run a full version of iOS 15.4 but lacks built-in support for any streaming apps. The M8 also includes the SmartThings Hub, which lets users control ZigBee and Z-Wave smart home and IoT devices.
Pricing
Another significant distinction between the Samsung M8 and the Apple Studio Display is the price. While the latter costs a stunning $1,599, the former can be pre-ordered for as little as $699.99.
Samsung M8 vs. Apple Studio Display: 6 Must-Know Facts
- The Apple Studio Display offers a more immersive viewing experience as it has anti-reflective glass that doesn’t require color saturation adjustments.
- Samsung M8, a new 32-inch 4K display, is less than half the price of the Studio Display from Apple.
- The Studio Display features 4 USB-C ports, while the Samsung monitor has a couple of USB-C ports and a micro HDMI port
- The Samsung M8 is larger than the Studio Display, measuring 32 inches instead of 27 inches, and its tilt and height are adjustable out of the box; something you cannot do with the Studio Display unless you pay for an upgrade.
- The Studio Display is a 5K display with a pixel density of 218ppi and a resolution of 5,120 x 2,880 pixels. The M8 has a 4,840 x 2,160 4K screen with a lesser density of 138ppi.
- Because it supports popular streaming services such as Netflix, HBO Max, Apple TV, and Disney Plus, the Samsung M8 may function as a smart TV.
Samsung M8 vs. Apple Studio Display: Which One Is the Best?
The Samsung M8 and the Apple Studio Display are excellent monitors for graphic designers, photographers, video editors, and other creative professionals who want to maximize their productivity. With a high-resolution monitor that can handle multiple applications simultaneously, they’re both designed to provide an immersive workspace experience.
Both monitors are excellent and cater to different types of customers. At $700, the M8 is a fantastic choice for those searching for a display that can function as both a TV and a monitor. If you need a high-quality display for professional tasks, such as photo editing and graphic design, the Studio Display is the better option.
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