Samsung just launched three new monitors that finally give Mac users a big reason to upgrade, addressing many of the gaps that Apple’s own monitors have left open for quite some time.
The new Samsung monitor lineup includes a 40-inch curved ultrawide and 4K OLED models in two sizes (27-inch and 32-inch). They also come with Thunderbolt 5 ports, built-in KVM switching and faster refresh rates than Apple’s displays.
Samsung’s big ultrawide can replace your dual-monitor setup
Apple’s strategy when it comes to monitors seems to rely on a simple premise: premium displays, premium prices, brand loyalty and little direct competition. Who can forget the Pro Display XDR, with its $4,999 price tag (and its $999 stand)?
Samsung’s latest lineup could disrupt Apple’s hold on the high end, with monitors that overdeliver on premium features while undercutting Apple on price.
The flagship among the new trio of Samsung monitors is the 40-inch ViewFinity S8, a 5K2K curved display with 144Hz refresh rate. But the main selling point is Thunderbolt 5, which Samsung says can handle up to 80Gbps data transfers and up to 140W of charging with a single cable. That means you get power, video and data with a single plug, eliminating the need for a dongle.
Samsung also baked a full dock into the display. It offers Ethernet, USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort and even built-in KVM switching, which lets you control multiple computers with a single keyboard and mouse.
This ultrawide monitor can basically replace your entire hub, dock and KVM switching, all the while giving you more screen space than Apple’s 27-inch Studio Display or Studio Display XDR, released earlier this year. Samsung priced its 40-incher at $1,399, making it cheaper than Apple’s offerings (which start at $1,599).
Since this is an ultrawide we are talking about, the 5K2K resolution means it is 5K wide but only 2K tall. For most users, the extra horizontal space might be worth it if they don’t mind missing out on Apple’s true 5K pixel density.
Samsung’s OLED monitors are great for your Mac
The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 seems great for those looking for a color-accurate panel with high refresh rates. The 4K QD-OLED panel has a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response time, and comes with 1,000 nits of peak brightness.
This screen also features Pantone validation covering more than 2,100 colors and 110 skin tones. It’s a great option if you are a photographer, video editor or designer who also plays video games.
The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 costs $1,299.
The Studio Display alternative you’ve been looking for
Samsung also launched a 27-inch version of the Odyssey OLED G8. The 4K QD-OLED panel offers 166 pixels per inch, as well as 240Hz refresh rate. The sharp display, along with the high-refresh-rate screen, makes it a dual-purpose display for creative professionals who also game.
Priced at $1,099, the 27-inch Odyssey OLED G8 might be the more pocket-friendly Studio Display alternative you have been looking for.
Apple’s displays aren’t bad by any means. The Studio Display 5K is color-accurate and offers really useful features like a system brightness keys, built-in speakers and Center Stage. But with Samsung now offering OLED screens and addressing most complaints Mac users have had for years, it’s time Apple gives its display a hardware upgrade.
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
