Last year, I took a look at Samsung’s ViewFinity S9, their 5K monitor designed to rival Apple’s Studio Display. In my review, I mentioned that “the ViewFinity S9’s primary advantage is its pricing.” So how does the Studio Display stack up? Is it still a viable option two years after its debut? I’ve spent several months investigating this very question.
It’s important to note that the Studio Display isn’t a new release. Launched by Apple in March 2022 alongside the first Mac Studio, it serves as a substitute for users who were seeking an alternative to the phased-out 27-inch iMac. After experiencing Samsung’s 5K monitor, I felt compelled to finally examine Apple’s Studio Display, despite it being an older product.
By this point, you may already be aware of some key specifications regarding Apple’s Studio Display. As I summarize them, I will also delve into whether it’s still a worthwhile purchase in 2025.
The Ideal External Retina Display for Your Mac
If you’re like me, transitioning from a Retina display Mac can be difficult. It’s not just about brightness and colors; it’s also the pixel density that makes everything appear incredibly sharp and visually appealing. I touched upon pixel scaling in my ViewFinity S9 review:
To provide some background, my current setup includes a 27-inch 4K monitor by LG. While the 4K resolution is a significant improvement over 1080p in my opinion, I can definitely see that at this size, the display doesn’t achieve the same sharpness as my Mac’s display — particularly not when optimized. That’s largely because Apple incorporates HiDPI (High Dots Per Inch) technology to scale the interface, resulting in exceptional clarity.
With a 5K screen, macOS can render the 2560×1440 interface at double the scale, fully utilizing the 5120×2880 resolution at 218 pixels per inch. On my 27-inch 4K display, I either have to choose a larger element scale, which compromises my window space, or accept a lower HiDPI that sacrifices sharpness.
This is precisely why the Apple Studio Display boasts a 5K resolution.
The Studio Display’s 5K panel achieves a brightness of up to 600 nits, which is suitable for a wide range of settings. My previous 4K monitor had a maximum of 350 nits, making the brightness difference quite apparent. Nonetheless, there are a few areas where the Studio Display could improve.
In contrast to the pricier Pro Display XDR, which features local dimming for selective brightness adjustments in certain screen areas, the Studio Display utilizes an LED-backlit LCD panel. While its contrast surpasses that of most LCD monitors, true blacks are still not achievable on the Studio Display. Moreover, it does not support HDR, which has become standard in many iPhones and iPads today.
Some users may also find the Studio Display’s 60Hz limit to be a downside. Personally, it doesn’t bother me much—my connected MacBook Pro runs at 120Hz. However, I agree that future iterations of the Studio Display should consider integrating a 120Hz refresh rate.
What Sets Apple’s Studio Display Apart
On the other hand, the Studio Display possesses distinct qualities that make it a favorite of mine, starting with its superior build quality. Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 certainly has a commendable 5K panel, comparable to the one found in Apple’s offering, but the Studio Display’s construction stands out significantly.
Using a Studio Display feels akin to using a Mac. Its metal construction, as opposed to plastic, elevates its overall sophisticated and durable design. There’s something reassuring about a monitor that doesn’t shake each time I tap my desk. Samsung attempted to remedy this by incorporating a metal base into its plastic monitor, but it wasn’t sufficient. Adjusting the angle of the Studio Display is seamless; it stays securely in place without any wobble.
The glossy glass cover makes a substantial impact for me personally. I prefer vibrant colors over matte screens. Although a more premium nano-texture option is available with a matte finish, the standard model features that glossy surface. To me, this aspect enhances its premium feel even more.
Additionally, the sound quality of the Studio Display is unparalleled. I’ve never encountered built-in speakers on a monitor that match the audio performance of those on the Studio Display. With six speakers supporting Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos, the auditory experience is likely more immersive than that of my television. The competition here is simply nonexistent.
The addition of three USB-C ports on the back is fantastic, allowing the monitor to function as a docking station. Connecting the display to your Mac through a single Thunderbolt cable that can also provide power simplifies cable management on your desk.
Additionally, the Studio Display is equipped with microphones and a built-in camera. The microphones perform adequately, though the webcam has faced scrutiny since the Studio Display was launched. An improved webcam would certainly be a welcome update in future models.
Do I Have Any Regrets in Purchasing One? Is It a Smart Buy?
Ultimately, is purchasing a Studio Display still a wise choice? The answer really hinges on your specific needs and expectations for an external display.
At $1,599 for the base model without the height-adjustable stand (currently priced at $1,379 on Amazon), the Studio Display is undeniably costly. However, it faces very little competition. While you can find OLED monitors that offer richer blacks or displays with higher refresh rates, none match the Studio Display’s build quality and superb audio experience.
If your goal is simply to acquire a 5K display for an authentic HiDPI experience with macOS, there are solid alternatives available, such as Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 and the newly introduced Asus ProArt 5K Display. However, if you truly value a monitor that genuinely complements your Mac across all aspects (and if your budget allows), then the Studio Display is the way to go.
I do not regret my decision to purchase a Studio Display in 2025, despite the potential for Apple to release an updated model in the near future. Although it was a premium investment and there are areas where it can improve, it remains the only option that effectively meets all my requirements for an external monitor.
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