Samsung is ready to give Apple, LG and others a run for their money as it expands its ViewFinity monitor lineup with the introduction of the new 27-inch ViewFinity S9 (S90PC model). Following its reveal at this year’s CES, the Korean manufacturer has finally shared the pricing and release date details for the new monitor. Acting as the successor to the 2022 ViewFinity S8, the 27-inch ViewFinity S9 desktop monitor introduces a range of refinements and enhancements specifically tailored to the needs of graphic designers and creators. Samsung claims that the S90PC boasts “lifelike colour clarity and versatile connectivity they need to achieve the best in any project.”
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The new 27-inch ViewFinity S9 monitor is designed with creatives in mind and comes with an array of features to enhance their work experience. This marks the company’s first 5K monitor, featuring an impressive 5,120 x 2,880 resolution, 99 percent DCI-P3 colour coverage, and an impressive 221 pixels per inch. The monitor boasts HDR 600 support, a matte display to minimize glares, and an Eye Saver Mode for comfortable extended use. Furthermore, the ViewFinity S9 5K monitor will offer calibration options via the SmartThings app, giving users the choice between Basic mode, which adjusts gamma settings and white balance, and Professional mode, offering control over brightness and colour temperature or space.
However, the monitor misses out on local dimming. Samsung assures that the ViewFinity S9 covers an impressive 99 percent of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, making it an excellent choice for photo editing tasks. In addition to its other features, the ViewFinity S9 boasts a convenient “pivot mode,” allowing it to rotate 90 degrees for increased on-screen text visibility, reducing the need for excessive scrolling. Furthermore, the company has gone the extra mile and has included a height-adjustable stand right out of the box, providing users with added value for their investment.
Samsung has taken a smart approach to the monitor’s built-in webcam. Rather than integrating it directly into the screen’s bezel, they have ingeniously included a “built-in 4K SlimFit camera” that effortlessly connects via a pogo pin, eliminating the requirement for additional cables or equipment. The 4K camera will be compatible with both PC and Mac systems. When it comes to connectivity, the ViewFinity S9 provides a range of options including Thunderbolt 4 (supporting up to 90 watts of passthrough charging), USB-C, and Mini DisplayPort.
Similar to its SmartMonitor lineup, Samsung has packed its 27-inch 5K monitor with a selection of TV streaming apps and additional features such as the Gaming Hub, granting access to Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now. Samsung also emphasizes the S9’s calibration process, which ingeniously uses the camera on your phone for easy adjustments, eliminating the need for any additional tools.
In their press release, Samsung says, “The ViewFinity S9 uses the Smart Calibration feature controlled with smartphones, which is the first in the industry, and users can conveniently customize the ViewFinity S9’s 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 colour temperature, luminance, colour space and gamma settings. Users can start this process simply by pointing their smartphone camera at the ViewFinity S9’s screen, and after calibration, they can view a report detailing the adjustments made and the Delta E colour accuracy.”
Samsung has also taken care of your audio and sound needs, incorporating built-in speakers into this monitor. According to Samsung, the monitor boasts an Adaptive Sound Plus feature that “automatically adjusts noise levels” for an enhanced audio experience. Priced at USD $1,599 (AUD $2346), the ViewFinity S9 presents itself as a highly promising upgrade over its predecessor, boasting a host of quality-of-life improvements, notably a brighter 5K display. However, whether it’s worth the asking price is something we’ll have to check out for ourselves. The global launch of the Samsung ViewFinity S9 is slated for August 2023, with “launch schedules varying by region.”
