Samsung Discounts New ViewFinity S9 5K Display to $1,299.99 ($300 Off) and Smart Monitor M8 to $499.99 ($200 Off)

Personally, I'd need to save more than $300 off the price of the Apple Studio Display to pick this -- but I'm glad to see more competition in the 5K display market.

Of course, the Apple brand bias will be heavy in this kind of thread. However, objective monitor buyers should consider that this one has:

* the same 5K "retina" resolution generally slung around as crucial (which also rules out most other monitors for those who buy "5K or bust" propositions),
* several of the ASD "upgrade" monitor stand options as stock (not at $200 extra for each),
* input for another device vs. being heavily locked/married to Apple-only hardware,
* a far superior camera that is removable for those concerned with privacy/hacks (no duck tape hack necessary), and
* comes with a remote and apps to double as a little TV too... or plug any streaming or gaming box into that other port.

So while Apple fans will pound it because- apparently- Apple needs the marketing assist to make every possible dollar- reality is that there is a LOT here for those who can look past brand marks.

Monitor buyers should read/watch reviews- ideally by objective reviewers- and there are head-to-head reviews out there (a few of which seem to be by objective reviewers) and then choose what is best for each buyer.

Myself: while I'm nearly an Apple everything guy, I chose a Dell 40" 5K2K ultra-wide ('https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-ultrasharp-40-curved-wuhd-monitor-u4021qw/apd/210-becu/monitors-monitor-accessories') as my main monitor. I love it! It costs "about the same" as ASD with monitor stand options to get about the same screen size height as ASD or S9 but delivers much more horizontal screen R.E. It works great with my Mac Studio. Like the S9, it also has another input (3 more actually) so this monitor also directly connects my "old fashioned bootcamp" option too (I purchased a Mac-Mini-like, gaming PC for full Windows vs. hoping for broad compatibility with ARM Windows). With 2 more inputs available, I can add two other things like a game console or AppleTV (or anything else too). It also has a great hub of commonly-used ports built into it vs. only a few options from either ASD or S9.

The point in that last paragraph is that a buyer's choice doesn't have to be limited to only ASD or the Pro monitor from Apple. There are PLENTY of fish in the sea. However, if someone is heavily locked in on 27", this option from Samsung is a fine alternative to a lone choice from Apple... as is the LG one Apple used to endorse before ASD by stocking & selling them in their stores.

If nothing else: competition is always good for consumers. Competitors who offer much of the same at lower pricing pressures Apple to up the featureset and/or get more competitive on price... either or both positive for us consumers.

For those comparing price, the Samsung has a matte display and is height adjustable and tiltable, which for the ASD would cost an extra $700. And you can change the Samsung between VESA mount and stand, whereas with the ASD you’re stuck with one of the two. Plus the other differences already mentioned in this thread. So it really depends on what features you want.

Personally, I think the fact that Apple wants $400 for adjustability of the stand is absolutely indefensible. Not only due to the amount, but also because it is a basic ergonomics feature that every monitor should have.

If you are thinking about the ASD it is highly unlikely you would be happy with the Samsung even with a $300 discount.

I’d like to hear from anyone using either of these monitors with a Mac Mini or Mac Studio.

Finally this becomes viable alternative to the ASD. It didn’t make sense to me at the same price as the ASD but when discounted like this I can see its appeal to some. It’s not nearly as well built but the lower price now reflects this.

Personally, I would spend the extra $200-300 for use with a Mac because the Apple display integrates so beautifully with macOS.