REVIEW: Samsung ViewFinity S9 is a complete 5K monitor for work and entertainment

Launched in Brazil during the last week of January, the monitor Samsung ViewFinity S9 is an interesting option for those who work with image and video production, but don't want to go towards Apple StudioDisplay, sold for over R$15. The model offers special features for creative professionals, such as an anti-glare display and support for color ranges that make a difference for graphic work. Understand the use of the model in practice and find out if the purchase makes sense for your daily life.

Design

With an official weight of 7,4 kilos when on its base, its design is elegant and minimalist. O ViewFinity S9 It features a premium metal finish that is sure to deliver not only style but also greater durability.

A positive point of the model is that its base allows you to turn the screen into vertical mode (also called pivot), if you want to see everything the same way we use a smartphone. The model also comes with a VESA support to be placed directly on the wall, which avoids purchasing an extra accessory. The height can also be adjusted for better ergonomics, avoiding neck pain.

Its assembly process is very simple, in the “snap and click” style, and I only needed 10 minutes to start using it. In addition to the instruction manual, it has the following items in its box:

• Power adapter and cable;
• Remote Control;
• 4K webcam;
• Monitor base;
• Mini DisplayPort cable;
• Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cable.

I have a medium-sized desk for work that I generally only use my notebook for, but due to the model's base measuring around 16 centimeters wide, both could be placed to work side by side.

All cables and the webcam's magnetic dock are on the back. This 5K monitor has just one physical button to turn the screen on and off, and the other features need to be operated using the remote control or via an app. SmartThings.

ports and connectivity

Starting with wireless capabilities, the model is equipped with Wi-Fi 5 e Bluetooth 5.2 to connect to the internet and other wireless devices respectively. Regarding the ports, it is necessary to pay attention before making the purchase, as it does not have an HDMI input. Instead we have:

• A door USB-C with support for Thunderbolt 4 (which delivers image and power output of 90W, in addition to data transfer of up to 40 Gbps);
• Three doors USB-C 3;
• A door mini DisplayPort.

The model is supported by the application SmartThings, from Samsung itself, available for Android e iPhone (iOS). This application allows you to remotely activate all features, in addition to allowing you to use your smartphone's camera as a webcam, regardless of its manufacturer.

My biggest comment about connectivity is the lack of an HDMI connection. Don't get me wrong: of course, creative professionals have notebooks and desktops with USB-C inputs with support for DisplayPort, but if you don't, know that you won't be able to transmit images in 5K resolution.

With a notebook without this connection, I was able to see the image in two ways: via Windows wireless connection or via Easy Connection app. I had different experiences when using the features, despite having the same purpose: via the Windows + K shortcut, there was a small delay of around two seconds, which, in the rush of everyday life, can slow down your work speed.

I already saw Easy Connection app, available for free to install on Windows computers, I didn't experience the delay, but the image quality didn't even reach HD. Therefore, the best way to use the model is via a wired connection, so there is no loss of quality or delay in updating in relation to the main computer.

This monitor also supports Apple AirPlay to share your Mac or iPhone screen on the display. If you have a smartphone or tablet from the Galaxy, you can choose to use the Samsung Smart View and also share the screen of the Android device on ViewFinity S9.

The 5K monitor's set of connectivity and ports is very complete, but I would put an HDMI port on the next generation. It is interesting to mention that the last generation had two connections like this, but Samsung decided to remove them when updating.

Image

As expected, this is the highlight of the model: the 27-inch screen with Matte anti-reflective coating, as seen on TVs The Frame from Samsung, is enough to deliver high quality even in open environments. For one day, I chose to work in a very bright place to make this comparison. The model displayed the color tones effortlessly and without reflections.

In addition to visual discomfort, the reflection also brings color distortion. We seek to bring very high color fidelity in this product. So we bring 5K resolution to a panel that delivers more dignified colors due to HDR10 and PANTONE certification. The color displayed on the screen is the real color of the video or photo so that the customer can see the tones without distortions. This is the best work monitor for those who work with edits.

Marina Correia, monitor manager at Samsung Brazil.

The experience is also achieved by the incredible 218 ppi (pixels per inch), which helps ensure that the details are displayed in full quality. The screen is IPS LCD, with a 16:9 aspect ratio and 5.120 x 2.880 pixels resolution.

Moving on to certifications, the ViewFinity S9 hits the market with 99% coverage of the DCI-P3 range e 98% of sRGB. I was able to see shades of black in 4K resolution on YouTube without any problems and I also didn't notice color distinctions when looking at the screen from different angles, which was important for a good visual experience.

Samsung calibrates the screen at the factory so that the consumer sees the color tones without distortions from the first use, but, over time, some settings can harm the visual experience. In ViewFinity S9, there is a feature called Smart Calibration. Through the SmartThings app, which works for Android and iOS and uses the camera so that settings are made automatically by the operating system.

Finally, I found it interesting that it is possible to calibrate the screen through the application SmartThings, installed directly on your smartphone. There are two modes: a more basic one, which allows automatic calibration by the system, and a Pro, which allows more personalized configuration, such as color temperature, luminance, color space and gamma settings.

By far the biggest plus point of this model is its anti-glare screen. Looking at the target audience, a simple display error on the screen can cause problems in the delivery of a project, so having a screen that delivers good images in editing and also in entertainment is a huge positive point.

Extra Features

Operating System – Tizen

When I tested the Odyssey G6 in 2023, I mentioned that one of the model's high points was that it was equipped with the same operating system as the company's smart TVs. Samsung launched from 2022. And this changes the entire user experience: you will be able to use the monitor as a smart TV, through applications such as Samsung TVPlus — which, in itself, delivers some TV channels via streaming without any additional payment.

Additionally, it will be possible to install other applications such as Pluto TV, TikTok and take advantage of what comes pre-installed on the monitor ViewFinity S9: Netflix, Globoplay, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+. You can also control other devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network directly through the monitor, all it requires is that it follow the protocol Matter or is manufactured by Samsung.

As it is a monitor mainly indicated for work, a section called Workspace Allows management of wired or wireless connections. From there, you can also start a video call on Google Meet and send the invitation link to your work friends via email. And it also has an integrated browser.

The operating system was one of the biggest successes of Samsung in recent years, despite its initial configuration being somewhat polluted. It's worth organizing to keep everything cleaner. But its experience is by far one of the best on the market and its integration with other Samsung devices makes everything more complete.

Remote control

Here, we have a remote control that is not a big novelty: it is the same one present in the monitors of the Samsung launched from 2022 onwards. I define it as simple but effective: in addition to the simplest function buttons, it is possible to access streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, Globoplay e Samsung TVPlus. I missed a direct shortcut to the YouTube, so who knows, we might see this in the next generation.

In addition to the shortcuts, the highlight is the absence of batteries: instead, it is possible to recharge the battery via a USB-C connection, the same as seen on Galaxy devices. I spent three weeks carrying out tests and the control did not request that it be plugged in.

The microphone is another important point: sometimes, being able to speak instead of typing word by word is a big help.

Removable camera

A Samsung sends a camera with 4K resolution that is better than many lenses attached to notebooks — including the Samsung Book line, which features a VGA camera of poor quality. The item is fitted to the back of the monitor and has two uses: the first is more predictable, as the system Tizen have the app Google Meet which allows you to connect to your account that you use on a daily basis. It allows a meeting to be started via a phone number or email address.

The second use option is for those who like to train at home: there is an application that divides the screen into two parts and allows your posture to be corrected in real time. On one side there will be the camera image and on the other side there will be a camera tab. YouTube with exercise options that can be done at home.

I really liked the autoframe feature. I would say this is more of an autofocus, as the lens follows the user as they move. In an interview, Marina Correia also tells us that this camera can be integrated to work with other devices.

The lens can also be connected to a computer via USB-C to be used both on the monitor and on your traditional work PC. We want to allow, if the user's lens is not of high quality, to connect the one sent with ViewFinity to their computer.

Marina Correia, monitor manager at Samsung Brazil.

The camera's microphone does not have highlights, and could capture audio with better quality. Is bad? No, but an external noise reduction feature would be very welcome, so perhaps an update will solve this.

An important detail: while analyzing the user experience, the monitor displayed a message stating that the Google Meet application will not be available on Samsung devices from March 09, 2024.

gaming hub

With the operating system Tizen 2022, the monitor features the Gaming Hub and the possibility of taking advantage of the gaming catalog Xbox Gaming Pass, NVIDIA GeForce Now, Blacknut, Booster e Antstream Arcade through cloud gaming. All you need is an active account on game subscription services and a stable connection to be able to enjoy the same catalog as someone who has a PC or Xbox.

I managed to connect my wireless controller iPega and have fun playing Fortnite, without console or PC support. The possibility of running games natively on the monitor with great resolution and an anti-reflective layer is a huge positive point. However, it is worth remembering that the proposal of the ViewFinity S9 He is not a gamer, and this is reflected in the refresh rate: it is 60 Hz and the response time is 5 milliseconds.

Still, the model has support for AMD FreeSync, but there is no support for those using NVIDIA graphics cards and G-Sync technology. However, the representative of the Samsung emphasizes that this should not cause problems in everyday life.

If you look today, almost the entire portfolio supports AMD FreeSync. In the past, automatic synchronization was only done if the video card supported the same manufacturer, or, if not, you had to do this synchronization manually. Nowadays, the most modern cards can perform graphics synchronization and there are no worries about image breakage. The very fluid image will be delivered to the user without any problems.

Marina Correia, monitor manager at Samsung Brazil.

Audio

There are two speakers with a power of 5W each and the most interesting sound feature here is called AdaptiveSound+, which configures the audio according to the content displayed. The sound itself fills the entire environment in which the 5K monitor is placed, but the bass could be better.

Having built-in speakers is a tradition that Samsung is followed in practically all of its monitors for premium users and gamers, which avoids the purchase of an external speaker and increases investment. You will rarely use the model's speakers for an entire day, but when necessary, it will be there.

Price

O ViewFinity S9 has suggested price of R$9.999 and is sold on Samsung's official website, as well as being found on Magazine Luiza for the same price. As it is a premium model, the company should not send it to general retailers, being restricted to a few sales channels.

Conclusion

Aimed at professionals who work with content creation and even architects, it is safe to say that this is a great success from Samsung, even in terms of price. The main competitor of ViewFinity S9 is the Apple Studio Display which costs R$23.899 in its most robust version and R$16.599 without additional items.

With an anti-reflection layer, Thunderbolt 4 connection that displays images in 5K resolution with total fidelity, an operating system that makes the user experience more complete (in addition to having several applications and console games) and a screen with higher resolution, whoever chooses by the model of Samsung You will see the benefits from day one. Its premium design, which also allows the screen to be used in two positions, is just the complement that makes it even more complete.

I would say that its only negative point is the lack of HDMI connection, so make sure that your computer or notebook has a port compatible with the monitor (USB-C with Displayport, Thunderbolt 4 or Mini DisplayPort), avoiding the use of adapters and maximizing the user experience.

Technical specifications

Model	ViewFinity S9 Monitor
Resolution	5K (5,120 x 2,880)
Screen size	27 inches
Game Mode	Yes
Adjustable	3x USB-C 1x Mini DisplayPort 1xUSB-c with support for Thunderbolt 4 (65W)
Aspect Ratio	16 × 9
Brightness	600 cd / ㎡
Refresh rate	60Hz
Response time	5ms (GTG)
HDR10	Yes
Operational system	Tizen
Size	Product with Base (WxHxD, mm): 611.4 x 530.7 x 135.3 mm   Product without Base (WxHxD, mm): 611.4 x 364.1 x 27.1 mm Packaging (WxHxD, mm): 820.0 x 133.0 x 423.0 mm
Weight	With feet or base7.4 kg No feet or base4.7 kg packing weight10.7 kg
Accessories	Power adapter and cable Remote control 4K webcam Monitor base; Mini DisplayPort Cable Thunderbolt 4 USB-C cable
Price	BRL 9.999 at Magazine Luiza
Availability in Brazil	January 2024

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