ViewSonic brings out stylish, affordable 5K rival to Apple Studio Display

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ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K
The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K can be daisy-chained with Thunderbolt 4.
Photo: ViewSonic

Add ViewSonic to the list of companies making a 27-inch, 5K monitor to compete head-to-head with the Apple Studio Display.

As with so many of the rivals, the ColorPro VP2788-5K is considerably more affordable than Apple’s offering. And it doesn’t look half bad.

ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K takes on Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Display targets creative professionals, with a 5K resolution, high color accuracy, and a sleek design. Bonus features include studio-quality microphones, a six-speaker sound system and a built-in 12MP webcam.

It’s undoubtedly popular, showing up regularly in setups profiled here on Cult of Mac. So it’s not surprising that Apple’s competitors want a piece of the action, including ViewSonic, which on Thursday introduced its first 5K display for Mac and Windows.

“The VP2788-5K monitor offers remarkable visual fidelity, stunning clarity, and details…everything a ViewSonic and Mac user comes to expect from a high-end monitor,” said Jeff Muto, business line director at ViewSonic.

Powerful specs

The 27-inch screen boasts a 5K (5120×2880) resolution and a 99% DCI-P3 color gamut. It offers a 75Hz refresh rate with a 14ms GTG response time… when part of a setup that supports refresh rates above 60Hz, of course.

TheVP2788-5K supports Thunderbolt 4 connectivity and enables the daisy chaining of two 5K monitors for a continuous multi-display setup. Or users can connect with HDMI or DisplayPort.

Style is an important factor in the Studio Display’s appeal, and ViewSonic did its best with a stand for its rival product designed to match the Apple oeuvre. In addition, it allows the user to set the height, tilt and swivel of the screen.

An integrated USB-C and USB-A hub allows for connecting accessories and quick charging of an iPhone or iPad.

Price and availability

The ViewSonic ColorPro VP2788-5K launched at $799.99 to $849.99. You can order it now.

Buy it from: ViewSonic

For those who want to shop around, Another 5K monitor rival is the BenQ DesignVue PD2730S — which Cult of Mac reviewed in January. It’s pricier at $1,200.

For comparison, the Apple Studio Display costs even more: $1,599. But it also includes features not in ViewSonic’s, such as a webcam. And Apple’s cachet, of course.

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