Apple’s 27-inch 5K Studio Display continues to impress users — aside from its steep price tag. Lots of folks look for affordable alternatives. Today’s Mac mini user owns a Studio Display, but he wanted to try an ultra-wide Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED display. Well, guess what. He keeps going back to the Studio Display. See below for all the reasons why.
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Displays for Mac mini: Is Studio Display ‘just the best?’
This QD-OLED ultra-wide WQHD curved gaming monitor features a 175Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, DisplayHDR True Black 400 and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology and more (LS34BG850SNXZA, 2023).
- Fast refresh and response rates for gaming
- OLED for deep blacks
- Big, curved display
- 3440 x 1440p is sub-4K resolution
Redditor Ok-Mulberry6597 (“Ok”) showcased the neat and complete setup in a post entitled, “Odessey and Mac mini M4.” Previously, I covered his setup in his post entitled, “Mac/ipad/xbox/studio setup,” then his picture-perfect iMac setup and later a post he did about his setup’s trick to get Xbox One to play nice with Studio Display. Today we look at his underwhelming new display, a big 3440 x 144op Samsung OLED monitor that isn’t exactly holding its own against his Studio Display.
“Trying out this [Samsung] Odyssey G8 OLED with my M4 [Mac] mini, but really not sure it’s a keeper,” he said. “The Studio Display screams from the other room, to make me come back. Anyone have tried or have some experiences with these large display (this is 34 inches), am I missing something or is the Studio Display “just the best” for Mac?!?”
He joked that he only made if four minutes playing a FIFA Champions League game on the Odyssey before switching to the Studio Display.
Resolution is key
A commenter pointed out that the two displays’ resolutions will make a difference, with Apple’s being “out of this world crisp” a 1440p monitor looking “like absolute hot garbage.” Studio Display is 5K (5120 x 2880p), and the Samsung WQHD, or 3440 x 1440p. He recommended at least 4K resolution. Another person said 5K2K ultra-wides are the way to go.
“Once you have the studio experience it is almost impossible to go to anything less,” he added. Another person mentioned trying three different OLED monitor, only to return to Studio Display.
“It just works best with Mac, and the color and sharpness are superior to anything else,” he said.
Other factors for gamers
Answering Ok’s question about whether he’s missing anything, another person pointed he’s really not. The Samsung monitor is a gaming display with gaming features, like blazing-fast response time (0.03ms) and refresh rate (175Hz).
“The Samsung is a gaming display so it has prioritized gaming features — a high refresh rate and a wide aspect ratio for immersion. Studio Display is a workhorse so it’s got a huge resolution (that scales nicely in macOS for super crisp visuals) but only a 60Hz refresh rate. If you don’t game on your Mac, the Studio Display might be a better option for you.”
“I do play Xbox once in a while, and on the Odyssey it’s great, but playing FIFA once a week might not be worth keeping the Odyssey monitor,” Ok joked.
Photo: [email protected]
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The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.
It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.
- Crystal clear 5K resolution
- Excellent color accuracy
- 12MP Center Stage camera
- Expensive
- Lacks HDR
- Height-adjustable stand costs extra
Displays:
- 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 ultra-wide curved OLED display
- 27-inch Studio Display
- Satechi Aluminum Universal Unibody Monitor Stand
Computer and Xbox:
iPad, stylus and stand:
Input devices:
Audio:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
