Samsung M8 Smart Monitor: 32-inch screen, smart TV and standalone terminal for Microsoft 365. Image: Cliff Joseph / ZDNet
Apple recently had a rare misfire with the launch of its 27-inch Studio Display. The 5K resolution of this screen offers very good image quality, but its high price and faulty webcam were less appreciated. Samsung’s April announcement that it was taking pre-orders of its new M8 Smart Monitor was therefore clearly aimed at stealing the show from Apple.
See the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 32 inch monitor on Amazon
The M8 – or S32BM801 to give its full model number – is available for just over €700, it offers an attractive 32-inch display with 4K resolution for less than half the price of Apple’s Studio Display.
It’s also more than just a computer monitor, as it runs Samsung’s Linux-based Tizen operating system, allowing it to function as a standalone smart TV when not plugged in. a PC or a Mac. This low cost comes with some trade-offs, but the versatility and competitive price of the M8 make it a tempting option for people who work from home and need a good all-around display that can handle daytime office work and the evening entertainment.
Design and features of the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor
The M8 doesn’t have the same build quality as Apple’s Studio Display, and its lightweight plastic casing – available in multiple colors – feels a little flimsy. That’s not necessarily a problem since it’s not a mobile device and the screen is likely to spend most of its life on your desk. However, we were a little worried about the small, detachable webcam – which we nearly broke while unboxing the screen – so it’s probably wise to keep the webcam away from prying fingers when not in use. .
The 1080p webcam (left) is detachable and, like the rest of the M8, its build is a little flimsy. The monitor/smart TV comes with a remote control (right). Image: Cliff Joseph/ZDNet
Samsung nails the essentials though, with a smart, compact design and a panel that’s just 13mm thick. The 32-inch display boasts 4K resolution (3840 x 2160, 137.7ppi) and supports HDR10+, delivering a bright, colorful picture that works well for running productivity software, web browsing, and watching of videos.
Contrast could be a little sharper, and the M8 won’t suit creative professionals who need pinpoint color fidelity for graphics or video work. However, it supports 99% of the sRGB color standard and will be perfect for simple photo editing and presentation work. The built-in speakers aren’t great, suffering from a distinct lack of bass, and Samsung could certainly take inspiration from the custom speaker system provided by Apple’s Studio Display.
On the other hand, the M8 lets you adjust the height of the screen without having to pay an extra $400, like Apple does with the Studio Display. The M8 also scores points with its 1080p webcam, which provides a crisp, clear image that will work well for video calls when working from home.
There are also some useful connectivity options. The M8 includes a Micro-HDMI port for connecting to a set-top box or streaming devices, with an HDMI to Micro-HDMI cable included in the box. There’s a primary USB-C port that can be used to connect a PC or Mac, and a secondary USB-C port for connecting peripherals and accessories. The M8 also supports dual-band Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2, and even includes AirPlay for wireless streaming from Apple devices. It’s a little disappointing, however, that there’s no Ethernet to ensure a lag-free connection to a wired network.
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor: profile (left) and ports (right). Images: Cliff Joseph/ZDNet
Monitor modes
This is an impressive set of features for such an affordable display, allowing the M8 to operate in two main modes. You can use it as a television or an external display, by connecting a computer or a decoder via HDMI. However, it makes more sense to connect a computer via the primary USB-C port, as this provides a video input for the display and a 65W power output for charging a laptop. It also lets you connect additional computing devices to the M8’s secondary USB-C port, like the SSD I use for Time Machine backups on my MacBook. I was even able to connect my little Kensington Mobile Hub, which gave me extra USB ports to simultaneously connect my USB keyboard and mouse as well as my SSD to the M8. Apple users can also connect their Mac or iPad to the M8 using AirPlay to extend or mirror the display.
Apple AirPlay support enables wireless connection between the M8 monitor and iPads or Macs. Image: Cliff Joseph/ZDNet
It is also possible to use the M8 as a smart TV, which is controlled by the Tizen operating system. Tizen offers its own selection of streaming services, apps, and games, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Apple TV, and Samsung’s TV Plus (which seems to come with an alarming collection of cookies). And, for remote work, it’s possible to sign in to a Microsoft 365 account online for quick access to your work files, even if you don’t have a PC or Mac available. You can also connect a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to the M8.
Our only real complaint with the M8 is that Samsung’s documentation is rather poor. The included quick start guide simply shows you how to connect the mount and cables, and provides little help in navigating the many features of the on-screen menu system and remote control. It took a while to find a PDF manual on Samsung’s website, but even that was just a generic manual covering several different Samsung monitors, making it difficult to find M8-specific information.
Findings
Build quality could be better, and Samsung really needs to write a decent manual for the M8, but it offers an attractive and versatile smart computer/TV display at a competitive price. Its real strength, however, lies in the connectivity features that make it easy to work with PCs, Macs and other devices when needed, then switch off and relax with on-screen entertainment when finished. of the day.
Samsung M8 Smart Monitor: technical characteristics
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Screen size 32 inches (flat) - Screen type GO
- Resolution 3840 x 2160 (4K, 16:9, 137.7ppi)
- Brightness 400nits
- Contrast ratio 3000:1
- viewing angles 178°(H)/178°(V)
- Response time 4ms
- Refresh rate 60Hz
- Colors 1.07 billion
- Range of colors 99% sRGB
- Certificates HDR10+
- Ergonomics Eye Saver Mode, Flicker Free
- Dimensions (with stand) 713.4mm x 575.2mm x 203.8mm
- Weight (with stand) 6.7kg
- Height adjustment 120±5.0mm
- Tilt adjustment -2.0˚(±2.0˚) ~ 15.0˚(±2.0˚)
- Swivel Nope
- BONE Tizen
- TV More yes
- Digital assistant support Alexa, Bixby
- SmartThings app support yes
- Mirror, DLNA yes
- Apple AirPlay integrated
- Web service Microsoft 365
- hdmi Micro HDMI
- USB 2x USB-C
- Automatic source switching+ yes
- Wireless WiFi 5 (802.11ac)
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Audio loudspeaker (Adaptive Sound+)
- Video detachable 1080p webcam
- Feed 100-240V
- Consumption 40W (typ), 0.5W (DPMS)
- Cables power (1.5m), HDMI to Micro-HDMI, USB-C
- Remote yes
- Chassis colors white, blue, green, pink
- Price 710 €
For further
Apple Studio Display: An attractive 27-inch 5K display… Despite its scary price tag
See the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 32 inch monitor on Amazon
Source: “ZDNet.com”