The Journey So Far

Launched earlier this year, I've been using the Studio Display almost daily since it arrived. However, feedback online suggests that not everyone shares my enthusiasm. Given its premium price, one would naturally expect a flawless experience. Unfortunately, issues have plagued it from the start.

The camera quality has been subpar from day one, and there have been complaints about annoying high-pitched sounds and problems with the speakers. While firmware updates have improved some aspects, it seems Apple could have better prepared this product for launch. Was the rush to market due to its alignment with the Studio Mac during the Peek Performance event? Regardless, after waiting years for an Apple-branded monitor that was (nearly) within reach, I remain satisfied with my choice after nearly six months of extensive use.

Aesthetic Appeal

Design is often a matter of personal preference, yet I feel confident stating that the Studio Display's design is among my favorite features. Typically, Apple products are crafted with specific users or environments in mind. Take, for instance, the 24-inch iMac, which, with its vibrant colors, is clearly aimed at a non-professional audience, often found on student desks or in trendy shops.

In contrast, the Studio Display was launched alongside the Mac Studio, aimed more at professionals. Its aluminum body, sleek edges, and minimalistic design scream sophistication and professionalism. Though the stand has faced some criticism, it remains a beautifully engineered piece. It might have been ideal for Apple to offer height and tilt adjustments, but the basic stand functions smoothly and feels high-end. The design is intentionally streamlined, with no visible controls—everything is managed through your Mac.

The Apple Ecosystem

For those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, this monitor offers a seamless experience. Tasks are executed effortlessly across devices, with impressively quick wake-up times from sleep mode. Managing AirPlay and Bluetooth devices is straightforward. In my six months of use, I’ve encountered no dropouts or frozen screens. Yes, the Studio Display is pricier than alternatives like the LG 5K Ultrafine, but it justifies its cost through its daily performance.

One small note on its name: Apple hit the nail on the head with "Studio Display." Unlike competitors that use convoluted numbers, this name is concise and memorable—much like iconic figures such as Elvis or Madonna.

Price Considerations

The topic of cost is often contentious. While some may argue that the Studio Display's price is steep, value can be subjective. It's crucial to compare it against competitors. The LG Ultrafine 5K, for instance, costs only $200 less, yet that difference hardly compensates for the superior quality of Apple's offering.

Consider this analogy: comparing luxury vehicles like Bentley and Maybach is subjective, but they exist in a similar market. The same applies to displays. Although cheaper 4K or 5K monitors are available, few match the Studio Display's 27-inch aluminum Retina quality. The adage "you get what you pay for" holds true, and if you're in the market for a display of this caliber, the Studio Display is worth the investment.

Color Quality

One of the primary reasons to purchase this display is its exceptional color performance. Calibrated by Apple engineers right out of the box, it operates in 5K resolution, nearly doubling that of 4K, which is evident in both text and images. Working at a standard distance, you'll hardly notice any pixels. Once you've experienced a Retina display, there's no going back. With a resolution of 5120x2880, it delivers 218 pixels per inch. The True Tone technology is an optional feature for those who prefer it.

The display supports P3 wide color with up to a billion colors and boasts a brightness of 600 nits, which I find beneficial for my image and video work. Although it's a 60Hz panel, I've not encountered issues due to the lack of backlight zones. My workflow often involves editing on the Studio Display and then fine-tuning on my MacBook Pro, so having both devices side by side is advantageous.

Audio and Camera Functionality

In terms of extras, the built-in webcam, microphones, and speakers are satisfactory for online meetings and general use. The six-speaker system is good enough for listening to music and podcasts, supporting Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos.

The three microphones perform adequately for calls, though they aren't studio-grade. Conversely, the webcam leaves much to be desired. I've opted for a Logitech Brio 4K camera instead, as the built-in option remains less than ideal, despite firmware updates that have improved color quality and framing.

Areas for Improvement

What I find most frustrating is the non-detachable power cord. I struggle to understand why Apple chose to design it this way. For instance, when I decided to relocate the Studio Display to my studio space, detaching the cord became a cumbersome task. If it had been removable, I could have completed the process in under two minutes instead of taking nearly 20 minutes to navigate the tight space behind my desk.

Conclusion

There's no denying that the Studio Display is positioned at a premium price point, making it unsuitable for everyone. If you only need a decent secondary monitor, numerous more affordable 4K options are available. However, if consistent and high-quality color calibration is essential to your work, I highly recommend checking it out in person. The design, Retina panel, and 5K display continually impress me.

While the LG Ultrafine I compared it to months ago is a solid option, the minor savings don't outweigh the benefits of the Studio Display. Though some features may be lacking, the overall experience is inspiring.

Did you purchase a Studio Display? What are your thoughts? Have you faced any issues like speaker problems or camera quality concerns?

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Originally published at https://talkingtechandaudio.com on September 6, 2022.