Samsung ViewFinity Samsung 27-Inch ViewFinity S80PB Series UHD Review
The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB is a 4K monitor that bets everything on its USB-C hub. Our testing shows that's not a good bet for your $500.
The 30-Second Version
Skip this Samsung. You're paying for a brand name and a USB hub attached to a mediocre 4K panel. For the same money, you can get a monitor that's actually good at something.
Overview
The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB is a monitor that's trying to be a jack-of-all-trades and ends up being a master of none. The one thing you need to know? It's a decent 4K IPS panel with a great USB-C hub, but it gets absolutely crushed in our performance testing. For over $500, you're paying for the hub and the Samsung name, not for a top-tier display experience.
Performance
Our benchmark data shows this monitor's performance is a real weak spot, ranking in the bottom quarter of all monitors we track. That means it's slower to respond and less smooth than most of its peers. The surprise here is just how far behind it is, especially when you consider the price. You'd expect better from a monitor at this level.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The USB-C hub with power delivery is genuinely useful for laptop users. 86th
- The 4K IPS panel is sharp and the matte finish handles glare well. 84th
- PIP/PBP modes are handy for multitasking.
- Color coverage is solid for the price.
Cons
- Performance is disappointing and lags behind most monitors. 10th
- The stand is basic and lacks good ergonomic adjustments. 23th
- Connectivity options beyond USB-C are underwhelming. 29th
- It's heavy and not portable at all, but that's expected for a 27-inch. 30th
The Word on the Street
Specifications
Full Specifications
Display
| Size | 27" |
| Resolution | 3840 (4K UHD) |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
Color & HDR
| HDR | HDR400 |
| HDR Support | HDR400 |
Features
| Weight | 6.7 kg / 14.8 lbs |
Value & Pricing
At $509, this monitor is a tough sell. You're paying a premium for the Samsung brand and a good USB-C hub, but you're getting middle-of-the-pack image quality and bottom-tier performance. If the hub is your absolute top priority, maybe. Otherwise, your money goes further elsewhere.
vs Competition
Stack this up against a Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K, and the Dell wins on color accuracy, build quality, and ergonomics for a similar price. If you're even slightly gaming-curious, the ASUS ROG Swift 27" 4K blows this Samsung away on performance and refresh rate. The S80PB's only real advantage is its integrated USB-C hub, which is nice but not $500-nice.
| Spec | Samsung ViewFinity Samsung 27-Inch ViewFinity S80PB Series UHD | Samsung Odyssey Samsung - 57" Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K UHD Quantum | LG UltraGear LG UltraGear 45" WUHD DUAL MODE 4K 165Hz FHD 330Hz | ASUS ROG Swift ASUS Republic of Gamers Swift OLED PG27UCDM 26.5" | MSI MPG MSI 27 inch WQHD 2K 1440P 360Hz with AMD FreeSync | Dell UltraSharp Dell UltraSharp 27" 4K HDR 120 Hz Monitor (2-Pack) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen Size | 27 | 57 | 45 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 7680 x 2160 | 5120 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 2560 x 1440 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Panel Type | - | VA | OLED | OLED | OLED | IPS |
| Refresh Rate | - | 240 | 165 | 240 | 360 | 120 |
| Response Time Ms | - | 1 | - | - | 0 | 5 |
| Adaptive Sync | - | FreeSync Premium Pro | G-Sync Compatible | G-Sync Compatible | FreeSync Premium Pro | - |
| Hdr | HDR400 | HDR10+ | HDR10 | HDR400 | HDR400 | HDR |
Common Questions
Q: Is this good for photo or video editing?
Not really. The color accuracy is just okay, ranking in the 64th percentile. For serious creative work, you'll want a monitor that scores higher, like a Dell UltraSharp or a professional BenQ.
Q: Can I use this with a MacBook?
Yes, that's its best trick. The USB-C port will charge your laptop and handle video and data all in one cable. It's a great docking station that happens to have a screen.
Q: Is it good for gaming?
No. Its performance score is in the 21st percentile, which is terrible for gaming. It's only 60Hz and has high response times. Look at the ASUS ROG Swift or an MSI OLED instead.
Who Should Skip This
If you're looking for a performance monitor for gaming or smooth motion, this isn't it. Go get an ASUS ROG Swift. If you need top-notch color accuracy for pro work, skip this and get a Dell UltraSharp. This Samsung is only for someone whose #1 priority is a single-cable USB-C dock for their laptop.
Verdict
We can't recommend the ViewFinity S80PB. It's a monitor that doesn't excel at anything important. Creative pros will want better color accuracy, entertainment seekers will want better HDR and performance, and professionals will want better ergonomics. The hub is cool, but it's not enough to save this from being an also-ran.