After years of waiting, Apple has finally delivered a worthy successor to the Thunderbolt Display. The Studio Display brings modern features and exceptional build quality to creative professionals, though with some compromises that might give potential buyers pause at its premium price point.

Design

The Studio Display features Apple’s characteristically premium build quality with its aluminum construction and clean aesthetic. Available with either standard or nano-texture glass, and three stand options (tilt-adjustable, height-adjustable, or VESA mount), it offers flexibility for different setups and environments.

The 27-inch panel sits in a relatively slim enclosure that’s distinctly Apple in its design language. While the standard glass version handles reflections significantly better than its predecessor, those in particularly bright environments might want to consider the nano-texture option, despite its $300 premium.

Features

• 27-inch 5K Retina display (5120 x 2880)
• 600 nits brightness
• P3 wide color support
• True Tone technology
• Built-in 12MP Ultra Wide camera
• Six-speaker sound system
• Studio-quality microphones
• Thunderbolt 3 port (96W charging)
• Three USB-C ports
• Optional nano-texture glass
• Three mounting options

Display Performance

The 5K panel delivers exceptional image quality with its 218 PPI pixel density making individual pixels invisible at normal viewing distances. The 600 nits brightness proves sufficient for most environments, though the lack of HDR support might disappoint some professional users given the price point.

Color accuracy is excellent out of the box, with P3 wide color gamut support making it ideal for creative work. True Tone technology helps maintain consistent color appearance under varying lighting conditions, though professionals will likely disable this for color-critical work.

Build Quality & Design

The aluminum construction feels robust and premium, matching Apple’s high standards. The various stand options, while expensive, offer good stability and smooth adjustment. The tilt-only stand might be sufficient for many users, especially if the display will sit on a desk shelf or riser.

Audio & Camera System

The six-speaker sound system is a standout feature, delivering impressive audio quality that exceeds expectations for built-in monitor speakers. Bass response, while not comparable to dedicated speakers, is sufficient for most users’ needs, and the overall clarity is excellent.

The camera system, however, has been a point of contention. While Center Stage tracking works well after software updates, the 12MP Ultra Wide camera’s image quality falls short of expectations for a premium display. The decision to use an iPad-class camera sensor, which requires significant cropping for Center Stage, results in subpar image quality compared to dedicated webcams or even recent iPhone front cameras.

Connectivity

The Thunderbolt 3 port provides 96W charging capability, making it ideal for MacBook users. The additional three USB-C ports, while useful, might not be sufficient for all users, and the lack of more Thunderbolt ports is disappointing at this price point.

Real-World Usage

In daily use, the Studio Display excels in several areas:

• Text clarity is exceptional
• Color accuracy makes creative work a joy
• Speaker quality reduces the need for desktop speakers
• Single-cable connectivity simplifies desk setups

However, some limitations become apparent:

• Limited port selection may require additional hubs
• Webcam quality requires good lighting
• Stand options can’t be easily changed after purchase
• No HDR or high refresh rate options

Value Proposition

At $1,599 (starting price), plus potential additions for nano-texture glass ($300) and height-adjustable stand ($400), the Studio Display represents a significant investment. While it delivers exceptional build quality and display performance, the price-to-feature ratio might be hard to justify for some users, especially given the webcam quality issues and limited HDR capabilities.

Conclusion

The Apple Studio Display successfully brings the company’s premium display line into the modern era, offering excellent image quality and impressive built-in features. While the speaker system exceeds expectations and build quality is top-notch, the webcam disappoints and the price point may be hard to justify for many users.

For Mac users seeking a premium 5K display with tight ecosystem integration, the Studio Display makes a compelling, if expensive, choice. However, those prioritizing HDR performance or seeking better value might want to explore alternatives, even if they lack the same level of fit and finish.

The display ultimately succeeds in its core mission of providing a high-quality, color-accurate display for creative professionals, though some compromises and its premium pricing make it less universally appealing than its predecessor. For those who can justify the investment, it delivers a refined, integrated experience that’s uniquely Apple.

Review Summary

Studio DisplayApple

A premium 27-inch 5K display featuring built-in speakers, webcam, and Thunderbolt connectivity designed for Mac users.

Apple Studio Display

The Good Stuff

• Exceptional 5K panel quality
• Premium build quality
• Excellent speaker system
• Thunderbolt connectivity
• Multiple stand options
• Center Stage camera features

The Bad Stuff

• Premium price point
• Webcam quality issues
• Limited ports selection
• No HDR support
• Stand options are expensive

The Ratings

Display Quality

90%

Build Quality

100%

Features

80%

Value

70%

Overall: 85%

Disclaimers: This product or service was provided by the company or partner for the purpose of this review.
For more information on how we score products, please read how we review products.

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