Which monitor is superior between the Samsung M80 and the LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B? The market for monitors is now fairly competitive, but there are several really attractive options.
When it comes to television, Samsung and LG have long been linked with excellence. This similar reputation extends to their modern monitor production line. However, most users will only buy one monitor, which is the aim of today’s guide.
If you’ve been debating which monitor to buy, you’ve come to the correct place. This article will go over the key features, how they work, and which is optimal for setup. Pull up a chair and settle in for a long dive.
Samsung M80B vs. LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Samsung M80B | LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B | |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K | 4K |
| Display Size | 32 inches | 32 inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Display Type | LED | IPS |
| HDR Support | Yes, HDR10 and others are supported | HDR10 |
| Display Outputs | Mini HDMI, USB Type-C | USB Type-C, HDMI, DisplayPort |
| Built-in Audio | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Features | Runs Samsung s Tizen OS | None |
Both of these displays fill a fairly similar niche. The Samsung M80B, on the other hand, includes some additional capabilities not found in the LG Ultrafine series of monitors.
Samsung M80B vs. LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B: What s the Difference?
Now that you have a better understanding of the specs of various monitors, it is time to compare them. Keep in mind that these aren’t the ideal monitors for gaming because they lack higher refresh rates and can have some input latency.
Performance
Samsung M80B 4K PC Monitor
$596.00
- Screen: 32 inches
- Voice control enabled
- Includes detachable camera
- Smart TV features web browsing and streaming without connecting a PC.
Both the Samsung M80B and the LG Ultrafine have 32-inch panels with 4K resolution capability. Both have HDR10 compatibility.
The Samsung M80B comes pre-loaded with smart capabilities, but it’s more akin to a mid-range television than a decent monitor for productivity work. You gain access to smart capabilities that are more appropriate for a home theater setup than a desk.
This, on the other hand, makes the M80B perfect for media consumption. It can also be useful for productivity in a pinch. Unfortunately, the reduced refresh rate hinders it.
The LG Ultrafine monitor was not designed with media consumption in mind. This is due in part to LG’s use of an IPS screen rather than a more brilliant LED backlight for the display. Gaming is not the LG Ultrafine’s strong suit, as it is with the Samsung.
The highest refresh rate is only 60Hz, regardless of whether you want to play games at native 4K or downscale to something like 1080p.
Image Quality
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The overall visual quality of the Samsung M80B is excellent. With a great contrast ratio, you obtain crisp contrast. Despite the lack of local dimming zones found on more expensive televisions, the monitor has excellent brightness control.
HDR content does not shine on the M80B, which is unfortunate. It does have good color reproduction, with grays and blacks standing out. However, getting correct color profiling from the monitor will most likely require some tweaking.
The LG Ultrafine monitor lacks contrast, with a contrast ratio that is one-third that of the Samsung M80B. This places it in the higher tier of IPS panels, although it is not suitable for watching HDR material.
However, color reproduction is outstanding. Once you get the settings just right, this will be an excellent monitor for any type of design work. The colors are incredibly brilliant and realistic, with the main drawback being the less-than-stellar grays and blacks.
Still, when it comes to IPS panels, you can’t have it all.
Additional Features
The Samsung M80B basically acts as a smart TV, with navigation provided by Samsung’s own Tizen operating system. Because the operating system supports a variety of streaming apps, you may essentially use it as a television when not working on your PC.
This is a wonderful addition, but it appears a little cumbersome when you realize you could easily just load up the streaming website on your computer without having to deal with an additional operating system.
The LG Ultrafine and the Samsung M80B both come with built-in speakers. These aren’t spectacular, but they do sound good when matched with system sounds or streaming audio from services like Spotify or Apple Music.
HDR Support
LG 32UN880-B 4K Monitor
$489.99
- 32 UltraFine UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Display.Surface Treatment : Anti-Glare. Contrast Ratio – 1000:1.Specific uses for product – Business, personal
- Viewing Angle is 178 (R/L), 178 (U/D); Brightness is 350nits(typ); Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- LG Ergo Stand (Extends/Retracts/Swivels/Height/Pivot/Tilt)
- DCI-P3 95% Color Gamut with HDR 10
- USB Type-C with 60W PD
On paper, both monitors support HDR. When used with supported media, the Samsung M80B produces a stronger case. As indicated in the image quality section, the display lacks local dimming zones.
As a result, HDR content is supported, but it is more dependent on the metadata encoded in the video.
The LG Ultrafine does support HDR, but it isn’t actually designed to be used with media. If you intend to use HDR for design work, as supported by operating systems such as Windows, it should suffice.
It does include HDR10 support, which works nicely with supported video when streaming from your PC.
Audio Support
Both of these monitors have speakers, but they don’t have the same level of robust audio support that you’d find on a smart TV.
Both monitors, however, enable normal stereo audio. If you use your PC as the centerpiece of your media experience, you’ll almost certainly be investing in alternate sound sources.
The speakers on both are adequate, which is quite generous. They both have the same flaws that you’d anticipate from speakers hooked to a display. The frequency response isn’t fantastic, and there’s a noticeable lack of bass.
When you increase the system volume, you will notice some distortion.
Samsung M80B vs. LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B: Must-Know Facts
- The Samsung M80B has a built-in smart TV OS equivalent.
- The Samsung M80B is not an IPS or TN panel but uses an LED backlight instead.
- The Samsung M80B has better support for HDR content when watching media.
- The LG Ultrafine has better color reproduction when properly calibrated.
- The LG Ultrafine has built-in speakers but only supports stereo audio.
- The LG Ultrafine excels when using HDR for design purposes.
Samsung M80B vs. LG Ultrafine 32UN880-B: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
So, which of these monitors is the greatest on the market? To be honest, that is a difficult response. Both of these displays have advantages and disadvantages. The Samsung M80B is an excellent choice if you want to use your PC as both a media station and a workstation.
However, if you already have a smart TV, it may be overkill for a 4K PC display to carry the same technologies. Because of its brilliant color, the LG Ultrafine is ideal for design work and other forms of productivity. It also happens to be one of the greatest IPS panels available, so you’ll get a lot of use out of it.
However, when it comes to viewing media, the LG Ultrafine falls short. The M80B is an excellent choice for watching movies. Designers and other professionals looking for accurate color reproduction can benefit from the LG Ultrafine.