Samsung ViewFinity S80PB 27" Black 2022

The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB is a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor built for color-critical work, not gaming. It delivers excellent color accuracy and a useful USB-C hub, but the 60Hz refresh rate and limited connectivity hold it back. Shop around, because prices range from USD 439 to USD 790.

Color is where the S80PB earns its keep. Our database puts it in the 91st percentile for color performance, which translates to one of the best panels you can get without jumping to a much pricier reference monitor. The 98% DCI-P3 coverage means photos and video look rich without being oversaturated, and the 400 nits of brightness keeps things visible even in a sunlit office. HDR10 support is there, but at 400 nits it's more of a checkbox than a transformative experience.

The 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time land this monitor in the 22nd percentile for performance. That's fine for spreadsheets, code, and photo editing, but if you're trying to play fast-paced shooters, you'll feel the lag. The IPS panel gives you 178-degree viewing angles, so colors stay consistent even when you're not sitting dead center. For a productivity monitor, that matters more than raw speed.

Stacked against the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCDMG or the MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED, the S80PB looks like a different species. Those are gaming monitors with high refresh rates and OLED panels that'll make this IPS display look a bit flat in dark scenes. But they also cost more and don't offer the same color accuracy for professional work. The LG UltraGear 32GX850A-B is another gaming-focused option that trades color precision for speed.

For creative work, the BenQ DesignVue PD3225U is probably the closest competitor. It's a 32-inch panel with similar color credentials and a more established reputation among designers. The Samsung holds its own on color, but BenQ's build quality and calibration out of the box are hard to beat. If you're deciding between the two, it comes down to whether you prefer the smaller 27-inch footprint or want the extra screen real estate.

The value story here depends entirely on where you buy it. We found listings ranging from USD 439 to USD 790 across four US retailers, and that USD 351 spread is hard to ignore. At the lower end, this monitor is a solid deal for a color-accurate 4K panel with USB-C. At the higher end, you're creeping into territory where OLED competitors start looking tempting. If you're in Canada, the CAD 600-610 range is more consistent, which makes the decision easier. The best US deal we saw was at the USD 439 mark, so if you can find it near that price, it's a much easier recommendation.

The Samsung ViewFinity S80PB is a 27-inch 4K IPS monitor aimed squarely at professionals and creatives who care more about color accuracy than refresh rates. It sits in that mid-range productivity bracket where you're paying for a good panel and solid ergonomics, not gaming bells and whistles. With 98% DCI-P3 coverage, 400 nits of brightness, and a matte display, it's built for long work sessions in bright rooms.

People searching for this monitor usually want to know if it's good for photo editing, office work, or connecting to a MacBook. The short answer is yes on all three. The USB-C hub with power delivery is a standout feature for laptop users, and the color performance is genuinely impressive for the price. But the 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time tell you this isn't a gaming panel.

We've seen this monitor listed anywhere from USD 439 to USD 790 depending on the retailer, which is a wild spread. That price range alone makes it worth shopping around before you commit.

Gamers should skip this one entirely. The 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms response time put it in the bottom quarter of monitors we've tested for performance, and there are much better options at this price point if you care about smooth motion. If you need built-in speakers, look elsewhere too, since this monitor doesn't have them despite some confusing product listings. And if you're tight on desk space, the 6700g weight and 27-inch footprint make it less portable than smaller or lighter alternatives. For gaming, check out the ASUS ROG Strix XG27UCDMG or MSI MPG 271QR QD-OLED instead.

Should you buy the Samsung ViewFinity S80PB? If you're a photographer, video editor, or office worker who wants a color-accurate 4K display with a great USB-C hub, yes, especially if you can find it near the USD 439 mark. The color performance is genuinely top-tier for this price bracket, and the ergonomics are excellent.

But if you're a gamer or someone who needs high refresh rates, look elsewhere. The 60Hz panel will frustrate you, and the connectivity options are thinner than what you'd get from similarly priced competitors. The 3.5/5 customer rating also suggests some buyers have had issues, so it's worth reading through those before you commit.