Key Points
• The Apple Studio Display is a 5K monitor with a high-quality build and excellent speakers.
• It lacks HDR support and has a 60Hz refresh rate, but its pixel density and brightness make it a great choice for Mac users.
• The monitor’s unique features, such as its metal build and built-in speakers, make it a premium product with no direct competition.
As a tech journalist, I recently had the chance to review the Apple Studio Display, a 5K monitor that was introduced in 2022 alongside the Mac Studio. Two years later, I’m still impressed by its build quality, pixel density, and sound quality. In this article, I’ll explore whether the Studio Display is still worth buying in 2025, despite its high price and limited features.
The Perfect External Retina Display for Your Mac
If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate the Studio Display’s Retina display, which offers a pixel density of 218 pixels per inch. This makes everything look super sharp and is a pleasure to look at. The monitor’s 5K resolution allows macOS to render the 2560×1440 interface at 2x, taking advantage of the full 5120×2880 resolution.
Unique Features
One of the Studio Display’s unique features is its build quality. Unlike Samsung’s ViewFinity S9, which has an excellent 5K panel but a plastic body, the Studio Display is made entirely of metal. This makes its design more elegant and robust, and it’s great not to have a monitor that wobbles every time you hit your desk.
The monitor also features a shiny glass cover, which makes it look even more premium. Although some may prefer a matte screen, I prioritize color accuracy and think the glossy screen is a great choice. The Studio Display’s sound quality is also unbeatable, with six speakers capable of reproducing Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
Pros and Cons
While the Studio Display has some limitations, such as its lack of HDR support and 60Hz refresh rate, its unique features make it a premium product with no direct competition. However, its high price of $1,599 in its base version may be a deterrent for some.
Is it Worth Buying?
Whether or not the Studio Display is worth buying depends on your needs and what you expect from an external monitor. If you’re looking for a true HiDPI experience with macOS, there are other options available, such as Samsung’s ViewFinity S9 and the Asus ProArt 5K Display. However, if you want a monitor that truly complements your Mac in every other respect, the Studio Display is the right choice.
Actionable Tip
If you’re considering buying a Studio Display, make sure to check out the reviews and compare it to other monitors on the market. With its unique features and high-quality build, it’s a premium product that’s worth considering if you can afford it.
As for me, I don’t regret buying a Studio Display in 2025, even with the chance of Apple introducing a new model in the next few months or year. It was expensive, but it was the only one that really fulfilled all my needs for an external monitor.
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