Samsung's New 37-Inch Smart Monitor: 5 Extra Inches That Change Everything 🔥

Key Facts About Samsung’s 37″ ViewFinity S8 Monitor
- World’s First 37″ Monitor: Samsung announced the ViewFinity S8 (S80UD) – a 37-inch 4K UHD monitor – on August 29, 2025, calling it the world’s first of this size news.samsung.com. It slots between Samsung’s existing 32-inch and 43-inch models as a new mid-size option.
- Bigger Screen, Same 4K Detail: The 37″ display uses a 16:9 aspect ratio at UHD (3840×2160) resolution, just like the 32″ version. The extra five diagonal inches translate to a significantly larger workspace and larger text/UI elements at the same resolution news.samsung.com. Samsung touts vastly improved readability – text and details appear larger and easier to see compared to a 32″ screen at identical settings news.samsung.com.
- Ergonomic & Eye-Friendly: Certified by TÜV Rheinland as an “Ergonomic Workspace Display,” the monitor is designed to reduce visual fatigue during long use news.samsung.com. It features Intelligent Eye Care modes (blue light reduction and flicker-free tech) to minimize eye strain for all-day productivity news.samsung.com.
- Designed for Multitasking: The expansive 37″ screen can replace a dual-monitor setup. It supports Picture-by-Picture (PBP) and Picture-in-Picture (PIP) modes, so you can display output from two devices at once side-by-side or in a window news.samsung.com. A built-in KVM switch lets you control two computers with one keyboard/mouse, perfect for those juggling a work laptop and personal PC news.samsung.com.
- Modern Connectivity Hub: The ViewFinity S8 includes a USB-C port (90W Power Delivery) for one-cable laptop docking (video, data, charging) news.samsung.com. It also packs a built-in LAN (Ethernet) port, essentially turning the monitor into a networking hub for laptops without LAN jacks news.samsung.com. Traditional inputs like HDMI and DisplayPort are on board as well bestbuy.com.
- High-Quality 4K VA Panel: The screen is a matte VA panel with a 3000:1 contrast ratio and wide viewing angles (178°) bestbuy.com bestbuy.com. It covers ~99–100% of the sRGB color gamut theverge.com bestbuy.com – good for general content creation and office work – and supports HDR10. Peak brightness is rated at 350 nits, which The Verge notes is “perfectly suitable for anything you’ll be doing at a desk” theverge.com (though low for HDR by TV standards).
- Sleek, Adjustable Design: The monitor comes with an Easy Setup Stand that snaps together tool-free in about 10 seconds news.samsung.com. The stand offers height adjustment, tilt, and swivel, allowing users to ergonomically position the large screen for comfort news.samsung.com. Despite the big screen, the overall design aims to be minimal and clutter-free (no giant bezels or bulky chassis).
- No Built-in Smart TV Apps: Unlike Samsung’s Smart Monitor M-series, the ViewFinity S8 focuses on pro productivity – it does not run Tizen smart TV apps or include a webcam/speakers (it’s “smart” in connectivity, not a full TV). Best Buy even lists it as “Smart Capable: false,” meaning you’ll use external devices (PC, phone, etc.) for content bestbuy.com.
- Companion Gaming Model: Simultaneous with this work-focused monitor, Samsung also unveiled a 37″ Odyssey G7 (G75F) gaming monitor at Gamescom 2025 news.samsung.com. The gaming variant uses a curved 1000R panel, 4K resolution, 165Hz refresh, and 1ms response news.samsung.com – showing Samsung’s push to make 37-inch a new size category for both productivity and play.
- Pricing & Availability: Early retail listings showed the 37″ ViewFinity S8 around $599.99 in the US theverge.com. However, by launch Samsung’s official price was about $429.99 (possibly reflecting promotions) samsung.com. The monitor became available in late August 2025 via Samsung’s online store and retailers – evidenced by customer reviews appearing on Best Buy shortly after release (it held a 4.6★ rating from dozens of buyers within days) bestbuy.com. Global availability spans Samsung’s usual markets, with releases likely aligned to late 2025 tech product cycles.
Overview: A 37-Inch Monitor to Redefine Your Workspace
Samsung’s newly announced 37-inch ViewFinity S8 is making headlines as a bold move to “add 5 inches” to the typical desktop monitor and, in Samsung’s words, “change everyday life.” This monitor is the first ever at the 37″ size, aimed squarely at modern professionals, creators, and anyone craving more screen real estate news.samsung.com. Announced via Samsung’s Newsroom on August 29, 2025, the ViewFinity S8 (model S80UD) expands a lineup previously limited to 32″ and 43″ sizes news.samsung.com. By introducing a new mid-point, Samsung is literally and figuratively thinking bigger – betting that a 37-inch 4K display can hit a productivity sweet spot that smaller monitors or huge TV-sized panels don’t.
Under the hood, this is a 16:9 aspect ratio, 3840×2160 (4K UHD) monitor, so it delivers the razor-sharp detail expected of a 4K display. Despite the massive diagonal measurement, the resolution remains the same as the 32″ model’s, which has two important effects. First, you get more usable screen space – windows and applications can occupy a larger physical area, so you can see more at once (great for multitasking with multiple windows side by side). Second, all onscreen elements appear physically larger at 37″ than they would on a 32″ 4K screen (since pixel density is a bit lower). That means finer details and text become easier to read at a glance without zooming in news.samsung.com. For anyone who has squinted at tiny text on a high-resolution monitor, those extra inches can be a game-changer for comfort. Samsung explicitly highlights that even with the same settings, the 37″ makes text “stand out” more and information easier to grasp at a glance news.samsung.com.
In short, the ViewFinity S8’s key promise is greater productivity through a larger canvas. Need to keep a dozen spreadsheet columns, a code editor, and a reference document all open together? A screen this wide and tall means less shuffling and more doing. Samsung pitches it as ideal for the work environment – whether you’re a content creator editing 4K video timelines, a developer comparing code, or a remote worker juggling video calls and reports. The company even suggests the big screen is beneficial when collaborating or presenting: colleagues can more easily gather around a single 37″ screen to see the content clearly, something a 32″ can’t as comfortably achieve news.samsung.com. Essentially, it brings a bit of conference-room screen feel to your desk.
Samsung’s 37-inch ViewFinity S8 monitor is the first of its size, providing a significantly larger workspace than the previous 32″ model. With an ultra-thin bezel design and a sturdy height-adjustable stand, this 4K display is built to enhance productivity in both home offices and professional studios. The expansive screen real estate and sharp UHD resolution allow users to multitask comfortably and view detailed content without needing a dual-monitor setup. news.samsung.com news.samsung.com
Despite its size, the ViewFinity S8 isn’t positioned as a TV replacement or purely as a luxury gadget – it’s very much a practical, office-oriented monitor. It lacks built-in speakers or smart TV apps, which signals that it’s meant to be paired with a PC (or laptop/phone) rather than used as a standalone entertainment center. In Samsung’s portfolio, it falls under the professional “ViewFinity” series (focused on high resolution and color accuracy for productivity) rather than the “Smart Monitor” series that integrate streaming apps. So, think of the 37″ S8 as a high-end work monitor first and foremost, albeit one that can absolutely pull double duty for watching videos or light gaming after hours (more on that later).
Bigger Than Before: What’s New vs. the 32″ Model?
The jump from 32″ to 37″ may sound incremental, but it’s actually quite dramatic in terms of screen area. A 37-inch screen has roughly one-third more area than a 32-inch (because area scales with the square of the diagonal length). Samsung’s tagline – “5 inches can change everyday life” – underscores how they believe this new size meaningfully improves the user experience. So, what exactly does the 37″ offer that the tried-and-true 32″ didn’t?
1. More Screen, Better Multitasking: The extra five inches give you a noticeably larger canvas for multitasking. According to Samsung, the 37″ can effectively do the job of a dual-monitor setup by itself news.samsung.com. With the PBP (Picture-by-Picture) mode, you can split the screen down the middle and display output from two different devices side by side – for example, a laptop on one half and a phone or second PC on the other news.samsung.com. The 32″ model also supported multitasking features, but the 37″ makes them far more usable; two windows each ~18″ in size are much more practical than two ~15.5″ halves on a 32″. It’s a similar story with multiple windows on one PC: you can tile more apps without things feeling cramped.
2. Improved Readability and Viewing Comfort: As noted, one of the biggest benefits is that text and small interface elements render larger on a 37″ 4K display than on a 32″ 4K. Samsung provides side-by-side comparisons showing how a document appears on 32″ vs 37″, and the difference is clear – reading tiny text or detailed data becomes less straining on the bigger screen news.samsung.com. This earned the monitor a unique ergonomic certification. TÜV Rheinland tested it and certified the 37″ S8 as an “Ergonomic Workspace Display,” recognizing that its size and design can reduce visual fatigue for tasks like editing documents or coding for long periods news.samsung.com. In practical terms, you might not need to zoom in as often on PDFs or squint at Excel cells – the pixel pitch is just more comfortable for the eyes at typical desk distance.
At the same 4K resolution, text and UI elements appear larger on the new 37″ ViewFinity S8 (left) compared to the older 32″ model (right), improving readability at identical display settings news.samsung.com. The five extra inches of screen real estate make details easier to see at a glance news.samsung.com. Samsung even notes the 37-inch delivers a true big-screen experience for sharing and collaboration – for example, when colleagues gather around during a presentation, the content is clearer and more legible than it would be on a 32″ display news.samsung.com.
3. Easy, Tool-Free Assembly: Another quality-of-life upgrade is the new “Easy Setup Stand.” Samsung engineered the stand so that assembling the monitor is extremely quick – “about 10 seconds” from unboxing to upright, with no screws or tools required news.samsung.com. You just slot the stand pieces together and twist to lock. This might sound minor, but for a large monitor (which can be awkward to handle), not having to fiddle with screwdrivers is a nice perk. The older 32″ models typically used more traditional stands that required screwing the base or using a VESA mount with screws. The 37″’s stand isn’t just easy to attach; it’s also fully ergonomic – offering height adjustment, tilt, and swivel flexibility news.samsung.com. In contrast, some earlier models (like certain 32″ variants) had tilt-only or were less adjustable unless you bought a separate arm. The 37″ gives you a range of motion to customize the viewing angle for comfort, which is especially important given its size (you want to ensure the top isn’t too high or tilt it to avoid glare).
4. Enhanced Connectivity: Both the 32″ and 37″ ViewFinity S8 monitors emphasize one-cable connectivity and multi-device support, but the 37″ doubles down with a built-in LAN port in addition to USB-C. The 32″ 4K model already had USB-C with 90W charging and a KVM switch in the 2024 version, if we reference Samsung’s lineup. The 37″ carries those forward (so you can plug in a laptop via USB-C and have the monitor power it, plus connect USB peripherals). The new twist is the Ethernet port – when you connect your laptop via the monitor’s USB-C, you can get wired internet through the monitor’s LAN. This effectively turns the monitor into a docking station/hub news.samsung.com. You get power, peripherals, and internet with a single cable. That’s a boon for hot-desk setups or home offices where you might want the stability of Ethernet without a separate dock.
All told, the 37″ ViewFinity S8 builds on the 32″ model’s strengths (4K, USB-C, decent color accuracy) but ups the ante by simply giving you more of everything – more space, more comfort, more ports. One thing it doesn’t upgrade is refresh rate: it’s still a 60Hz panel (5ms response time) which is perfectly fine for office use but unchanged from typical productivity monitors bestbuy.com. So in terms of motion/gaming, it’s not faster than the 32″; if you need high refresh for gaming, that’s what the Odyssey G7 version is for.
Design, Display Quality, and “Smart” Features
From a design perspective, Samsung has kept things clean and professional with the ViewFinity S8. The monitor has a flat 37-inch panel (no curve here, since it’s meant for precision work where distortion is unwanted) with slim bezels that maximize the screen-to-body ratio. The aesthetics follow Samsung’s modern monitor language – likely a matte black or dark gray body (the Best Buy listing specifies the color as Black bestbuy.com) with a minimal stand that doesn’t take up too much desk space. The stand’s ability to pivot, tilt, swivel, and adjust height helps manage the large size; you can raise it higher or angle it to your preference so that you’re not straining your neck. It also supports standard 100×100 VESA mounting if you prefer to put this beast on an arm or wall mount bestbuy.com (though at ~20 pounds weight, ensure your mount is robust).
In terms of panel tech, Samsung went with a VA (Vertical Alignment) LCD panel for this monitor bestbuy.com. VA panels are known for high contrast (the spec is 3000:1 contrast ratio bestbuy.com, meaning deep blacks and bright whites), which is great for viewing documents with dark text on white backgrounds or watching videos with dark scenes. The trade-off is that VA can have slightly narrower optimal viewing angles and slower pixel response than IPS panels, but Samsung claims 178º viewing angles bestbuy.com so it should look consistent even if you’re off to the side a bit. For the intended use (productivity and content creation), the color gamut is an important factor. Covering ~99–100% of the standard sRGB space theverge.com bestbuy.com means it can display all the colors typical for web and office content accurately. It’s not a wide gamut Adobe RGB or DCI-P3 monitor (Samsung hasn’t advertised it for high-end photo/video color work specifically), but sRGB coverage is sufficient for most users and ensures everyday content doesn’t look undersaturated.
The monitor is HDR10-capable bestbuy.com, but with only 350 nits peak brightness and presumably no full-array local dimming, its HDR output will be limited. In other words, it can accept HDR signals and somewhat expand dynamic range, but it won’t give you the “true” HDR impact that a very bright or OLED screen could. This is normal for productivity monitors – HDR is more of a bonus feature here. For typical office lighting and usage, 350 nits is plenty (often you won’t even run it at full brightness to protect your eyes). A Digital Trends editor who saw it in person at CES remarked that 100 PPI (pixels per inch) is a common target for monitors to balance clarity with size digitaltrends.com. At 37″ and 4K, the pixel density is about 119 PPI, which is above that comfort threshold, so visuals should be crisp and not grainy.
On to the “smart” features: As noted, this isn’t a Smart Monitor in the TV sense (no built-in OS with Netflix, etc.). The intelligence lies in its connectivity and user-friendly extras. The built-in KVM switch is a standout feature for power users – it allows one set of peripherals to toggle control between two connected devices news.samsung.com. For example, you might have your personal desktop tower connected via DisplayPort and a work laptop connected via USB-C; with KVM, when you switch the input to the laptop, your USB keyboard/mouse automatically start controlling that laptop. Then you switch back to DP and control your desktop – all without unplugging anything. This is hugely convenient for anyone with multi-PC setups or those who bring a work laptop to the desk but also have a home PC. Samsung made sure to include both a USB-C and a traditional USB-B upstream port (as seen in spec sheets bestbuy.com), enabling the KVM functionality.
The Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture modes let you utilize the KVM in tandem with viewing multiple sources. For instance, you can have a small PiP window showing an HDMI input (maybe a security cam feed or a console) while your main screen is your PC. Or use PbP to have a Mac on one side and a Windows PC on the other. The 37″ size actually makes these scenarios viable – each side would effectively be ~18.5″ 1080p areas if split evenly, which is akin to having two small monitors in one. This appeals to developers, stock traders, streamers, or any multi-device multitasker.
In terms of audio or webcam, as mentioned, there are no integrated speakers or camera on this model bestbuy.com. Many productivity monitors forego those, assuming users have their own conference speakerphone or separate webcam. The absence keeps the cost down and design slim. If someone does want a monitor that doubles as a video-calling station out of the box, Samsung’s 32″ Smart Monitor M8 (with webcam and apps) or Apple’s Studio Display (with built-in 12MP Center Stage webcam and 6 speakers apple.com) would be alternative options – albeit at very different price points.
Finally, a word on style and build: The ViewFinity S8 likely has a matte anti-glare screen coating (the spec sheet implies it’s not glossy bestbuy.com – which is good for office lighting). Its slim bezel design and fairly thin profile (1.6 inches thick without stand bestbuy.com) mean it won’t look clunky despite the size. Samsung’s monitor designs in recent years have been pretty sleek, and from the official images it appears the 37″ continues that trend of minimalism. The stand’s footprint (about 9.8 inches depth bestbuy.com on desk) is reasonable for such a wide screen, and it likely includes some cable management routing to keep things tidy.
Target Use Cases: Who (and What) Is This Monitor For?
Samsung is positioning the 37″ ViewFinity S8 squarely at professionals, creators, and heavy multitaskers in a home office or traditional office setting. In the official announcement, the company highlights several scenarios:
- Office Work & Productivity Apps: Whether you’re working with large spreadsheets, financial trading dashboards, or multiple documents, the huge 37″ workspace allows for multi-window workflows without constantly alt-tabbing. For example, you could have a Word document open next to a web browser, a chat app, and a PDF – all legible simultaneously. The extra real estate can boost efficiency by keeping more information in view. The monitor’s eye-saving features (low blue light, etc.) also indicate it’s meant for the all-day office warrior who spends 8+ hours at the screen news.samsung.com.
- Content Creation & Design: The ViewFinity series branding suggests a focus on visual work. While this isn’t a high-end reference monitor, it’s definitely aimed at creators who benefit from space. Think video editors who can stretch a 4K timeline fully across, with room for bins and toolbars; photographers comparing multiple images; or graphic designers with tool palettes and canvases side by side. Samsung explicitly calls out that detail-oriented tasks like video editing demand precision and space – and the 37″ delivers on both news.samsung.com. The ability to see finer details easier on the larger screen can “enhance the depth and polish of each project,” Samsung notes news.samsung.com. Also, if you’re editing 4K video, you can preview it at native resolution in a window and still have timeline controls below it on a single screen.
- Software Developers/Data Analysts: While not directly mentioned, any profession that uses multi-window setups (coding on one side, documentation on another; or data analysis with several charts and logs open) will benefit. The 37″ essentially acts like a dual-monitor (2x 27″ 1440p monitors in one, or a 27″ + a 24″ equivalent) except without the bezel gap and without needing space for two monitors. It’s a cleaner, more unified experience for developers or researchers juggling many apps.
- Presentations & Collaboration: An interesting use case Samsung gave is when “standing, presenting or sharing the screen with teammates,” the 37″ provides a “big-screen experience” conducive to collaboration news.samsung.com. In a conference room you might have a projector or big TV; at a desk, a 32″ might be hard for multiple people to view at once. But 37″ begins to approach small TV territory. You could wheel your chair back and show a couple of colleagues a design mockup or go through a PowerPoint, and everyone can see more clearly. In the era of hybrid work, one can imagine using this screen to present on a video call as well – you have the space to have the content and participant videos arranged comfortably.
- Content Consumption & Entertainment: Off the clock, this monitor will also be great for watching movies or streaming video, simply due to its size and 4K resolution. It’s like having a small TV on your desk (though remember, no speakers – so you’ll need headphones or external speakers for sound). The 16:9 aspect and HDR support mean it’s well-suited to Netflix, YouTube, etc., when driven by a connected device. It can display 4K movies in full detail. While Samsung doesn’t market it as a TV, a lot of users inevitably will use it after hours for some Netflix or gaming.
- Light Gaming / Console Use: While hardcore PC gamers would prefer higher refresh rates, the monitor can certainly be used for gaming at 4K 60Hz. It even supports AMD FreeSync according to some retailer specs (likely basic adaptive sync, though Best Buy listed “Not Applicable” for sync tech bestbuy.com, perhaps meaning no official G-Sync/FreeSync certification). Console gamers (PS5, Xbox Series X) could connect to it and enjoy 4K content; however, note that those consoles also support 120Hz in some games, which this monitor can’t fully leverage due to the 60Hz cap. For casual or single-player gaming at 60fps, it’s fine. Input lag isn’t advertised but typically Samsung monitors have a game mode to reduce lag. Again, Samsung launched the Odyssey G7 37″ for those who want the same size but with 165Hz and curvature optimized for gaming news.samsung.com. So the ViewFinity S8 is more for casual gaming and primarily for work.
In summary, the target audience is anyone who wants a do-it-all large monitor for a hybrid work setup: the financial analyst who has Bloomberg Terminal windows aplenty, the YouTuber editing 4K videos by day and streaming Netflix by night, the remote worker who needs to plug in a thin laptop and instantly get a desktop-like experience with one cable, and even the manager who occasionally has small team huddles at their desk. If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your 27″ or 32″ monitor was “just a bit bigger but not gigantic,” this 37″ is literally Samsung’s answer to that wish.
Tech Media Reactions: First Impressions and Expert Quotes
Samsung’s 37-inch monitor announcement certainly turned heads in the tech community. After all, it’s not often a new screen size is introduced in the mature monitor market. Here’s what reviewers and experts have been saying:
- “Never encountered a 37-inch monitor before” – a unique size: Seasoned reviewers immediately noted how unusual this product is. Digital Trends editor Jacob Roach, after seeing it at CES 2025, wrote that “even after putting my eyes on literally hundreds of gaming monitors, I’ve never encountered [a] 37-inch” 16:9 display before digitaltrends.com. He emphasized that while 32-inch monitors are common, if you go larger, you usually jump straight to 40+ inch panels (often repurposed TVs) or ultrawide formats digitaltrends.com. This 37″ fills a new niche. He described Samsung as “splitting the difference” between a traditional monitor and a small TV – “when 32 inches isn’t quite big enough, but a full-on TV is too much”, now users have an option in between digitaltrends.com. This sentiment captures why many analysts find the 37″ form factor compelling. It hits a sweet spot that previously had been neglected.
- Productivity gains and praise for multitasking: Early coverage from outlets like TechZine and Phandroid echoed Samsung’s message that this monitor is all about boosting productivity. Phandroid noted Samsung “designed [it] for professionals and creatives, slotting in between its other existing 32-inch and 43-inch displays” phandroid.com. The ability to have multiple applications or devices on one big screen has been highlighted as a major advantage. Some tech commentators have pointed out that for power users who would otherwise use two monitors, a single large display can be more seamless (no bezel in the middle and only one monitor to configure/calibrate). The built-in KVM and one-cable USB-C connectivity got nods as well – Mike Viray of Phandroid enumerated the features like eye-saver mode, KVM, PBP/PIP, LAN port etc., concluding that Samsung’s got professionals “covered” with this launch phandroid.com phandroid.com.
- Not a gaming panel – and that’s OK: Many experts have been careful to distinguish the ViewFinity S8 from gaming-focused monitors. The Verge’s coverage of Samsung’s 2025 lineup described the 37″ S8 by its specs – noting the 4K LCD panel tops out at 350 nits brightness and 60Hz, which “should be perfectly suitable for anything you’ll be doing at a desk” theverge.com. In other words, for office work, 60Hz and moderate brightness are fine, even if they won’t excite gamers. Reviewers seem to agree that Samsung correctly targeted this model at productivity users, whereas gamers have the Odyssey line. The Verge also highlighted that the S8 covers 99% sRGB and has 90W USB-C charging with KVM – solid features for its category theverge.com.
- Value and pricing commentary: When the monitor first surfaced in retail channels, The Verge reported an indicative price of $599.99 (from an early Best Buy listing) theverge.com. This price actually struck many as surprisingly aggressive for such a large 4K monitor with these features – consider that high-end 32″ 4K monitors can be $600+, and here you’re getting 37″. By the time of official launch, Samsung’s own store listed it around $430 (likely after some instant discounts) samsung.com, which makes it an even more attractive deal. Tech journalists have noted that this undercuts some competitors significantly. For example, Apple’s 27″ Studio Display (5K, but 27″) costs around $1,599 for comparison apple.com, and even Dell’s 32″ 4K Ultrasharp models can be $800+. At ~$600 or less, Samsung is making a play for the masses with this 37″. We haven’t yet seen full in-depth reviews of the monitor at the time of writing (since it’s very new), but the early customer feedback (4.6/5 stars at Best Buy) suggests buyers are impressed with the value – citing “brilliant colors, 4K UHD resolution and loads of real estate” as one review summary put it bestbuy.com.
- Ergonomics and ease-of-use: Another theme in reactions is the practical focus – multiple outlets mentioned the TÜV ergonomic certification and the 10-second tool-less assembly, showing that Samsung’s refinements didn’t go unnoticed. Neowin’s news piece on the launch reiterated how the Easy Setup Stand makes assembly “simple” and quoted Samsung’s claim of “about 10 seconds” to put it together neowin.net. This is the kind of detail that office managers and individual buyers alike appreciate – it’s ready to go with minimal fuss.
Overall, the tech press appears enthusiastic about the concept of a 37-inch productivity monitor. It’s seen as Samsung leveraging its display tech leadership to carve out a new market segment. While we’ll wait for in-depth reviews to see how the panel’s color accuracy, uniformity, etc. hold up under scrutiny, the first impressions emphasize that the size and feature set fill a genuine gap. As Digital Trends summarized, having a standard 16:9 monitor larger than 32″ (but not a gigantic TV panel) is something new – and potentially very useful – for gamers and professionals alike digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com.
How It Stacks Up Against Competing Monitors
Whenever a new monitor debuts – especially one that’s the “first” of its kind – it’s worth comparing to what else is out there. In the case of Samsung’s 37″ ViewFinity S8, direct comparisons are a bit tricky because this size and feature combo hasn’t really existed before. Still, let’s see how it lines up with offerings from LG, Dell, Apple, and others:
- Versus LG: LG is one of Samsung’s chief rivals in displays. However, LG’s strategy for large monitors has been different. Rather than a 37″ 16:9, LG has focused on ultra-wides and big OLEDs. For example, LG’s UltraGear line includes a 38-inch ultrawide (37.5″ actual) curved monitor (3840×1600 resolution) and even a massive 45-inch curved OLED (with 5K2K resolution) aimed at gaming digitaltrends.com. Those cater to a niche that wants a 21:9 aspect ratio or the deep blacks of OLED, whereas Samsung’s 37″ sticks to the traditional 16:9. LG also had a 43″ 4K monitor (basically a TV panel in a monitor body) and the unique 16:18 aspect DualUp monitor (2 vertical 21.5″ stacked) – again, very different approaches to increasing screen space. In terms of resolution and clarity, the Samsung 37″ at UHD is similar to LG’s common 32–43″ 4K monitors, but LG doesn’t offer a dedicated 37″ size. If anything, LG’s closest in spirit might be their high-end 32-inch 4K or 34-inch 5K2K monitors – but those are smaller or ultrawide. Also, LG’s pro monitors like the UltraFine series top out at 32″ 4K or the UltraFine 5K at 27″ (made famous as an Apple collaboration). So Samsung carved a corner here. One area LG often shines is color gamut and calibration (some LG monitors target DCI-P3 for media pros). The ViewFinity S8 is more sRGB oriented, indicating Samsung prioritized office use over wide-color gamut editing (the forthcoming 32″ ViewFinity S9, for instance, is the one targeting creative pros with wide gamut). So, while LG’s large-screen offerings either go wider, larger, or more premium (OLED), Samsung’s 37″ stands alone as a mainstream large 4K for productivity.
- Versus Dell: Dell is known for its UltraSharp and Alienware monitors. In the productivity space, Dell has a 43-inch 4K monitor (the UltraSharp U4320Q) used in financial industries and control rooms – bigger than Samsung’s 37″ but many find 43″ too large for typical desk use. Dell also offers a 37.5-inch ultrawide (3840×1600), the UltraSharp U382xDW series, which is curved and roughly equivalent in width to a 32″ 16:9 but shorter in height due to the aspect ratio. So again, to get something “bigger than 32” Dell either went ultra-wide or full 43″. The Samsung 37″ might actually appeal to the same buyers considering Dell’s 43″, but who hesitated at the sheer size or lower pixel density of a 43. The ViewFinity S8 has a higher PPI (119) than the 43″ Dell (102 PPI) while still providing a very large view. Dell’s monitors often have excellent factory calibration and sometimes Thunderbolt docks built-in (like the UltraSharp 32 6K or 34” USB-C hubs), but those are significantly pricier. For instance, Dell’s 32-inch 6K UltraSharp launched around $3200 – targeting a different market (extreme detail, Apple Pro Display alternative). In contrast, Samsung’s 37″ is a value play at sub-$600 for a huge 4K. Where Dell might still win is in enterprise adoption – many companies standardize on Dell or HP monitors. But Samsung is clearly trying to encroach on that with the networking and KVM features that IT departments like (fewer peripherals needed). Dell doesn’t currently have a single monitor model that directly matches all the S8’s features (the closest would be something like the Dell P3421W for size or C series conferencing monitors for USB-C, but again, different aspect or size). So against Dell, the Samsung 37″ is differentiating on size-for-price and the convenience of features like KVM and LAN built-in.
- Versus Apple: Apple’s monitors play in a different arena, focused on the Mac ecosystem and creative professionals with deep pockets. The two current Apple offerings are the 27″ Studio Display (5K Retina) and the 32″ Pro Display XDR (6K). The 27″ Studio Display at $1599 is smaller and far more expensive than the Samsung – its advantages are a higher pixel density (218 PPI 5K panel), wide color (P3), and integrated goodies (high-end webcam, 6-speaker audio, sleek aluminum design). It’s arguably the opposite approach to Samsung’s: Apple went for maximum pixel density and premium features on a smaller screen, whereas Samsung is giving a huge screen and practical features at mainstream 4K resolution and a low price. If you value sheer size and multitasking, the 37″ Samsung trounces the 27″ Apple – you can fit roughly double the content. But if you value ultra-crisp “Retina” text and build quality, Apple holds an edge (though one could buy 3 or 4 of the Samsung 37″ for the price of one Studio Display, which is a trade-off many would consider!). Apple’s 32″ Pro Display XDR is an even more niche comparison – it’s $4999 and meant for color-graded 6K reference use, not general office tasks, and it lacks features like KVM or even multiple inputs (it’s really for Mac Pros). Apple hasn’t shown interest in making a monitor larger than 32″ or one focused on multitasking; their focus is image quality. So Samsung’s 37″ stands in a different segment – likely appealing to some Mac users who are tired of waiting for Apple to make a bigger iMac or larger display. Notably, the ViewFinity S8 will work with Macs (over USB-C or HDMI/DP via adapters), though MacOS scaling at 4K 37″ might require using a scaled retina mode for optimal clarity. For Mac users on a budget who want big screen real estate, the Samsung could be a compelling alternative to Apple’s offerings, albeit with some clarity trade-offs (larger pixels).
- Other competitors: Aside from the big three, there are other monitors worth mentioning. HP, Acer, ASUS, and others have made large-format displays too. For example, HP had a 43″ 4K and a newer 34″ ultrawide; Acer/ASUS have gaming monitors up to 48″ (OLED) or super ultrawides (49″ 32:9). But again, a flat 37″ 4K for productivity didn’t exist. We might also compare it to simply using a 4K television as a monitor – something enthusiasts have done (like using a 42″ LG C2 OLED TV as a monitor). A 42″ 4K TV gives you even more size and often HDR prowess, but TVs aren’t as desk-friendly (pixel density is lower at 105 PPI, text rendering can be less crisp, and they lack features like DisplayPort or ergonomic stands). Samsung’s own 43″ Smart Monitor and other TV/monitor hybrids target those who want a TV+PC combo, but 37″ is more squarely a monitor form factor. In essence, Samsung saw that gap between 32 and 40 and beat others to filling it. We might see companies like BenQ, Philips, or Lenovo respond with similar 37″ models if this catches on, but as of late 2025, Samsung doesn’t have a direct apples-to-apples competitor to the S8 – they are the incumbent of this new category.
One could also consider multi-monitor setups as a “competitor.” For the price of one 37″, you could buy two decent smaller monitors (e.g. two 27″ 1440p screens). However, you’d then have bezels in between and more complex cabling. Samsung is making the case that one big monitor with smart multitasking features is superior to two smaller ones. Tech experts seem to agree that for many scenarios, a single large canvas is preferable – less neck turning and a contiguous space for your work digitaltrends.com. The 37″ isn’t as wide as something like a 49″ super-ultrawide (which mimics two 27″ 1440p monitors side by side), but it is tall, which some users prefer (you don’t lose vertical pixels as you do with ultrawide).
In summary, Samsung’s 37″ ViewFinity S8 stands out by itself right now. It undercuts smaller premium monitors in price, out-sizes mainstream 32″ displays, and avoids the extravagance (and physical bulk) of 40+ inch panels. It offers a buffet of features that typically would each be found on different competitor models (USB-C on one, KVM on another, size on another). If it performs as advertised, it could lure customers away from considering a dual-monitor rig or paying more for a slightly smaller high-end panel. The closest competition might come from upcoming models we haven’t seen yet – but for now, Samsung has a first-mover advantage in the “37-inch 4K productivity monitor” space.
Quotes from Samsung and Reviews
While the product is brand new, we do have a few notable quotes and statements about it:
- Samsung’s Ambition: In the official press release, Samsung emphasized how a right-sized display can “boost productivity” and enhance efficiency news.samsung.com. They positioned the 37″ as “setting a new benchmark for a monitor designed for the work environment.” Although the press release reads more like an editorial than a typical quote-filled PR, it clearly conveys Samsung’s confidence that adding just a few more inches can make a big difference in daily computing news.samsung.com. The very title they chose – “How 5 Inches Can Change Everyday Life” – is a bold claim on its own. It reflects Samsung’s marketing stance that this isn’t just a minor size bump, but a meaningful innovation in how we use monitors day-to-day.
- Content Creator Appeal: Samsung representatives have indicated that this monitor is about winning over users who demand more space. As one tech outlet paraphrased, Samsung “says [the 37-inch] is designed for professionals and creatives” who need that larger digital workspace phandroid.com. We can infer Samsung’s message: if you’re editing video, doing design, or multi-stream workflows, those extra inches are there to reduce friction and clutter from your workflow. While we don’t have a direct quote from a Samsung executive like “We created the 37″ because…”, the messaging in their newsroom article itself is telling. For instance, Samsung wrote that the ViewFinity series “continues to redefine the workplace with new user experiences that enhance productivity and efficiency.” news.samsung.com This suggests a broader company vision of reshaping monitor usage norms, with the 37″ being a prime example.
- Reviewer Impressions: We already cited The Verge and Digital Trends on technical observations. For a more qualitative snippet, one early customer review on Best Buy praised the 37″ S8 as “an impressive monitor that will blow you away with its brilliant colors, 4K UHD resolution and loads of real estate.” bestbuy.com. That’s a real-world reaction that encapsulates why someone would buy this monitor – the image quality and sheer size make an immediate impression. Another user-mentioned point (from those reviews) is that despite the size, text and images remain crystal clear (which is expected at 4K) and that having such a large single screen simplified their desk compared to dual monitors. These anecdotal quotes back up Samsung’s claims with actual end-user validation.
- Expert Take on Market Impact: Jacob Roach of Digital Trends provided a nice quotable line about market context: “When looking at a typical 16:9 display, the vast majority of monitors top out at 32 inches. Above that, you jump straight to 40 or 42 inches… Samsung is splitting the difference here… gamers finally have an option when 32 inches isn’t quite big enough, but a full-on TV is too much.” digitaltrends.com. This quote, though oriented towards gaming, actually captures the essence of why the 37″ S8 is significant for all users. It’s directly acknowledging the gap Samsung is filling. It’s not Samsung saying it, but a tech journalist validating that Samsung identified a real need.
- Samsung Spokesperson on Pricing: When The Verge inquired about the early pricing leaks, a Samsung spokesperson (Courtney Camp) declined to confirm, saying there were “no details to share on pricing just yet.” theverge.com. Now that we have official pricing, this isn’t very informative, but it shows Samsung was carefully controlling the message until launch. Now that it’s out, the value proposition is clearer.
In essence, quotes around this monitor highlight the novelty of the size, the productivity benefits, and Samsung’s intent to redefine what a single monitor on your desk can do. Even without flowery executive soundbites, the commentary around it has been positive: the ViewFinity S8 is seen as a welcome innovation in a category that doesn’t often surprise us.
Pricing, Availability, and Launch Details
Samsung made the ViewFinity S8 37″ available for purchase almost immediately after the announcement in late August 2025. Here are the key points regarding getting your hands on one:
- Price: The MSRP seems to have settled around $599 in the U.S. for the 37-inch model theverge.com. Interestingly, Samsung’s own online store has listed promotional pricing as low as $429.99 (possibly a launch sale or discounted price for logged-in members) samsung.com. It’s not unusual for Samsung to offer initial discounts or bundle deals (e.g., a reduced price if bought with a Galaxy Book or similar). In any case, the sub-$600 street price makes it competitively priced. For context, a high-end 32″ 4K monitor can cost $700+, and even Samsung’s own 32″ ViewFinity models were around $450 at launch neowin.net. So $599 for 37″ – or ~$500 on sale – is a strong value proposition. In Europe and other regions, expect pricing in a similar ballpark (perhaps €600-€650 in Europe, given VAT, and equivalent local pricing elsewhere).
- Availability: The monitor is being sold through Samsung’s official channels and major retailers. In the US, it’s listed on Best Buy (with stock available by early September) and on Amazon amazon.com. The Best Buy listing had over 30 customer reviews within a short time, indicating units were indeed shipped to customers right after announcement bestbuy.com. Samsung’s own site allows ordering (delivery/pickup might vary by region). Initially, there may be limited quantities as this is a new product, but it doesn’t appear to be a super limited release. It’s not a “pre-order and wait months” scenario; it’s more or less launch and ship.
- Launch Timing: The announcement on August 29, 2025 suggests Samsung timed this around the IFA tech expo in Berlin (which is early September) and the back-to-school/holiday season. Indeed, they also announced the Odyssey G7 37″ at Gamescom (late August) news.samsung.com. By aligning with these events, Samsung likely ensured the monitors would be in stores by Q4 2025. So the ViewFinity S8 (37″) is launching in the second half of 2025. In some regions, availability might slip to Q4 if logistics demand – but overall it’s a 2025 product, not just a teased prototype.
- Where to Buy: Official Samsung online store, electronics retailers like Best Buy, possibly office suppliers (Staples, etc.), and Amazon are all carrying it. Since it’s a fairly mass-market product, you won’t have trouble finding it in stock outside of any initial rush. Samsung also often has corporate sales channels for business/enterprise purchases, so companies outfitting offices can get bulk orders.
- Variants: So far, Samsung has only mentioned this one model (LS37D800UANXZA is one model code bestbuy.com). It comes in black. There isn’t a white color or different spec variant announced. The ViewFinity S8 series also includes 32″ and 43″ sizes – if someone likes the concept but wants bigger or smaller, those exist. Notably, there’s also a Smart Monitor M8 in 32″ and a newer M9 in 32″ (OLED) – those are separate lines with different feature focuses (e.g., the M8/M9 have Smart TV features but no LAN/KVM). So, the 37″ is unique in size but part of a broader family of Samsung monitors.
- Warranty and Support: Typically Samsung provides a standard 1-year warranty for monitors (sometimes 3-year on higher-end models – we’d need to check specifics, but usually consumer monitors are 1 year). Being a brand-new product, one can expect firmware updates if any issues arise (for example, Samsung might issue updates for the KVM or USB hub functionality via its software). It’s always good to ensure you have the latest monitor firmware, which on Samsung can be updated via a USB stick if needed.
- Future Availability: Given this is a first-of-kind, Samsung will likely gauge market response. If it sells well, they might continue this size category in future iterations (maybe a ViewFinity S9 version down the line, perhaps with miniLED or higher refresh). If demand is tepid, it could remain a one-off. But initial interest seems strong, so chances are the 37″ will become a staple offering. For now, early adopters can grab it and brag about having the “world’s first 37-inch monitor” on their desk.
Broader Trends: The 37″ S8 and the Evolution of Home-Office Gear
Samsung’s 37-inch monitor doesn’t exist in a vacuum – it’s part of larger trends in how our work and home tech is converging. Here are a few ways this product reflects or even propels industry trends:
- Rise of the Hybrid Work Setup: The COVID-era shift to remote and hybrid work has caused people to invest in better home office gear. Large monitors have been a hot item for those setting up productive workspaces at home. The ViewFinity S8’s feature set – USB-C docking, KVM for multiple devices, eye-care for long hours – reads like a checklist of what a modern work-from-home professional might want. Rather than just a display, it’s a hub for your laptop and peripherals, simplifying the act of coming home from the office, plugging in your laptop, and instantly having a full desktop experience. In broader terms, monitors are becoming central components of the “hybrid office.” Companies like Dell and Lenovo have also pushed USB-C hub monitors to cater to this trend. Samsung adding LAN ports and high charging wattage is directly addressing the needs of employees who split time between office and home – at the office you have a dock, so why not have your monitor at home double as one? It’s a nod to the new normal of flexible work environments.
- All-in-One Versatility: Consumers and businesses alike are looking to minimize clutter and maximize utility. Instead of having separate gadgets (docking station, KVM switch, smart TV, etc.), the industry trend is to integrate functions into fewer devices. We’ve seen this with smart monitors that include streaming capabilities, and with monitors that have built-in USB hubs and even KVM switches. The 37″ S8 is very much a part of that trend – it’s not just a screen, it’s also your USB hub, your charging station, your multi-computer switch, and potentially your entertainment display after hours. This convergence means less equipment to buy and manage. The fact that monitors now come with things like remote controls (Samsung’s smart monitors do) or Ethernet jacks shows how they’re almost becoming computer-like in capability. While the ViewFinity S8 doesn’t run apps itself, it embraces versatility in other ways, blurring the line between a pure monitor and an integrated workspace solution.
- Larger Screens for Productivity (Not Just Gaming/TV): There’s an ongoing trend of size creep in displays. Where a 24″ monitor was once standard for office, now 27–32″ is common. We’re seeing that what was considered “huge” a few years ago (like a 34″ ultrawide) is now almost mainstream in some fields. Samsung pushing a flat 37″ indicates that large screens aren’t only for gamers or stock traders with Bloomberg terminals – they’re envisioning it on normal desks. If professionals adopt 37″ en masse, it could spur other manufacturers to develop similar or even bigger productivity monitors (perhaps we’ll see 39″ or 40″ 16:9 monitors next that aren’t just TV panels). It’s somewhat reminiscent of the TV market: for TVs, 55″ is the new 42″, and in monitors we might see 32″ becoming the new 24″ over time. As resolutions stay high (4K, 5K, etc.), scaling up size can be done without losing sharpness at normal viewing distances.
- Multi-Device Workflows: People now often use multiple devices simultaneously – a laptop, a desktop, maybe their phone – even for work tasks. Monitors are adapting to that by allowing multiple inputs at once (PBP/PIP) and easy switching. This Samsung monitor exemplifies that trend. It encourages a workflow where you might have your Windows PC and your Mac both connected and visible, or your laptop and your smartphone (Samsung mentions using a phone + laptop together with PBP news.samsung.com). The broader trend is seamless integration – the monitor as the meeting point for all your devices. As the Internet of Things and device ecosystems grow, having a singular large screen to handle various inputs elegantly is increasingly valuable.
- Focus on Ergonomics and Wellness: Employers and employees alike are more conscious of ergonomics and eye health. Features like low blue light modes, adjustable stands, and certifications (like TÜV’s) are becoming standard selling points. Samsung getting an “Intelligent Eye Care” certification and touting the ergonomic design news.samsung.com aligns with this. The monitor industry is likely to continue emphasizing health – we might see more integration of things like automatic brightness adjustments, reminders to take breaks, or even posture-sensing in future monitors. The 37″ doesn’t go that far, but it does everything it can on the hardware side to be comfortable (big text, less flicker, etc.). This reflects how monitors are now seen as part of one’s wellness setup, not just a computer accessory.
- Convergence of Work and Play: Another trend is that the line between a “work monitor” and a “gaming monitor” is blurring a bit – because many people use the same setup for both. Samsung’s dual-launch of the ViewFinity S8 (for work) and a 37″ Odyssey G7 (for gaming) is interesting in that regard. It’s as if they’re offering two flavors of the same concept: one optimized for 9-to-5 productivity, and one for after-hours immersive gaming. But either can technically do a bit of both. In the industry, we see monitors like Gigabyte’s “gaming” monitors that include KVM switches (because gamers also work on their PCs). Likewise, professional monitors are starting to incorporate higher refresh rates (even this Samsung S8’s sibling, the 32″ OLED Smart Monitor M9, went to 165Hz theverge.com). So down the line, expect more monitors to be multipurpose. Perhaps a future 37″ will combine it all: high refresh, wide color, smart apps – a true do-it-all panel. For now, you choose either the productivity model or the gaming model, but the mere fact Samsung felt the need to make a gaming version in the same size shows they know users want big screens for entertainment too.
- Eco and Space Considerations: Having one large monitor can be more energy-efficient than two smaller ones (fewer power supplies, one backlight system) – though one should check power usage; the S8 draws up to 190W bestbuy.com at max, which is not trivial but if it replaces two monitors it could be similar. Also, desk space: ironically, one 37″ might take less space than two 24″ monitors on stands. This appeals to minimalist setups. As home offices often double as personal spaces, a cleaner single-monitor solution is attractive. It’s part of why ultrawide monitors gained popularity – and now this is another path to a clean setup.
In conclusion, Samsung’s 37-inch ViewFinity S8 is not just a one-off novelty – it’s a response to how our use of computers is evolving. Bigger, more connected, and flexible hardware is in demand. This monitor exemplifies the trend of “workspace expansion” – giving users more digital elbow room to work and create comfortably, especially in a world where the home office is as important as the downtown office. If it succeeds, it could push the whole industry to embrace more innovative form factors and user-centric features in monitors. And at the very least, it has started a conversation: what if your monitor were 5 inches bigger? Samsung’s answer is that it can change everything – and now the market will decide if they’re right.
Sources:
- Samsung Newsroom – “The World’s First 37-Inch Monitor Shows How 5 Inches Can Change Everyday Life” (Press Release) news.samsung.com news.samsung.com news.samsung.com news.samsung.com.
- The Verge – “Samsung bets big on OLED and gaming with its 2025 monitor lineup” by C. Welch theverge.com.
- The Verge – “Samsung’s 3D Odyssey monitor… (pricing/preorder)” by E. Roth theverge.com.
- Digital Trends – “Samsung has a 4K monitor unlike any I’ve ever seen” by J. Roach digitaltrends.com digitaltrends.com.
- Phandroid – “Samsung Wants to Win Over Content Creators with the ViewFinity S8” phandroid.com phandroid.com.
- Best Buy – Samsung 37″ ViewFinity S8 Product Listing (specifications and user reviews) bestbuy.com bestbuy.com.
- Neowin – “Samsung launches ‘World’s First 37-Inch Monitor’…” (News) neowin.net neowin.net.
- Samsung Product Page – 37″ ViewFinity S8 (pricing and highlights) samsung.com.
- Samsung Newsroom – “Odyssey G7 37″ Launch at Gamescom 2025” news.samsung.com.
- Rtings.com – “Apple Studio Display Review” (for Apple monitor reference) rtings.com.