Head-to-head · Best 4K Monitors

BenQ PD3220U vs Samsung ViewFinity S9

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

BenQ PD3220U comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.7 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Multi-computer users needing a KVM switch and Thunderbolt 3 — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best 4K Monitors

BenQ PD3220U

4.7

$400as of May 8

The BenQ PD3220U is a professional-grade 32-inch 4K monitor praised for its excellent display performance, versatile connectivity including Thunderbolt 3, and a convenient KVM switch. Its sleek design and high-quality build make it a strong contender for creative professionals, though the built-in speakers are a weak point and its brightness is only adequate for HDR.

Strengths

— Excellent display performance with 4K resolution, high pixel density, and HDR capability
— Wide range of connectivity options including Thunderbolt 3, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C
— Built-in KVM switch for easy control of multiple computers

Watch-outs

— Built-in speakers are not great
— Brightness is only 350 cd/m2, which is not ideal for HDR content

$400 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best 4K Monitors

Samsung ViewFinity S9

4.0

$1,599as of Apr 25

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 (model S90PC / LS27C900PANXZA) is a 27-inch 5K (5120x2880) IPS productivity monitor explicitly built to challenge the Apple Studio Display, with a matte coating, 99% DCI-P3 coverage, integrated Thunderbolt 4 hub, and a detachable 4K SlimFit camera. TechRadar and TechPowerUp credit its hardware-calibrated color and Tizen smart-TV apps, though 9to5Mac and Six Colors call out backward-facing ports and middling speakers. Best for users who want Apple-class pixel density on Windows or Mac.

Strengths

— Native 5K 5120x2880 resolution at 218 PPI matching the Apple Studio Display
— Hardware-calibrated to 99% DCI-P3 / 100% sRGB with matte anti-glare coating
— Single-cable Thunderbolt 4 with 90W power delivery plus DP/HDMI for non-Mac users

Watch-outs

— Backward-facing ports between display and stand are awkward to cable up
— Built-in speakers are tinny — Trusted Reviews and 9to5Mac both flag audio as weak
— Frequent retail discounts to ~$900 mean buyers at $1,599 MSRP overpay

$1,599 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

BenQ PD3220U

The BenQ PD3220U offers a unique advantage with its built-in KVM switch, allowing seamless control of multiple computers, a feature absent in the Dell U2723QE, LG UltraFine 32UN880-B, and ASUS ProArt PA279CRV. It also boasts Thunderbolt 3 connectivity, which is more advanced than the USB-C on the LG and ASUS, though its brightness is less ideal for HDR than some competitors, and it doesn't match the 5K resolution of the Samsung ViewFinity S9.

Samsung ViewFinity S9

The Samsung ViewFinity S9 is the only 5K option in this category; the BenQ PD3220U and Dell U2723QE both stop at 4K UHD (3840x2160), giving the Samsung roughly 60% more pixels in a similar 27-inch footprint. Versus the BenQ's KVM and the Dell's IPS Black contrast, the Samsung trades on raw pixel density and Tizen smart-monitor extras, though its connectivity hub is less generous than the Dell's RJ45-equipped offering.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	BenQ PD3220U	Samsung ViewFinity S9
Panel Type	31.5" IPS	27-inch IPS LCD with matte anti-glare coating
Resolution	3840x2160	5120 x 2880 (5K, 218 PPI)
Refresh Rate	60Hz	60 Hz
HDR Support	HDR10	—
Color Gamut	95% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB	99% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB, hardware calibrated
Connectivity	Thunderbolt 3 (85W), HDMI 2.0, DP 1.4	1x Thunderbolt 4 (90W PD), 1x DisplayPort, 1x HDMI, USB hub
Brightness	350 cd/m2	600 nits peak

← See the full ranking of best 4k monitors