Apple Studio Display XDR: Apple’s high-end monitor in the test | News

The price alone shows that the new Studio Display XDR is definitely not a product that is made for the majority of customers. Anyone who spends 3,500 euros on an external monitor expects much more than just the pure reproduction of what is happening on the desktop. The key data briefly again: 5K resolution, 120 Hz, Thunderbolt 5 (2x), mini-LED backlighting with around 2300 zones, 1,000 nits in SDR operation and up to 2,000 nits peak brightness for HDR content are essential features of the professional display. Some testers have now expressed their opinion on this.

Quite expensive – but good performance
Overall, Tom’s Guide gives a very good verdict. In conclusion, the tester describes the Studio Display XDR as the upgrade that people were waiting for with the Studio Display. In the measurements, the display achieved 516 nits in SDR and 1,727 nits in HDR according to the test; Tom’s Guide also mentions 121.3 percent sRGB, 89.5 percent DCI-P3 and a Delta-E value of 0.20, i.e. very good color accuracy (note: PetaPixel measures even better values). The main plus points are mini-LED, 120 Hz, Thunderbolt 5, the better camera including Desk View and the height-adjustable stand that is now included. However, the additional charge of $1,700 compared to the standard version is impressive.

“You get exactly what you pay for”
At PetaPixel, the HDR display and the overall strong contrast performance are praised, even if, according to PetaPixel, the screen does not quite come close to OLED monitors. Halo effects or slight blooming around bright objects on a dark background are also visible in certain situations. PetaPixel also criticizes the design with relatively thick edges and sometimes sharp edges on the base. Nevertheless: the conclusion is clearly positive. Although the Studio Display XDR is expensive, it is not overpriced. Apple keeps what it promises. The nanotexture option, which practically eliminates visible reflections, receives praise. In individual aspects (e.g. Adobe RGB, black levels) there are better displays than Apple’s high-end solution – but no one else offers an overall package like this.