Apple Studio Display XDR tests: “Significant improvement”, but weaknesses compared to OLED
The Apple Studio Display XDR was launched this week and the first test reports have already been published.
Apple Studio Display XDR testing
According to The Verge the Studio Display features the same panel as its predecessor, but with an improved camera, speakers, and ports. The brightness remains the same, and there appear to be no other changes to the image quality.
The Apple Studio Display XDR is the far more exciting update, as it replaces the $5,000 Pro Display XDR. According to The Verge, the display represents a “significant improvement” over its predecessor thanks to its mini-LED backlighting. However, given the price, it’s only suitable for professionals, as there are more affordable alternatives for general use. Images and text are displayed “sharp and clear,” with minimal halo thanks to dimming control. That said, the halo is more pronounced than with OLED technology, and the viewing angles aren’t as wide.
The presets are precise, and the Studio Display XDR reached a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. It’s very bright at a normal desk viewing distance. The built-in speakers are loud enough for listening to music, watching videos, and making phone calls, and the 12-megapixel camera delivers clear videos.
Apple Studio Display XDR “better in every way”
The YouTuber Marques Brownlee said the Apple Studio Display XDR was “better in every way” than the Pro Display XDR, as it was brighter, had improved contrast and less blooming, and also had an additional Thunderbolt port.
There are no comparable devices for the Apple Studio Display XDR, as no company manufactures 27-inch 5K mini-LED displays with a 120Hz refresh rate.
The build quality is “phenomenal”.
PetaPixel described the build quality of the Apple Studio Display XDR as “phenomenal”, but was not a fan of the integrated power cable, the sharp edges on the stand, or the thick bezels around the display.
The Studio Display XDR delivered accurate colors at all brightness levels and presets, but only achieved a color gamut coverage of up to 86 percent with Adobe RGB profiles. PetaPixel also noted a “slightly higher than acceptable contrast deviation” in the upper right corner of the XDR, which, however, is not perceptible to most people.
HDR content looked spectacular, without any judder or stuttering and with minimal halo effects. However, contrast and black levels couldn’t quite match OLED, since Mini-LED is ultimately still LED. PetaPixel noted that few manufacturers offer displays that are extremely bright, HDR-compatible, color-accurate, and equipped with Thunderbolt 5 support. The Asus ProArt OLED display comes closest.
The two new displays have been on the market since Wednesday. The Studio Display starts at €1,699/$1,599, and the Studio Display XDR at €3,499/$3,299.
