"The Apple Studio Display is a Bad Deal"
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Apple's Studio Display is quite an oddball in 2022... That shirt! shop.mkbhd.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Jordyn Edmonds smarturl.it Playlist of MKBHD Intro music: goo.gl Monitor provided by Apple for review. ~ twitter.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
The video kicks off by framing the Studio Display as an unusual product from Apple, noting the high price and the package surrounding the panel. The host compares the Studio Display to prior Apple offerings like the Pro Display XDR and LG UltraFine 5K, arguing that on paper the specs don’t necessarily justify the $1,600 price tag when stacked against alternatives with similar panel specs, brightness, and color. However, the analysis quickly moves beyond raw specs to discuss the holistic user experience, including build quality, stand design, and the integration of non-display features that shape real-world value. Throughout, the host emphasizes that Apple often tunes its products in ways that resist one-to-one spec comparisons, making the decision more about how well the device fits a user’s ecosystem and workflows than about raw numbers alone. The discourse then broadens to practical caveats, such as the non-removable power cord and the optional, pricey stand upgrade, underscoring how these choices can tilt the perceived value away from the sticker price. In conclusion, the video contends that for some buyers the Studio Display remains compelling in its intended role within Apple’s ecosystem, but for others the combination of price, hardware decisions, and aging panel tech makes it a questionable deal overall, depending heavily on personal needs and preferences.
Topics · technology reviews · consumer electronics · display technology · product design
Questions answered
- What is the Studio Display’s key hardware spec compared to its price point?
- The display is 27 inches, 5K resolution, IPS LCD, 600 nits, 60 Hz, with a webcam and speakers, priced at $1,600, which the reviewer argues is not a good deal when compared to similarly specified options that are cheaper.
- What design choices does Apple make that affect user value beyond the display specs?
- The review highlights a non-removable power cable requiring a tool to remove for proper disassembly, a non-user-upgradable stand with an expensive upgrade option for height adjustment, and built-in features like an A13 Bionic webcam with Center Stage that may not meet expectations.
- Are there any benefits to the Studio Display despite criticisms?
- Yes, the panel quality is strong, the stand and build quality are excellent, the nano-texture option reduces reflections, and the built-in six-speaker system provides strong audio performance.