Overview of the Samsung M8 and M7 Monitors
The Samsung M8 and M7 are both feature-packed 4K smart monitors aimed at consumers and professionals seeking excellent display quality and productivity features.
The M8 was released in 2022 as the latest iteration, while the M7 debuted in 2020. The monitors share quite a few similarities but also differ in some key areas.
Both models have 32-inch and 43-inch size options. They sport near bezel-less displays with support for one billion colors. You get built-in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB-C connectivity, and speakers on both.
However, the M8 ups the brightness significantly to 600 nits compared to the M7‘s 400 nits peak. The M8 also adds an attachable SlimFit webcam and smarter smart hub interface.
Let‘s examine how the two monitors stack up across various metrics:
Samsung M8 versus M7: Detailed Specs Comparison
| Specifications | Samsung M8 (2022) | Samsung M7 (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 32, 27 inches | 32, 43 inches |
| Display type | LED | QLED |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 UHD | 3840 x 2160 UHD |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| Response time | 4ms | 8ms |
| Brightness | 600 nits | 400 nits |
| Contrast ratio | 3000:1 | 4000:1 |
| HDR support | HDR10+ | HDR10 |
| Refresh rate | 60Hz | 60Hz |
| USB ports | 2x USB-C | 1x USB-C, 3x USB 2.0 |
| HDMI ports | 1x Micro HDMI | 2x HDMI |
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 4.2 |
| Built-in webcam | 1080p attachable | No |
| Speakers | Yes, 2.2CH | Yes, 2CH |
| Smart assistant support | Alexa, Bixby | Alexa, Bixby |
As we can see from the specs comparison, there is a lot of parity between the two models when it comes to core functionality. However, the M8 does gain notable improvements in certain areas.
The most important upgrades are significantly higher peak brightness, faster response time, HDR10+ instead of just HDR10, and the attachable webcam.
Now let‘s do a deeper analysis into the display quality, design, features, and performance of both monitors.
Display Quality and Color Performance
The display remains the centerpiece of any monitor. Both the M8 and M7 deliver superb 4K clarity and vibrant, accurate colors. They meet 100% of the sRGB spectrum for exceptional color reproduction.
You can tackle professional graphic design and photo/video editing work confidently on either monitor, knowing the color accuracy is top-notch.
The M8 does gain a meaningful boost up to a searing 600 nits peak brightness, compared to 400 nits on the M7. This allows it to deliver much better HDR performance with expanded contrast and dynamic range.
The 600 nits makes the M8 one of the brightest 4K consumer monitors in its price range. It carries VESA‘s DisplayHDR 600 certification to boot.
In real-world usage for work, gaming or streaming HDR video, the M8‘s screen simply has more pop and depth. Blacks appear inky rich while highlights and specular details shine through brilliantly.
This helps improve clarity significantly in brightness challenged environments. Text looks crisper which aids productivity. The overall viewing experience also feels more immersive with games and movies.
While the M7 lacks the peak luminance to fully unlock HDR content, its display quality still remains first-rate for most people‘s needs. The high 400 nit brightness and 4000:1 contrast provide beautiful picture performance.
But creatives working in HDR or those desiring the ultimate 4K display should go with the M8 for its best-in-class performance.
Design and Connectivity
The industrial design of both models follows a minimalist, professional aesthetic geared for home offices and creative studios.
You get thin bezels on three sides with a subtle chin on the bottom sporting an understated Samsung logo. The display panel melds seamlessly into the back casing.
Sturdy Y-shaped stands ship with both monitors offering reliable support. They allow basic tilt adjustment lacking swivel or rotation functionality.
In terms of rear layout, the only difference is the M8‘s standalone vertical hub which houses ports and acts as a USB switcher between sources. The M7 locates its ports directly on the back instead.
As far as connectivity goes, the M8 provides one micro-HDMI video input, two USB-C ports and built-in WiFi/Bluetooth.
Meanwhile, the M7 includes dual HDMI inputs, a single USB-C port along with three USB 2.0 ports, WiFi and Bluetooth support.
The M8‘s ports are geared more towards modern laptops and devices compared to the M7‘s legacy options. Professionals will appreciate the 65W power delivery from the M8‘s USB-C for charging devices.
Both monitors are VESA mount compatible, so you can install them on walls or arms if desired.
A unique distinction of the M8 comes from its attachable SlimFit webcam. The magnetic 1080p camera neatly snaps onto the display bezel above the screen.
It supports face tracking and auto-framing to keep you nicely centered during video calls. The privacy conscious will also like the integrated lens cover.
Overall, both models feature clean aesthetics and solid connectivity. But the M8 improves the experience with its innovative webcam and smarter USB/video inputs.
Smart Features and Productivity
As true smart monitors, the M8 and M7 come equipped with extensive features to aid productivity and create an adaptable workspace.
You get Samsung‘s Tizen operating system onboard offering quick access to apps, media streaming, cloud services, Office 365 and more. This allows managing work plus personal entertainment from one central device.
New to the M8 is an enhanced Smart Hub interface with tabs for Home, Media, Work, and Personalize screens. Everything feels more responsive, intuitive and user-friendly compared to the M7‘s smart platform which now seems basic in comparison.
The M8 can also switch into Samsung DeX mode, allowing full desktop-style functionality by connecting to a laptop wirelessly or via USB-C. This gives you enhanced multitasking capabilities similar to working directly on a PC.
For managing content, Samsung ports over its Smart Monitor interface first introduced on the M7. It provides convenient document and workflow handling tools not found on typical displays.
You can directly access and edit cloud services like OneDrive, Google Drive and Dropbox through the monitor UI itself. This allows seamless transferring of files between cloud accounts, mobile devices and direct attached storage.
One standout software feature enables using the M8 as a spare screen for an office computer located remotely. With the Remote PC Access software, you can connect to a networked PC/Mac and control it straight from the monitor.
This lets businesses set up the M8 as a temporary workstation during conferences or meetings to access office machines from a different location.
Overall the software experience feels faster and more cohesive on the M8. But power users will still appreciate the robust productivity capabilities already present on the M7.
And content creators have not been ignored – both models provide comprehensive picture settings letting you fine tune color/HDR parameters for color critical work. 10 point white balance controls are also on board for pinpoint accuracy.
Gaming Performance
While not specifically gaming monitors, both the M8 and M7 work well for casual gameplay too thanks to their sharp 4K resolution and HDR support.
However, the faster 4ms response time of the M8 gives it better pixel transitions resulting in less motion blur in fast paced titles compared to the 8ms rate of the M7.
The superior 600 nits brightness also allows the M8 to truly unlock the visual pop and dynamics of HDR gaming. Explosions glare brightly while nighttime scenes exhibit excellent shadow detail.
Though limited to a standard 60Hz refresh, the M8‘s vivid colors, seaband contrast and low input lag still allow engaging gaming sessions. From immersive RPGs to intense shooters, gameplay remains perfectly fluid if not lightning fast.
But for serious multiplayer gaming, opt for a dedicated high refresh display instead like Samsung‘s Odyssey Neo G8. More casual gamers will still relish playing on the lovely M8 screen though.
The M7 provides a very capable gaming visual experience as well thanks to its punchy colors, sharp clarity and broad viewing angles. However, fast motion does look slightly softer compared to the M8.
Overall, both monitors work well for gaming but the M8 pulls ahead on picture quality and motion fluidity.
Audio Performance
With built-in dual speaker systems, the M8 and M7 let you enjoy audio directly from the monitors themselves. They save desk space compared to adding separate PC speakers.
The M8‘s 2.2 channel speakers driven by 5W of power deliver reasonably full sound quality with a dedicated bass module and tuning by AKG.
Dialogue in movies and vocals in music come through clearly and loudly enough to fill smaller rooms. There‘s respectable stereo separation too.
While bass lacks truly deep impact, the speakers still work very well for everyday multimedia use, letting you ditch PC speakers without huge audio compromises.
The M7 also outputs decent audio from its pair of 5W drivers but lacks a dedicated bass unit leading to rather thin and tinny sound. Mids and highs also sound more restrained compared to the M8.
Ultimately the M8 provides the better listening experience versus the M7‘s passable but uninspiring speakers.
However, both monitors also include Bluetooth connectivity allowing seamless streaming to external speakers if built-in audio falls short. For serious listeners or large spaces, a standalone sound system still reigns superior.
5 Must Know Facts about the Samsung M8 and M7
Here are 5 key things to keep in mind when deciding between Samsung‘s M8 versus the M7 monitors:
- The M8 hits an extremely bright 600 nit peak brightness allowing unrivaled HDR performance
- Both monitors enable extensive productivity features but the M8 streamlines the experience
- You can completely transform the M8 into a wireless DeX desktop by connecting a laptop
- The attachable webcam gives the M8 excellent built-in video conferencing abilities
- For gaming, the M8 provides superior visuals and smoother motion clarity
These key differences along with the faster performance strongly favor the M8 as the best overall choice. But the M7 remains a compelling smart monitor itself at a more affordable cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Samsung M8 better than the M7?
Yes, the newer M8 improves on the M7 with double the peak brightness for stunning HDR, more advanced smart software features, faster performance and a handy attachable webcam making it the superior monitor overall.
Should I buy the M8 or M7?
The M8 justifies its higher price tag by meaningfully improving display quality, productivity features and connectivity making it the best option if budget allows. However, the M7 still delivers outstanding 4K image quality itself in a more affordable package.
Is the M8 good for gaming?
While limited to 60Hz, the M8‘s extremely vivid picture quality with 600 nits peak brightness, rich blacks and low input lag make gaming very immersive. Its faster response time also reduces motion blur making dynamic games very playable.
Can you use the M8 vertically?
Unfortunately no – the lack of pivot orientation in the stand prevents rotating the M8 or M7 into portrait alignment. You would need to install a separate monitor arm providing rotation adjustments to use them vertically.
Do the monitors support picture-in-picture?
Yes, thanks to the Tizen software, you can activate picture-in-picture mode on both the M8 and M7 to display two video sources simultaneously in re-sizable windows ideal for multitasking.
Verdict: Which Monitor Reigns Supreme?
The newer M8 emerges as the superior smart monitor compared to the venerable M7 thanks to its brighter display, enhanced productivity features and video call-friendly webcam.
Shoppers seeking ultimate home office and creative performance should opt for the M8 if budget allows.
But multimedia enthusiasts still benefit from the expansive screen sizes and robust smart functionality of the also-excellent M7 at more affordable pricing.
Either way, Samsung continues to innovate in the smart monitor space – blending gorgeous displays with powerful productivity enhancers. Both the M8 and M7 stand out as compelling choices for work, entertainment and everyday use thanks to their vibrant, future-facing designs.
