The Samsung Smart Monitor M7: Is It A Productivity Powerhouse Or A Smart TV Disguise?
Televisions and monitors are often used interchangeably due to their similar hardware, but it’s rare to find a product that blends productivity and entertainment with equal prowess. Monitors are usually designed for productivity, boasting bright, sharp, high-resolution displays, but typically with modest sizes. However, Samsung’s new "smart" monitor challenges this norm, claiming to excel in both work and leisure. Priced at Rs. 33,499 in India, the Samsung 32-inch Ultra-HD Smart Monitor M7 promises to be a "do-it-all" screen, offering a 32-inch Ultra-HD (3840×2160-pixel) LED HDR panel for work alongside smart functionality for entertainment. Could this be the most versatile 32-inch monitor on the market? Let’s delve deeper in this comprehensive review.
Design and Specifications: A Slim and Sleek Monitor with Ample Connectivity
While there’s no shortage of 32-inch Ultra-HD monitors, TVs of this size with this resolution are surprisingly scarce. This is primarily attributed to the need for sharpness and precision in a monitor, which is viewed at a much closer proximity than a TV. The Samsung M7 monitor is primarily intended for computer use, but its features and specifications make it a compelling TV substitute as well.
The Samsung M7 boasts a 32-inch Ultra-HD (3840×2160-pixel) Vertical Alignment (VA) LED-backlit LCD screen with a standard 16:9 aspect ratio common in modern televisions. The screen boasts a typical brightness of 250 nits, a maximum refresh rate of 60Hz, an 8ms response time, and HDR10 support. These specs aren’t ideal for hardcore gaming but provide a solid foundation for daily productivity and occasional TV viewing.
Design-wise, the Samsung M7 emphasizes simplicity and a clean aesthetic, letting the screen take center stage. It features thin bezels, a subtle Samsung logo at the bottom, a slim profile, and a minimalist arrangement of ports and input options at the back. Connectivity is extensive, encompassing Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2, two HDMI 2.0 inputs (one supporting ARC), a built-in USB 2.0 hub with two Type-A ports (plus one for service functions), a USB Type-C port, and a power inlet for the included cable.
The USB Type-C port is a standout feature, offering 65W power delivery, data transfer, and display signal capabilities. This makes it possible to power a laptop or smartphone using the monitor and the right cable. The USB Type-A ports can power devices and facilitate content playback from storage devices.
The sales package includes a center-mounted stand elevating the screen approximately 10cm. While the stand secures the monitor firmly, I noticed some swaying due to my ceiling fan. While this wasn’t a major issue for me, it could be a concern for others. You can also wall-mount the monitor, but a wall-mount kit is not included.
Weighing in at 6.5kg with the stand, the Samsung M7 comes with a 1.5m power cable, an HDMI cable, and a remote. As a TV substitute, the Samsung M7 incorporates built-in speakers, although the output specifications are not disclosed, and the UI lacks dedicated support for major audio formats.
Features and Software: A Smart Screen with a Plethora of Options
Living up to its name, the Samsung M7 is a "smart" screen with a dedicated software interface and app access. It runs on Samsung’s Tizen operating system, which grants access to a vast array of apps and games, including major streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, Apple TV, and various Indian language content platforms. When not used as a computer screen, the monitor seamlessly transforms into a capable smart TV.
While streaming media from a connected computer is always an option, the smart connectivity adds a layer of versatility and convenience. Simply sit back, grab the remote, and enjoy a television-like experience at the end of the workday.
Other key features include mobile connectivity options such as Apple AirPlay 2, Samsung’s Wireless DeX for use with its smartphones and tablets, and Office 365 apps with an active subscription. If you rely primarily on Office apps, cloud storage, and a web browser, you can even bypass connecting a PC; the Samsung M7 can function as a workstation for your tasks. However, such use cases would be limited and niche, given that your computer would likely be close at hand.
The monitor offers Bixby and Google Assistant support and includes auto source switching, which automatically recognizes and switches to a newly connected device upon plugging it in. Google Assistant performed flawlessly, mirroring the functionality I’ve observed on most smart TVs.
AirPlay proved exceptionally useful for me with the Samsung M7. I used it to wirelessly mirror my MacBook Air’s screen and to watch content quickly on the M7 while using my iPhone 12 mini as a controller. This feature functioned smoothly, activating within seconds and maintaining a stable connection without drop-offs.
Significantly, the Samsung M7 comes equipped with a remote that provides full control over the device. The remote features a d-pad for navigation, a microphone button for voice assistant control, navigation and playback buttons, volume and channel controls, and hotkeys for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and the web browser. All apps natively support Ultra-HD HDR10 content, and AirPlay 2 support allows for seamless wireless connections with Apple devices.
Performance: A Solid Monitor with Adequate TV Viewing Capability
Most monitors rely on HDMI for connectivity, and any monitor can essentially be used as a TV by plugging in a streaming device or set-top box. However, the Samsung M7 stands out with its embedded operating system and capability to function as a standalone device with independent internet connectivity, making it an ideal choice for a 32-inch television experience after work.
I set up the Samsung M7 at my home work desk, primarily using it as a computer monitor for this review. I positioned it roughly 1 meter away from my desk, directly behind my MacBook Air. My primary connection method was an HDMI-to-Mini DisplayPort cable, though I occasionally used AirPlay.
For optimal monitor use, I kept the display settings adjusted accordingly. Both the Mini DisplayPort cable and AirPlay 1 limited the signal to full-HD (1920×1080-pixel). To test the Samsung M7’s Ultra-HD capabilities, I relied on content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV+.
Indeed, the Samsung M7 shines as a monitor for your laptop. Despite the full-HD limitation, the monitor significantly improved my daily productivity. From a viewing distance of 1-1.25 meters, the picture was sharp and clear, enabling me to read text effortlessly against various colored backgrounds and view images with remarkable clarity. I utilized the entire screen space effectively for writing, image editing, web browsing, and occasional video viewing. Colors were accurately reproduced, motion was fluid and artifact-free, and the size of the screen itself made a remarkable difference in enhancing my work and productivity.
Transitioning to the smart UI, it was a unique experience to engage with typical streaming TV shows and movies on a 32-inch screen in Ultra-HD resolution. While Ultra-HD content is best enjoyed on larger screens at standard TV viewing distances, I watched streaming content on the M7 monitor from the same distance I used for work while sitting at my desk.
Watching episodes of Somebody Feed Phil in Ultra-HD and Parks and Recreation in full-HD on the Samsung M7 was a fascinating experience. Since I was viewing from a much closer proximity than usual for a 32-inch TV, the screen didn’t feel too small, and it didn’t strain my eyes either. Standard dynamic range content colors appeared slightly dull, but HDR content looked more vibrant despite the lower peak brightness, and the sharpness of Ultra-HD content was noticeable and readily apparent.
Sound quality on the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 isn’t particularly remarkable or extraordinary. However, I found the built-in speaker system to be quite useful and considerably louder than my laptop’s speakers. At moderate to high volumes, the audio is sufficient for general computer tasks, though good headphones are recommended for music listening. For TV viewing at 1-1.5 meters from the screen, the sound was moderately adequate.
Verdict: A Versatile Option for Space-Conscious Users
Televisions and monitors are typically considered distinct product categories, but the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 exemplifies the convergence of these two worlds. While it performs best as a monitor, the Samsung M7 proves capable as a TV for occasional viewing. It’s also a rare instance of a 32-inch Ultra-HD screen that can directly stream content from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and Apple TV.
Priced at Rs. 33,499 in India, the Samsung M7 monitor is slightly expensive for what it offers, and sound quality is merely average at best for TV viewing. However, these are minor drawbacks on a device that excels in its core functionality. If you’re seeking a monitor that prioritizes productivity and entertainment or even a 32-inch Ultra-HD TV, the Samsung M7 is worth considering, particularly for those with limited space who desire a single device to fulfill both functions.
