Samsung ViewFinity S8 S80H vs ASUS ProArt PA278QV

These two 27-inch IPS monitors are priced almost identically, and both offer a fully adjustable stand, a USB hub, a three-year warranty and close to full sRGB coverage. Neither has USB-C. The choice is therefore between two different priorities: the Samsung gives you a sharper 4K picture, while the ASUS gives you documented colour accuracy, a wider range of ports and a slightly faster screen at a lower resolution.

4K or QHD: how much sharpness do you need?

The Samsung has a 3840 × 2160 (4K) panel and the ASUS has 2560 × 1440 (QHD), listed at 109 ppi. On the same 27-inch size, the Samsung should show noticeably finer text and more detail in photos and video, and it gives more room for side-by-side windows if you run it at a smaller display scale. That is a real gain for people who read, code or edit documents for hours. The ASUS is still sharp enough for most desk work, and it asks less of a graphics card, which matters if your PC or laptop is modest.

The ASUS runs at 75 Hz against the Samsung's 60 Hz, and lists Adaptive-Sync. Samsung does not list it. At these figures, the extra 15 Hz will be a small gain when moving the mouse or scrolling, not a gaming advantage. Neither monitor is meant for fast games.

Colour: a documented accuracy rating against a calibration claim

Both list sRGB coverage of 99% (Samsung) or 100% (ASUS) and 350 nits of typical brightness. Where they differ is evidence. ASUS lists a colour accuracy of ΔE below 2 (Calman Verified), supplies a pre-calibration report in the box and gives you six-axis colour adjustment, gamma choices and presets such as Rec.709 and sRGB. Those are brand claims, but they are specific and measurable. Samsung lists factory calibration and colour calibration in its Display Manager software, without giving an accuracy figure.

For photographers, designers and anyone who needs prints and screens to match, the ASUS is the better-documented choice. For office work, study and film watching, both should look natural, and the difference will rarely be noticed. The Samsung does list HDR10 support, which the ASUS does not. At 350 nits, HDR10 is mostly a compatibility label, and the review of the Samsung treats it that way.

Ports and cables: the ASUS is more generous

The ASUS has four USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one HDMI (listed as version 1.4), one DisplayPort, one Mini DisplayPort and one dual-link DVI input, plus an audio input and an earphone jack. The Samsung has three USB Type-A ports with one upstream connection, one HDMI 2.0 and one DisplayPort 1.2, plus a headphone output. Neither has USB-C, so thin laptops will need an adapter on either one.

Two details are worth checking. The ASUS lists HDMI 1.4, so use DisplayPort if you want its full 75 Hz from a modern PC. The Samsung's HDMI 2.0 is enough for 4K at 60 Hz. The ASUS box also holds more: HDMI, dual-link DVI, DisplayPort-to-Mini DisplayPort, USB and audio cables. The Samsung box has an HDMI cable and a USB cable, and no DisplayPort cable is listed for either, so a plain DisplayPort cable may need to be bought separately. The ASUS also has two 2 W speakers, which the review calls weak, and the Samsung lists none. On the Samsung side, Picture-by-Picture and Auto Source Switch+ help if two computers share the screen.

The stand and the desk

Both stands adjust for height, tilt, swivel and pivot, so neither needs an arm for comfort. The ASUS offers a larger height range (up to 150 mm against 12 cm) and a wider swivel (±90° against ±45°). It is also heavier: 7.56 kg with the stand, compared with 5.1 kg for the Samsung. That matters if you move the screen often. The Samsung has an internal power supply, so there is no power brick behind the desk. The ASUS listing does not say where its power supply sits. Power figures are given on different terms (a maximum for Samsung, a typical figure for ASUS), so they cannot be compared fairly. Both are flicker-free and offer low blue light modes, and Samsung adds TCO certification.

Warranty and ownership

Both carry a three-year warranty. The ASUS adds an LCD zero bright dot warranty, which protects against one specific panel defect. Samsung lists a manufacturer warranty without extra terms. The listings say nothing more about service arrangements, so there is no basis here for judging which company will be easier to deal with if a repair is needed.

Which one should you buy?

Choose the Samsung ViewFinity S8 S80H if sharp text and a 4K picture matter most. It suits coders, writers, office users and film watchers who sit close to the screen all day. The built-in power supply and Picture-by-Picture are handy extras, and it is lighter.

Choose the ASUS ProArt PA278QV if colour accuracy, connections or creative work are the priority. It is the better pick for photographers and designers working in sRGB. It also suits anyone with older equipment that needs DVI or Mini DisplayPort, and a buyer who wants more cables in the box.

Neither monitor carries a price premium over the other, so the decision rests on whether you value resolution or documented accuracy. For a text-heavy desk the Samsung is the better value. For colour-critical work the ASUS is. If you do neither, the differences are small enough that either will serve well. Prices change often and vary by shop and offer, so check the product pages before you decide.

Read the full reviews of the Samsung ViewFinity S8 S80H and the ASUS ProArt PA278QV, see their specifications for the Samsung and the ASUS, or compare every specification side by side.