REVIEW: Samsung Smart Monitor M8 targets everything, but only gets parts right

Better than buying a monitor would be to buy a monitor that could also work as a smart TV. This is the basic line of reasoning for the Samsung with its line of hybrid monitors, which promise to deliver a variety of features and elements to meet all consumer needs for work, leisure and entertainment.

O SmartMonitor M8 is the second model of hybrid monitors of the brand, the main representative of this niche of devices here in the country. Although not yet very popular in Brazilian homes, the company's idea is to reinforce the practicality of purchasing just one product that works as two.

O showmetech received the electronics for testing and tells how this new entry surpasses the previous generation, despite lacking in technical refinement. You can watch our video review or follow the story right here!

Design

In a large box, the 32-inch monitor already impresses with its modern and minimalist appearance. As thin edges that enhance the screen more, the product comes with a base, a stand and a remote control. The latter contains buttons for the homepage of the monitor and for the streaming platforms Netflix, Disney+ e Prime Video, in addition to the channel Samsung TVPlus.

In relation to SmartMonitor M5, this model is more attractive and offers more interesting colors — blue and green (outside Brazil), pink and white (nationally). It is worth remembering, however, that the colors are applied only to the edges of the screen and to the base and support. The monitor has USB-C inputs and only one button that will probably be used very little.

The more practical the installation, the happier the consumer is. In this case, it is simple, fast and intuitive, not depending on third-party cables, for example, for this. The only thing missing here was support for the VESA standard. In practice, this means that the user cannot fix the device to the wall, something that is already common in smart TVs and some models of monitors.

Usage and connectivity

To start browsing, it is necessary to follow an easy procedure to configure the network and other data. Soon after, a series of tools will be available for immediate access. We will talk a little more about some of them in the topic below. First, let's talk about the outside of the product.

As mentioned earlier, two USB-C inputs are located behind the panel, and with them it is possible to charge a smartphone, for example. It's a smart way to integrate more features and optimize them all in one table. The HDMI cable that came with the product works perfectly. The monitor's height and angle adjustments are limited, but not annoying.

Two really cool tools — probably the most relevant compared to the others — are the Smart view, which allows the transmission of multimedia content via cell phone, and the MultiView, which splits the screen to stream different content such as a YouTube channel and video at the same time. They are already good artifices since the company's Smart TVs, and here it was no different.

Talking more about using the PC monitor, there is a tab called workspace, reserved for connecting the monitor to a CPU. When it is automatically detected, the screen broadcasts the entire desktop and whatever else runs on it. In terms of performance, it's all very fast. Access via remote control doesn't make the process boring and it's super easy to return to Smart TV mode.

A webcam also comes with the M8. Its design is very discreet and embodies the monitor's aesthetics well. The problem is that it ends up not being very useful beyond the use in the applications in the operating system. Tizen, not being able to connect it to the PC system. In this way, your presence is extremely restricted to calls on the Google Duo, for example. Its image is decent and its microphone leaves something to be desired, being necessary to use a headset with a microphone or external microphone to ensure quality in calls.

Screen and sound

Let's talk about the most important topic of this product: image and sound. Coincidentally or not, it is possible to find in this category both the best and the worst things about Samsung's hybrid monitor.

The Smart Monitor M8's screen is 4K with HDR 10+ and, as already mentioned, it has 32 inches, a robust size to display files, videos, photos, games and all your content. The images displayed are beautiful, with intense colors, especially the lighter tones. Darker tones, on the other hand, are not that balanced. It's good to say: it's not bad or terrible, but for its high value in the market, it was expected that the monitor would at least bring a better defined color calibration technology, as it happens in Samsung's own smart TVs.

The product has some ready-made options for the user, such as Game Mode (which also flirts with graphics performance) and the entertainment mode, but they don't sound good enough. It is worth the user to adjust on their own in the menu settings.

Another problem here is the question of VA panel present on this monitor. There are three types: VA, IPS and TN. A VA panel is basically a way of aligning the transmitted image vertically. In this way, the best viewing angle of the screen is in front of the monitor, and as the user moves to the sides, distortions begin to occur. The VA is responsible for bringing more levels of contrast, however it delivers a one-sided view of maximum quality.

A practical example is in games. testing Fall Guys, a game that is naturally so colorful and vibrant, it's clear how this impacts the experience of those watching next door. The screen is big, but the M8 could better refine this feature that should be considered outdated here.

The Game Mode, the one that brings the bottom bar to adapt the screen according to the game chosen, it's more of the same. There is nothing different compared to what already exists. The feeling is that the tool is optional, since it is possible to enjoy a good gameplay without having to adjust the image or resize it. Of course, this favors those heavier games, which load many elements on the screen at the same time, such as a multiplayer online. But it's not impossible to play without.

The sound system unfortunately does not strengthen the good reviews. Because of its thin appearance, it was to be expected that its speaker would not be very powerful. The surprise was that the treble is extremely high, however the bass is scrapped. There is definitely not a good balance between them. We recommend using headphones or headset for greater nuance in audios.

Speaking of games, an unprecedented application from Xbox arrived for the joy of those who use the Cloud Gaming, allowing you to play directly on the monitor without the need for a console. This is one of the product features that should make a difference in everyday life.

Samsung Smart TV Features

Coming to the smart TV function, the system Tizen integrates various applications for user leisure and entertainment. Your layout, by the way, is well optimized and fast, which is a positive point. The home page has the channels of Samsung TVPlus, which range from anime to special documentaries. famous channels like record news can be attended at no additional cost.

Available apps include major streaming platforms: Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+, Star+, HBO Max e balloon play. Other applications can be installed as well, such as Spotify e YouTube. It is possible to customize the taskbar as the user wants. Furthermore, Bixby e Alexa are the virtual assistants present. All this part is in the tab Support.

A third tab called Games was dedicated especially to the Gamers. As Samsung gaming hub, you can download free games, which are very simple, but also manage additional services via the cloud, such as GeForce Now and Xbox. Enthusiasts can also connect a controller via bluetooth to enjoy their favorite titles available on these platforms. THE Twitch is also present. Whoever wants to, can still connect the monitor cable to a console. Our PS4 test was a success.

In general, accessing and running these applications is quite efficient. There are many possibilities for content consumption and, in this sense, it is the least lacking in the M8.

Price and availability

O SmartMonitor M8 is being sold on national soil by Samsung itself and partner stores. Prices may vary depending on the chosen store and temporary promotions. On average, the value exceeds the R$4.000,00.

Until the publication of this review, you can find the device in the , in the amount of in cash. You can find our link below in the description.

Conclusion

Aiming at every possible artifice, the new Samsung SmartMonitor M8 tries to offer the best hybrid experience in the entire market, but it can't match its features with its high price. It is a great choice for PC and also as a Smart TV. But the details that integrate screen display, colors and sound don't stand on their own.

It is important to mention that this is still a beautiful, functional, fast product that will serve to intersperse work with rest and after-hours fun. However, there are premium models from Samsung's smart TV category for sale that are even cheaper than this hybrid monitor. It's a worthwhile and interesting experience, but perhaps it pays more for the consumer today to actually buy a PC or a television.

Technical specifications

Brand	Samsung
Córdoba	SmartMonitor M8
Fabric	32 inches VA panel Plano HDR 10 + 4K (Resolution 3,840 x 2,160) Max. 60 Hz
Audio	Speaker Adaptive Sound+
Adjustable	1 Micro HDMI Input 1 USB HUB 1 USB-C 1 power cord 1 USB-C cable 1 HDMI-Micro HDMI cable Bluetooth 4.2
Resources/Image	Eye Saver Mode Flicker Free Game Mode entertainment mode Game Bar 2.0 HDMI-CEC AdaptivePicture Auto Source Switch+ ultra wide game view Bixby Alexa Built-in Webcam
System	Tizen
Remote Control	Yes
Adjustable tilt	Yes
Height adjustable	Yes
adjustable rotation	No
Wall bracket	No
Product weight	6.7 kg with base 4.4 kg without base
Price

See also:

Also access other related content on Showmetech. See our Smart Monitor M5 review, 27 inches.