By Are you looking for a 32-inch smart TV with high-quality images? Or a 32-inch OLED screen that allows you to play games on the net and watch Netflix even while your computer is off? The Samsung Smart Monitor M9 could be the answer for you. For better or worse, this smart monitor runs Samsung’s Tizen operating system and has all the features and capabilities you would anticipate from a Samsung television.
Specs and Features
Although a little lacking, the Samsung Smart Monitor M9’s basic specs are standard for a 32-inch OLED. Although it has 4K resolution, its maximum resolution is just 165 Hz (other rivals can get 240 Hz). Dolby Vision is not supported by the monitor, although HDR10+ is. Additionally, it has limited downstream USB connectivity even though it supports USB-C upstream input with 90 watts of power.
- 31.5-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
- Resolution in native: 3840 x 2160
- Type of panel: matte QD-OLED
- 165 Hz is the refresh rate.
- Yes, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro offer adaptive sync. Complementary
- Yes, HDR10+
- Ports: Two USB-A 2.0 downstream ports, one USB-C with 90 watts of power delivery, one HDMI 2.1 port, and one DisplayPort 1.4 port
- Two 10-watt speakers for audio
- Extra features: Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.2, a 4K webcam and dual-microphone array, Tizen OS, and a remote control
- MSRP: $1599.99; usual retail price: $1,299.99
But the Smart Monitor M9 features a smart TV operating system, which is something that other 32-inch OLED displays do not have. In particular, Samsung’s Tizen OS comes pre-installed. It also features Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and a remote control to facilitate that. As a precaution, a camera with a microphone is included.
Despite having a retail MSRP of $1,599.99, the Smart Monitor M9 doesn’t seem to be sold at that price very often. Often, it is lowered to $1,299.99. For a 32-inch OLED monitor, that is a little pricey, but comparable to high-end rivals like the LG Ultragear 32GS95UE-B and HP Omen Transcend 32 (neither of which includes smart TV functions).
Design
The Samsung Smart Monitor M9 relies on a sophisticated, conservative design that avoids taking chances and should always look nice. Except for the top bezel, which conceals a webcam, the front is nearly entirely screen.
There is a large stretch of subtle yet opulent gunmetal materials, primarily plastic, around the rear. Although the panel has a bump-out that houses the ports, it is tiny and inconspicuous. The panel is also fairly thin.
An L-shaped stand with a small, flat base that won’t take up much room on a desk comes with the monitor. Unfortunately, the stand needs to be assembled using a screwdriver (most monitor stands utilize a thumb screw).
The stand offers ergonomic adjustment; however, it’s not very good. It can pivot 90 degrees and has a height adjustment of 120mm. The amount of height adjustment provided, however, does not keep the display high enough off a desk to enable portrait mode, so it cannot be utilized in that mode. Rather, the display’s edge will touch your desk at a rotational angle of about 60 degrees. Although it may tilt, the stand cannot swivel, unlike the majority of 32-inch monitor supports.
Connectivity
Three video inputs are available on the back of the Samsung Smart Monitor M9. One USB-C with DisplayPort, one HDMI 2.1, and one DisplayPort 1.4. Though only in Game Mode (the maximum outside Game Mode is 120Hz), all three support the maximum refresh rate and resolution of the monitor. Although some, such as the HP Omen Transcend 32, provide four video inputs, the category as a whole often has three.
The majority of MacBooks and several mid-range Windows laptops can be powered by 90 watts of USB Power Delivery when connected to the USB-C connection. Two USB-A ports can be accessed downstream via the USB-C port. They’re only USB-A 2.0, though, so they’re mostly there for a wired keyboard and mouse.
As a result, the Smart Monitor M9’s connectivity is a little inconsistent. On the one hand, it offers USB-C with Power Delivery and a good range of inputs, which are essential features for a monitor in this price range. However, displays like the HP Omen Transcend 32, which has 140 watts of power and USB-C in addition to more video inputs, outperform it. Additionally, the LG UltraGear 32GS95UE-B has a little edge over the Smart Monitor M9 because it has a 3.5mm audio-out and USB-A ports that are at least USB 3.0.
M9 Smart TV features
As indicated by the word “Smart” in its name, the Samsung Smart Monitor M9 comes pre-installed with Tizen OS, the same operating system that powers the company’s smart TVs.
Additionally, Tizen offers access to a vast array of apps and services, much like smart televisions do. Among other things, you can play cloud gaming services like Amazon Luna or watch Netflix. The Smart Monitor M9 is a smart TV, to put it simply. It may perhaps be more than that. You may use the monitor somewhat like a PC because it can even access productivity tools like Microsoft 365. Additionally, Samsung SmartThings devices can be controlled using the Smart Monitor M9.
Samsung 32” OLED M9 (M90SF) Smart Monitor with 4K QD-OLED, 165Hz, 0.03ms, Gaming Hub, Samsung Vision AI, 3 Yr Warranty, LS32FM902SNXZA, 2025
However, keep in mind that the Smart Monitor M9 is not equipped with a TV tuner; thus, it cannot natively receive a coaxial cable or over-the-air TV signal.
I debate between Google TV OS, which is found on displays like the MSI Modern MD272UPSW, and LG’s WebOS, which is found on monitors like the LG MyView Smart Monitor 32SR85U, and Samsung’s Tizen OS. Due in large part to the variety of Samsung features that are integrated, Tizen OS is undoubtedly the busiest of the three (for instance, you can use select Samsung phones to calibrate the monitor, though you can also use some iPhones). If you are fully committed to the Samsung ecosystem, that is useful. Otherwise, it could be distracting.
Motion Performance
Despite not being a gaming panel, the Samsung Smart Panel M9 offers a good maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz.
It offers a significant improvement in motion clarity over a 60Hz display, although it is not as good as 32-inch OLED gaming displays, which typically reach 240Hz. In 3D games, quick camera pans give good detail, and things in motion appear clear.
When viewing small text or user interface elements, the Smart panel M9’s 165Hz refresh rate falls short of a better 240Hz panel. For instance, tracking the HP bar or status icons above an adversary may be a little more challenging on the Smart Monitor M9 than on a 240Hz substitute, such as the Alienware AW3225QF or HP Omen Transcend 32.
Conclusion
With its many benefits and drawbacks, Samsung’s Smart Monitor M9 is a perplexing choice.
The monitor’s HDR brightness is average, its downstream connectivity is limited, and its menu structure is complicated. Nevertheless, it also includes a unique (for OLED) matte display finish that lowers glare and improves the monitor’s visibility in brighter environments, along with practical smart TV capabilities like a remote control.
Carefully weighing these benefits and drawbacks will help you decide if the Smart Monitor M9 is right for you. It has the color performance for creative work, a matte finish that looks fantastic when writing in Word or surfing the web, and it can be used as a TV substitute in compact places. However, you’ll find greater performance elsewhere if you’re looking for an OLED display primarily for HDR entertainment or PC gaming.
