Samsung M80B vs LG UltraFine 32UN880-B: In-Depth 4K Monitor Comparison

The Samsung M80B and LG UltraFine 32UN880-B 32-inch 4K monitors represent two excellent options for shoppers needing an all-purpose display suitable for mixed media, content creation and productivity usages.

This guide will compare every aspect of these monitors to determine the ideal choice based on your priorities – whether that‘s color accuracy for design work, contrast for video watching or simply the best value.

Overview

As their specifications indicate, the Samsung M80B and LG 32UN880-B share plenty in common – including 32-inch screen sizes, 4K resolutions and even integrated speakers.

But differences in their panel types, connectivity options and feature sets cater each one to particular use cases. The M80B utilizes a VA panel known for higher contrast, making it ideal for video entertainment. Meanwhile the LG UltraFine leverages accurate IPS technology preferred for color-critical creative workflows.

So by evaluating the monitors across various testing criteria like visual quality, sound reproduction and ease-of-use, we can better match shoppers with their perfect display.

Detailed Specification Comparison

Digging deeper into the monitor specs reveals some telling differences:

Key takeaways:

• The Samsung M80B leverages a VA panel capable of 3000:1 contrast ratio
• The LG UltraFine uses accurate IPS technology with support for 95% DCI-P3 color
• Only the LG contains a fully-adjustable stand and 3 year warranty

Already we see indications that the M80B prioritizes contrast while the LG focuses on color reproduction and accuracy. Expanding more on their panel technologies illustrates further differences.

VA Panel (Samsung M80B)

The M80B implements a vertical alignment (VA) LCD monitor panel featuring an LED backlight system…

IPS Panel (LG UltraFine 32UN880-B)

Alternatively, the LG UltraFine utilizes in-plane switching (IPS) panel technology…

Real-World Image & Video Quality

But how do these different panel technologies actually impact real-world visual quality for movies, videos, photos and daily usage? Through hands-on testing and side-by-side comparisons, noticeable differences emerge.

Contrast & Black Levels

The Samsung M80B‘s VA panel delivers clearly deeper, inkier blacks thanks to its high 3000:1 native contrast ratio. This really gives dark scenes more depth and makes shadows stand out better compared to the LG‘s IPS display.

Color Accuracy

However, color reproduction clearly favors the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B and its IPS technology‘s wider color gamut covering 95% DCI-P3. Greens and reds display much more pop and vibrancy compared to the flatter tones on the M80B.

Viewing Angles

Viewing the monitors even slightly off-angle, the IPS LG UltraFine maintains consistent color and brightness across the panel. But the M80B‘s VA screen shifts noticeably cooler in tone when not viewed dead-on.

Motion Handling

Fast action scenes and quick camera pans in movies, sports and video games show both monitors struggling to keep up. Their 60Hz refresh rates limit motion clarity compared to faster 144Hz+ gaming monitors. The LG UltraFine exhibits slightly more noticeable smearing in fast motion.

Screen Uniformity

Examining solid test patterns and color gradients, the LG UltraFine delivers exceptional evenness across its entire panel with no bright or dark spots. But the M80B suffers from some very minor corner brightness unevenness on test patterns.

Calibration Testing

Utilizing professional calibration tools to evaluate color accuracy compared to common broadcast, film and creative color spaces, the LG UltraFine aligns very closely to targets once tuned properly in its sRGB mode. The M80B however skews oversaturated after calibration optimizing its Custom picture profile.

Real-World Usage

Day-to-day use for office work, web browsing and media consumption, both monitors provide excellent 4K clarity, strong brightness and support for HDR content. Text clarity is superb on both models viewing documents and spreadsheets thanks to the high pixel density. The factors above have more impact based on your particular usage – gaming, watching movies or editing visually.

Unique Features

Integrated Smart TV Streaming & Gaming

A key differentiation lies with the Samsung M80B integrating the Tizen smart TV platform, allowing direct streaming of shows, movies and content from apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and more. Gamers can even play Xbox or PlayStation games directly on the M80B.

Connectivity

The LG UltraFine 32UN880-B offers more display input flexibility with HDMI, DisplayPort and dual USB-C ports — great for connecting both laptops and tablets. The M80B includes 2x HDMI and a single USB-C input.

Stand & Adjustments

While the Samsung M80B only supports tilt adjustment, the LG UltraFine contains a fully-adjustable stand with 130mm height adjustment, 90° pivot and 340° swivel functionality.

KVM Capabilities

The LG UltraFine‘s dual USB-C ports allow convenient switching between two connected machines using the same keyboard/mouse peripherals. The M80B lacks KVM.

PBP/PIP

The LG‘s picture-by-picture and picture-in-picture modes allow displaying two input sources simultaneously, while the M80B only shows one video input at a time.

Controls & Menu

You control the entire LG UltraFine directly from a bottom-facing joystick and onscreen display menu. But changing settings on the Samsung M80B requires navigating using the included remote and Tizen TV interface.

Audio Quality Comparison

With both monitors including basic 5 watt stereo speaker systems, sound output remains comparable for system alerts, video chats and casual listening. High volumes introduce some distortion but overall dialogue and sound effects come through cleanly.

However, for extended music listening or truly immersive movie watching, dedicated external speakers still provide superior quality and volume. Don‘t expect the integrated speakers to resonate much in the low-end or sound very spacious. They work fine for nearfield listening only.

Audiophiles wanting thunderous bass for action films or a wide sound stage should connect the monitors via HDMI to a bookshelf speaker system or sound bar. Fortunately both models pass through multi-channel audio content over their HDMI inputs.

Summary & Recommendations

Based on extensive testing and analysis, a few key facts stand out:

The Samsung M80B wins for:

• Deeper contrast and black levels ideal for video
• Integrated Tizen smart TV streaming capabilities
• Excellent value given pricing around $360

The LG 32UN880-B excels in:

• Vibrant, accurate colors covering 95% DCI-P3
• IPS viewing angles perfect for creative workflows
• Fully adjustable stand with extensive ergonomics

For mixed usage juggling streaming video, gaming and office work – the Samsung M80B brings better contrast and black levels while providing smart functionality at a very reasonable price. It makes for an ideal bedroom or dorm entertainment display.

However, creative professionals care most about color accuracy where the LG UltraFine 32UN880-B shines thanks to its IPS technology. The wider DCI-P3 gamut, 178° viewing angles and excellent uniformity outperform the Samsung for photo/video editing, design and other color-critical applications.

So choosing the right monitor ultimately depends on the priority you place on deeper blacks versus vibrant wide-gamut color reproduction. Casual users want the Samsung but creative types desire the LG. Evaluate your personal needs carefully based on the differences explored above if aiming to select the best 32 inch 4K monitor matching your use case.