The Samsung M7 smart monitor is the hybrid of a computer monitor and a modern smart TV that can connect directly to remote devices and web services without a computer.
The Samsung M7 has a 32-inch screen with 4K resolution that comes with Smart Hub TV channels with 3.81GB of storage for TV programs, such as Netflix, Youtube, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. Users can connect to their Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, which give them the ability to type easier and even edit documents at Microsoft 360 without a computer.
| Pros | Cons |
| 4K, 32in screen at affordable price | The monitor height cannot be adjusted. |
| A small and flat base does not take up table space. | The monitor cannot be rotated left or right. |
| Easily switch input source with two HDMI ports, three USB-A ports, or one USB Type-C port. | Require screwdriver (not included) to assemble. |
| Connect to Bluetooth speakers, keyboard and mouse | In the TV mode, the handheld controller moves the cursor by button, not by hand movements. |
| Connect directly to Wi-Fi for TV, as well as remote Windows PC, Mac, Samsung Dex. | |
| Samsung Smart Hub for subscribed TV channels including Netflix, Youtube, Apple TV, Disney, etc. | |
| The bezel is only 4mm thick, and the black display border is about 6mm. | |
| USB-C port can charge notebook or mobile devices up to 65W. |
Highlights of Advantages[tie_index]Highlights of Advantages[/tie_index]
Affordable 32inch 4K Display[tie_index]Affordable 32inch 4K Display[/tie_index]
In this review, I am qualified to say that the Samsung M7 smart monitor is affordable because I ever bought a 32inch 1080p TV monitor for around $2,000 more than 15 years ago. Besides the price and resolution, that old LCD TV had a super-wide bezel which makes the TV huge just for a small 32inch screen.
We bought the Samsung M7 at a discounted price of about $500, which is a steal for a hybrid computer and smart TV monitor with 4K resolution.
There is no complaint about the display quality, however, some users who reviewed the Samsung M7 smart monitor commented that the brightness of HDR screen should be at least 600 nits (600 cd/m2), while others opine at least 1000 nits is required. We might agree if the monitor is used solely to watch TV programs and movies, however, in that case, it would not make sense to buy the Samsung M7.
However, the primary objective of the Samsung M7 is the computer monitor, where 250 nits are within the average range of 200-300 nits for most laptop monitors. In fact, we are only using 25% of the brightness while writing this article, and will perhaps turn it up to 50-75% when watching a movie.
Wired Connection[tie_index]Wired Connection[/tie_index]
The good thing about the Samsung M7 smart monitor is the multiple wired connection choices, including two HDMI ports, three USB-A ports and one USB Type-C port. We wished there could be more USB Type-C ports as they can also be used to charge 65w notebooks or mobile devices.
In my case, I have to connect my Dell Precision 7540 workstation laptop to my current 27 inch Dell monitor (left), and the new Samsung M7 smart monitor (right). As the laptop only has one HDMI cable, I used that for the Dell monitor, while the Samsung uses the USB Type-C for connection.
It is quite a waste to use the USB Type-C just for the display, so we will be looking at other options for multi-monitor display setup which is used mainly for computer aided design (CAD), projects and technical writing. Then we realised that the Dell 7540 workstation has a Thunderbolt Mini Displayport which is currently unused. So all that is needed is to buy a HDMI cable with the Mini Displayport on one of the ends.
We still believe in using wires to connect to devices for the fastest response, but hope that one day we can truly go wireless which will benefit multiple displays like the above.
The USB-A ports are commonly used for viewing supported video and image files on directly connected MSC (Mass Storage Class) USB thumbdrive or hard disk. USB hubs are not supported because the connection is not direct. The Samsung M7 smart monitor will be able to read the thumbdrive if the file system is FAT, exFAT or NTFS.
Connect to Bluetooth keyboard and mouse[tie_index]Connect to Bluetooth keyboard and mouse[/tie_index]
Before we review the advantages of the wireless connectivity that is key to a “smart” monitor, we need to take care of the navigation. The navigation within the Samsung monitor interface is more convenient by connecting the Bluetooth Logitech Craft keyboard and M720 Triathlon mouse. If the keyboard does not work after the first pairing, then unpair and re-pair the keyboard again.
This may not be important if the Samsung M7 smart monitor is used mainly as a computer monitor. However, if you plan to use the smart TV option more often, then connecting to a keyboard and mouse is a necessity.
Another useful use for the Bluetooth connection is to connect to a Bluetooth speaker like the Jabra Flip 5. The good thing about the Samsung M7 smart monitor is the flat sheet metal base which allow us to put things on top.
Such smart designs make things useful even when they look simple. It is also cheaper to make a simple steel plate than those forged metal bases.
Wireless Connection[tie_index]Wireless Connection[/tie_index]
The best thing about the Samsung M7 smart monitor is that it comes with a Smart TV that can connect directly to the Wi-Fi 5 network (IEEE 802.11 a /b /g /n /ac supported). The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allows the Samsung M7 to access remote devices and programs even without a physically connected computer.
This is what the Samsung M7 smart monitor can do for wireless connection:
Samsung Smart Hub:
- The Smart Hub has 3.81 GB of storage for online TV programs such as Youtube, Netflix and Apple TV, etc. The basic programs that come installed on the Samsung M7 smart monitor take up about 1GB of space that cannot be deleted. However, users can download and install as many new programs as they wish for the remaining 2.6GB of space, including sports and news channels. There is also a Samsung internet explorer for web surfing.
Windows PC
- Connect to a PC that is logged in using the same Samsung account
- Easy share PC screen on the same network.
- Remote connection to a PC by RDC.
We tried the easy share PC screen, which worked but not as expected in our case for multi-monitor. We cannot move the cursor between the Samsung M7 smart monitor and the 27 inch Dell monitor. So we concluded that at this time the only way for multi-monitor to work is to use cable connections.
It is interesting to note that during the above test, I am using the mouse that is connected to the laptop and not the Samsung M7 monitor. And yet, the cursor is “locked” inside the Samsung M7 screen and it does not transit to the Dell monitor.
Mac computers
- Airplay
- Easy share PC screen on the same network.
I do not use any Mac computers so I was not able to test these functions.
Samsung Dex
I am able to connect to my Samsung Dex on my old Samsung Galaxy Note 10. The function is not quite useful for most people unless there is a visitor who wants to share their phone screen on the big monitor.
Microsoft Office 360
For the sake of this review, I connected to Microsoft Office 360 cloud and tried to edit a file in my one drive. The latency is quite high and in order not to miss any letter, I have to type at a much slower speed which is quite unbearable.
Since the Samsung M7 smart monitor is directly connected to my laptop, I will not be using the M7 to connect with my Microsoft account directly.
Web services
As long as IP address and host information is available, it is possible to connect the monitor to any devices on the web.
Highlights of Disadvantages[tie_index]Highlights of Disadvantages[/tie_index]
We listed four disadvantages for the Samsung M7 smart monitor at the start of this review article.
- The monitor height cannot be adjusted.
- The monitor cannot be rotated left or right.
- Require screwdriver (not included) to assemble.
- In the TV mode, the handheld controller moves the cursor by button, not by hand movements.
Most of the above issues are minor and does not affect the use of the monitor on a daily basis.
Those who bought the Samsung M7 smart monitor to watch TV or movies directly without the computer, they may prefer the LG controllers where the cursor is moved by the swing action of the hand. This is so much easier to navigate then pressing the navigation buttons.
It is not a big deal but this could be the new feature in future Samsung monitors.
User Feedback[tie_index]User Feedback[/tie_index]
So far user feedback has been largely positive with 87% rating the Samsung M7 smart monitor at least 4 stars. There is only a minority of 8% of users who gave a 1-2 stars review with some comments as follows, some of which are not quite useful.
- One user returned the monitor after he complained about the crappy display when connected using Bluetooth display. We wondered if there are monitors out there that can deliver fast, 4K display using Bluetooth!
- Several users complained about the brightness which we also discussed, however, they are the minority as we do not share the same opinion.
- One user complained about the screen turning black, which we believe is due to the power saving features.
- One user complained about laggy airplay.
- Another user wrote this, which we believe is completely opposite to what we commented:
- Buy Samsung M7 Smart Monitor
| This monitor is great if you’re mainly going to use it as a TV. The idea behind having a smart monitor is great however the execution is not. The brightness on the display is awful barely able to see anything under normal sunlight conditions.I planned to use it mainly as a monitor for coding and I was able to notice that the quality of the display is not great even though it might be 4K the pixel density is not there. If you’re looking for a tv that can serve as a monitor this is a great buy however it is not the other way around |
I cannot imagine how anyone can notice “the display is not great” while doing computer coding on a 4K, 32-inch screen. It will make sense if the reviewer is working on Photoshop or Illustrator graphics, but coding? I have been typing this review using the Samsung M7 monitor and I could not tell any problem with the pixel density.
Final Comments[tie_index]Final Comments[/tie_index]
The Samsung M7 32 inch smart monitor is a cost-effective hybrid of a computer monitor and smart TV with 4K resolution and excellent connectivity options. It is an excellent choice if you are using it mainly as a computer monitor, with occasional binge-watching in the Smart TV mode. The current discounted price of US$360 (original $399) is a steal.
However, if you are using it only to watch TV and movies using the Smart Hub, then you might want to look around for more options that come with brighter screens up to 600 nits or higher. Moreover, the controllers of such high-end Smart TVs such as the LG Smart TV, are more sophisticated and much better than the simple Samsung controller that you see above.
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