Samsung Smart Monitor M8 vs LG 27UP850-W: Best 27-Inch

Two 4K USB-C Monitors, Different Philosophies

The Samsung Smart Monitor M8 and LG 27UP850-W both offer 27-inch 4K (3840x2160) displays with USB-C connectivity. But Samsung positions the M8 as a smart TV/monitor hybrid with streaming apps and a webcam, while LG focuses on color accuracy and professional display quality. Here is how they compare for remote workers and creative professionals.

Display Quality

The Samsung M8 uses a VA panel with 400 nits peak brightness, 3000:1 contrast ratio, and HDR10+ support. Colors are vibrant and blacks are deep — VA panels excel at contrast. However, viewing angles are narrower than IPS, and color accuracy out of the box (Delta E ~3.5) requires calibration for professional color work.

The LG 27UP850-W uses an IPS panel with 400 nits brightness, 1200:1 contrast ratio, and HDR400 support. IPS panels offer wider viewing angles and better color consistency across the screen. Factory-calibrated to Delta E < 2, it is suitable for photo editing, design work, and video color grading without additional calibration.

For content creators and designers who need accurate colors, the LG's IPS panel is the better choice. For general productivity and media consumption where contrast and deep blacks matter more, the Samsung's VA panel is more visually striking.

USB-C Connectivity

Both monitors support USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode. The Samsung M8 delivers up to 65W power delivery — enough to charge a MacBook Air or most ultrabooks at full speed.

The LG 27UP850-W delivers up to 96W power delivery — enough to charge a MacBook Pro 14-inch and most USB-C laptops at full speed. It also includes a USB-C hub with 2 downstream USB-A 3.0 ports, making it a basic docking station.

If you use a power-hungry laptop (MacBook Pro, Dell XPS 15, ThinkPad X1 Carbon), the LG's 96W delivery keeps it charged during heavy workloads. The Samsung's 65W is adequate for ultrabooks but may not keep up with high-performance laptops under load.

Smart Features

The Samsung M8's standout feature is its Tizen smart TV operating system built into the monitor. Without a computer connected, you can stream Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Apple TV+. It includes Samsung SmartThings hub for IoT control, screen mirroring via AirPlay and Miracast, and Microsoft 365 cloud apps via Samsung DeX-like interface.

Samsung also includes a magnetic SlimFit webcam (1080p) in the box — clip-on camera for video calls without needing a laptop camera or separate webcam.

The LG 27UP850-W has no smart features. It is a pure display — connect a computer, and it shows what the computer outputs. No streaming, no apps, no built-in webcam.

If you want a monitor that doubles as a bedroom/living room smart TV, or want a webcam included, Samsung's extras add genuine value. If you want a focused work display with no distractions, LG's simplicity is an advantage.

Build Quality and Design

The Samsung M8 is strikingly thin (11.4mm) with a minimal footprint. It comes in white, pink, blue, and green. The design is clearly inspired by Apple's design language — clean, modern, and living-room friendly. The included remote control reinforces its dual monitor/TV identity.

The LG 27UP850-W has a standard monitor design — thin bezels, adjustable stand (height, tilt, pivot), and a professional silver/white aesthetic. The stand offers more ergonomic adjustability than Samsung's (which only tilts, no height adjustment without the optional arm).

For a home office where the monitor sits at eye level on a fixed desk, both work fine. If you need height adjustment without buying a separate arm, LG's included stand is more capable.

Response Time and Refresh Rate

Both monitors run at 60Hz — standard for productivity and creative work. Not suitable for competitive gaming.

Samsung M8 has a 4ms response time (GTG). LG 27UP850-W has a 5ms response time (GTG). Neither will exhibit noticeable ghosting in normal use. Both support AMD FreeSync for tear-free casual gaming.

Price

Samsung Smart Monitor M8 (32-inch model is more common, but 27-inch exists in some markets) retails around $450-550. LG 27UP850-W retails around $350-450.

The LG is typically $100-150 cheaper while offering better color accuracy and higher USB-C power delivery. Samsung's premium goes toward smart features, the included webcam, and design.

The Verdict

Choose the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 if: you want a monitor that doubles as a smart TV for streaming, appreciate the included webcam, want a living-room-friendly design, or use it in a multi-purpose space (desk by day, TV by night).

Choose the LG 27UP850-W if: color accuracy matters for design or photo work, you need 96W USB-C power delivery for a larger laptop, you want a height-adjustable stand included, or you prefer a pure work display without smart TV distractions. It offers better value for focused productivity.