Mac external displays for designers and developers, part 2

5 hours ago

Mac external displays for designers and developers have seen limited options since 2016, with LG, Dell, and Samsung not fully catering to Mac users' needs.
Apple re-entered the display market in 2019 with the Pro Display XDR, which is high-end but expensive, and updated the LG UltraFine line, though availability is inconsistent.
The Studio Display is now a viable option, similar to the LG 5K UltraFine and the discontinued 27-inch iMac, offering a balance of features without unnecessary extras that would increase cost.
For a good external Mac display in 2022, key criteria include pixel density (around 218PPI for optimal macOS usability), color space (Display P3 or Adobe RGB recommended), and bit depth (10 bits per component for wide gamut displays).
Brightness preferences vary, but local dimming (for better contrast) and HDR support are beneficial but not essential for most users.
Refresh rates are generally 60Hz in current displays, with 120Hz being desirable but not yet available in high pixel density options.
True Tone and Night Shift can affect color accuracy and should be turned off for color-critical work.
The author uses a Pro Display XDR but would opt for the Studio Display if available at the time, with specific settings for color accuracy.

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