Samsung TU87F Series 32″ ViewFinity 4K UHD Monitor

If you’re in the market for a mid-range 4K HDR10 monitor on a reasonable budget, the Samsung TU87F 32″ ViewFinity (LF32TU874VNXGO / LF32TU870VRXXU) is a UHD 4K monitor that offers a compelling blend of features for both professional and entertainment use. It boasts a sleek design, a vibrant display, and a range of connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for various users. While it’s no longer the newest option on the market in its class, it isn’t a model to sleep on.

Although it’s targeting a different buyer, at a slight price premium above the Samsung Odyssey G50D 32″ gaming monitor we reviewed, the TU87F notably includes two Thunderbolt 3 ports and 90W power charging. Work-from-home and office professionals will appreciate the built-in docking hub for easy peripheral connectivity and hot-desking support.

Monitor Design and Features

The TU87F’s design is characterized by its slim bezels and minimalist aesthetic. The monitor’s stand is sturdy and offers a good range of adjustments, including height, tilt, and swivel. At just 6mm, the slim metal base keeps a super low profile on any desk.

I was impressed with the utility of the height-adjustable stand. It allows you to find the perfect viewing angle, especially if you have multiple displays or a height-adjustable desk. The monitor also supports VESA mounting, providing additional flexibility for those who prefer a wall—or desk-mounted setup.

While the included stand will work for many, I strongly prefer a desk-mounted monitor display arm by Vari. While you can get quality options from several companies, I’ve continuously been satisfied with Vari products for durability and price. Seasonal sales make the accessories more friendly to your wallet (and, in my experience, you get what you pay for).

Despite Samsung advertising this display as “borderless,” it does have a slim bezel along the bottom of the monitor (approximately 2 millimeters). It doesn’t detract from the monitor’s visual appeal, but if you mix-and-match display models or prefer a truly borderless display, keep this in mind.

Performance (HDR10 Support)

The monitor’s display is a 32-inch VA panel with a 3840 x 2160 resolution (i.e., 4K Ultra High Definition). It offers a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time, suitable for most everyday tasks and even light gaming (although I admittedly didn’t test gaming). The display also supports HDR10, which provides a broader range of colors and contrast for a more immersive viewing experience.

While I used the monitor with HDR10 enabled and disabled, I kept HDR10 enabled for daily use as it significantly affected color accuracy in creative work and even meticulously maintained presentations.

The TU87F’s HDR10 support is a notable feature that enhances the monitor’s visual performance. HDR10 content appears more vibrant and lifelike, with deeper blacks and brighter whites. However, it’s worth noting that the monitor’s peak brightness is limited, so HDR content may not appear as impactful as it would on a higher-end HDR display.

Brightness clocks in at 250 cd/㎡ (typical), with 200 cd/㎡ minimum. The contrast ratio static is rated at 2500:1, with 100000:1 dynamic.

Connections and Ports: Docking just got easier

Perhaps where the TU87F shines brightest is with connectivity and ports. This monitor has a built-in docking hub and offers a good selection of ports, including 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x DisplayPort 1.2, and 2x Thunderbolt 3 ports. The Thunderbolt 3 port is particularly noteworthy, as it allows for high-speed data transfer and even charges compatible laptops. The second Thunderbolt 3 port will still provide 15w charging, which is sufficient for any smartphone device.

I fully utilize the docking hub in my home office setup. While I dock my Apple MacBook Pro 14″ laptop, I use the included Thunderbolt 3 cable to provide sufficient 90w charging. The monitor also has 2x USB 3.0 ports, offering additional connectivity options for peripherals like my external webcam. I even use a hardwire ethernet cable with the LAN jack to avoid wireless when possible.

Having an integrated docking hub on an external monitor was a feature I initially didn’t appreciate the value of–but once you have it, you’ll always want it.

I simply connect the Samsung Thunderbolt 3 cable to the accompanying MacBook Pro Thunderbolt port, and all of my devices–webcam, ethernet cable, charging, and using the display as an external monitor–are ready to go. I keep my official Apple MacBook Pro charger in my work bag, so I never worry about hot desking and charging on the go.

Surprisingly, the TU87F does not include USB-C support (at least on paper). USB-C is supported via a Thunderbolt 3 port with a proper cable. For more on the nuance between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, we recommend this guide by Anker.

Technical Specifications