Quick notes
- When it comes to choosing a high-quality display for creative work, two of the most highly regarded options are the Apple Thunderbolt Display and the ASUS ProArt.
- The ASUS ProArt has a slightly higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the Apple Thunderbolt Display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
- The ASUS ProArt has better color accuracy with 100% coverage of the sRGB color space and 95% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, compared to the Apple Thunderbolt Display’s 99% sRGB and 72% Adobe RGB coverage.
When it comes to choosing a high-quality display for creative work, two of the most highly regarded options are the Apple Thunderbolt Display and the ASUS ProArt. Both monitors offer impressive features and capabilities, but they also have distinct differences that may influence your decision. This blog post provides an in-depth comparison of the Apple Thunderbolt Display vs. ASUS ProArt, examining their key features, performance, and suitability for different creative applications.
Design and Build Quality
The Apple Thunderbolt Display features a sleek and minimalist design with a thin aluminum frame and a glossy glass front. The ASUS ProArt, on the other hand, has a more traditional design with a wider bezel and a matte anti-glare coating. Both monitors are well-built and durable, but the Apple Thunderbolt Display’s premium construction gives it a slight edge in terms of aesthetics and overall quality.
Display Quality
Both the Apple Thunderbolt Display and the ASUS ProArt offer excellent display quality, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. The Apple Thunderbolt Display features a 27-inch IPS panel with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, providing sharp and vibrant images. It has a wide color gamut that covers 99% of the sRGB color space and 72% of the Adobe RGB color space. The ASUS ProArt also has a 27-inch IPS panel, but it has a slightly higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels. It offers 100% coverage of the sRGB color space and 95% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, making it a more accurate choice for color-critical work.
Connectivity and Expandability
The Apple Thunderbolt Display has a limited selection of ports, including two Thunderbolt 2 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, and a FireWire 800 port. The ASUS ProArt offers a more comprehensive range of connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port. The Thunderbolt 3 ports on the ProArt support both data transfer and video output, making it possible to daisy-chain multiple monitors or connect external storage devices.
Ergonomics
Both the Apple Thunderbolt Display and the ASUS ProArt offer good ergonomic features. The Apple Thunderbolt Display has a height-adjustable stand that allows you to find the perfect viewing position. The ASUS ProArt has a more versatile stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments. It also includes a built-in carrying handle for easy portability.
Performance
The Apple Thunderbolt Display uses a built-in Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU, which provides adequate performance for basic graphics tasks. The ASUS ProArt uses a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M GPU, which offers significantly better graphics performance. This makes the ProArt a better choice for demanding applications such as video editing, 3D modeling, and gaming.
Price and Value
The Apple Thunderbolt Display was originally priced at $999, but it is now discontinued and can be found on the used market for around $500-$700. The ASUS ProArt is currently priced at $699. In terms of value, the ASUS ProArt offers a better combination of features, performance, and connectivity for the price.
Recommendations: Which Monitor is Right for You?
The Apple Thunderbolt Display and the ASUS ProArt are both excellent monitors for creative professionals. However, the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize aesthetics, build quality, and a minimalist design, the Apple Thunderbolt Display is a great option. If you need a more versatile monitor with better color accuracy, connectivity, and performance, the ASUS ProArt is a better choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which monitor has a higher resolution?
A: The ASUS ProArt has a slightly higher resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels, while the Apple Thunderbolt Display has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels.
Q: Which monitor has better color accuracy?
A: The ASUS ProArt has better color accuracy with 100% coverage of the sRGB color space and 95% coverage of the Adobe RGB color space, compared to the Apple Thunderbolt Display‘s 99% sRGB and 72% Adobe RGB coverage.
Q: Which monitor has more connectivity options?
A: The ASUS ProArt has more connectivity options, including two Thunderbolt 3 ports, four USB 3.0 ports, a DisplayPort, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port, while the Apple Thunderbolt Display has two Thunderbolt 2 ports, three USB 3.0 ports, and a FireWire 800 port.
Q: Which monitor is more ergonomic?
A: The ASUS ProArt has a more versatile stand that allows for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments, while the Apple Thunderbolt Display has a height-adjustable stand.
Q: Which monitor is better for gaming?
A: The ASUS ProArt is better for gaming due to its dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M GPU, which provides significantly better graphics performance than the Apple Thunderbolt Display‘s built-in Intel HD Graphics 4000 GPU.