New Apple Studio Display not as crisp as a 27" iMac (2020)

[camner]

I just purchased a new Apple Studio Display, and I like it a great deal, but I am puzzled about one thing: I can clearly see a difference in the crispness of text when I compare the appearance on the 27" 2020 iMac I have with what I see on the Apple studio display. Since they are both the same resolution, and AFAIK they have the same panel, what could account for this difference? (The difference isn't large, but it is noticeable)

 

[bk125]

I don't think any difference comes through in screenshots... you might need to take a photo.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Looks identical to my eyes

 

[xraydoc]

I just purchased a new Apple Studio Display, and I like it a great deal, but I am puzzled about one thing: I can clearly see a difference in the crispness of text when I compare the appearance on the 27" 2020 iMac I have with what I see on the Apple studio display. Since they are both the same resolution, and AFAIK they have the same panel, what could account for this difference? (The difference isn't large, but it is noticeable)

What computer?
What resolution are you using? Do you have it set to a high DPI setting or a low DPI setting?

 

[camner]

I use the Apple Studio Display as a 2nd monitor alongside the 27” 2020 iMac, which I believe has the same panel.

 

[frou]

If you've been using that iMac for years straight then you are probably really accustomed to it, and anything similar but with slightly different manufacturing will be perceived as wrong

 

[xraydoc]

I use the Apple Studio Display as a 2nd monitor alongside the 27” 2020 iMac, which I believe has the same panel.

I'm just asking, as I don't know the answer... but are we certain the 2020 iMac supports an external 5K display? Or could you be looking at it in a 4K resolution?

What does your Displays system settings look like?

 

[camner]

If you've been using that iMac for years straight then you are probably really accustomed to it, and anything similar but with slightly different manufacturing will be perceived as wrong

That didn’t occur to me but you are right that this could certainly happen!