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Apple Cinema HD Display (23-inch, DVI) vs Apple LED Cinema Display (27-inch)

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

AppleCinema HD Display (23-inch, DVI)AppleLED Cinema Display (27-inch)
Overview
ReleasedJuly 2004September 2010
Display
Screen size23″27″
Resolution1920 × 1200 (WUXGA)2560 × 1440 (QHD)
Sharpness98 pixels per inch109 pixels per inch
PanelIPS (TFT active-matrix LCD (Apple); S-IPS identification from PRAD’s exact aluminium 23-inch datasheet, which lists later panel specifications)IPS
Refresh rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness (typical)270 nits375 nits
Contrast ratio400:11,000:1
Screen finishMatteGlossy
ShapeFlatFlat
Colour depthUp to 16.7 million colours; Apple does not specify panel bit depthUp to 16.7 million colours; panel bit depth is not specified
Response time detailApple specifies typical 16 ms without identifying grey-to-grey transitions; not entered in the grey-to-grey row. Its later Japanese sheet lists 14 ms.Typical 12 ms without a specified transition; omitted from the grey-to-grey row
Viewing anglesOriginal archived Apple specifications give 170° horizontally and vertically; a later Japanese sheet gives 178°.178° horizontally and vertically
Eye care–Ambient light sensor adjusts brightness automatically
Pixel pitch0.258 mm–
Connections
Video inputsDVIMini DisplayPort
USB-C chargingNoneNone
USB ports2 × USB-A3 × USB-A
Speakers–Yes
Webcam–iSight camera with microphone
DisplayPort detail–Captive Mini DisplayPort cable; audio support depends on the host Mac
Other connectionsCaptive DVI, USB 2.0, FireWire 400 and DC power cables; two downstream FireWire 400 ports and Kensington security slot–
USB hub detailTwo-port self-powered USB 2.0 hub; upstream USB cable must connect to computerThree powered USB 2.0 Type-A ports; upstream USB cable required for data, camera, microphone and speakers. Device charging works without a host connected.
Speaker detail–Built-in 2.1 system with 49 W output
Webcam detail–Built-in iSight; maker specifications do not publish a megapixel figure
Design
Stand adjustsTiltTilt
VESA mountYesYes
Weight with stand7.03 kg10.7 kg
VESA patternOptional Cinema Display VESA Mount Adapter Kit; VESA FDMI MIS-D 100 CRequires the separately sold Apple VESA Mount Adapter Kit
Size with stand536 × 450 × 187 mm (width × height × depth), from Apple's archived technical specificationsCurrent UK specifications give 650 × 491 × 207 mm (width × height × depth). Original manual gives 651.7 × 488.1 × 208.13 mm; both give 10.7 kg.
ControlsSide power and brightness buttons; resolution and colour settings through Mac OS X Displays preferencesBrightness, colour profile and calibration through Mac OS X Displays preferences; no physical image controls (Macworld)
ColoursAluminium enclosureAluminium enclosure with black glass bezel
Power and support
Power useMaximum 90 W; energy saver mode 3 W or lessMaximum 250 W while charging a MacBook Pro; energy saver 1 W or less
Power supplyExternal A1097 90 W adaptor; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz; 24.5 V DC outputInternal power supply; 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz
Laptop charging–Separate captive universal MagSafe connector supplies up to 85 W; no USB-C power delivery
SoftwareApple's UK announcement specifies July 2004 availability. Original manual supports Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later on listed DVI Macs, with compatible DVI-equipped Windows PCs also possible. Original manual explicitly specifies 1920 × 1200 at 60 Hz. Main weight follows archived maker specs (7.03 kg); original manual gives 6.75 kg without explaining the discrepancy.Original requirement Mac with Mini DisplayPort and Mac OS X 10.6.4 or later. July 2010 announcement specifies September availability.
Certifications–ENERGY STAR 5.0; EPEAT Gold in the US, Canada, France, Germany and UK
In the boxDisplay with captive connection cables, power adaptor, AC cord and cleaning clothDisplay, AC power cord and printed documentation

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