Monitor Resolution Issues on new Macbook Pro 14 (M4 Pro)

It sounds like macOS is downscaling your external monitor resolution instead of running it at the native 3840x2160 (4K). Here’s how to fix it:

Step 1: Manually Set the Resolution

1. Go to System Settings > Displays.

2. Select your external monitor (click on it in the display arrangement view).

3. Hold the Option key while clicking “Scaled”.

4. Select “3840x2160” if available. If it’s still missing, continue with the steps below.

Step 2: Check Display Refresh Rate

1. Go to System Settings > Displays.

2. Scroll down and check the “Refresh Rate” setting.

3. Set it to 60Hz if available—some docks default to 30Hz, which can limit resolution options.

Step 3: Check Dock and DisplayPort Version

Your TobenONE Quad Monitor Docking Station may be limiting bandwidth:

• Ensure your DisplayPort cables are at least DP 1.4 (older DP 1.2 might cap at 1440p).

• Some docks limit DisplayPort to 2560x1440 per monitor due to bandwidth constraints.

• Test connecting one monitor directly via a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter (bypassing the dock). If 4K works, the dock is the bottleneck.

Step 4: Use BetterDisplay (Free App for Advanced Scaling)

If macOS still won’t let you select 4K, try BetterDisplay:

1. Download and install BetterDisplay.

2. Go to “Displays” in System Settings after installing.

3. Enable HiDPI 4K mode to get proper scaling without fuzziness.

Step 5: Try Different Connection Ports

• If your dock only has DisplayPort 1.2, try using USB-C to HDMI 2.0 (if your monitor supports it).

• Test connecting one monitor directly to the MacBook Pro without the dock. If it works, the dock is likely the issue.

Final Check: macOS Version & External Display Support

• Your MacBook Pro 14” (M4 Pro) supports up to two external displays at 4K 60Hz.

• Update macOS (Settings > General > Software Update) in case this is a known bug.

Quick Summary of Fixes

• Hold Option + Click “Scaled” in Display Settings

• Set Refresh Rate to 60Hz

• Test connecting one monitor directly to the Mac

• Try BetterDisplay to force 4K scaling

• Use USB-C to DisplayPort 1.4/HDMI 2.0 instead of the dock

Let me know if you need help with any step.

the samsung Model Number

LU32J590UQNXZA

is a 3840 by 2160 display with 10 bits/color

includes two HDMI ports, one HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4

DisplayPort 1.2 x1

it can attain 60 Hz refresh over DisplayPort PROVIDED the cable form each powered device to the next is ONE meter or shorter.

this also depends on your docking station actually being able to provide this resolution output (some may not be able to do this) AND the lead-in cord to your decking station being ONE meter or less.

HDMI 2.0 can provide 30 Hz with accurate color. 60 Hz requires that you compromise the number of colors, or drop down to 8 bits/color.

the TobenONE Quad Monitor Docking Station

appears to be a USB-C dock.

it does not have enough bandwidth to support TWO displays, and the Mac insists on a ThunderBolt interface to a genuine ThunderBolt docking station to connect two displays to one cable.

Grant Bennet-Alder wrote:

the samsung Model Number

LU32J590UQNXZA

is a 3840 by 2160 display with 10 bits/color

includes two HDMI ports, one HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4

So Samsung knew that HDMI 2.0 existed – because one of the HDMI ports implements it – but they still chose to make one of the HDMI ports a HDMI 1.4 port, instead of providing two HDMI 2.0 ports? If I recall correctly, HDMI 1.4 doesn't even support 3840x2160 @ 60 Hz @ 8-bits-per-channel. It would force the refresh rate down to 30 Hz maximum.

I would suggest that the OP check the monitor manual to make a positive identification of which port is the HDMI 1.4 port – so that the OP can avoid using it.

the other reason to provide TWO HDMI ports is to connect using two cables. Then each half-display (Right or Left) is sent over one cable at a much more modest rate, and put back together in the display using Picture-By-Picture (cousin of Picture-in-Picture).

in that case, the second port does not need to be as fast.