The Series 9's display has a resolution of 2560 by 1440 pixels and a matte finish that makes it easy to view in bright light, . Assuming the screen measures 13.3 inches--same as existing Series 9 laptops--the density would be roughly 220 pixels per inch. Apple's MacBook Pro with Retina Display achieves roughly the same pixel density on a 15.4-inch, 2880 by 1800 pixel screen.

Of course, Apple's laptop has the considerable advantage of actually existing on the market today. The Series 9 on display at IFA was apparently just an engineering sample, and Samsung isn't saying anything about specs, pricing or release date.

Without official information on specs, my main concern is battery life. In general, the higher the display resolution, the more power you need. That could be an issue if Samsung wants to keep the laptop looking svelte. (The existing 13-inch Series 9 laptops measure a half-inch thick, which is 0.2 inches thinner than the MacBook Pro with Retina Display.)

Don't expect this PC to come cheap, either. The Series 9 is already Samsung's most expensive line, with a starting price of $1,300 for the 13-inch model. A 220-ppi display will likely send that price skyward.

Still, it's nice to see a premium PC design that rivals Apple without looking like a shameless copy. This could be a winner if Samsung can make the specs work.