In short: The choice comes down to four questions: your specialty, how many exams you do per day, which probes you need, and how much space and budget you have. For gynaecology and obstetrics the Samsung HERA Z20 is the first choice; for radiology with interventions, the R20; for practices with a mixed caseload, the V8 or V7; for routine work and small rooms, the V6, V5 or V4. This guide is written by Meditron SA, the official Samsung Healthcare distributor in Switzerland, with more than 1,000 Samsung ultrasound systems installed in Swiss practices and hospitals.

Key takeaways

• Decide the probes first. They shape the price and the exams you can do more than the console does.

• HERA Z20 for women's health, R20 for radiology and intervention, V8 and V7 for mixed general imaging, V6, V5 and V4 for routine work and small rooms.

• All current Samsung systems share the same core imaging modes; the tiers differ in image processing, automation, monitor and footprint.

• In Switzerland, check the SGUM certificate you need to bill ultrasound exams before you choose a system.

• There is no list price. Meditron configures the system to your exams and quotes within a few working days.

Last reviewed: September 2026. Author: [Meditron ultrasound specialist, name and role].

Which four questions should I answer before buying an ultrasound system?

Answer these four questions and the shortlist usually narrows to two models.

1. Which exams do I mainly perform? A system for prenatal diagnostics needs different imaging modes (3D/4D, specialised measurement packages) than one for abdomen, thyroid and musculoskeletal work. Samsung splits its range accordingly: HERA for women's health, the R and V series for radiology and general imaging.

2. How high is my exam volume? At 20 or more exams a day, automated measurements and presets pay off because they save clicks and post-processing. At a few exams a week, a compact system is the more economical choice.

3. Which probes do I need? Convex for abdomen and obstetrics, linear for thyroid, vessels and musculoskeletal, endocavity for gynaecology and urology, sector (phased array) for cardiac. Probes account for a large share of the price and should be decided first.

4. How much space and budget do I have? A premium system with a 27-inch OLED monitor needs more floor space than a compact system on 56 × 63 cm. Financing and leasing change the calculation; more on that below.

How do the Samsung ultrasound systems differ?

Seven Samsung systems are sold in Switzerland through Meditron. The table compares them on the four points practices ask about most.

All models offer 2D, M-mode, colour, PW and CW Doppler, tissue Doppler, ElastoScan, 3D/4D and dual and quad display. The differences lie in image processing, automation, monitor and form factor.

Which Samsung ultrasound system for which specialty?

The quick answer, by specialty:

Practices that combine specialties, for example gynaecology with abdominal and thyroid work, are usually best served by the V8: it covers the broad range well and takes an endocavity probe.

What matters when choosing ultrasound probes?

The probe determines what a system delivers day to day. Three points are decisive:

• Frequency range. Higher frequencies give more resolution at less penetration depth (thyroid, tendons, vessels); lower frequencies give more depth at less resolution (abdomen, obstetrics).

• Form factor. Convex, linear, endocavity, sector. A typical general imaging practice starts with convex and linear; gynaecology adds endocavity; cardiology needs sector.

• Number of active ports. If you switch probes often during an exam, several probes connected at once saves time.

Meditron configures the probe selection together with you on the basis of your exams, not from a catalogue.

What are the Swiss requirements before buying an ultrasound system?

Three things to check that are specific to Switzerland:

• SGUM certificate of competence. To bill ultrasound examinations to health insurers, physicians need the certificate of competence (Fähigkeitsausweis) of the Swiss Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM) for the relevant module, for example abdomen, gynaecology and obstetrics, or musculoskeletal. Check the current requirements with SGUM before you invest.

• Swissmedic and CE marking. Ultrasound systems are medical devices. Systems and probes sold by Meditron are CE-marked and placed on the Swiss market in line with Swissmedic requirements. Grey imports may not be.

• DICOM and practice software. The system should send images and reports to your practice software or PACS. Meditron sets up the DICOM connection at installation.

New, pre-owned or leasing: what fits?

Samsung ultrasound systems are configured individually, so there are no list prices. The price depends on model, probes, software packages and service contract. Meditron prepares a quote within a few working days. Financing and leasing are available on request. Certified pre-owned systems with warranty are offered subject to availability, an option for getting started or for a second room. Read more: how much a Samsung ultrasound system costs in Switzerland and new or pre-owned: what to check.

Next step

Book a demo or request a quote. Overview of all models: Samsung ultrasound at Meditron.

Sources: Samsung Healthcare product specifications for HERA Z20, R20, V8, V7, V6, V5 and V4 (as listed on meditron.ch); SGUM, Swiss Society of Ultrasound in Medicine; Swissmedic, Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products.

Author: [name, role at Meditron, 2-sentence bio, photo]. Reviewed by: [name]. Last updated: September 2026.