Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) Review: "I Thought Gaming Monitors Couldn't Get More Epic"
Just when I thought PC gaming monitors couldn't get any more epic, the new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) has arrived and will outshine nearly every display in the coming weeks. This ultra-wide 49-inch monster might be the most amazing gaming device I've ever used, but its price will completely wipe out your bank account.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is priced at $1799 and some great features of Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 are really popular. I've tried several 49-inch ultra-wide monitors in the past with similar aspect ratios, the same incredible 32:9 curved panel, 5120 by 1440 pixels, and 240Hz refresh rate. They even used the Samsung Odyssey G9 brand, but they were all LCD monitors. Is there a big difference here? Uses OLED panel technology.
Of course, you can get a bigger OLED screen. But they actually use OLED panels ripped from TVs, or TVs You definitely won't find a 32:9 curved TV. This is a dedicated curved gaming monitor and not a fancy TV, although it has all the features of a smart TV.
Design and features
When it comes to dedicated gaming settings, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 isn't exactly what you need, so it's not the best choice for console gaming. Sure, it has an HDMI 2.1 connection, so technically it will work as one of the best PS5 monitors, but the 32:9 aspect ratio is problematic for this console, and the 240Hz refresh rate is too high if the console isn't around 120 Hz at the moment.
However, for most PC games, you'll probably want to use the DisplayPort interface. There is a USB-C connection, but only as a USB hub, not as a display input with device charging. That's probably a good thing considering it's clearly one of the best gaming monitors out there, but it would be nice to be able to plug in a laptop and charge it with a single cable.
Another important feature is the Smart Hub. The Samsung TV Plus segment supports all the usual streaming services and includes an IR remote control with shortcuts to instantly jump to Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus (you even get a free six-month subscription to the latter). The only problem is that, again, TV content is not suitable for 32:9 screens. Most of the content you'll see on one of the best gaming TVs is 16:9, so only half the screen is used. Even feature films usually max out at 2.35:1, so you're still left with big black bars on the left and right.
Actually, this is not the only problem. The interface is a bit slow and clunky, and combined with a rather confusing on-screen menu that duplicates the various image quality controls in multiple menus, the ease of use isn't exactly top-notch. Doing simple things like changing input signals or adjusting lighting can require an unnecessarily steep learning curve.
Regardless, recent Samsung TVs have the same Game Center, which supports game streaming from Microsoft, Nvidia and others. Again, the aspect ratio isn't great for these services, so this feature is best viewed as a nice touch In addition, neither the main function.
However, one aspect that is an unqualified success is style. The sleek, minimalist design and perfectly symmetrical bezel make this piece look like a million bucks. There is RGB lighting if you prefer it. But more importantly, the OLED G9 feels like a quality product. The only exception is a large external power supply that connects to the display via a very flimsy plug connector that looks like it's about to break. Accessing the entrances is also a bit tricky, but it's not an issue you'll have to deal with often - it's not something you can easily get around.
performance
My God, this stuff is amazing.
I've seen exactly the same panel performance in the Alienware 34 AW3423DWF and more recently the LG UltraGear 45GR95QE. The first of the two uses the same Samsung QD-OLED technology and has a glossy finish like this OLED G9. Differences in scale. The 34-inch Alienware is hardly a small fish. But that still pales in comparison to the breathtaking view of this 49-inch monster.
It's tempting to speculate that such an ultra-wide monitor is some sort of trick. Must watch series and movies. But for games? When it comes to gaming, the level of immersion is off the charts. What's more, this Samsung QD-OLED technology really outshines the competition. In short, all modern OLED gaming monitors use LG or Samsung panel technology, and you usually have to find an excuse for a monitor with an LG panel. They can be limited when it comes to full-screen brightness and suffer from annoying and distracting issues with ABL or automatic brightness limiting that make them sub-optimal for use with the best gaming PCs.
None of that applies here. Samsung rates full-screen brightness for the OLED G9 at 250 nits, and if anything, it feels much sharper. It doesn't cause an annoying drop in brightness when opening a browser window, and it doesn't look dull in bright gaming scenes like some LG panels. It always looks quite interesting.
Then fire up an HDR-capable game like Cyberpunk 2077 and it will blow your mind a bit. HDR performance is excellent, with plenty of noise, perfect per-pixel brightness control, and incredible contrast enhanced by the panel's glossy finish. HDR games have been touted over the years, though they've generally been disappointing. But with this monitor, you can see what it is. This is what HDR has always meant.
Of course, with a response time of 0.03ms and a refresh rate of 240Hz, it's also very fast. Simply put, this monitor has no response or latency issues as long as you have the best graphics card available. Honestly, you must get the most out of this monitor.
If there's one catch to all of this, it's that the resolution and pixel density are nothing special for a PC monitor. The total number of pixels is actually less than 4K, which is pretty cheap to get on a 27-inch monitor these days. For games, the pixel density is normal. But for full-fledged computing, like nice crisp fonts and image detail, there are definitely better options for the money.
The only performance-related question concerns the durability of OLED technology and Samsung OLED panels in particular. All these new OLED gaming monitors are probably too new to really know what the future holds. Will there be any problems with burning and rendering more? Hard to say. Samsung uses a variety of technologies to prevent burn-in, and this monitor comes with a full three-year warranty, so you're protected for at least that long.
Should I buy the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9?
One of the obvious limitations of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is pixel density. But this was a known problem. Also, this monitor is not for content creation professionals. It's designed for gaming and does a great job of the OLED G9.
The combination of large size, impressive brightness and speed of the QD-OLED panel provides an unparalleled experience. It's incredibly impressive and immersive, and it's better optimized for PC than one of the best OLED TVs out there. Likewise, the OLED G9 outperforms any mini-LED backlit LCD monitor in HDR performance. It's a great experience that HDR technology has long promised but never before delivered on PC.
Meanwhile, smart TV functionality doesn't require choice (it's worth noting that a cheaper and less expensive version of this monitor is coming soon, which is likely a better buy for PC gamers), and its display isn't great. Choice for console gamers. But for gamers who can afford it, the OLED G9 is as good as a gaming monitor gets these days.
How I Tested the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is designed for gaming, so I tested a lot of Steam games on it, including Cyberpunk 2077 with its amazing HDR visuals, Apex Legends with motion and feedback, and to see how strategies work in these games. . wide panel.
I look at everything from brightness and contrast to accuracy, response and latency and how this OLED panel compares to its direct competitors and more traditional LCDs. Windows desktop performance is also tested, then I evaluate build quality, design and features to get a complete picture of overall performance and display quality.
the kicker
