Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 32" 4K UHD 240Hz OLED Gaming Monitor 3840x2160 - 0.03ms

The introduction of a hybrid Smart TV and a computer monitor is a concept that reshapes the way we engage with technology in our living spaces. This innovative fusion seamlessly integrates entertainment and productivity, unlocking a myriad of benefits and possibilities. Despite only scratching the surface of its capabilities, this monitor has proven versatile in general computing, high-resolution video editing, streaming games, and enjoying platforms like Netflix. The remarkable fact that it achieves all this without requiring a connected gaming console is a testament to its advanced capabilities. We are indeed experiencing a glimpse of the future today.The Odyssey G8 monitor takes gaming to the next level with its remarkable 240Hz refresh rate and an astonishing ... MoreThe introduction of a hybrid Smart TV and a computer monitor is a concept that reshapes the way we engage with technology in our living spaces. This innovative fusion seamlessly integrates entertainment and productivity, unlocking a myriad of benefits and possibilities. Despite only scratching the surface of its capabilities, this monitor has proven versatile in general computing, high-resolution video editing, streaming games, and enjoying platforms like Netflix. The remarkable fact that it achieves all this without requiring a connected gaming console is a testament to its advanced capabilities. We are indeed experiencing a glimpse of the future today.The Odyssey G8 monitor takes gaming to the next level with its remarkable 240Hz refresh rate and an astonishing 0.03ms response time, creating an unrivaled visual experience that sets it apart from the competition. The 240Hz refresh rate guarantees seamless and fluid gameplay, where every frame is rendered with impeccable precision. This lightning-fast refresh rate ensures that even the most demanding games run smoother than ever before, delivering an unparalleled sense of immersion and responsiveness.I recently revisited Remnant II with all settings maxed out on the Odyssey G8, and it was a transformative experience. The game's stunning visuals were brought to life like never before, with intricate details and vibrant colors that I had never noticed on my previous monitor. The smooth and fluid gameplay made me feel like I was truly immersed in the game's world, and I found myself wanting to play the entire game again simply because it looked so good on the Odyssey G8.Working with 4K video editing software during my day job has been significantly enhanced by this monitor. The exceptional deep blacks and vibrant colors make lengthy editing sessions much more enjoyable and efficient. Video details are super sharp and easy to manipulate. The text's visual quality is remarkable, with exceptional sharpness that ranks high among my priorities for any monitor I choose. With its expansive 32-inch UHD screen, video editing software and its accompanying tools can coexist seamlessly on a single display, providing ample space for efficient editing workflows.As previously mentioned, the Odyssey G8 doubles as a smart TV, allowing you to access streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube without the need for an external device. With premium game streaming platforms built in such as Xbox Live and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, you can simply pair your preferred bluetooth controller and get playing without the need to even have a console hooked up. Crazy!The build quality looks and feels premium and will match any room you choose to put it in. It’s made out of metal, and feels solid when placed on your desk. As a bonus, you can easily swivel this display (on its standard mount) vertically if you choose. I really like the idea of the round core light on the back. You can have it set to a static color of your choice, or even use one of the presets, such as pulse, or breathing, etc. It’s a nice touch to have that built in, but unfortunately it isn’t very bright unless you have most lights off in your room and it is relatively close to a wall.Overall, the Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 Smart Gaming Monitor is an exceptional choice for anyone who wants a stunning all-in-one monitor solution. I find myself sitting at my desk more than usual now, which is both good and bad. Perhaps a sit-stand desk is in my near future!Pros:Incredible clarity, colors, and contrastSharp text240Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time is amazing for gamersPremium game streaming built inSmart TV functionality4K UHDGlare freeAll metal designCons:Core light isn’t bright enoughIt would be nice to have a built-in high resolution webcam one the next version

I wanted to get a bigger and new monitor, that had more color than a VA panel and ideally 4K resolution with high framerates to play games on. I’ve been thinking about getting into the OLED panels, as the technology has matured since the first-generation panels. And that’s how I landed on the Samsung 32in Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD as it was recently launched and readily available.Pros:- Thin and light for size.- Beautiful and Smooth 4K OLED panel with 240Hz refresh rate.- True Blacks and Zero Glare standout.- Minor improvements have a major impact.Cons:- Samsung’s SmartTV belongs in a TV, not a Monitor.- Back Panel Plugs are EXTREMELY LOOSE.- Must change the default settings to get best results.- Warranty does not match industry standard.Setup:I knew this ... MoreI wanted to get a bigger and new monitor, that had more color than a VA panel and ideally 4K resolution with high framerates to play games on. I’ve been thinking about getting into the OLED panels, as the technology has matured since the first-generation panels. And that’s how I landed on the Samsung 32in Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD as it was recently launched and readily available.Pros:- Thin and light for size.- Beautiful and Smooth 4K OLED panel with 240Hz refresh rate.- True Blacks and Zero Glare standout.- Minor improvements have a major impact.Cons:- Samsung’s SmartTV belongs in a TV, not a Monitor.- Back Panel Plugs are EXTREMELY LOOSE.- Must change the default settings to get best results.- Warranty does not match industry standard.Setup:I knew this monitor was going to be thin, but I was still surprised at just how thin and light the monitor was while taking it out of the box. Included in the box with the monitor is the Stand Base, Stand Arm, power brick and cable, wireless remote control, 5.25 ft Display Port 1.4 cable, a 6.5ft HDMI 2.1 cable, and a PC In USB cable for enabling the onboard USB A ports on the monitor.One major concern I had right away was while plugging in the Power and DisplayPort, the connections moved within the back panel! I’m familiar with my share of loose plugs, but this felt like the ports were just floating inside the shell of the monitor, whereas I expected them to be firmly attached to the exterior. I want to warn anyone who is even slightly forceful with their cables, BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN PLUGGING IN YOUR CONNECTION!! Otherwise, you might damage the monitor before you can even turn it on.Setup on the desk was easy, Samsung went with a tool free approach for the base stand included. You just need to line up the tabs and snap the monitor into place. The stand is one of many improvements to useability Samsung has made, not only did they get rid of the ridiculous V-base design, but the monitor can swivel and tilt into almost any position needed to get the best view. With such a large monitor, the stand handles the adjustments perfectly without tipping.Even with the stand upgrades, after some arrangements on my desk, I decided to use my existing monitor arm as it allowed me to fit everything on my desk as I wanted. Installing the monitor arm was a breeze with how light the G80SD is. The metal back panel makes the monitor feel premium and look super sleek. Additionally, there is an RBG ring on the back, CoreLighting+, which is off by default. I opted to keep it turned off, nothing against RBG or backlighting, but I won’t be focusing on the back of this panel that much.But when I do, Samsung made an improvement over prior models of Odyssey G8 monitors is the decision to face the ports out towards the back of the monitor. No 90-degree bend at the monitor or cables hanging out below the monitor because they can be secured behind the monitor to the arm. It’s so much easier to plug in the cables as well, as you don’t have to get the right angle or bend any cables up under a hood, you can just turn the monitor to the back and see which plug you want to use.Software:For better or for worse, Samsung uses its Tizen SmartTV software on the monitors, which only takes about 5 minutes to complete but includes unnecessary steps like channel selection and audio setup. It is not a great feeling to have to navigate through a TV setup on a monitor, I’d have bought a TV if I wanted to watch TV. The Menu navigate feels very scroll and select though if I used it more, I assume the recommendations would become more customized, but again the main reason I bought this Monitor was to connect it to a PC and Play Games. I understand having the TV function might be useful for some people, but I would want to use the feature and not be forced to use it.Overall, the software setup was not hard, but I wouldn’t call it painless just due to the forceful nature of having to use a TV menu on a Monitor. I prefer simpler interfaces and more focus on doing one thing well.Connectivity:The G80SD offers the standard spread of ports: 1x DisplayPort 1.4, 2x HDMI 2.1, and 2x USB A 3.0 if you connect the PC in (blue square plug). Additionally next to the Ports is the Power button which also acts as the built-in menu navigator, although it is much easier to navigate the menus using the included remote.The G80SD must connect to a wireless network during setup, this allows the monitor to update, register to your Samsung account, and stream the SmartTV media. Additionally, the G80SD can connect to Bluetooth speakers to provide better sound than the built in speakers but sound quality will vary based on the quality of the connected speakers. There is no other audio out besides wireless.There is a built-in microphone which enables the ability to use smart assistants like Alexa, Bixby, or SmartThings, but I don’t really use these. Luckily Samsung included a physical microphone off switch on the bottom of the monitor, which helps ensure there is no background listening going on.Performance:I will start with the G80SD’s 4K OLED display is AMAZING, the colors just pop, at least with some tweaks to the settings. Coming from mainly VA panels, the HDR10 and HDR10+ Gaming modes make a huge difference and look accurate. Initially I was a bit concerned because on the product page the Peak brightness was listed as only 250 nits, but that doesn’t account for the HDR settings. With HDR enabled, you will have no issues with brightness, but you will want to adjust the settings to get the right coloring depending on your setup. But the blacks are truly black, even more evident when bumped up against my older VA Panel looking at the same “True Black” sample.I was also questioning the choice of using a Matte finish for the OLED panel, but after looking at the G80SD in direct sunlight, I know why Samsung made that choice. You can actually still see and enjoy, key here is enjoy, the OLED display in sunlight without having that annoying glare or bounce back.The 240Hz refresh rate makes the G80SD great for games that require fast movements and reaction times. To hit these frame rates at 4K, you will need a powerful machine even on lower setting, otherwise it is probably better to run at 2K and upscale the game with either DLSS or Super Resolution. In either case, due to the 0.03ms (grey to grey) response time, there is literally no ghosting at all based on the UFO Test.Gaming:Game wise, I started up Destiny 2 to play The Final Shape, which ended up being the only game I’ve been playing since. For reference, I was able to hit a stable frame rate of about 125 FPS at 4K and 240 FPS at 2K in destiny 2, this was on a custom PC running an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X with 64GB DDR4 at 3600 MT/s with a RTX 4080.The OLED display just made the whole game world pop to life and the fluidity of the movements thanks to the high frame rates and response time, it was so much fun I just kept playing. Even though I had been playing on my VA Panel Display just the day before, the G80SD made the game feel brand new. Hands down, if you play immersive world games and have been eyeing getting an OLED Display, the time is now to dive in.TV?:Honestly, this monitor would be an AMAZING OLED monitor, if Samsung would strip out all the TV focused software and settings. If anything, the “SmartTV” part of this monitor is anything but smart and belongs in another product. I understand this serves a secondary purpose of acting as a TV, but because ALL the software is built around the TV interface, but the hardware is geared towards gaming, which results in this Monitor being built for gaming but trying to act like a TV, which results in a half thought out experience for you.Warranty:One other major concern I have is what is covered by the 36-month warranty. On Samsungs website, the warranty page for the G80SD states that parts and labor are covered for 36 months from time of delivery but does not specifically state it includes Burn-In coverage. There is a lot of different information going around about if the Warranty covers Burn-In, but I am only going off what is explicitly listed on Samsungs warranty page as navigated to from the product page, and it does not explicitly say “Burn-In Coverage” as so many other manufacturers do for their similar products.Conclusion:Overall, I’m really enjoying the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD, way more than I had thought I would from a simple monitor upgrade. The improvements from the OLED panel in picture quality and color compared to an ISP or VA panel just blow me away. The small improvements to the exterior of the display really make this an enjoyable monitor to set up and use. But two large issues make it hard to recommend the G80SD monitor, but both could be fixed in time:First is the stance on Burn-In coverage in the warranty, Samsung should clear up the confusion for customers by aligning all of their representatives and warranty info to align with what is expected. And I hope the decision is to explicitly include Burn-In coverage in the 3-year warranty. It is hard to recommend a monitor to others when there are alternatives available that include coverage in the standard warranty for a known flaw with the technology.Second, remove the Smart TV features or at the very least make it secondary to the Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD being a monitor! Once you get through much of the settings, it is a really great monitor, but the expereince to get there will turn off so many Gamers.Again, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD is a great monitor but I can't make it my recommendation with these issues, as there are other options these days.

The Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) is a cutting-edge gaming monitor that promises to deliver top-tier performance and stunning visuals. One thing to watch for when setting it up is the ports don’t feel sturdy. That Is, don’t plug your cables in with great force and yank them out. Be careful when you’re connecting the cables. The main drawback is the tv function. It is very annoying to have to fiddle around with the tv settings during setup and get it so that my PC outputs to the monitor. If Samsung is billing this monitor for gamers, then it should have made it easy for gaming. We don’t want to watch TV on this. That said, once you set it up and ignore the tv aspects, getting into 4K HDR 240Hz OLED gaming is like that classic song “A whole new world”. It is ... MoreThe Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) is a cutting-edge gaming monitor that promises to deliver top-tier performance and stunning visuals. One thing to watch for when setting it up is the ports don’t feel sturdy. That Is, don’t plug your cables in with great force and yank them out. Be careful when you’re connecting the cables. The main drawback is the tv function. It is very annoying to have to fiddle around with the tv settings during setup and get it so that my PC outputs to the monitor. If Samsung is billing this monitor for gamers, then it should have made it easy for gaming. We don’t want to watch TV on this. That said, once you set it up and ignore the tv aspects, getting into 4K HDR 240Hz OLED gaming is like that classic song “A whole new world”. It is just amazing. You’ll want to play your games just to marvel at the stunning life-like visuals.The Odyssey OLED G8 shines when it comes to speed and responsiveness. Featuring a remarkable 240Hz refresh rate and an almost instantaneous 0.03ms response time, this monitor is designed for competitive gamers who need every possible advantage. The high refresh rate ensures smooth, fluid gameplay, which is particularly beneficial in fast-paced genres like FPS and racing games. You can plug in either with 8K DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1. Once I dialed down the extraneous settings and turned on DLSS3 with frame generation, I was getting between 140-170 FPS in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 running at 4K. The inclusion of AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology further enhances the experience by minimizing screen tearing and input lag, ensuring a seamless and immersive gaming session.The visual quality of the Odyssey OLED G8 is simply breathtaking. Thanks to OLED technology, the monitor offers deep black levels and vivid colors, creating an incredibly lifelike image. The absence of pixel light bleed means that dark scenes are rendered with exceptional clarity and detail, making horror games and dark-themed titles more immersive. Make sure you turn on HDR on your PC in the Windows 11 display settings because this monitor supports HDR10+ (Samsung uses HDR10+ instead of Dolby Vision in its monitors). Every color pops, and the contrast ratio is among the best you can find in the current market. My laptop is a 2024 model with 165 Hz refresh rate powered by NVIDIA RTX 4070, but this monitor makes my laptop’s screen look pedestrian. It is just a massive upgrade, but I already own a Samsung 4K OLED TV (S95B) so I sort of knew what to expect.One of the standout features of this monitor is its Glare Free technology. This significantly reduces the impact of external light sources on the screen, allowing you to focus on your game without annoying reflections or glare. The matte finish might annoy some, but I found it very helpful. This feature is especially useful in brightly lit rooms or during daytime gaming sessions, as it enhances visibility and reduces eye strain, ensuring you can play comfortably for longer periods.The Odyssey OLED G8 is not just about performance; it's also about style. This monitor just oozes a premium, high end vibe. The sleek metal design, measuring just 3.9mm at its thinnest point, gives it a modern and sophisticated look that can elevate any gaming setup. The CoreLighting+ feature adds a customizable ambient lighting experience, allowing you to set the mood to match your game or your personal preference. This monitor is as much a statement piece as it is a high-performance device.Long gaming sessions can be taxing, but the Odyssey OLED G8's ergonomic stand helps mitigate this issue. The stand allows you to swivel and tilt the monitor to find the perfect viewing angle. This flexibility ensures you can maintain a comfortable posture, reducing the risk of strain and discomfort during extended use. It's clear that Samsung has put a lot of thought into the usability and comfort of this monitor.As a smart monitor, the Odyssey OLED G8 includes a suite of smart features that add to its versatility. You can easily switch between gaming and other forms of entertainment, such as streaming or browsing the web, without the need for additional devices. The built-in smart hub and user-friendly interface make navigating these features a breeze. I was already familiar with the Samsung Tizen software since I own a Samsung TV, but to others it might take a while to get used to it.The Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SD) is a premium gaming monitor that delivers on all fronts. Its exceptional speed and responsiveness, combined with stunning visual quality and innovative features like Glare Free technology, make it a top choice for serious gamers. The sleek design and ergonomic stand add to its appeal, ensuring it looks great and feels comfortable in any setup. If you’re in the market for a high-performance gaming monitor that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality, the Odyssey OLED G8 is an excellent investment.