The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is a wider model of Samsung’s widespread OLED G8 that debuted early final yr. It contains a 49-inch 5120 x 1440 decision panel, the equal of two 27-inch 2560 x 1440 displays stitched collectively into an enormous super-ultrawide with a 32:9 side ratio.
The panel makes use of second era QD-OLED expertise, the identical we noticed within the Asus PG49WCD, with a refresh fee that tops out at 240Hz. It helps adaptive sync expertise, response instances rated at 0.03ms, and DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification. The official MSRP for this monitor is $1,800, however it may be discovered often for round $1,300 nowadays. A aggressive value, although nonetheless a high-end product for these after a flagship gaming monitor.
As chances are you’ll know, I am a fan of ultrawide gaming; I usually use a 21:9 side ratio show as my each day gaming monitor. These 49-inch shows are particularly huge, the OLED G9 is 1.2 meters huge so you will want an honest measurement desk to accommodate it, nevertheless it’s not overly tall relative to most different displays.
We’re taking a look at 40cm of further width versus conventional 21:9 ultrawides, so it feels extra immersive to make use of whereas gaming, and presents extra display screen actual property for aspect by aspect productiveness functions. The draw back is that whereas recreation assist is fairly good for ultrawides, 32:9 is much less supported than 21:9 and 16:9, so chances are you’ll run into titles that do not assist this sort of format with out mods or hacks. However the newer the sport you are taking part in, the much less doubtless this will probably be a difficulty in my expertise.
Specs and Design
The Odyssey OLED G9 (precise mannequin is G95SC) is a curved monitor, although the curve is commonplace and never too aggressive at 1800R. We predict this offers it a pleasant steadiness between bringing the sides in a bit for immersive gaming, whereas not distorting the picture an excessive amount of for desktop utilization. We do not assume a flat panel of this width could be superb, so the broader the display screen, the extra justifiable the curve turns into, particularly at regular desk viewing distances.
The design is similar to the OLED G8 however with just a few tweaks that enhance the package deal. The outer surfaces are nonetheless silver plastic or metallic, with a skinny construct that appears nice in our opinion. The stand has been widened a bit, particularly on the base, to maintain it steady with such a big panel, however the quantity of desk width obligatory to accommodate the stand is surprisingly small. We additionally admire the bottom is flat, so you’ll be able to put issues on high of it if you wish to.
On the rear you will discover an RGB LED ring across the connection between the stand and monitor, which is shiny and appears good, it is one of many lighting integrations that does not really feel like a easy advertising and marketing checkmark. The stand additionally solely helps top and tilt assist, with no swivel adjustment, though VESA mounting is supported. I might have appreciated barely extra top within the stand however that is most likely difficult with a show of this measurement.
Connectivity
One of many notable enhancements of the G9 over the G8 is the return to straightforward show connectors. The G8, for some inexplicable purpose, employed each mini-DisplayPort and micro-HDMI. In distinction, the G9 contains a full-sized DisplayPort 1.4 connector and a full-sized HDMI 2.1 connector. It additionally features a micro-HDMI port and three USB-C ports. Nonetheless, these USB-C ports are solely for hub performance and don’t assist show connectivity, energy supply capabilities, or a KVM swap. A downside is that, whereas the connectors are actually appropriately sized, they’ve been recessed into the monitor, making them much less accessible.
Concerning port capabilities, the HDMI 2.1 ports assist 40 Gbps, guaranteeing compatibility with the total bandwidth of the PS5. Nonetheless, whether or not utilizing DP 1.4 or HDMI 2.1, Show Stream Compression (DSC) is important to realize 240Hz on the most decision of 5120 x 1440.
Just like the OLED G8, the Odyssey G9 continues to make use of Samsung’s good TV-like On-Display Show (OSD), controllable both by a directional toggle on the show or the included distant. This function means the monitor is internet-connected and might run varied apps comparable to Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. It additionally helps further options enabled by the chip’s processing capabilities.
That is uncommon for a show primarily used for gaming, particularly PC gaming, the place the enter gadget (like a PC or recreation console) can already run these apps effectively, typically with quicker and simpler enter than the included distant. Nonetheless, having app assist can typically provide higher HDR and different format options in comparison with desktop PC apps.
The superior OSD presents different advantages, comparable to an in depth vary of settings, firmware updates over the web, Bluetooth performance, and easy operation. The extent of software program options far exceeds that of rivals, notably for these wanting native app assist. Nonetheless, the monitor lacks Dolby Imaginative and prescient assist.
The foremost draw back of this OSD is its tough navigation and the cluttered interface. Accessing important show settings for calibration or picture adjustment requires extreme button presses, even with the short shortcut for the underside settings bar. Upon first use, the show defaults to the app web page as a substitute of the first enter, which could be complicated for customers attempting to entry their PC’s desktop. Whereas the superior performance and app assist are appreciated, the interface would profit enormously from a redesign centered on probably the most generally used monitor features.
Display Coating, Subpixel Format and Burn-In
Samsung’s second-generation QD-OLED panels provide enhancements, notably relating to the subpixel construction. Whereas nonetheless utilizing a triangle RGB structure, the adjusted subpixel sizing barely improves textual content readability in comparison with the first-generation QD-OLED. There’s nonetheless some pink/inexperienced fringing on the high and backside of textual content, nevertheless it’s much less noticeable than in first-gen panels, indicating an enchancment, albeit not an entire resolution.
As somebody who discovered the textual content fringing subject extra noticeable and bothersome in desktop app utilization with first-gen panels, I see the second-gen QD-OLED design as nearer to acceptable. It isn’t on par with related pixel density LCDs utilizing an RGB-stripe subpixel structure, nevertheless it’s usually enough for infrequent desktop app utilization and glorious for content material consumption like gaming. Furthermore, the textual content readability of second-gen QD-OLED surpasses that of comparable WOLED panels, making it my most well-liked selection for text-heavy functions.
Nonetheless, the display screen composition, layer construction, and coating have solely seen minor enhancements in comparison with the first-gen QD-OLED. The second-gen panel stays shiny and nonetheless struggles with ambient gentle reflection when gentle sources are in entrance of the show. Though reflection dealing with is affordable, the panel displays an excessive amount of ambient gentle, diminishing the standard of OLED’s deep blacks in inadequately optimized environments.
TFT Central presents an insightful article benchmarking the second-gen QD-OLED’s barely diminished ambient gentle reflection, but it is not substantial sufficient to be thought of an entire repair. Thus, the identical concerns relating to display screen composition and coating apply to the OLED G9 as with earlier QD-OLEDs. In commonplace indoor environments with synthetic or considerable daylight, QD-OLED’s ambient gentle reflectivity could be a difficulty, although it is much less problematic with lighting behind the show and a non-issue in dim or darkish rooms. In contrast, shiny LG WOLED panels usually seem blacker in shiny environments resulting from their higher ambient gentle rejection.
Whether or not this can be a vital subject varies from case to case. Personally, I discover it annoying and a serious downside of QD-OLED panels, nevertheless it’s much less regarding for individuals who primarily recreation at night time. It is a side price contemplating.
Moreover, it is necessary to notice that OLEDs are usually much less appropriate for desktop utilization, productiveness apps, and net shopping resulting from their susceptibility to everlasting burn-in. Static content material, like toolbars or icons current in most desktop functions, dangers burn-in. In distinction, dynamic content material comparable to gaming or video watching poses just about no burn-in danger. Occasional desktop app utilization is suitable, however extended each day productiveness work could result in burn-in.
Regrettably, Samsung doesn’t provide particular burn-in protection of their guarantee for the OLED G9, a coverage according to their OLED G8. This lack of protection additional impacts the monitor’s suitability for desktop use, as there is no assurance towards potential burn-in points.
Response Time Efficiency
When it comes to response time efficiency, it is no shock to see this QD-OLED panel providing lightning quick speeds, much like different QD-OLEDs we have examined. At its most 240Hz refresh fee, we’re seeing a 0.3ms common response which is extraordinarily quick and that results in very clear movement for this form of refresh fee. With no noticeable inverse ghosting, the Samsung mannequin is on par with the opposite variants for pace, and much superior to any LCD on the identical refresh fee. It exceeds options just like the Asus PG49WCD resulting from having a better 240Hz refresh fee versus 144Hz, a noticeable enhance for gaming when you might have the efficiency to drive video games at that body fee.
The very best a part of how OLEDs operate is that efficiency is mainly equivalent in any respect refresh charges. This implies whether or not we’re testing at 240Hz, 120Hz or 60Hz, we’re nonetheless seeing a couple of 0.3ms response time common. LCDs usually get slower because the refresh fee decreases however this is not the case right here, so the OLED G9 presents a single overdrive mode expertise – with none overdrive settings after all, as they are not required for an OLED.
There’s successfully no distinction in response time efficiency between this QD-OLED and different OLED displays. The one distinction for movement readability on the most refresh fee is the max refresh itself. Because the OLED G9 has a excessive 240Hz refresh fee, you’ll be able to guarantee when shopping for this show that its movement readability is great
The place the massive distinction lies is between OLED and LCD. The Odyssey is far quicker than the quickest LCD I’ve examined, which is an enormous win for OLED, and it solely will get higher when taking a look at common efficiency. Whereas LCDs do get a bit slower at decrease refresh charges, OLEDs do not, so the hole between OLED and LCD grows.
It is also good to verify glorious cumulative deviation outcomes, although no completely different from most different OLEDs. As anticipated this actually is identical expertise that delivers the identical response time efficiency as different QD-OLED ultrawides.
The OLED G9 technically helps black body insertion though the function is so convoluted to entry that it is mainly pointless and unusable. It solely works with 60Hz, 4K inputs which fully guidelines out any wise PC connections and would not even look that nice when arrange to make use of strobing.
Enter lag is sweet, reporting in with a 1.1ms processing delay in each the HDR and SDR modes on the most refresh fee. It is a little larger than another QD-OLED gaming displays, however not sufficient to have any vital influence on gaming. With a excessive 240Hz refresh fee and lightning quick response instances, this can be a low enter latency monitor that feels very responsive to make use of.
Energy consumption is on the excessive aspect when displaying a full white picture, as you may count on from a show this massive. Nonetheless I used to be stunned to see the display screen eat a further 30W relative to the PG49WCD, which makes use of the identical show expertise, simply at a 144Hz refresh fee with out good TV performance. It finally ends up utilizing 44% extra energy than the OLED G8 with a display screen that has a 52% larger space, so scaling appears in keeping with Samsung’s different mannequin which additionally was on the upper finish of energy consumption amongst 34-inch ultrawides.
Coloration Efficiency
Coloration House: Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 – D65-P3
The OLED G9 as anticipated for a QD-OLED is a large gamut show with 99% DCI-P3 protection. We’re additionally seeing 98.5% protection of Adobe RGB, so work in both of these coloration areas goes to be good. This leaves us with 84% protection of Rec. 2020 which is likely one of the stronger showings from fashionable shows, though no completely different to different QD-OLEDs because the panel expertise is basically the identical.
Default Coloration Efficiency
Whereas the G9 has a excessive coloration gamut, it has horrible manufacturing unit calibration, virtually solely resulting from a single setting which is enabled by default known as “Distinction Enhancer”. This function destroys gamma and washes out the picture, making it look terrible while you first flip the show on. I do not know why Samsung thought it was good thought to allow this by default, however we get actually excessive deltaEs in consequence. Saturation and ColorChecker are additionally impacted by oversaturation because the huge gamut capabilities are left unclamped, so commonplace SDR sRGB content material is expanded as much as fill the huge gamut of this show.
In comparison with different gaming displays you’ll be able to see the injury that enabling horrible options by default has. The OLED G9 finally ends up as one of many worst displays I’ve examined for default manufacturing unit efficiency in each grayscale and ColorChecker.
sRGB Mode Coloration Efficiency
Fortunately using a wise TV processor has allowed for all kinds of coloration controls, together with a totally unlocked sRGB mode and a wealth of calibration choices. Altering simply two settings – turning off Distinction Enhancer, and setting the Coloration House to Auto – considerably improves coloration efficiency. Whereas not superb and nonetheless falling wanting what I might describe as manufacturing unit calibrated, this sRGB mode of kinds does look and carry out loads higher.
When evaluating this configuration to its friends, the OLED G9 would not look as misplaced, it nonetheless is a mid to decrease tier performer nevertheless it’s removed from “worst of all time” stage in order that’s a great step in the fitting route.
OSD Tweaked Coloration Efficiency
With additional tweaking, white steadiness changes and so forth, I used to be capable of get the display screen right into a place the place I might describe it as fairly effectively calibrated. DeltaE ITP averages have been round 5.0, the CCT common is wanting fairly good, and general coloration efficiency is respectable. This reveals the energy of getting absolutely unlocked coloration controls, it actually does permit customers to enhance coloration efficiency in the event that they wish to.
Calibrated Coloration Efficiency
A full calibration by Calman was capable of considerably enhance efficiency from what I simply confirmed, I wasn’t capable of obtain excellent outcomes however they have been adequate for normal utilization. It will have been good to see these outcomes from the manufacturing unit.
Most brightness within the SDR mode is typical of QD-OLEDs, topping out at simply over 250 nits. Like Samsung’s earlier OLED, the G9 doesn’t require you to modify on a “uniform brightness” setting within the SDR mode – it is robotically enabled, so there isn’t a computerized brightness limiter when viewing SDR content material, and so brightness won’t change relying on the quantity of white on display screen. Minimal brightness is mainly the identical because the OLED G8, at 65 nits, which is on the excessive aspect for an OLED, most others can push effectively beneath 50 nits.
Viewing angles are excellent from QD-OLED panels, so you will not have any points with coloration shifting or tint when seen from off angles. The one concern right here could be the curve decreasing the visibility of the whole display screen, although 1800R is sweet for gaming at this form of measurement and side ratio. Uniformity was nice as effectively, persevering with a development of those QD-OLED panels delivering a pleasant and constant expertise.
HDR Efficiency
This Samsung monitor excels as an HDR show, largely as a result of inherent {hardware} qualities of OLED expertise which are notably suited to HDR content material. The standout function is the self-lit nature of every particular person pixel, permitting the show to show pixels on or off to precisely render the whole lot from darkish shadows to shiny highlights. When displaying pure black, the pixels can absolutely swap off, offering the wealthy, zero-level blacks and deep shadows attribute of OLED expertise.
In distinction, most HDR-capable LCD panels lack full pixel-level management. LCDs require a backlight, typically utilizing full array native dimming for HDR shows. This expertise divides the backlight into zones. Not like OLEDs, which may flip off every pixel individually, LCDs with native dimming can solely deactivate zones containing a whole lot or 1000’s of pixels. Whereas efficient for HDR content material, this strategy has inherent flaws, notably in difficult scenes. As an example, when displaying a shiny and darkish factor in shut proximity, OLEDs can exactly management every pixel, guaranteeing a clear, correct distinction. LCDs, nevertheless, should adeptly handle these zones, and when components are too small or poorly positioned, shiny components could bleed into darkish areas, creating undesirable blooming artifacts.
Due to this fact, OLEDs have a bonus in displaying clear HDR content material with minimal blooming or haloing. In sure scenes, this leads to a stark distinction between raised blacks and deep blacks, comparable to in starfields and Christmas lights. OLEDs additionally provide advantages in brightness for small shiny objects in darkish scenes, cleaner subtitles with much less blooming, and richer shadows because of their inherently larger distinction ratio.
Apart from brightness and shadow element, OLEDs provide further HDR benefits. With no backlight zones, OLEDs transition between shiny and darkish quicker and with out seen zone transitions. They’re much less liable to backlight flickering, though gentle PWM conduct, particularly with variable refresh charges, is frequent. Moreover, OLEDs like this mannequin don’t enhance enter latency in HDR mode, as they do not depend on backlight zone algorithms.
Sadly, the OLED G9 shares the identical HDR compatibility subject with the OLED G8 throughout completely different GPU manufacturers. On an Nvidia GPU, the G9 requires calibration changes to ship a 1000 nit expertise with good accuracy. Conversely, with an AMD GPU, the G9 is extra correct in HDR mode out of the field, however can’t obtain 1000 nits of peak brightness, topping out round 450 nits.
This appears as a result of OLED G9 using a unique HDR pipeline based mostly on the GPU kind. AMD GPUs have interaction the show’s FreeSync Premium Professional pipeline, which Samsung seems to have applied poorly, regardless of AMD’s certification. Nvidia GPUs and different enter sources use a normal HDR pipeline, providing extra adjustable settings and the flexibility to achieve 1000 nits.
Testing on an Nvidia GPU with optimum HDR settings revealed respectable accuracy, together with efficient EOTF monitoring and good management within the decrease brightness vary for shadow element. The show additionally advantages from QD-OLED’s bigger coloration quantity in comparison with WOLED. For HDR gaming on an Nvidia GPU, this show is recommendable.
Nonetheless, it is tougher to suggest for AMD GPU customers, not resulting from accuracy points however as a result of it fails to achieve essential brightness ranges. Samsung’s incapability to resolve this, regardless of new merchandise and software program updates, is disappointing. Screens ought to carry out persistently throughout all GPUs and enter units, not swap to inferior processing strategies for particular manufacturers.
Persevering with with Nvidia GPU outcomes, the full-screen HDR brightness, equivalent to different QD-OLEDs, peaks at 253 nits. That is decrease than LCDs, impacting brightness in excessive APL (Common Image Degree) scenes, although HDR content material seldom makes use of full-screen white. At 10% brightness, the show matches different QD-OLEDs at round 450 nits, an space the place Samsung’s OLED expertise wants enchancment. For two% brightness, attaining 1000 nits is feasible, surpassing most LCDs, which generally keep away from such excessive brightness to stop dimming zone artifacts.
Brightness versus window measurement reveals related conduct to different QD-OLED displays. Though the Asus PG34WCDM, utilizing a WOLED panel, can get brighter, the selection between the OLED G9 and PG49WCD makes little distinction, as each ship comparable QD-OLED brightness.
In real-world brightness exams, the G95SC underperforms in excessive APL scenes however excels in low APL situations, showcasing its 1000 nit capabilities. Gaming additionally yielded round 1000 nits, demonstrating that the show maintains good HDR brightness outdoors of check patterns.
HUB Necessities Guidelines
The ultimate part of this assessment introduces the brand new HUB Necessities Guidelines 2.0. This up to date model, in distinction to its predecessors, separates the spec sheet and promoting sections from the options guidelines. Initially, we’ll current a spec sheet based mostly on our testing and evaluate it to Samsung’s promoting to find out their accuracy. Other than the standard exaggerations relating to response time, the OLED G9 is precisely marketed. Nonetheless, I discover the spec sheet’s declare of “manufacturing unit tuning – sure” considerably deceptive, particularly in gentle of the colour efficiency points we noticed earlier.
The function assist matrix of the OLED G9 has been considerably expanded in comparison with the unique Necessities Guidelines, incorporating many extremely requested options comparable to DSC compatibility, USB-C assist, and key OLED usability options like a uniform brightness setting, amongst others. This gives a extra complete analysis of what constitutes a great monitor and the way this particular product measures up.
The OLED G9 helps many important options, notably by way of distinction and movement efficiency. Nonetheless, there are just a few borderline outcomes to notice, comparable to an enter latency of roughly 1ms and a Rec. 2020 Coloration Quantity that hardly misses the 80% mark. It was additionally encouraging to see necessary inclusions like easy SDR/HDR switching with out the necessity for fixed setting changes, passive cooling, a totally unlocked sRGB mode, and user-upgradable firmware.
Nonetheless, there are essential areas the place enchancment is required. These embrace the absence of a burn-in guarantee, the lack to realize 1000 nits of brightness with AMD GPUs, and subpar manufacturing unit tuning. Paying nearer consideration to those particulars may have resulted in additional constructive marks on the guidelines, broadening the monitor’s enchantment to consumers searching for particular options for his or her wants.
What We Realized
General, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G95SC) is an attention-grabbing and considerably area of interest high-end gaming monitor about which we now have combined emotions. Its standout function is the high-quality QD-OLED panel, which brings all of the acquainted advantages of this expertise. Nonetheless, there are additionally some irritating elements relating to how Samsung has configured this show and its efficiency in key areas.
The very best side to the Odyssey OLED G9 is its immersive ultrawide measurement and side ratio, preferrred for gaming, coupled with its ultra-fast response instances and excessive 240 Hz refresh fee. This panel is exceptionally well-suited for high-end gaming and presents ample room for future GPU upgrades. This issue alone doubtless makes it a stronger selection than some rivals, such because the Asus PG49WCD, which maxes out at 144Hz. For these keen to take a position over $1,000 in a monitor, choosing one which reaches 240Hz appears wise.
This holds true for each aggressive and single-player gaming lovers. Whereas the 32:9 side ratio is probably not optimum for all multiplayer titles resulting from format assist points, the movement readability and responsiveness of this monitor are among the many greatest. For single-player avid gamers, the advantages embrace a real HDR expertise with per-pixel native dimming, as much as 1,000 nits of peak brightness, deep blacks, and respectable HDR accuracy. When correctly arrange, it may be a powerful show.
We’re much less satisfied about utilizing this panel for desktop productiveness work. Regardless of its super-wide and immersive format being advantageous for gaming, its decision, equal to 2 1440p displays aspect by aspect, is nice for multitasking with desktop apps. Nonetheless, its textual content readability falls wanting LCD requirements, and the chance of everlasting burn-in – notably and not using a burn-in guarantee – is regarding. If Samsung goals to place a brilliant ultrawide QD-OLED because the optimum selection for each gaming and productiveness, providing a burn-in guarantee would offer consumers with the peace of mind they should use the monitor with out concern of harm.
One other frustration with this monitor is the lack to entry 1,000 nits of peak brightness on AMD GPUs, an issue additionally current within the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8. Regardless of being FreeSync Premium Professional licensed, this limitation successfully restricts customers to Nvidia GPUs for the very best HDR expertise, which isn’t preferrred for a premium product and limits GPU {hardware} choices. This appears to be an unintentional vendor lock-in resulting from poor implementation of FreeSync Premium Professional HDR. Provided that we first raised this subject 10 months in the past with one other product and it stays unresolved within the newest firmware, we lack confidence that it is going to be addressed. Whether or not the OLED G9 is an acceptable selection could rely in your consolation stage with being restricted to utilizing Nvidia GPUs.
Moreover, the Odyssey G9’s manufacturing unit calibration is poor, and whereas its good TV performance presents in depth coloration controls for adjustment, this course of is cumbersome. Ideally, a high-end monitor ought to arrive in a extra user-ready state. The feature-rich good TV OSD, whereas helpful, leads to a bloated interface that’s much less intuitive in comparison with commonplace non-Good displays, with key settings buried in deep menu layers.
Regardless of these points, we expect $1,300 is a considerably cheap value for what Samsung presents, although it represents a $300 to $500 premium over 34-inch ultrawides. Justifying this larger price ticket requires a agency dedication to the 49-inch panel measurement and acceptance of its drawbacks. On the MSRP of $1,800, buying the G9 appears much less justifiable, which is probably going why its value has dropped to round $1,300 in current months.
So, whereas we’re not giving this monitor a robust suggestion, we’re additionally not advising towards it outright. It occupies a distinct segment market with restricted 49-inch QD-OLED choices, every with its personal set of flaws. This class requires thorough analysis to pick out a monitor that most accurately fits your particular person wants and use case.
Purchasing Shortcuts:
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 on Amazon
- Asus ROG Swift OLED PG49WCD on Amazon
- Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 on Amazon
- Alienware AW3423DW 34″ QD-OLED on Amazon
- LG C2 42″ OLED TV on Amazon
- Corsair Xeneon Flex on Amazon
- Asus ROG Swift PG42UQ on Amazon