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Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 Monitor Review

Tested using Methodology v1.2
Reviewed Mar 09, 2023 at 01:48 pm
Latest change: Retest Mar 16, 2023 at 08:55 am
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 Picture
8.8
Mixed Usage
8.2
Office
9.0
Gaming
9.3
Media Consumption
8.8
Media Creation
9.2
HDR

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 is a 34-inch ultrawide QD-OLED monitor with a 175Hz refresh rate. It's the manufacturer's first venture into making QD-OLED monitors, but they've made QD-OLED TVs before like the Samsung S95B OLED. The monitor is oriented towards gaming and competes with QD-OLED monitors like Dell Alienware AW3423DWF. The QD-OLED panel further enhances the gaming experience as it yields a near-instantaneous response time. Unfortunately, OLED panels present the risk of permanent burn-in with exposure to static elements, but this monitor has some features to help reduce this problem. It's worth noting that, unlike some competitors, Samsung's 1-year warranty doesn't cover burn-in in North America, though this may vary from region to region.

Our Verdict

8.8 Mixed Usage

The Samsung OLED G8 is a versatile monitor. Thanks to its OLED panel, it has a near-infinite contrast ratio. It allows it to deliver a fantastic experience in dark rooms when watching movies in both SDR and HDR. In the same vein, the gaming experience in dark rooms is amazing and further improved by the smooth motion handling. However, the lack of a polarizing layer makes the contrast worse in bright rooms. Still, it's very good for work purposes thanks to its ultrawide screen and wide viewing angles, which is also an asset if you're a content creator. Unfortunately, the subpixel structure causes some minor text clarity issues, as well as some color fringing around windows.

Pros
  • Large 34-inch ultrawide screen.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Near-infinite contrast ratio.
  • Buttery-smooth motion.
Cons
  • Color fringing around windows.
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
  • Risk of burn-in with static elements.
8.2 Office

The Samsung G8 OLED is very good for office use. The ultrawide 34-inch screen offers a lot of space to multitask, and the screen's slight curve helps bring the edges within your field of vision. Despite having limited ergonomics, you can still share the screen with someone sitting next to you, thanks to the great viewing angles. It handles reflections well, but the lack of a polarizing layer causes blacks to raise in bright rooms. Sadly, the text clarity is only decent as the monitor uses a unique subpixel structure, causing color fringing with some larger text elements as well as on the edges of windows.

Pros
  • Large 34-inch ultrawide screen.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Superb reflection handling.
Cons
  • Color fringing around windows.
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
  • Risk of burn-in with static elements.
9.0 Gaming

The Samsung OLED G8 is excellent for gaming. It can reach a 175Hz refresh rate, with the support of FreeSync variable refresh rate and G-SYNC compatibility. The lightning-quick response time makes for smooth motion handling. The curved screen provides an immersive gaming experience. The perfect contrast ratio is great for gaming in dark rooms, as blacks are deep and inky. On the other hand, blacks look purple in bright environments. It also has a low input lag, so gaming on this monitor is responsive.

Pros
  • Near-infinite contrast ratio.
  • Buttery-smooth motion.
  • FreeSync VRR support with G-SYNC compatibility.
Cons
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
  • Risk of burn-in with static elements.
9.3 Media Consumption

The Samsung G8 OLED is fantastic if you like to watch movies and shows. The near-infinite contrast is ideal for viewing content in dark rooms and gets bright enough for highlights to pop. The image remains consistent when you watch movies with friends thanks to the wide viewing angles, and the ultrawide screen delivers an immersive experience. On the flip side, the bright room experience isn't as good as ambient light causes blacks to look purple.

Pros
  • Large 34-inch ultrawide screen.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Near-infinite contrast ratio.
Cons
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
8.8 Media Creation

The Samsung G8 OLED is excellent for content creators. There's plenty of real estate on the screen to have multiple windows open. The wide viewing angles let you share the screen, while the image remains consistent when viewing from the sides. If you choose to calibrate it, it has fantastic Adobe RGB coverage. Sadly, the text clarity has issues, and while this isn't too distracting, there's some clear color fringing when multiple windows are open.

Pros
  • Large 34-inch ultrawide screen.
  • Wide viewing angles.
  • Great accuracy.
Cons
  • Color fringing around windows.
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
  • Risk of burn-in with static elements.
9.2 HDR

The Samsung G8 OLED performs superbly in HDR. Thanks to its OLED panel, the monitor can display a near-infinite contrast ratio, so even though it has just reasonable peak brightness in HDR, small highlights still stand out. The black uniformity is flawless, with no blooming around bright objects, and it has nearly full coverage of the most commonly used DCI-P3 color space. It means that HDR games and movies look realistic and lifelike. Unfortunately, this performance is specific to dark rooms and doesn't translate as well in brighter environments, as black levels raise.

Pros
  • Near-infinite contrast ratio.
  • No blooming around bright objects.
  • Displays a wide color gamut.
Cons
  • Ambient light causes blacks to have a purple tint.
  • 8.8 Mixed Usage
  • 8.2 Office
  • 9.0 Gaming
  • 9.3 Media Consumption
  • 8.8 Media Creation
  • 9.2 HDR
  1. Updated Mar 16, 2023: Updated the firmware to 1442 and retested the HDR Brightness, which isn't different compared to before the update. Also confirmed that 4k @ 60Hz works on the PS5, but only if you disable Game Mode.
  2. Updated Mar 13, 2023: Added extra information about the warranty in Additional Features to specify that the warranty can change between regions and countries.
  3. Updated Mar 09, 2023: Review published.
  4. Updated Feb 28, 2023: Early access published.

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Differences Between Sizes And Variants

We tested the 34-inch Samsung Odyssey G8 OLED monitor, which is part of Samsung's Odyssey lineup. It's the first to feature a QD-OLED panel, and it's the only size available.

Size(s) Name Resolution Refresh Rate Panel Type Release Year
 34" G8/G85SB S34BG85 3440x1440 175Hz QD-OLED 2023

 Our unit was manufactured in September 2022, and you can see the label here. We tested it with firmware 1421.

Compared To Other Monitors

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is an excellent monitor with great performance. It's Samsung's first monitor with a QD-OLED panel, which allows it to display an outstanding picture and get brighter than monitors that use a more traditional WOLED panel. It uses the same panel as the Dell Alienware AW3423DW and the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, which both perform closely to the Samsung model. While there aren't many options on the market for OLED monitors, there are a few with a focus on different features, like the LG 27GR95QE-B, which has a 240Hz refresh rate but uses a regular WOLED panel as opposed to a QD-OLED.

Also see our recommendations for the best ultrawide monitors, the best ultrawide gaming monitors, and the best gaming monitors.

Dell Alienware AW3423DWF

The Dell Alienware AW3423DWF and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 use the same QD-OLED display. They perform closely in visual performance, and they offer relatively similar features. If you're going to use your monitor for purposes that involve a lot of static screens, like office work or media creation, you have to factor in burn-in. As a result, the Dell is a better option as it comes with a three-year replacement warranty against burn-in. The Samsung gets brighter and looks better in HDR. If you enjoy watching content, it also comes with the Tizen OS built-in, meaning you can stream media directly from the monitor.

Dell Alienware AW3423DW

The Dell Alienware AW3423DW and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 use the same QD-OLED display. This means that the visual performances are very close. The main difference lies with the variable refresh rate technology they use. If you have an NVIDIA graphics card, the Dell serves you better as it has native G-SYNC, which gives you a few extra features to take advantage of your graphics card setup. On the other hand, the Samsung can downscale 4k at 60Hz, which is helpful if you also need to connect an Xbox Series X|S.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 S32BG85 and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 are high-end gaming monitors, but they're different in some ways. The Neo G8 uses Mini LED backlighting, making it brighter than the OLED G8. If you enjoy watching movies, the Neo G8 has a higher resolution, which is more suited to 4k content. If you're gaming competitively, it has a higher refresh rate and a much lower input lag, translating to a more responsive gaming experience. For those who also game on new-gen consoles, the Neo G8 has HDMI 2.1 bandwidth. On the other hand, if you're gaming in a dark room, the OLED G8 offers a better experience thanks to its QD-OLED panel and higher contrast. The QD-OLED panel also makes for smoother motion handling than the Neo G8.

LG 27GR95QE-B

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 and the LG 27GR95QE-B are 1440p OLED gaming monitors with a few differences. The Samsung has an ultrawide screen for a more immersive gaming experience, and its QD-OLED panel also delivers better picture quality with brighter highlights and more vivid colors. However, the LG has a higher 240Hz refresh rate, which is great if you're a competitive gamer, and it supports 4k @ 120Hz gaming from consoles. Lastly, the LG doesn't have the same raised black level issue in bright rooms as the Samsung, meaning blacks are still deep and inky when viewed in well-lit rooms.

LG 42 C2 OLED

The LG 42 C2 OLED, which is a TV we tested as a monitor, and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8/G85SB S34BG85 both use an OLED panel, but the Samsung is a QD-OLED. This means you have a wider range of colors with better luminance levels than the LG. If you're gaming on a PC, the Samsung monitor's 175Hz maximum refresh rate makes it a better choice. If you mostly game on new-gen consoles and enjoy watching movies, the LG is a better option because of its 4k resolution.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Style
Curved
Yes
Curve Radius
1800R

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 has a premium design with thin bezels. It's made of black and silver plastic, with a slightly curved screen that helps bring its edges within your field of view. It also has RGB lighting on the back of the monitor.

8.5
Design
Build Quality

The build quality is excellent. The plastic is light but feels premium. The stand wobbles minimally, and it feels solid overall. The opening in the stand for the cable management is good, as the cables don't show when you're facing the monitor, even at the highest height adjustment. The bottom of the screen curves upward, but it's barely noticeable and doesn't impact performance.

6.4
Design
Ergonomics
Height Adjustment
4.7" (12.0 cm)
Tilt Range
-20° to 2.5°
Rotate Portrait/Landscape
No
Swivel Range
No swivel
Wall Mount
VESA 100x100

The Samsung G8 OLED offers limited ergonomics adjustments, making it hard to place it in an ideal position. It has an opening in the back of the stand for cable management.

Design
Stand
Base Width
7.2" (18.2 cm)
Base Depth
7.6" (19.3 cm)
Thickness (With Display)
5.3" (13.5 cm)
Weight (With Display)
16.7 lbs (7.6 kg)

This monitor's stand footprint is smaller than most monitors of its size, allowing you to place objects around it. It has minimal wobble.

Design
Display
Size
34"
Housing Width
32.1" (81.5 cm)
Housing Height
14.1" (35.7 cm)
Thickness (Without Stand)
2.2" (5.5 cm)
Weight (Without Stand)
12.2 lbs (5.5 kg)
Borders Size (Bezels)
0.4" (1.1 cm)
Design
Controls

The Samsung G8 comes with Tizen OS built-in, and you can change the settings with the included remote. There's a switch underneath the screen that allows you to mute the remote's microphone control and a power button on the back of the monitor.

Design
In The Box
Power Supply
External Brick

  • Power supply and cable
  • Mini-DisplayPort to DisplayPort cable
  • Remote
  • VESA-mount adapter
  • User guides and documentation

Picture Quality
10
Picture Quality
Contrast
Native Contrast
Inf : 1
Contrast With Local Dimming
N/A

The Samsung Odyssey G8 has a near-infinite contrast ratio, thanks to its OLED panel, which translates to deep and inky blacks in dark rooms. However, the lack of a polarizing layer causes the blacks to raise in brighter environments, giving black images a purple tint.

10
Picture Quality
Local Dimming
Local Dimming
No
Backlight
No Backlight

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB doesn't have a local dimming feature since it doesn't have a backlight. Regardless, the near-infinite contrast ratio doesn't produce any blooming around bright objects, which is equal to a perfect local dimming feature. We still film these videos on the monitor so you can see how the screen performs and compare it with a monitor that has local dimming.

7.5
Picture Quality
SDR Brightness
Real Scene
327 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
250 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
248 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
250 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
250 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
252 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
247 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
248 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
249 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
250 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
249 cd/m²
ABL
0.001
Minimum Brightness
78 cd/m²

The Samsung Odyssey G8 has good peak brightness. It performs well in most well-lit rooms except if bright sunlight is on it. Also, the brightness remains consistent across all types of content. These results are with Game Mode enabled in the 'Custom' Picture Mode.

6.6
Picture Quality
HDR Brightness
VESA DisplayHDR Certification
DisplayHDR TRUE BLACK 400
Real Scene
372 cd/m²
Peak 2% Window
985 cd/m²
Peak 10% Window
456 cd/m²
Peak 25% Window
360 cd/m²
Peak 50% Window
302 cd/m²
Peak 100% Window
255 cd/m²
Sustained 2% Window
977 cd/m²
Sustained 10% Window
454 cd/m²
Sustained 25% Window
357 cd/m²
Sustained 50% Window
300 cd/m²
Sustained 100% Window
252 cd/m²
ABL
0.078

The Samsung OLED G8 has reasonable HDR brightness. It gets bright enough to make small highlights stand out against dark backgrounds, but larger highlights aren't as bright. Unfortunately, the Automatic Brightness Limiter (ABL) causes the brightness to be inconsistent with larger-sized highlights. It's particularly clear when minimizing and maximizing windows on the desktop, as you can see the brightness changing. This issue only affects the desktop experience, as it's not noticeable when you watch videos or play games.

These results are with the following settings:

  • Game Mode: On
  • Picture Mode: Custom
  • Brightness: 50
  • Peak Brightness: On
  • Game HDR: Off
  • HDR10+ Gaming: Advanced

After firmware update 1442, the EOTF follows the target curve well until there's a slow roll-off at the peak brightness, meaning it preserves details well in bright scenes, and it performs the same whether you have HDR10+ Gaming set to 'Basic' or 'Advanced'. Before the update, the EOTF was similar, but the roll-off happened earlier. There's also a separate setting called Game HDR that boosts the EOTF when enabled, as you can see here. While firmware 1442 improved the EOTF, it didn't change the monitor's peak brightness.

The EOTF performs similarly if you disable Peak Brightness and HDR10+ Gaming, but leave Game HDR on, as you can see here. However, there's a sharper roll-off at the peak brightness, causing a loss in fine details, and the peak brightness of the display is lower, with the 2% window reaching 452 cd/m² and the 100% window reaching 285 cd/m². Additionally, the EOTF is darker if you disable both HDR10+ Gaming and Game HDR as you can see here.

The Peak Brightness setting helps maximize the brightness of the display. However, disabling it also results in a less aggressive ABL, making the changes in brightness not as noticeable. You can see the results using the same settings as above but with Peak Brightness off:

  • Peak 2% Window: 448 cd/m²
  • Peak 10% Window: 454 cd/m²
  • Peak 25% Window: 369 cd/m²
  • Peak 50% Window: 314 cd/m²
  • Peak 100% Window: 269 cd/m²
  • Sustained 2% Window: 447 cd/m²
  • Sustained 10% Window: 450 cd/m²
  • Sustained 25% Window: 366 cd/m²
  • Sustained 50% Window: 312 cd/m²
  • Sustained 100% Window: 265 cd/m²
  • The HDR Real Scene brightness test is done using an HDFury Vertex Linker connected to a Blu-ray player. However, the brightness is lower in Windows HDR with real content, as we only measured 395 cd/m² in Destiny 2 with the same settings as our testing. However, we measured 885 cd/m² in Destiny 2 with Peak Brightness and HDR10+ Gaming both off and Game HDR on. Try using these settings if you find the screen too dim in Windows HDR.

    10
    Picture Quality
    Horizontal Viewing Angle
    Color Washout From Left
    70°
    Color Washout From Right
    70°
    Color Shift From Left
    70°
    Color Shift From Right
    70°
    Brightness Loss From Left
    70°
    Brightness Loss From Right
    70°
    Black Level Raise From Left
    70°
    Black Level Raise From Right
    70°
    Gamma Shift From Left
    70°
    Gamma Shift From Right
    70°

    Thanks to its OLED panel, the monitor has a fantastic horizontal viewing angle. This means that someone sitting next to you sees the same image.

    9.9
    Picture Quality
    Vertical Viewing Angle
    Color Washout From Below
    70°
    Color Washout From Above
    70°
    Color Shift From Below
    70°
    Color Shift From Above
    70°
    Brightness Loss From Below
    70°
    Brightness Loss From Above
    70°
    Black Level Raise From Below
    61°
    Black Level Raise From Above
    61°
    Gamma Shift From Below
    70°
    Gamma Shift From Above
    70°

    The vertical viewing angle is outstanding. The image remains consistent if you're standing up and looking down at the screen.

    8.8
    Picture Quality
    Gray Uniformity
    50% Std. Dev.
    0.784%
    50% DSE
    0.125%

    The gray uniformity is amazing. There's no dirty screen effect, so web content, slow panning shots, and sports look good. However, OLED panels are known to have the Venetian Blind Effect, and this one is no exception as it uses the same OLED panel as the Dell Alienware AW3423DW. It means you may see some vertical lines with the same color across the whole screen. You can see the Dell monitor's uniformity with different shades of gray below.

    10
    Picture Quality
    Black Uniformity
    Native Std. Dev.
    0.440%
    Std. Dev. w/ L.D.
    N/A

    Thanks to its OLED panel, the Samsung G8 OLED has exceptional black uniformity, so there's no blooming around bright objects.

    8.0
    Picture Quality
    Color Accuracy (Pre-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    101.7%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    4.86
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    6,759 K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    2.16
    Color dE (Avg.)
    3.04
    Contrast Setting
    50
    RGB Settings
    Gain (0,0,0), Offset (0,0,0)
    Gamma Setting
    2.2
    Brightness Setting
    32
    Measured Brightness
    183 cd/m²
    Brightness Locked
    No

    The accuracy is very good before calibration. Setting the Color Space setting to 'Auto' instead of its default of 'Native' locks the colors to the sRGB color space, and you can still change other settings as you wish. The colors are accurate, and even though the color temperature leans slightly on the cooler side, it's close to the 6500K target. On the other hand, the gamma curve doesn't follow the target, which translates to most scenes being brighter than they should be. Additionally, the white balance is off.

    8.5
    Picture Quality
    Color Accuracy (Post-Calibration)
    Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    sRGB Gamut Area xy
    108.9%
    White Balance dE (Avg.)
    0.72
    Color Temperature (Avg.)
    6,470 K
    Gamma (Avg.)
    2.20
    Color dE (Avg.)
    1.42
    Contrast Setting
    50
    RGB Settings
    Gain (6,-7,1), Offset (2,2,1)
    Gamma Setting
    2.2
    Brightness Setting
    3
    Measured Brightness
    101 cd/m²
    ICC Profile
    Download

    It has excellent accuracy after calibration. While the white balance, color temperature, and gamma curve have improved, the gamut area is worse as some colors are slightly oversaturated.

    9.7
    Picture Quality
    SDR Color Gamut
    sRGB Coverage xy
    99.3%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    Adobe RGB Coverage xy
    94.4%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)

    The Samsung OLED G8 has a superb SDR color gamut. It has full coverage of the sRGB color space and covers the Adobe RGB color space remarkably well. However, there are some inaccuracies with reds and greens, which may be an issue if you edit photos.

    10
    Picture Quality
    SDR Color Volume
    sRGB In ICtCp
    100.0%
    sRGB Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    Adobe RGB In ICtCp
    98.5%
    Adobe RGB Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)

    This Samsung G8 OLED has outstanding SDR color volume. It can display colors at a wide range of luminance levels, while the near-infinite contrast displays colors as dark as pure black.

    9.6
    Picture Quality
    HDR Color Gamut
    Wide Color Gamut
    Yes
    DCI-P3 Coverage xy
    99.5%
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    Rec. 2020 Coverage xy
    79.5%
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)

    The HDR color gamut is fantastic. Its coverage of the DCI-P3 color space used in most HDR content is close to perfect. Its reasonable coverage of the Rec. 2020 color space makes it future-proof.

    9.5
    Picture Quality
    HDR Color Volume
    DCI-P3 In ICtCp
    96.8%
    DCI-P3 Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)
    Rec. 2020 In ICtCp
    78.8%
    Rec. 2020 Picture Mode
    Game (Custom)

    The HDR color volume is outstanding. Thanks to its QD-OLED panel, it can display a wider range of colors at higher luminance levels than traditional OLEDs, while the near-infinite contrast can produce colors as dark as pure black. It's also very good at displaying colors from the Rec. 2020 color space at a wide range of luminance levels.

    9.4
    Picture Quality
    Reflections
    Screen Finish
    Glossy
    Total Reflections
    1.4%
    Indirect Reflections
    0.9%
    Calculated Direct Reflections
    0.5%

    The Samsung G8 handles reflection superbly well. Unlike other glossy screens, there aren't any distracting reflections from strong light sources, meaning the monitor can withstand glare from bright environments. However, QD-OLED panels lack a polarizing layer, causing blacks to have a purple tint in bright rooms. This means you don't benefit from the OLED panel's near-infinite contrast ratio. It's the same issue that both the Dell Alienware AW3423DW and the Dell Alienware AW3423DWF have, as they use the same panel, but it extends to any current QD-OLED display, including the Samsung S95B OLED.

    The Samsung looks the same as the AW3423DW in bright rooms, and you can see examples from the AW3423DW of what the Samsung would look like in a bright room:

    7.0
    Picture Quality
    Text Clarity
    Pixel Type
    QD-OLED
    Subpixel Layout
    Triangular RGB

    The Samsung OLED G8 has decent text clarity, but it displays the same issues we've seen with other QD-OLED monitors, like the Dell Alienware AW3423DW and Dell Alienware AW3423DWF, due to its triangular RGB subpixel structure. It's different than that of LED-backlit monitors where all three pixels are lined up, and results in color fringing around some text and at the top and bottom of windows. If you have multiple windows open, you can see a thin green line at the top of every window and a thin red line at the bottom. You can see an example of the color fringing around text from the AW3423DW here, around the Google logo or with zoomed-out images with ClearType on and ClearType off. You can see photos of the pixels from the AW3423DW review below, and the results are also valid for the Samsung monitor.

    While the text clarity isn't as good as other 34-inch, 3440x1440 displays with a typical RGB subpixel structure, it isn't a major issue, and text is still easy to read; and it comes up to personal preference whether you like it or not. Although enabling Windows ClearType (top photo) doesn't improve the text clarity, there are also workarounds to this, like using the free utility Better ClearType Tuner, which improves text clarity significantly. If you're using Windows 11, this is how the text clarity looks with ClearType on and ClearType off. If you want to learn more about it, you can read our writer's and tester's subjective opinions here from the Dell Alienware AW3423DW review.

    9.7
    Picture Quality
    Gradient
    Color Depth
    10 Bit

    The Samsung G8 OLED has superb gradient handling, and you won't notice any banding.

    Motion
    8.6
    Motion
    Refresh Rate
    Native Refresh Rate
    175 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate
    175 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP
    175 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI
    175 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over DP @ 10-bit
    175 Hz
    Max Refresh Rate Over HDMI @ 10-Bit
    175 Hz

    The Samsung OLED G8 has a high refresh rate you can reach over any available input. However, we experienced issues using an HDMI to Micro HDMI adapter with 10-bit signals as the signal drops at times before coming back. You can fix this by dropping down the signal to 8-bit.

    Motion
    Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
    FreeSync
    Yes
    G-SYNC
    Compatible (Tested)
    VRR Maximum
    175 Hz
    VRR Minimum
    < 20 Hz
    VRR Supported Connectors
    DisplayPort, HDMI
    Variable Refresh Rate
    Yes

    This monitor supports FreeSync variable refresh rate and is G-SYNC compatible across its entire refresh rate range and over both HDMI and DisplayPort.

    10
    Motion
    Response Time @ Max Refresh Rate
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    No Overdrive
    Rise / Fall Time
    0.4 ms
    Total Response Time
    0.9 ms
    Overshoot Error
    0.0%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    0.5 ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    2.6 ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    0.0%

    Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
    No OverdriveChartTablePhoto

    The Samsung OLED G8 has an exceptional response time at its maximum refresh rate. It's near-instantaneous, resulting in almost no motion blur with fast-moving objects, as well as no overshoot. However, because of the sample-and-hold method that OLEDs use, there's still a bit of persistence blur. It doesn't have the option to adjust pixel overdrive.

    9.9
    Motion
    Response Time @ 120Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    No Overdrive
    Rise / Fall Time
    0.5 ms
    Total Response Time
    1.8 ms
    Overshoot Error
    0.0%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    0.8 ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    8.8 ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    0.0%

    Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
    No OverdriveChartTablePhoto

    Like at its maximum refresh rate, the response time at 120Hz is outstanding with no overshoot. This means that the motion is smooth when you game, and there's no ghosting.

    9.7
    Motion
    Response Time @ 60Hz
    Recommended Overdrive Setting
    No Overdrive
    Rise / Fall Time
    0.9 ms
    Total Response Time
    4 ms
    Overshoot Error
    0.0%
    Worst 3 Rise / Fall Time
    1.3 ms
    Worst 3 Total Response Time
    17.8 ms
    Worst 3 Overshoot Error
    0.0%

    Overdrive SettingResponse Time ChartResponse Time TablesMotion Blur Photo
    No OverdriveChartTablePhoto

    The response time is yet again fantastic at 60Hz, with no overshoot. Motion is buttery-smooth, but there's some persistence blur caused by the sample-and-hold method.

    Motion
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    Yes
    Maximum Frequency
    60 Hz
    Minimum Frequency
    60 Hz
    Longest Pulse Width Brightness
    137 cd/m²
    Shortest Pulse Width Brightness
    137 cd/m²
    Pulse Width Control
    No
    Pulse Phase Control
    No
    Pulse Amplitude Control
    Yes
    VRR At The Same Time
    No

    The Samsung G85SB has a black frame insertion (BFI) feature to reduce persistence blur. However, it's very limited, as you need to have the input label set to 'Game Console' with a 4k @ 60Hz signal, with VRR and Game Mode disabled. Using the BFI with these settings also causes the image to stretch out if you keep the default aspect ratio 21:9, as you can see here. To get a proper image, you need to change the aspect ratio in the OSD menu to 16:9, but you'll get black bars on the sides.

    10
    Motion
    Image Flicker
    Flicker-Free
    No
    PWM Dimming Frequency
    0 Hz

    The Samsung G8 isn't technically flicker-free because it has a small dip in brightness corresponding with the 175Hz refresh rate. However, this isn't noticeable because it's just an oscillation in brightness, and it isn't a full-screen on-and-off flicker like on LED-backlit displays. Because of this, it's not considered pulse-width modulation.

    Inputs
    8.4
    Inputs
    Input Lag
    Native Resolution @ Max Hz
    3.5 ms
    Native Resolution @ 120Hz
    5.0 ms
    Native Resolution @ 60Hz
    9.6 ms
    Backlight Strobing (BFI)
    55.0 ms

    The Samsung G8 OLED has low input lag. This means you'll have a responsive gaming experience and won't notice any delay. We tested it with the following settings:

    • Input Label: PC
    • Game Mode: On
    • Picture Mode: Custom
    • VRR: Off

    Note: While the listed test results are with Firmware 1422, we did our initial testing on Firmware 1421 before updating. With 1421 the input lag was considerably worse at all framerates.

    8.4
    Inputs
    Resolution And Size
    Native Resolution
    3440 x 1440
    Aspect Ratio
    21:9
    Megapixels
    5.0 MP
    Pixel Density
    109 PPI
    Measured Screen Diagonal
    33.9"
    Screen Area
    412 in²
    9.0
    Inputs
    PS5 Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    No
    4k @ 60Hz
    Yes
    1440p @ 120Hz
    Yes
    1440p @ 60Hz
    Yes
    1080p @ 120Hz
    Yes
    1080p @ 60Hz
    Yes
    HDR
    Yes
    VRR
    Yes

    It has decent compatibility with the PS5. The Tizen OS detects it and switches the input label to 'Game Console'. You can send a 4k @ 60Hz signal, but only if you disable Game Mode, which increases the input lag and isn't suggested for gaming. You'll also see black bars on the sides, as the PS5 doesn't support ultrawide formats. This monitor uses a Micro HDMI port, so you either need an adapter or a Micro HDMI cable.

    9.2
    Inputs
    Xbox Series X|S Compatibility
    4k @ 120Hz
    No
    4k @ 60Hz
    Yes
    1440p @ 120Hz
    Yes
    1440p @ 60Hz
    Yes
    1080p @ 120Hz
    Yes
    1080p @ 60Hz
    Yes
    HDR
    Yes
    VRR
    Yes

    The Xbox Series X works without issue, and despite having HDMI 2.1 bandwidth, 4k @ 120Hz doesn't work. If you want to downscale 4k @ 60Hz, you'll have to disable VRR and switch the input label to 'Game Console' yourself, as the monitor doesn't detect the console. VRR still works with 1440p and 1080p signals. The Xbox doesn't support ultrawide gaming, meaning you'll see black bars on the sides. This monitor uses a Micro HDMI port, so you either need an adapter or a Micro HDMI cable.

    Inputs
    Inputs Photos
    Inputs
    Video And Audio Ports
    DisplayPort
    No
    Mini DisplayPort
    1 (DP 1.4)
    HDMI
    1 (Micro-HDMI)
    HDMI 2.1 Rated Speed
    40Gbps (FRL 10x4)
    DVI
    No
    VGA
    No
    Daisy Chaining
    No
    3.5mm Audio Out
    No
    3.5mm Audio In
    No
    HDR10
    Yes
    3.5mm Microphone In
    No

    This monitor uses a Micro HDMI port, so you need an adapter if you don't have the appropriate cable.

    Inputs
    USB
    USB-A Ports
    0
    USB-A Rated Speed
    No USB-A Ports
    USB-B Upstream Port
    No
    USB-C Ports
    2
    USB-C Upstream
    No
    USB-C Rated Speed
    No USB-C Upstream
    USB-C Power Delivery
    65W
    USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode
    Yes
    Thunderbolt
    No

    There are two USB-C ports, including one that can only charge with 10W power delivery. The second port features DisplayPort Alt Mode, delivering 65W of power. It means you can display an image from a laptop while charging it.

    Inputs
    macOS Compatibility

    The Samsung G8 works well with macOS. VRR works within the range of 48Hz-120Hz. HDR gaming looks good, but colors look better in SDR for general desktop usage, as the aggressive ABL causes large areas to be dim in HDR. If you're using a MacBook, you can charge it using the DisplayPort Alt Mode while having video and audio working. Windows return to their normal position after waking the laptop from sleep or when opening the lid. You can also use an external mouse and keyboard while your laptop is closed.

    Because it uses the same OLED panel with the unique subpixel layout as the Dell Alienware AW3423DW, this monitor has the same text clarity issues displayed on Windows PCs. You can see two additional photos of the text clarity on macOS from the Dell here and here.

    Features
    Features
    Additional Features
    Speakers
    Yes
    RGB Illumination
    Controllable
    Multiple Input Display
    No
    KVM Switch
    No

    The Samsung OLED G85SB comes with Samsung's proprietary Tizen smart platform built-in, offering many features similar to a Samsung smart TV. You'll have access to applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ without a computer. You can read more about all its features in the Smart Features section of the Samsung QN90B QLED TV review.

    The monitor has other gamer-oriented features, including:

    • Core Lighting: Controls the RGB lighting at the back of the monitor.
    • Game HDR: Helps increase the perceived brightness of the image in HDR.
    • Game Mode: Gives the lowest input lag possible.
    • HDR10+ Gaming (HDR Tone Mapping): Adjusts the colors in HDR to match the creator's intent.
    • Virtual Aim Point: Inserts a virtual crosshair that your PC won't detect.
    • VRR Control: This feature is meant to reduce flicker with VRR enabled. Unlike other Samsung LED monitors, there isn't any flicker. This setting is standard for Samsung but doesn't do anything in this case.
    • Panel Care: Has features to reduce the risk of burn-in associated with OLEDs, which you can read about below.
      • Pixel Refresh: Allows you to run a complete pixel refresh cycle, which takes about an hour. You have to run it manually, but the system displays reminders.
      • Pixel Shift: This feature moves the entire image a few pixels to one side and gradually shifts it in a different direction over time. This helps reduce the effects of burn-in from very small elements, like fine lines in a game HUD.
      • Adjust Logo Brightness: Automatically dims the area around a logo when it detects one on the screen.

    In North America, Samsung has a one-year warranty, but it doesn't cover burn-in. However, as some people have pointed out here, the length of the warranty and its specifications can change between different regions and countries.

    Features
    On-Screen Display (OSD)

    Like the Samsung Odyssey G7/G70B S32BG70, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 uses the menu from the Tizen OS interface, which looks like the menu on their TVs.

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