Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 Review

CONS

• A whopper of a price
• Few I/O ports

SAMSUNG ODYSSEY OLED G9 SPECS

The minds of dedicated gamers are set on a 4K resolution and a high refresh rate when it comes to their gaming monitors. However, for a specific group of gamers, the focus is not on the pixel count, but on the width of the monitor. Samsung’s latest offering, the Odyssey OLED G9, aims to cater to these gamers by being the first 49-inch, 32:9 curved OLED gaming monitor. While the price may be steep, the innovation and wow factor of the Editors’ Choice-winning Odyssey OLED G9 make it a compelling option for those who can afford it.

A Unique Journey at an Unbeatable Price.

The Odyssey OLED G9 is a groundbreaking product, being the first of its kind in the world. However, it will look familiar to fans who have seen Samsung’s previous G9 models or the latest ultrawide options from competitors like the LG 49 Curved Ultragear, which we are currently evaluating. The OLED G9 features wide wingspan that curves slightly, with a subtle 1,800mm curvature. This measurement is also known as “1800R,” representing the radius of a circle that would be formed if these monitors were placed side by side. The smaller the millimeter count, the tighter the curve. Despite the barely noticeable curve, the slim panel is bound to capture your attention due to its sleekness, measuring at an ultra-thin 4.5mm, or 0.18 inches at its thinnest point. In comparison, the flexible Corsair Xeneon Flex is approximately 6mm (0.2 inches) thick.

The Xeneon Flex differs from the Odyssey OLED G9 in its approach to managing its slim frame. While the Xeneon Flex achieves this by relocating its port hub to its stand, the Odyssey OLED G9 saves space by including fewer ports. It features one HDMI 2.1, one DisplayPort, and one mini HDMI port, along with three USB-C ports, effectively minimizing the bulk.

Two 5-watt speakers are impressively incorporated, providing a wide range of sound, despite the lack of powerful bass. The monitor’s back is elegantly coated with a metallic silver finish, and a translucent base with RGB lighting at the center where the monitor and stand meet, can be customized using CoreSync and Corelighting+ software to sync with your game and display visuals accordingly.

The OLED Odyssey boasts dimensions of 20.8 by 47 by 9.3 inches (HWD), making it a sizable yet remarkably slim ultrawide screen, following the sleek design of the panel itself. In comparison, the LG 49 measures 18.3 by 46.1 by 15.5 inches (HWD), with the additional depth attributed to its 1000mm curve and bulkier frame. Weighing in at 28.4 pounds, it is significantly lighter than the 49-inch Ultragear at 32.5 pounds, as well as the older non-OLED Odyssey at 36.8 pounds.

The primary reason for considering the purchase of this impressive monitor is its stunning screen, despite its slim physique. Featuring a dual quad HD (5,120-by-1,440-pixel) display with a 240Hz refresh rate and a rated 0.03ms response time, the OLED technology truly stands out. OLED displays surpass IPS and VA panels in various aspects, ranging from power efficiency to color gamut. With OLED technology, users can enjoy “true blacks” as the black pixels switch off to produce zero-light areas and enhance contrast. However, it is worth noting that OLED technology is currently much pricier compared to IPS, TN, or VA options.

The Odyssey OLED falls slightly short of 4K resolution by a few hundred thousand pixels, but the enhanced panel technology compensates for this shortfall. Moreover, the wider 32:9 aspect ratio provides an extra level of immersion that cannot be achieved with a standard 16:9 widescreen monitor.

The Odyssey OLED G9 utilizes Samsung’s Neo Quantum Processor Pro, which is designed to analyze images instantly and make automatic adjustments to brightness while enhancing contrast at a pixel level. Initially introduced in Samsung TVs in 2021, this processor functions similarly to the AI upscaling technology found in modern GPUs. Essentially, the monitor employs AI algorithms to detect and enhance specific areas of an image, aiming to upscale with minimal visual distortions.

Evaluation of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9: Exceptional Color Precision.

Samsung’s latest G9 model undeniably delivers exceptional features, particularly with its large OLED display that leaves a lasting impression. However, the real question is how it measures up against other OLED monitors. Although we have not extensively tested various 32:9 screens, we have had the opportunity to evaluate numerous OLED and non-OLED monitors with 16:9 and 21:9 aspect ratios. By analyzing the data, we can determine how Samsung’s groundbreaking product compares to some of our preferred models, such as the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DWF), which is our top choice in this category.

We initially conducted a test on the monitor using the Datacolor SpyderX with an SDR signal in its default picture mode. The OLED G9 displayed an average brightness of 261 nits (candelas per square meter), slightly exceeding Samsung’s 250-nit rating. While it is slightly dimmer than the Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 (which will be reviewed soon), it is still brighter than both the 49-inch LG and its smaller counterpart, the LG 45 UltraGear OLED.

Switching to HDR mode, we conducted the VESA DisplayHDR compliance tests (which can be downloaded for free from the Microsoft Store) to calculate a maximum HDR brightness of 452 nits, consistent with the monitor’s VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 rating.

Do not be alarmed by the seemingly low brightness readings on an OLED monitor, as they are designed to maintain contrast with less brightness, making it suitable for viewing in darker environments. While low brightness may pose a challenge in brighter rooms, such as our naturally lit office testing space, we have still found the results to be satisfactory.

When we shift our focus to evaluating the monitor’s color gamut, it becomes evident that the Odyssey OLED G9 performs exceptionally well in this aspect. The OLED G9 covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut, 97% of Adobe RGB, and 98% of DCI-P3. These results are nearly flawless, only slightly surpassed by the Alienware 34. Nevertheless, all the monitors in our lineup delivered outstanding color coverage results.

The OLED G9 demonstrated exceptional color accuracy with a Delta E of 0.8. This result is particularly impressive as it was measured using the default picture mode straight out of the box. A Delta E value below 1 is considered ideal, indicating minimal deviation from the intended colors. It is worth noting that achieving such precision is rare among gaming monitors, especially without any additional calibration.

Following that, we will examine the contrast ratio, which denotes the difference in brightness between the brightest white and darkest black that a monitor is capable of displaying. This has a significant impact on picture quality, particularly in dark scenes during gaming. We recorded a contrast ratio of 6,280:1 and a black level of 0.6. The OLED G9 is specified to have a peak contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, although this is a figure that is unlikely to be observed in regular daily usage. OLED and mini LED panels have the potential to achieve significantly higher contrast ratios, at least in theory, due to the nature of the black pixels. By comparison, IPS panels typically aim for contrast ratios of 1,000:1 to 3,000:1.

Media and Gaming Performance

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 displays stunning color results, but its gaming performance is the real test. To assess this, we utilize an HDFury Diva HDMI matrix to gauge input lag and test various games from our collection for any potential issues such as screen tearing.

Initially, let’s discuss the input-lag findings. We recorded an input lag of 4.5 milliseconds (ms), which, while not the lowest possible, is still quite impressive. LG, on the other hand, outperformed slightly, with both the 49-inch and 45-inch Ultragear monitors achieving even lower input lag.

A lower number indicates better performance, although anything below 15ms of input lag is completely playable. This figure may not hold much significance for those outside the hardcore esports community, who are unlikely to use this type of monitor anyway. It is better suited for smaller monitors such as the Alienware 500Hz Gaming Monitor (AW2524H).

Gaming on an ultrawidescreen is already a specialized interest, but a 32:9 aspect ratio, as wide as it is, is an even more niche market. Consoles do not accommodate it, and not all new PC games do either. Even games that do support a 21:9 aspect ratio may not extend to 32:9 (such as Diablo IV). However, there are modern releases that do support this aspect ratio, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Returnal, both of which look stunning on an OLED screen. If preventing screen tearing is a priority for you, AMD Freesync Premium Pro support is available.

This gaming monitor doubles as a smart monitor, granting access to Samsung’s online gaming hub along with various media features commonly found on Samsung TVs. The gaming hub provides access to popular streaming apps such as Xbox Game Pass and Nvidia GeForce Now, while the media hub is stocked with a wide array of video streaming apps.

Judgment: The Ultrawide OLED That Has Become Our Top Choice.

The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 caters to passionate individuals who are eager to push their PC setups to the limit and dive into immersive and complex experiences, such as Microsoft Flight Simulator. It complements top-tier hardware seamlessly and offers a wide enough display to potentially replace multiple monitors. However, all these features come at a cost – a steep.This is a significant investment, regardless of your financial capabilities.

The latest OLED G9 is obviously targeted towards serious gamers, which could explain why it stands out so much. It may not appeal to everyone, but if you’re someone who is thrilled by the idea of a “32:9 aspect ratio,” then the Odyssey G9 is definitely worth considering and might even have you considering selling some investments to purchase it.

This year, we have come across one of the best monitors. With its slim and elegant design, along with a stunning OLED panel, it is bound to leave a lasting impression, even on those who are skeptical about ultrawide monitors. While the Alienware 34 Curved QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (AW3423DWF) and LG 45 UltraGear OLED Curved Gaming Monitor are both good options, if budget is not a concern and you are looking for a large and expansive monitor, then the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is the top choice.