In a commoditised world of technology – where there are few truly bad products and everything can do an acceptable job – one area bucks the trend: computer monitors. If you pick the wrong one, your entire interaction with a computer can be compromised: some excel at colour reproduction which suits designers; some have super-fast screens which suit professional gamers; some offer expensive, high-performance technologies which suit immersive gameplay; and some simply want to help you do office work without your eyes getting tired. Where these excel in some areas they fall down in others.
So, which model should you choose? Below we’ll investigate the latest Odyssey models to help identify which would benefit you the most.
Samsung Odyssey G6
The newest member of Samsung gaming monitor family, the Odyssey G6 features Samsung’s Smart TV Platform, which means it doubles as a high-performing gaming monitor and Smart TV all in one line. No matter whether you go for the 27” or the 32” model, the Odyssey G6’s 1000R curved display, complete with FreeSync Premium Pro, is designed to give every player a competitive edge while working in harmony with your eyeballs to minimise re-focusing when looking from one end of the screen to the other.
The Odyssey G6 sports a 1,440p QHD resolution which ensures that Triple-A games can be played in fine detail. Meanwhile, the 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms pixel response time (GTG) ensures that virtually all fast-moving objects are rendered buttery smooth.
Given its smart functionality, the Odyssey G6 provides the option to create a home office environment even without a PC. The monitor can wirelessly connect to compatible Windows or Mac PC’s, use Samsung DeX, mirror a smartphone screen onto the monitor using Apple AirPlay 2, and even access Microsoft 365 cloud services. You can also watch the latest shows on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or whatever streaming service you’re into should you want to kick back after a long day of work, or successful gaming session with mates.
So, for those who work by day, and game by night but don’t have the space for multiple desk set-ups, this is a fantastic no-compromise option that you’ll get so much out of.
Odyssey Neo G7
Upping the ante is the 32” Odyssey Neo G7. While the general appearance (and native resolution) is similar to the Odyssey G6, the technology that lies beneath is very different. The Neo G7 makes use of Samsung’s latest Quantum Matrix Technology which uses Quantum Mini LEDs to provide ultra-precise backlighting to take contrast to whole new levels. The technology utilises 1,196 dimming zones which allow the Neo G7 to achieve incredible contrast performance – it’s capable of displaying 12-bit content and supporting ultra-high, HDR2000 levels of brightness to ensure almost every detail is visible.
The Neo G7 also pushes its resolution to a full, 4K, 2,160p UHD and speeds up the refresh rate to 165Hz. Meanwhile, CoreSync technology adjusts the LED colours on the back of the screen to reflect the content within the game – adding even more to your immersion... especially in a dark room.
Ideal for serious gamers looking for deeper immersion, more satisfying gameplay, and screen real estate large enough to multi-task without shifting windows.
Odyssey Neo G8
People might be wondering ‘if the Neo G7 offers all that – why even countenance the Odyssey Neo G8?’ Beyond the extraordinary looks, it might initially seem like a fair question... until you delve just a little deeper.
The Odyssey Neo G8 utilises many of the best aspects of the Neo G7 but, and please excuse the cliché, takes them to the next level. In addition to all of the above, the G8 is the market’s first 4K monitor to support an incredible 240Hz refresh rate (1)
That means it’s one of the fastest 4K UHD gaming monitors on the market! What’s more, it’s also FreeSync Premium Pro certified certified to minimise screen tearing and image aberrations caused by syncing issues: all motion is rendered smooth and accurate to a degree that even the most demanding professional gamers require.
So, if you play at a highly competitive level, the Odyssey Neo G8 will give you an edge that few rivals will be able to match.
1 As of July 2022.
Odyssey Ark
Right, so if the Odyssey Neo G8 is the ultimate gaming monitor, how can the new Odyssey Ark improve on the situation? The answer is, by adding brand new immersive features and going bigger… much, much MUCH bigger.
How does a 55” gaming monitor grab you? That’s bigger than many TVs. Unlike TVs, the Odyssey Ark is packed with gaming monitor technology including connections, features, screen performance and audio performance. Equally, just like TVs, the Odyssey Ark can transform into one, putting streaming service apps including Netflix and Amazon Prime a finger click away with just a simple Wi-Fi connection.
How does a 55” gaming monitor grab you? That’s bigger than many TVs. Unlike TVs, the Odyssey Ark is packed with gaming monitor technology including connections, features, screen performance and audio performance. Equally, just like TVs, the Odyssey Ark can transform into one, putting streaming service apps including Netflix and Amazon Prime a finger click away with just a simple Wi-Fi connection.
The Odyssey Ark seeks to be, ‘Your Personal Gaming Theatre’ and it achieves this with all manner of unique features. Firstly, its massive, curved screen has all the design features you’d expect from a premium gaming monitor (including Mini-LED lighting) and a pivoting screen. Indeed, the Odyssey Ark can be rotated into portrait mode (called Cockpit Mode) to achieve all manner of unique playing environments. It can even be split into up to five screens to help you multi-task, all with the purpose of creating a super immersive, hyper personalised experience just for you. So, if you want to play a 4K UHD game in the lower portion of the screen while the curved view above you displays a starfield so it’s like you’re gaming in space, do it!
Besides looking like a bona fide spaceship, the Odyssey Ark uses ‘Sound Dome Technology’ with built-in speakers and AI that provide directional information as to where the bad guys (or items of interest) reside.
It also sports the new Ark Dial which lets you quickly optimise your screen setup. This might involve changing the aspect ratio of your current view or combining it with multiple inputs from five different sources – perfect for streamers, talking to teammates, following walkthrough videos and general multitaskers. It also lets you do things like watching phone-shot, social media videos in a vertical-format on the big screen right in front of you. It creates new levels of immersion!
Conclusion
Ultimately, whatever your budget and whatever your primary gaming requirements are, Samsung has you covered. Whether it’s the smart G6, the top-performing Neo G7, the prosumer Neo G8 or the brand-new, all-immersive Odyssey Ark, which provides a gaming experience few have ever witnessed before. Head to http://www.samsung.com/au/monitors to check out the full range and find the right monitor for you.
