SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor Review (55″ UHD, 165Hz)
SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor Review (55″ UHD, 165Hz)
The SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark Curved Gaming Monitor is a behemoth of a screen, designed to take your gaming experience to a whole new level. With its massive 55-inch display, 1000R curvature, and a host of impressive features, this monitor promises unparalleled immersion. But does it live up to the hype? In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the Odyssey Ark’s capabilities and share our honest thoughts on its performance, both in gaming and everyday use.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark is a bold statement in the gaming monitor market. Its gargantuan size and unique design immediately grab your attention. But beyond the visual appeal, the monitor boasts powerful specs that cater to serious gamers and enthusiasts. From its UHD resolution and 165Hz refresh rate to its Quantum Mini-LED backlight and 1000R curvature, the Ark is packed with features designed to enhance your gaming experience.
Key Features
Let’s take a closer look at the features that make the SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark such a compelling offering:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen size (class) | 55″ |
| Flat / Curved | Curved |
| Active screen size (H/V) (mm) | 1209.6(H) × 680.4(H) |
| Screen curvature | 1000R |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Panel type | VA |
| Brightness (typical) | 600 cd/㎡ |
| Brightness (min.) | 420 cd/㎡ |
| Static contrast ratio | 1,000,000:1 (Static) |
| Contrast Ratio (Dynamic) | Mega DCR |
| HDR (High Dynamic Range) | Quantum HDR 32x |
| HDR10+ | HDR10+ Gaming |
| Mini LED Local Dimming | Yes (1056 zones) |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 |
| Response Time (ms) | 1ms (GTG) |
| Viewing Angle (H/V) | 178°(H)/178°(V) |
| Color support | Max 1B |
| Color gamut (DCI coverage) | 95% (Typ.) |
| Refresh rate | Max 165 Hz |
| Vision saving mode | Yes |
| Flicker-Free technology | Yes |
| Quantum Dot Color | Yes |
| Game mode | Yes |
| Image size | Yes |
| Certification for Windows | Windows 10 |
| FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Sleep Timer Plus | Yes |
| Virtual AIM Point | Yes |
| Game Bar 2.0 | Yes |
| Gaming Hub | Yes (KR, US, CA, BR, GB, FR, DE, IT, ES) |
| HDMI-CEC | Yes |
| Adaptive image | Yes |
| Ultrawide Game View | Yes |
| KVM Switch | Yes |
| SmartType | Smart |
| Operating system | Tizen™ |
| Bixby | US English, UK English, India English, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish, BR Portuguese |
| TV Plus | Yes (GB, FR, DE, IT, ES, CH, AT, NL, SE, NO, DK, FI, PT, IE, BE, LU) |
| Universal Guide | Yes (GB, FR, DE, IT, ES) |
| Built-in Amazon Alexa support | Alexa (GB, DE, FR, IT, ES, AT, IE) |
| Web Service | Microsoft 365 |
| SmartThings Hub | Yes |
| Multi Device Experience | Mobile to Screen, Screen initiate mirroring, Screen Sound to Mobile, Sound Mirroring, Wireless On |
| Wireless DeX | Yes |
| My Contents | Yes |
| Multi View | Yes |
| Smart Calibration | Basic |
| NFT | Nifty Gateway |
| Tap View | Yes |
| Workspace | Yes |
| Wireless display | Yes |
| Display Port | 1 EA |
| Display Port output | 1.4 |
| HDCP Version (DP) | 2.2 |
| HDMI | 3 EA |
| HDMI version | 2.12, 2.01 |
| HDCP version (HDMI) | 2.2 |
| Headphones | Yes |
| USB ports | 2 |
| USB Hub version | 2 |
| Ethernet | 1 EA |
| WiFi | Yes (WiFi5) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.2) |
| Built-in camera | No |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Speaker Output | 60 W |
| Adaptive sound | Yes |
| Temperature | 0~40℃ |
| Humidity | 10 ~ 80 non-condensing |
| Factory settings | Yes |
| Color mode | Eco/Standard/Dynamic/Movie/Graphic/Entertain/Filmmaker Mode |
| Confirmation of factory calibration | Yes |
| Front color | TITAN BLACK |
| Back color | BLACK |
| Stand color | BLACK |
| Stand type | HAS PIVOT |
| HAS (Height Adjustable Stand) | Landscape : 0~270mm(±5mm), Portrait : 0~30mm(±5mm) |
| Leaning | Landscape : -10˚(±2˚)~10˚(±2˚), Portrait : -13˚(±2˚)~10˚(±2˚) |
| Pivot | -90˚(±2˚)~90˚(±2˚) |
| Wall mounting | 200 x 200 |
| Power source | AC 100-240V 50/60 Hz |
| Maximum power consumption | 140 W |
| Typical power consumption | 80.0W |
| Power consumption (DPMS) | 0.5W |
| Energy consumption (annual) | 117 kWh/year |
| Type | Internal adapter |
| Assembly dimensions with stand (W x H x D) | 1174.8 x 1102.0 x 379.0 mm |
| Assembly dimensions without stand (W x H x D) | 1174.8 x 704.8 x 251.8 mm |
| Package dimensions (WxHxD) | 1362.0 x 922.0 x 317.0 mm |
| Weight of assembly with stand | 41.5 kg |
| Weight of set without stand | 21.1 kg |
| Package weight | 57.1 kg |
| Power cord length | 1.5 m |
| HDMI cable | Yes |
| Remote control | Yes |
| UL Glare Free | Yes |
Performance & Gaming Experience
The SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark excels in delivering an immersive gaming experience. Its 55-inch screen provides a truly cinematic view, making you feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. The 1000R curvature wraps around you, enhancing the sense of depth and pulling you further into the game. I spent hours playing various titles, ranging from fast-paced shooters to open-world RPGs, and the Ark consistently impressed.
The 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time guarantee a smooth and responsive gaming experience. I noticed a significant difference in fluidity compared to my previous monitor, especially in fast-paced games. The motion blur was minimal, and even the most demanding scenes felt smooth and crisp. The Ark’s vibrant colours and exceptional HDR capabilities create a truly breathtaking visual experience. The Quantum HDR 32x technology brings out the finest details and contrasts in your games, enhancing the visual impact of explosions, shadows, and lighting effects. I found myself truly appreciating the subtle details in environments and character models that I hadn’t noticed before.
The monitor’s built-in speakers deliver surprisingly good audio quality for a gaming monitor. While they can’t replace a dedicated audio system, they are more than adequate for casual gaming and movie watching. The Ark’s smart features are a welcome addition. The Tizen OS interface allows you to access streaming services and games directly on the monitor, eliminating the need for a separate TV or streaming device.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the key advantages and disadvantages of the SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark:
Pros:
- Massive 55-inch display for an immersive gaming experience
- 1000R curvature provides a truly immersive viewing experience
- 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time for smooth and responsive gameplay
- Quantum HDR 32x technology delivers stunning visuals and contrast
- Built-in speakers offer decent audio quality
- Smart features, including Tizen OS and gaming hub
Cons:
- The monitor’s size can be overwhelming for smaller rooms
- The stand is bulky and may not fit all desks
- High price point
Final Verdict
The SAMSUNG G97NC Odyssey Ark is a phenomenal gaming monitor that delivers an unforgettable experience. Its immersive design, powerful specs, and smart features make it a true standout in the market. However, its massive size and high price tag may be a deterrent for some users. If you’re looking for the most immersive and visually stunning gaming experience available, and budget is less of a concern, the Odyssey Ark is undoubtedly a worthy investment.
