Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB Smart Curved Gaming Monitor Review
Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB Smart Curved Gaming Monitor Review
The Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB is a powerful and feature-rich gaming monitor that aims to deliver a truly immersive experience. With its cutting-edge OLED panel, 175Hz refresh rate, and 0.03ms response time, it promises smooth and responsive gameplay. But beyond those specs, the G85SB incorporates a range of smart features, making it a versatile display for both work and play. In this in-depth review, we’ll delve into its performance, features, and overall value to see if it lives up to the hype.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB is a bold statement in the gaming monitor market. Its 34-inch curved OLED panel with a 21:9 aspect ratio creates an incredibly immersive viewing experience. With its 175Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time, it’s designed to handle even the most demanding games with ease. But what truly sets it apart is its integration of smart features, powered by the Tizen operating system. This allows for seamless access to streaming services, productivity apps, and even basic web browsing, transforming the G85SB into more than just a gaming monitor.
Features
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB boasts a compelling combination of features:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size (Class) | 34″ |
| Flat / Curved | Curved |
| Active Display Size (HxV) (mm) | 800.1 x 337.1 |
| Screen Curvature | 1800R |
| Aspect Ratio | 21:9 |
| Panel Type | OLED |
| Brightness (Typical, cd/m2) | 250 |
| Brightness (Min, cd/m2) | 200 |
| Contrast Ratio Static | 1,000,000:1 (Typ.) |
| HDR (High Dynamic Range) | VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 |
| HDR10+ | Yes |
| HDR10+ Gaming | Yes |
| Resolution | 3,440 x 1,440 |
| Response Time | 0.03ms (GTG) |
| Viewing Angle (H/V) | 178°/178° |
| Color Support | Max 1B |
| Color Gamut (DCI Coverage) | 99% |
| Refresh Rate | Max 175Hz |
| Eco Light Sensor | Yes |
| Eye Saver Mode | Yes |
| Flicker Free | Yes |
| Quantum Dot Color | Yes |
| Game Mode | Yes |
| Image Size | Yes |
| Windows Certification | Windows 10 |
| FreeSync | FreeSync Premium Pro |
| Virtual AIM Point | Yes |
| Core Sync | Yes |
| Game Bar 2.0 | Yes |
| HDMI-CEC | Yes |
| Auto Source Switch+ | Yes |
| Adaptive Picture | Yes |
| Smart Type | Smart |
| Operating System | Tizen™ |
| Bixby | US English, UK English, India English, Korean, French, German, Italian, Spanish, BR Portuguese (features vary by language) |
| Far-Field Voice Interaction | Yes |
| Video Communication | Google Duo |
| Web Service | Microsoft 365 |
| SmartThings App Support | Yes |
| SmartThings | Yes |
| Mobile to Screen – Mirroring, DLNA | Yes |
| Tap View | Yes |
| Remote Access | Yes |
| Sound Mirroring | Yes |
| ConnectShare™ | Yes |
| Wireless Display | Yes |
| D-Sub | No |
| DVI | No |
| Dual Link DVI | No |
| Display Port | No |
| Display Port Version | No |
| Display Port Out | No |
| Mini-Display Port | 1 EA |
| HDMI | No |
| Micro HDMI | 1 |
| Micro HDMI Version | 2.1 |
| Audio In | No |
| Headphone | No |
| USB Hub | No |
| USB Hub Version | No |
| USB-C | 2 EA |
| USB-C Charging Power | 65W |
| WiFi | Yes (WiFi5) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.2) |
| Speaker | Yes |
| Adaptive Sound | Yes |
| Temperature | 10~40 ℃ |
| Humidity | 10~80 (non-condensing) |
| Factory Tuning | Yes |
| Color Mode | Dynamic/Standard/Movie |
| Factory Calibration Report | Yes |
| Front Color | Silver |
| Rear Color | Silver |
| Stand Color | Silver |
| Stand Type | HAS (Height Adjustable Stand) |
| HAS (Height Adjustable Stand, mm) | 120.0 ±5.0 |
| Tilt | -2° ~ 20° |
| Pivot | -3° ~ 3° |
| Wall Mount | 100 x 100 |
| Power Supply | AC100~240V ~50/60Hz |
| Type | External Adaptor |
| Set Dimension with Stand (WxHxD, mm) | 813.6 x 522.3 x 192.8 |
| Set Dimension without Stand (WxHxD, mm) | 813.6 x 363.5 x 128.1 |
| Package Dimension (WxHxD, mm) | 948 x 185 x 456 |
| Set Weight with Stand (kg) | 7.5 |
| Set Weight without Stand (kg) | 5.5 |
| Package Weight | 11.8 |
| Power Cable Length | 1.5 m |
| Mini-Display Port Cable | Yes |
| Mini-Display Gender | No |
| Remote Controller | Yes |
Performance
The Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB excels in performance. Its OLED panel delivers exceptional picture quality with deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a wide viewing angle. The 175Hz refresh rate paired with the 0.03ms response time ensures smooth and responsive gameplay, particularly in fast-paced titles. This is further enhanced by the FreeSync Premium Pro technology, eliminating screen tearing and stuttering. Whether you’re racing through virtual landscapes or engaging in intense firefights, the G85SB provides a smooth and fluid visual experience.
The 1800R curvature adds to the immersion, particularly when paired with the 21:9 aspect ratio. This wide viewing angle makes the monitor feel expansive, especially for games that support ultra-wide resolutions.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of the Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB:
Pros:
- Exceptional OLED panel with deep blacks and vibrant colors
- 175Hz refresh rate and 0.03ms response time for incredibly smooth gameplay
- Immersive 34-inch curved screen with a 21:9 aspect ratio
- Integrated smart features for streaming, productivity, and web browsing
- Excellent HDR support with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification
- Robust connectivity options with MiniDP, MicroHDMI, USB-C, and Bluetooth
- Height-adjustable stand for ergonomic comfort
Cons:
- High price point compared to traditional LCD monitors
- Potential for image burn-in with static elements displayed for extended periods
- Limited speaker quality, may require external speakers for a more immersive audio experience
Final Verdict
The Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB is a premium gaming monitor that delivers an exceptional visual experience. Its OLED panel, high refresh rate, and fast response time combine to create smooth, responsive, and visually stunning gameplay. The addition of smart features adds versatility, making it suitable for both work and entertainment. However, its high price and potential for image burn-in might be dealbreakers for some.
If you’re a serious gamer seeking the most immersive and visually stunning display, and price isn’t a major concern, the Samsung 34″ Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB is a fantastic choice. But if you’re on a tighter budget or have concerns about potential burn-in, you might want to consider alternative options.
