Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 (2024 Model G80SD) Review

The quest for the ultimate do-it-all display often leads to compromise, but Samsung’s latest contender aims to shatter that notion. The 2024 Odyssey OLED G8 combines the pristine image quality of a 4K QD-OLED panel with the raw speed of a high-end gaming monitor, creating a truly compelling package for enthusiasts. It’s a display that promises to excel at everything from frantic firefights to meticulous photo editing.

Samsung has delivered a masterclass in visual fidelity with the G80SD. At its heart is a 32-inch, 3rd-generation QD-OLED panel that renders perfect, inky blacks and stunningly vibrant colors. Pushing a full 4K (3840×2160) resolution at a blistering 240Hz refresh rate, this monitor delivers an experience that is both incredibly sharp and buttery smooth. In fast-paced titles like Apex Legends or Cyberpunk 2077, the near-instantaneous 0.03ms GtG response time eliminates ghosting and motion blur, creating a level of clarity that has to be seen to be believed. The DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification ensures that HDR content is breathtaking, with specular highlights that pop against the perfect blacks without any blooming or haloing typical of traditional backlit displays. A significant change this year is the move to a flat panel with an anti-glare matte finish. While this effectively combats reflections in bright rooms, some users may find it slightly dampens the signature “inkiness” and perceived contrast that glossy OLEDs are known for.

Departing from the aggressive curves of its predecessor, the 2024 G8 embraces a minimalist, premium aesthetic. The monitor is impressively thin, housed in a sleek silver chassis that feels more like a high-end television than a typical gaming display. The metal stand is sturdy and offers height, tilt, and swivel adjustments, while thin bezels on three sides maximize the screen real estate. On the back, Samsung’s CoreLighting+ provides a ring of customizable RGB lighting that can sync with on-screen content, adding a touch of ambient flair without being distracting. The build quality is exceptional, creating a product that looks and feels every bit its premium price tag.

Beyond its panel, the G80SD is packed with features that blur the line between monitor and smart TV. It runs Samsung’s Tizen OS, granting access to a full suite of streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, as well as the Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and GeForce Now—all without needing to power on a PC. While this adds immense versatility, the interface can sometimes feel sluggish compared to a snappy desktop environment, and many purists may prefer a “dumber” display that gets out of the way. Connectivity is robust, with two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, and a USB-C hub, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a setup involving a PC, consoles, and a laptop. Samsung also incorporated a new “Pulsating Heat Pipe” cooling system designed to more effectively dissipate heat and reduce the long-term risk of burn-in.

The Odyssey OLED G8 is an undeniably brilliant display, but it commands a premium price in a fiercely competitive market. Its value proposition hinges on whether you buy into its “smart monitor” concept. If you’re looking for a single screen to serve as your gaming monitor, productivity hub, and standalone streaming device, the G8’s feature set is hard to beat. However, if the Tizen OS and built-in apps feel more like bloat than a benefit, competitors from Alienware and MSI offer similar panel performance for potentially less money. For the right user, this is a phenomenal, all-in-one solution. The G80SD is best for the hybrid user who wants a single, no-compromise display for elite PC gaming, console entertainment, and media consumption, and who values a polished, premium design over a purely function-first approach.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon