Samsung’s 500Hz OLED Gaming Monitor: Mind-Blowing Speed, But There’s a Catch
▼ Summary
– The Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF is a 27-inch 1440p OLED gaming monitor featuring an extremely high 500Hz refresh rate and very fast pixel response.
– It uses updated QD-OLED panel technology for brightness and vibrancy but lacks Samsung’s latest features, including a filter to reduce a purple tint in ambient light.
– The monitor’s design is sleek with slim bezels and good ergonomics, but it lacks USB-C connectivity and has a large external power supply brick.
– Its performance is exceptionally fast for gaming, but it has a mediocre pixel density, subpar SDR calibration, and its matte coating reduces perceived contrast.
– Priced at $799 in the US, it is considered expensive for its size and resolution, making it a niche product best suited for competitive gamers who prioritize speed.
For gamers who prioritize raw speed above all else, Samsung’s Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF monitor delivers a breathtaking 500Hz refresh rate, creating an exceptionally fluid and responsive experience. This 27-inch QD-OLED panel combines that blistering refresh with the near-instantaneous pixel response inherent to OLED technology, making it a formidable contender for competitive esports. However, this pursuit of ultimate velocity comes with notable compromises in features and value, positioning it as a specialized tool rather than a universal display.
Priced at $799 in the United States, this monitor commands a significant premium. While OLED panels generally cost more, this figure is steep for a screen with a 2560 x 1440 resolution. At this price, alternatives include larger LCD monitors with higher resolutions, or even other OLED models that trade extreme refresh rates for more features. The G60SF is for those who specifically demand its unique combination of OLED contrast and ultra-high frame rates.
The monitor carries the familiar, sleek design language of Samsung’s Odyssey lineup. It boasts slim bezels on all sides and offers practical ergonomic adjustments like height and tilt. A compact stand base is a plus for desk space, though a bulky external power supply complicates cable management. A more frustrating omission is the lack of a USB-C port, a surprising exclusion at this price that limits easy connectivity with modern laptops or other devices.
Performance is dominated by that staggering 500Hz refresh rate. In motion, the display feels incredibly fast, with minimal blur and virtually no perceptible input lag, providing a tangible edge in fast-paced games. The QD-OLED panel also delivers vibrant colors and excellent HDR performance, with perfect per-pixel lighting that LCDs cannot match. Full-screen brightness has been improved over earlier models.
Yet, several factors hold it back from being a complete package. It does not use Samsung’s very latest QD-OLED panel technology. This results in a non-standard triangular subpixel structure that can slightly reduce text clarity, and the panel retains the purple tint in bright ambient light common to earlier QD-OLEDs. The matte anti-glare coating, while reducing reflections, also diminishes the perceived depth and contrast a glossy coating provides. Furthermore, the factory calibration for standard dynamic range (SDR) content is disappointing, with overly warm and oversaturated presets, though HDR mode handles SDR content well.
Ultimately, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G6 G60SF is a niche product. It makes a compelling case for competitive gamers who can leverage its phenomenal speed and are willing to accept its trade-offs. For everyone else, including those seeking a sharper 4K image, a more immersive large-screen experience, or simply better value, there are more balanced and versatile options available on the market.
(Source: TechRadar)
