
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD monitor is designed for demanding users and, thanks to its 4K resolution, 240 Hertz and a fast QD OLED panel, is not only ideal for gaming, but also for media consumption and office tasks. We took a closer look at the monitor in our review.
Technical data
The product | Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD |
Display size | 32 inch |
resolution | 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) |
Screen refresh rate | 240 Hz |
Panel type | QD-OLED |
Screen surface | anti-glare |
Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
Brightness | 250 cd/m² |
Contrast ratio | 1.000.000:1 |
Screen colors | 1.07 billion |
Color space | 99 % DCI-P3 |
Viewing angle | H: 178° / V: 178° |
Curvature | none |
Response time | 0.03 ms (GtG) |
Connections |
|
Audio connections | no |
Integrated speakers | yes |
color | Black color |
VESA mount | 100 x 100 mm |
Special features | FreeSync Premium Pro, G-Sync compatible, Gaming Hub, Smart TV, Dynamic Black Equalizer |
Price | € 999.00 * |
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD review: Flat silver arrow with RGB
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD monitor stands out from most monitors with its silver color scheme alone. The design of the gaming monitor is reminiscent of the ultra-wide Odyssey OLED G8, which we were able to test around a year ago.
The only difference is that the G80SD does not have an ultra-wide display. Instead, a flat 32-inch monitor with 4K resolution and a frame rate of 240 Hz awaits us here. Assembly is quick and easy.
We particularly like the trick Samsung has come up with for the connection between the mount and the stand: The mounting works without tools – but with the special feature that the stand is simply screwed into the bracket and inserted. Removal is quick and easy by simply pressing the corresponding button.
VESA mounting on a monitor arm or wall bracket is also possible without any problems thanks to the 100×100 hole. The 32-inch monitor with stand weighs 8.4 kg – without the stand it is still around 5.3 kg.
The stand is pleasantly flat and has a pentagonal design. It not only offers excellent stability, but also enough space to place a mouse or gamepad on it, for example.
The build quality of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD monitor is very good, considering the price. However, the back is quite susceptible to scratches – our test sample already showed some minor scratches.
Of course, the monitor also comes with attractive and customizable RGB lighting, which – as is familiar from Samsung – extends around the bracket on the back as an illuminated ring. The lighting can be customized within the menu.
You’ll also find everything you need in the scope of delivery. In addition to an enormously powerful 180-watt power supply unit in white, the manufacturer includes an HDMI and DisplayPort cable as well as a practical, handy remote control, which is perfect for navigating through the menus.
Connections, features and operation
The connections of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD monitor are located in the middle of the back of the monitor and are easily accessible. You can choose from the following ports:
- 2x HDMI 2.1
- 1x DisplayPort 1.4
- 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1
So that’s absolutely fine, although unfortunately USB-C and a jack connection are missing, which I personally find very unfortunate. But: Compared to the 21:9 G8 from last year, at least the ports are full-size.
Samsung has also given the monitor Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity so that you can, for example, pair your Bluetooth speakers or similar directly. There are also two built-in speakers that deliver a really good and full sound. Thanks to Active Voice Amplifier Pro, the sound also adapts to the environment and background noise with the help of AI, which works perfectly in practice and offers real added value.
In terms of picture modes and technologies, nothing is left to be desired. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro is also included, as is G-Sync compatibility to prevent tearing. The G8 also supports HDR10 and more. An Eye Saver mode is also offered, as is a Dynamic Black Equalizer, which can brighten dark areas in five stages to make additional details visible.
In terms of ergonomic features, it offers everything you could wish for. The monitor can be adjusted in height by 120 mm, tilted between -2° and 25° and swiveled between -30° and 30°. A pivot function for vertical rotation is also included.
SmartTV, operation and on-screen display
However, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD monitor offers an exciting unique selling point that sets it apart from many gaming monitors. Because it comes with Smart TV functions and a gaming hub.
This means that thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, you can use the monitor like a smart TV and access your favorite streaming services, YouTube and much more. This is very practical if you simply want to relax and enjoy series and movies after work or gaming. And, of course, in 4K and HDR if you wish.
So you not only get a fast gaming monitor, but also a fully-fledged 4K UHD TV in 32 inches. That’s very practical.
It’s a similar story with the gaming hub, where you can conveniently game directly on the monitor via Xbox Cloud Gaming, NVIDIA GeForce Now and other services. Without the need for a connected PC or games console to be active.
The menu should look familiar to anyone who has used a Samsung TV in recent years. It looks well thought out and tidy and offers all kinds of setting options. In addition, operation via remote control – even by voice control if desired – is pleasantly quick and precise. If you like, you can also control the monitor with the SmartThings smartphone app. So nothing is left to be desired here.
Practical test and picture quality
Fortunately, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD is not only a powerful all-rounder, as the monitor also impresses with its outstanding picture quality. The matt, anti-gloss coated display is excellently protected from reflections. However, the matte surface has a somewhat crisper color and contrast display compared to its reflective counterparts. What you like better is probably a matter of taste. However, Samsung’s panel clearly shows its strengths in bright daylight and/or direct light.
In typical OLED fashion, the display naturally impresses with absolutely perfect black tones, rich and vivid colors and convincing brightness. The complete sRGB and almost full DCI-P3 color space coverage (98.6 percent) are evidence of excellent colors and also make the G8 an exciting choice for color-critical work – especially if you want to tweak the picture settings yourself.
With a 4K UHD resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, a frame rate of a whopping 240 Hz and a response time of just 0.03 ms, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD naturally feels right at home in gaming mode. FreeSync Premium and G-Sync compatibility ensure that tearing is minimized and ghosting is also not an issue for the monitor.
Surprisingly, the monitor also has no problem with color fringing, as we observed with the Alienware AW3423DWF (our review) around a year and a half ago. This is mainly due to the newer generation of the panel and the high resolution. It is therefore also very suitable for office tasks and text displays.
In short, the picture quality of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD really impressed me. The monitor plays in the top league here. Whether gaming, office or streaming – it masters everything flawlessly.
It also has passive cooling and therefore does not need a cooler at all. However, the back of the display does heat up noticeably under continuous load. In practice, however, you don’t notice much of this.
Lab test of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD
Fortunately, the good practical results of the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD can also be confirmed in the lab test, where the gaming monitor also achieved very good results.
Let’s start with the colors: According to the lab test, the monitor fully covers the sRGB color space, while 97 percent of the DCI-P3 color space is covered. In dedicated DCI-P3 mode, the monitor also achieves the promised 98.6 percent.
It also delivers a very good result in terms of color fidelity and achieves an average DeltaE value of 0.83. The maximum deviation in the yellow range is 1.92 – also a very good result, with which the Odyssey OLED G8 is also equipped for color-critical work.
You can select various options for the gamma settings in the menu. The curve with a set value of gamma 2.2 is slightly below the specification with a measured value of 2.1, but is very precise.
The model is also well positioned in terms of maximum brightness. In SDR mode, I measured a value of 259.4 cd/m² at 100%, which is slightly above the manufacturer’s specification. In HDR mode, the OLED G8 achieves a maximum of 402 cd/m² and thus fulfills the VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification. However, there are competitors on the market that are significantly brighter here.
The color homogeneity, which describes the balance of the color representation, is also very good. This is at a very good level across all brightness levels. The maximum deviation is DeltaE 1.7 at a brightness of 50 percent.
The luminance homogeneity, i.e. the evenness of the brightness distribution, is also at a very good level. The deviations here are a maximum of 5 percent.
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD Review: Conclusion
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD leaves an excellent impression in the test. The 4K OLED monitor offers a few unique selling points that stick in my mind. On the one hand, the practical mounting of the stand should be mentioned. I have never seen such a well thought-out concept from any other manufacturer.
Admittedly, this is a small and not really important detail. But it’s points like this that make all the difference. I’m also pleased with the built-in SmartTV hub, because basically you’re not just getting an (excellent) gaming monitor here, but also a genuine SmartTV (ok, without a TV connection, but with streaming).
Very practical for relaxing after work and enjoying videos in 4K with HDR. And thanks to the truly outstanding picture quality, this is also a lot of fun. Contrasts and colors are rich, even if not quite as crisp as on reflective displays.
The maximum brightness is absolutely fine, but could be a little higher in HDR mode. The competition has the edge here. This also applies to my second small point of criticism in the form of the connections, as USB-C or a KVM switch are unfortunately missing. On the other hand, Samsung has provided the monitor with really good-sounding speakers.
All in all, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD delivers a very well-rounded and coherent overall package. It’s not a bargain in terms of price, but if you’re looking for a well-equipped OLED monitor, you’ll be very well served here.
- Excellent picture quality
- Practical SmartTV functions
- Impeccable operation
- No USB-C
- High heat development
- “Only” 400 cd/m² in HDR mode
Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G80SD
Workmanship
Picture quality
Features
Value For Money
91/100
Outstanding 4K OLED monitor with excellent picture quality, great SmartTV functions and practical remote control. Unfortunately, it lacks a USB-C port.